its related to rti act 2005
yes your ques should be specefic about what u seeking from the authorities but it shoukld not be general /vague or opinion based questions
Posted on Jun 10, 2025
the child are legitimate born out of viod and viodable marriages as per the sec 16 of hma 1955
Posted on Jun 10, 2025
the chilld born out of void and voidable are legitimate as per the section 16 of hma 1955
Posted on Jun 10, 2025
The right to privacy and national security are both fundamental but potentially conflicting values. While national security is crucial for protecting the collective well-being, the right to privacy is a cornerstone of individual liberty. A nuanced approach is needed to find a balance where security measures respect privacy, and privacy protections don't unduly hinder legitimate security efforts. The question is not whether one should override the other, but how to reconcile them in a way that protects both individual rights and collective security
Posted on Jun 06, 2025
The death penalty can be considered morally justified in India based on the principle of retribution, while constitutionally, it is permissible under Article 21 as long as it is applied according to a procedure established by law. This means that while the death penalty is a constitutionally valid punishment, it must be imposed through a fair legal process and is reserved for the "rarest of rare" cases.
Posted on Jun 06, 2025
Yes, theoretically, the right to property, currently enshrined as a legal right under Article 300A of the Indian Constitution, could be elevated to a fundamental right again. This would require a constitutional amendment, a process initiated by Parliament and requiring a specific super-majority vote.
Here's a breakdown of the process and rationale:
Constitutional Amendment:
The Constitution of India is a living document, and amendments are possible. To elevate the right to property back to a fundamental right, a constitutional amendment would be required.
Parliament's Role:
The process starts with Parliament, which can propose an amendment to the Constitution.
Super-Majority Vote:
For constitutional amendments, a special procedure is followed, including a super-majority vote in Parliament.
Rationale:
Arguments for elevating property to a fundamental right could center on its importance in upholding individual freedoms, economic stability, and social justice.
Challenges:
The current status of property as a legal right, while not a fundamental right, provides some protections, but the reinstatement of its fundamental right status would require overcoming legal, political, and social challenges.
Posted on Jun 06, 2025
The Indian Supreme Court, in the Shayara Bano case, ruled that triple talaq is unconstitutional, not protected by religious freedom. While Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, the court held that triple talaq is not an essential religious practice and violates the rights to equality and dignity. The Supreme Court's decision has led to the criminalization of triple talaq through the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, according to BBC.
Elaboration:
Triple Talaq and the Constitution:
The practice of triple talaq, where a Muslim husband can divorce his wife by uttering "talaq" three times, was contested as violating the fundamental rights of Muslim women.
Article 25 and Religious Freedom:
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, but this freedom is not absolute. The courts have held that non-essential religious practices are not protected under this article, and according to BYJU'S they can be subject to regulation.
The Supreme Court's Ruling:
In Shayara Bano v. Union of India, the Supreme Court, in a 3:2 majority decision, declared triple talaq unconstitutional. The court held that the practice was not an essential religious practice and violated fundamental rights, especially the right to equality.
Criminalization of Triple Talaq:
The Supreme Court's decision paved the way for the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, which criminalizes the practice of triple talaq according to BBC.
Arguments for and against the Criminalization:
Supporters of the criminalization argued that triple talaq was a discriminatory practice that violated women's rights and undermined the principle of equality. Opponents argued that the criminalization was an interference in religious matters and violated the freedom of religion.
Legal and Constitutional Considerations:
The legal arguments focused on the interpretation of Article 25, whether triple talaq was an essential religious practice, and its compatibility with other constitutional provisions like Article 14 (equality) and Article 15 (non-discrimination). The Supreme Court's decision ultimately sided with the argument that triple talaq was not an essential religious practice and violated the principles of equality and dignity.
Posted on Jun 06, 2025
es, the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) should be strictly applied to government entities, just as it is to private industries and individuals. The PPP states that the polluter should bear the costs of pollution prevention and control measures. This includes costs associated with remediation of environmental damage caused by pollution.
