INDIA – Delhi HC rules that wife slapping husband is not instigation to commit suicide
After dropping charges against a woman who has on trial for abetting suicide to her husband after she slapped him in front of others, the Delhi HC has ruled that the act alone does not amount to instigating the man to commit suicide. Furthermore, the court stated that any prosecution against the wife on these grounds would be unnecessary harassment.
INDIA- Admit card for the Delhi Judicial Services Prelims Exam 2018 available online
Candidates appearing for the Delhi Judicial Services Prelims Exams 2018 can now download and print their admit cards from the official website of the Delhi HC (delhihighcourt.in). Candidates are required to bring their Admit cards along with an ID proof when appearing for the exam scheduled on the 13th of January, 2019. They are also required to bring two passport size photos duly attested by a gazetted officer in case the photo on the admit card is not clear.
INDIA- Obstacles to international law firms from practicing in India
International law firm Gowling WLG has extended its referral agreement with Mumbai based firm Naik Naik & Company allowing their clients seeking legal advice in India or trying to enter the Indian market to use the latter’s services and vice versa. SC of India has given limited freedom for foreign lawyers to enter India on behalf of their clients on a temporary ‘fly in, fly out basis’. However, firms are restricted into entering partnerships with local law firms.
INDIA- Hearing on Jammu and Kashmir Resettlement Act deferred to date to be fixed by Chief Justice
SC has postponed the hearing on the J&K Resettlement Act of 1982 as the state is currently under President’s rule and has said that the Chief justice will determine the date of hearing. SC also informed that the Act is for people who had migrated to Pakistan during the 1947 partition and willing to return. This did not extend to the descendants of the migrants due to which the Act was challenged deeming it unconstitutional and draconian.
INDIA- Delhi HC rules that customer information does not qualify as trade secrets
After an employer sought to file an injunction against his ex-employees and competitors to keep them from disclosing confidential information and trade secrets which they acquired during their employment, the Delhi HC has ruled that customer information, databases and other related documents do not qualify as trade secrets as they are mostly data easily available in public domains. The case has been dismissed by the court as there was no cause of action.
INDIA- Sexual Harassment at the workplace, Authorities fail to create a safe workplace for women.
Following multiple incidents of sexual harassment misconducts against women lawyers in the workplace, an NGO has moved the Delhi HC against negligence of BCD, BCI and other Bar associations in providing a safe work place environment for women lawyers. Under the Advocates Act of 1961, the Bar Councils and the related associations have been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding rights, privileges and interests of the advocates.
India – Case against veteran actor Alok Nath standing on weak grounds
The rape case on actor Alok Nath filed by Writer-producer Vinta Nanda following the MeToo movement is now shaky as the latter was unable to recall the date and the month of the crime. Due to this, the Mumbai Sessions court has not ruled out the possibility that the actor has been falsely framed in the crime and has cited that the allegation maybe inspired by Ms Nanda’s love and affection for the actor.
PAKISTAN – SC will not allow Indian Content to be aired on Pakistani Television
After the High Court’s decision to ban Indian content on Pakistani TV channels, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory authority appealed against it in the apex court. Citing concerns that Indian content is damaging to culture, SC will not allow it to be shown on Pakistan TV channels. This decision is largely seen as a reactive move to similar actions taken by Indian channels against Pakistani content.
INDIA – British national’s plea against extradition rejected by Delhi HC
A 74-year-old British National Lennox James Ellis, wanted in child abuse and trafficking cases in the Philippines have contended against his extradition on grounds that the treaty between India and Philippines was published much after his arrest. Ellis has been incarcerated in Tihar Jail since July, 2016 and also seeks immediate discharge and release from the prison. However, the Delhi HC has rejected the British national’s plea.
INDIA – Forensic Audit ordered on ABW infrastructure by Delhi HC
Homebuyer Nitya Kukreja had filed a case against ABW infrastructures for not honouring the monthly return promised by them in the builder-buyer agreement following which the court had hired an official liquidator (OL) to take a look at their assets. However, dissatisfied with the OL’s results, Delhi HC has now hired a forensic auditor and asked for his report in 2 months. ABW infrastructures is also under investigation for several other criminal cases.
INDIA- Delhi HC to hear the arbitration proceedings between MoD and AgustaWestland
The Delhi HC has agreed to hear the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on its arbitration proceedings with AugustaWestland and has asked both parties to submit their affidavits within 5 weeks. However, the MoD has moved court to file an injunction against AugustaWestland to prevent it from continuing with the arbitration proceedings due to the several ongoing criminal investigations against the latter.
