India: Legal Education: Challenges, Prospect, And The Way Forward
The legal profession in India is the world’s second largest with more than six lakh lawyers in over 500 legal practices. India and other Asian countries have become attractive destinations for North American and European law firms and are emerging as important investment opportunities for global law firms and traditionally-run firms. However, the Indian legal industry is fraught with several surmountable challenges, one of which is inadequate law schools. Some erudite legal luminary were interviewed on how the Indian legal practice can move forward. They unanimously said that students should be encouraged to get experience in litigation, corporate and NGOs to enhance practical exposure through internships. They also add that Students should be allowed to choose specializations or majors by the end of the third year.
India: Indian Women Raise Alarm On How The Judiciary System Has Repeatedly Failed Them
Women in India are currently not happy with the way the judiciary treats cases involving women with levity. They accused the judiciary of been grossly sluggish and lacking in the provision of legal aid. It is shocking to know that data emanating from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that the disposal rate of crimes against women in courts is just 11.2 percent; out of 13,42,060 cases filed, 12,04,786 are still pending in various courts of competent Jurisdiction. Also, data from National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) shows that between 1995, when the body was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, and July, 2017, among the nearly 1.6 crore people who received legal aid, only about 16 lakh were women. The women urged the Central government to as a matter of urgency look into their plight.
India: Persecuted Army: Officers Move Against The Supreme Court
More than 300 officers of the Indian army have moved against the country’s Supreme Court over what they believe is their persecution by the court and government-owned agency like CBI. The move against the Supreme Court may not be unconnected to the fact that the Supreme Court directed CBI investigations of extra-judicial killings by police, army and Assam Rifles in Manipur. A senior army officer, names withheld, said in a rather tine that “a petition by an affected individual would be normal, but this trade union like act by serving uniformed personnel is disturbing.”
India: We Can Serve Notice Through WhatsApp And Email, High Court Declares.
A High Court sitting in Bombay has declared that it will start issuing notices via WhatsApp and Email The latest decision of the Bombay High Court about the use of email and WhatsApp as a substituted service of summons stands as a testimony. The court said that it will take into account the modern ways of service which are available due to the internet connection. It can be served also by courier or by email or by WhatsApp. This is not the first time that a court will adopt the process of service of notice through WhatsApp, for it to be legally tenable. A month later, the Delhi High Court, also allowed service through WhatsApp.
India: ATM Banking: Free Withdrawals Not Possible, Court Tells Bank Customers
Bank customers are particularly not happy with the decision of the Delhi High Court. The court dismissed a suit brought before it by lawyer Swati Aggarwal, seeking directions to allow an unlimited number of free transactions for banking customers at the ATMs of their banks. However, the court in its ruling by a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao said the ATM facility provided by banks have lot of overhead costs, like the salary of guards and power consumption charges, and therefore, there cannot be unlimited free ATM transactions. Ms. Aggarwal is considering filing an appeal.
UAE: Disrespecting Women Involves a Fine Of Dh10,000
It is now a serious offense in Dubai to disrespect a woman in public. This is in accordance with the Article 359 of the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on the issuance of Penal Code. It states: “Whosoever attempts to disgrace a female by words or by deeds in a public street or frequented place, shall be punished by detention for a period not exceeding one year and by a fine not exceeding Dh10,000, or by either of these two penalties.”
New Zealand: You Have No Right To Own Landed Properties, Government tells Foreign Investors.
The New Zealand government has banned investment in landed properties by foreign investors. The move is geared towards allowing more citizens to own Properties. The measure targets mostly Chinese investors who have been speculating in property, and who are blamed for a housing crunch that has seen prices skyrocket in places like Auckland. The law, which passed late Wednesday, meets a key campaign pledge from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who vowed to make housing more affordable before her election last year.
Germany: Government Considers Easing Immigration Laws To Close Skilled Labour Gaps
The German government is considering modifying Immigration laws to close skilled labour gaps. This was made known through a proposal drafted by the government. The German Interior, Labour and Economy ministries agreed to recruit more foreign skilled labour to Germany, the proposal conveyed. The government has sent the proposal paper to the rest of the cabinet, which will take a decision on it soon and changes to it are still possible.