While the principle is widely accepted, its application to government entities can be complex due to their diverse roles and responsibilities. Here's why strict application is crucial:
Fairness and Accountability:
All entities, including government agencies, should be held accountable for their environmental impacts and should bear the costs of addressing those impacts.
Incentives for Prevention:
Strict application of the PPP incentivizes government entities to prioritize pollution prevention and control measures, reducing the overall environmental burden and associated costs.
Sustainable Development:
The PPP aligns with the concept of sustainable development by ensuring that polluters internalize the costs of their actions, promoting responsible environmental management.
Legal Frameworks:
Many countries, including India, have legal frameworks that explicitly include the PPP and apply it to various actors, including government agencies, for environmental protection.
Examples of Government Entities Subject to the PPP:
State and Local Governments:
These entities can be responsible for pollution from public works, waste management, and other operations.
Government-Owned Industries:
State-owned enterprises or industries, like power plants or refineries, should also be held to the same standards of environmental responsibility as private companies.
Government Agencies Responsible for Environmental Management:
Agencies responsible for enforcing environmental regulations or managing natural resources can be held accountable for their own pollution or failure to prevent it.
Challenges and Considerations:
Identifying the Polluter:
It can be challenging to determine the exact polluter in some cases, especially for widespread pollution sources or when pollution is the result of multiple factors.
Resource Constraints:
Government entities may face resource constraints, but this does not negate their responsibility to comply with the PPP.
Public Interest vs. Private Costs:
The PPP can sometimes clash with public interest, but careful consideration and balancing of these interests are necessary.
Conclusion:
The Polluter Pays Principle should be strictly applied to government entities to ensure environmental protection, promote sustainable development, and hold all actors accountable for their environmental impacts. This principle is essential for creating a more environmentally responsible and just society.
Posted on Jun 06, 2025
Legal positivism is not inherently incompatible with social justice in a diverse democracy, but it does require careful consideration and supplementation. Legal positivism focuses on the formal creation and recognition of laws, while social justice concerns fairness and equality in society. A purely positivist approach could potentially lead to unjust outcomes if it prioritizes formal validity over substantive fairness. However, this can be mitigated by incorporating principles of fairness, equality, and human rights into the legal system and the interpretation of laws.
Here's a more detailed look at the relationship:
1. Legal Positivism:
Definition:
Legal positivism is a theory that defines law as a social construct, created and recognized by legal authorities and societal norms, rather than being based on inherent moral principles or natural law according to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.**
Key Principles:
Separation of law and morality: Law is distinct from morality; its validity doesn't depend on its moral content.
Emphasis on social facts: Legal validity is determined by social facts, such as legislative enactment, judicial precedent, or customary practice.
Focus on formal validity: Laws are valid if they follow the proper procedures for creation and recognition, regardless of their substantive justice.
2. Social Justice:
Definition:
Social justice refers to the idea of fairness and equality in society, encompassing various aspects such as economic, political, and social rights.
Key Concerns:
Equality: Ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of background.
Fairness: Applying legal principles and resources in a way that promotes equity and avoids discrimination.
Human Rights: Protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, as defined by international and national law.
3. Potential Incompatibilities:
A purely formalist approach to legal positivism could result in laws that are valid but unjust, as they may not reflect societal values or protect vulnerable groups.
If laws are solely based on social facts and disregard moral principles, they may perpetuate existing inequalities or discriminate against marginalized communities.
A positivist approach could potentially limit judicial discretion in addressing injustice, as judges may be constrained by formal rules rather than being able to consider the specific circumstances of a case.
4. Mitigating Potential Incompatibilities:
Inclusivist Legal Positivism:
This approach acknowledges that moral principles can be incorporated into legal systems and can inform the interpretation and application of laws.
Incorporating Human Rights:
Integrating international and national human rights standards into legal frameworks can help ensure that laws are just and protect the rights of all individuals.
Judicial Discretion:
Recognizing the role of judicial discretion in interpreting and applying laws can allow for a more nuanced approach to justice, especially in cases involving social justice issues.