INDIA – PIL on the government’s decision to include castes in OBC
A PIL filed by B A Sarate challenges the inclusion of many castes in the OBC (Other backward classes) group as more than 40% of them are not eligible for reservation. The Bombay HC, on hearing the PIL has sought information from the Government of Maharashtra if any studies or surveys were done before including additional castes in the OBC. The petition also challenges the Government Resolution which increased the percentage quota of the OBC from 14% to 32%.
INDIA- Madras HC instructs court registry to immediately upload order and judgments to the court website
Following multiple complaints against non-availability of orders and judgements, the HC has instructed the court registry to make them available in the court website after it is duly signed by the concerned judges. The HC has also the concerned government authorities to accept the web copies of such orders for compliance, after verifying the same with the official court’s website.
INDIA – Madras HC expressed disappointment with the quality of education
After a petition filed against Bharathiyar University for allowing students to admit themselves in the middle of the academic year and also attend examinations without attending any classes in spite of a stay order, the Madras HC has expressed disappointment with the quality of education being imparted and that universities violating such regulations will be dealt with firmly.
INDIA- Gujarat HC seeks a reply from the government after the vacancy in posts in the Government’s Human Rights body
After a petition was filed on the Government for failing to fill a vacant position in the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission since November 2016 which led to issues with the functioning of the commission, the Gujarat HC has directed the government to file an affidavit clarifying the ongoing process of recruitment and estimated date of completion.
USA – Pennsylvania county agencies under fire for not handling abuse cases correctly
Many shortcomings were identified by the Office of the State General in agencies in Pennsylvania handling the thousands of abuse cases received by them. This included failure to meet timelines in investigating the cases and the lack of standardized investigative practices for caseworkers across the counties. The cases handled vary from physical abuse, self-neglect and financial exploitation.
USA- Accused School district speaks out regarding its alleged ban on bibles in school
A Pennsylvania school district which was accused of banning bibles in school has spoken out and said that the legal group backing the students is misrepresenting the situation. Furthermore, the district has stated that students are welcome to bring, read and discuss the bible in school. However, rules must be followed when the students distribute such materials during instructional days.
Canada- Government issues new regulations for drone hobbyists
Following multiple incidents regarding drones, the Canadian governments has issued strict guidelines that all drone operators have to adhere to. This includes restriction of flying drones in and around restricted airspace such as airports, emergency sites, etc. and also prohibits hobbyists from operating the drones under influence of drugs or alcohol. The new regulations apply for drones which weigh from 250 grams to 25 kilograms and also require the operators to be registered.
CANADA – Government tightens restrictions to regulate drone flying
After multiple flights had to be delayed after sighting of drones, the Canadian government is considering to tighten laws and restrictions regarding drone usage. They have also suggested airports to improve and invest in technology that can detect and stop drone flying around restricted airspace. As drones pose a serious risk to planes on collision, measures are being put in place to control their usage.
UK – Law firm paid £11M by Ministry of Defence
A UK law firm Leigh Day has brought over 330 cases against British troops over alleged wrongdoings in Iraq and claims to have over 475 more cases, earning the firm millions. The Ministry of Defence has already made payments of £20M in damages and compensation to the Iraqi victims and the final bill is said to tally to millions more.
AUSTRALIA- Public registry for sex offenders proposed
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is urging states and territories to support his proposal for a public registry for sex offenders that contains details such as name, photo, date of birth, nature of offence and general address. This national database seeks to protect families and general public by providing them information of any sex offenders living in their vicinity. However, the move has also drawn concerns of vigilante attacks on the offenders.
UAE- Insults can land you in Jail
Insulting someone directly or via online channels such as WhatsApp or other social media can land you in jail and also incur fines. The penalties tend to increase when the insults are against public officials or families. According to UAE law, direct insult and libel is punishable by the federal penal code. However, insults online or through social media applications will be punishable according to the federal penal code regarding cybercrimes.
UK – Corporate law firm investing in more talent in Belfast
Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody (ALG) is investing in talent in Belfast with 6 members of the firm completing traineeships and taking on new roles as solicitors. Additionally, seven new trainees have also joined the firm. The law firm is looking to hire 120 people in Belfast as part of talent management and hopes to use this strategy to give excellence of delivery to their clients.
AFRICA- Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition African Regional finals now accepting applications
The ECSL and International Institute of Space Law hosts the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition every year with an intention to promote interest, involvement and knowledge of space law in a fair and competitive environment. The competition sees over 60 participants and has grown to cover regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa since its inception. Registrations can be sent in from their official website online.
IRELAND – Kin of Victims urge new law to tackle corporate manslaughter
Following the event of a French oil tanker catching flames and claiming 51 victims, the son of a victim sharply criticised the government for not considering corporate manslaughter as an offence. His repeated queries regarding implementation of maritime safety legislation to the governments have been left unanswered and he accused that the government is guilty of dereliction of its duty.