Promoting Social Dialogue:
Encouraging open dialogue and participation in the legal process can ensure that laws reflect the values and needs of diverse communities.
Critical Legal Theory:
Engaging with critical legal theory can help challenge the status quo and advocate for more equitable and just legal systems.
5. Conclusion:
While legal positivism can be a valuable tool for understanding and analyzing law, it is essential to supplement it with considerations of social justice. By recognizing the importance of fairness, equality, and human rights, legal systems can be designed and interpreted in a way that promotes justice for all, even in diverse democracies.
Posted on Jun 06, 2025
udicial activism signifies the proactive role of the Judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens.
The practice of Judicial Activism first originated and developed in the USA.
In India, the Supreme Court and the High courts are vested with the power to examine the constitutionality of any law, and if such a law is found to be inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution, the court can declare the law as unconstitutional.
It has to be noted that the subordinate courts do not have the power to review constitutionality of laws.
Origin:
The term judicial activism was coined by historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. in 1947.
The foundation of Judicial Activism in India was laid down by Justice V.R Krishna Iyer, Justice P.N Bhagwati, Justice O.Chinnappa Reddy, and Justice D.A Desai.
Criticism:
Judicial Activism has led to a controversy in regard to the supremacy between Parliament and Supreme Courts.
It can disturb the delicate principle of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Judicial Restraint:
Judicial Restraint is the antithesis of Judicial Activism.
Judicial Restraint is a theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power.
In short, the courts should interpret the law and not intervene in policy-making.
Judges should always try to decide cases on the basis of:
The original intent of those who wrote the constitution.
Precedent – past decisions in earlier cases.
Also, the court should leave policy making to others.
Here, courts “restrain” themselves from setting new policies with their decisions.
Judicial Overreach:
When Judicial Activism goes overboard, and becomes Judicial Adventurism, it is referred to as Judicial Overreach.
In simpler terms, it is when the judiciary starts interfering with the proper functioning of the legislative or executive organs of the government.
Judicial Overreach is undesirable in a democracy as it breaches the principle of separation of powers.
In view of this criticism, the judiciary has argued that it has only stepped when the legislature or the executive has failed in its own functions.
Why is it Required?
Judicial Activism:
Judicial activism has arisen mainly due to:
The failure of the executive and legislatures to act.
Since there is a doubt that the legislature and executive have failed to deliver the desired results.
It occurs because the entire system has been plagued by ineffectiveness and inactiveness.
The violation of basic human rights has also led to judicial activism.
Due to the misuse and abuse of some of the provisions of the Constitution, judicial activism has gained importance.
Necessity of Judicial Activism:
To understand the increased role of the judiciary, it is important to know the causes that led to the judiciary playing an active role.
There was rampant corruption in other organs of government.
The executive became callous in its work and failed to deliver results required.
Parliament became ignorant of its legislative duties.
The principles of democracy were continuously degrading.
Public Interest Litigations brought forward the urgency of public issues.
In such a scenario, the judiciary was forced to play an active role. It was possible only through an institution like judiciary which is vested with powers to correct the various wrongs in society. In order to prevent the compromise of democracy, the Supreme Court and High Courts took the responsibility of solving these problems.
For example, in G. Satyanarayana vs Eastern Power Distribution Company (2004), Justice Gajendragadkar ruled that a mandatory enquiry should be conducted if a worker is dismissed on the ground of misconduct, and be provided with an opportunity to defend himself. This judgement added regulations to labour law which was ignored by legislation.
Similarly, Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997) is an important case that reminds the need of Judicial activism. Here, the SC laid down guidelines that ought to be followed in all workplaces to ensure proper treatment of women. It further stated that these guidelines should be treated as a law until Parliament makes a legislation for enforcement of gender equality.
Some other famous cases of Judicial Activism include -
Kesavananda Bharati case (1973): The apex court of India declared that the executive had no right to intercede and tamper with the basic structure of the constitution.
Sheela Barse v. State of Maharashtra (1983): A letter by Journalist, addressed to the Supreme Court addressing the custodial violence of women prisoners in Jail. The court treated that letter as a writ petition and took cognizance of that matter.
I. C. Golaknath & Ors vs State Of Punjab & Anrs. (1967): The Supreme Court declared that Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part 3 are immune and cannot be amended by the legislative assembly.
Hussainara Khatoon (I) v. State of Bihar (1979): The inhuman and barbaric conditions of the undertrial prisoners reflected through the articles published in the newspaper. Under article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the apex court accepted it and held that the right to speedy trial is a fundamental right.
A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950): The Indian Supreme Court rejected the argument that to deprive a person of his life or liberty not only the procedure prescribed by law for doing so must be followed but also that such procedure must be fair, reasonable and just.
Judicial Restraint:
Judicial restraint helps in preserving a balance among the three branches of government, judiciary, executive, and legislative.
To uphold the law established by the government in the legislature.
To show solemn respect for the separation of governmental problems.
To allow the legislature and the executive to follow their duties by not reaching in their arena of work.
To mark a respect for the democratic form of government by leaving the policy on policymakers.
Trends in Judicial Restraint:
S.R. Bommai v Union of India (1994) is a famous example often stated to show restraint practiced by Judiciary. The judgement stated that in certain cases the judicial review is not possible as the matter is political. According to the court, the power of article 356 was a political question, thus refusing judicial review. The court stated that if norms of judiciary are applied on matters of politics, then it would be entering the political domain and the court shall avoid it.
Similarly, in Almitra H. Patel Vs. Union of India (1998) the Supreme court refused to direct the Municipal Corporation on the issue of assigning responsibility for cleanliness of Delhi and stated that it can only assign authorities to carry out duty that is assigned as per law.
Judicial Overreach:
The direct effect of legislative and executive negligence or inability is "judicial overreach".
Weak and injudicious results, not only in the making of laws, but also in their application.
The Indian judiciary has been criticized by many legal scholars, lawyers and judges themselves, for playing an exceedingly activist role and overreaching.
Impact of Judicial Overreach:
Since the legislature is lagging behind in its function, the judiciary tends to Overreach from its function causing a conflict between legislature and judiciary. The clear impacts from such an Overreach of Judiciary are as follows:
There is a threat to the doctrine of separation of powers which undermines the spirit of the constitution. There is a lack of harmony between legislature and judiciary and an impression on the public of inaction by the legislature.
In certain scenarios like that of environmental, ethical, political, expert knowledge is required which the judiciary might not possess. If it renders judgement while having no experience in these domains, then it not only undermines expert knowledge but also can prove harmful to the country.
Judicial Overreach can lead to an expression of disregard by the judiciary in the elective representation. This can decrease the faith of the public in the institution of democracy.
Hence, It is an obligation on the part of courts to remain under their jurisdiction and uphold the principle of separation of powers. The Supreme court has itself reminded other courts, in 2007, to practise Judicial restraint. It stated "Judges must know their limits and must try not to run the government. They must have modesty and humility, and not behave like emperors." Further, it said, "In the name of judicial activism, judges cannot cross their limits and try to take over states which belong to another organ of the state".
Examples of Judicial Overreach:
A famous case of Judicial Overreach is censorship of the Film Jolly LLB II. The case was filed as a writ petition, and alleged that the film portrayed the legal profession as a joke, making it an act of contempt and provocation. The Bombay High Court appointed a three person committee to watch the movie and report on it. This was viewed as unnecessary, as the Board Of Film Certification already exists and is vested with the power to censor. On the basis of the report of the committee, four scenes were removed by the directors. It was seen as violative of Article 19(2), as it imposed restriction on freedom of speech and expression.
On a PIL about road safety, the Supreme Court banned the Sale of Liquor, at retail shops, restaurants, bars within 500m of any national or state highway. There was no evidence presented before the court that demonstrated a relation of ban on liquor on highways with the number of deaths. This judgement also caused loss of revenue to state governments and loss of employment. The case was seen as an Overreach because the matter was administrative, requiring executive knowledge.