In this Legislation Review, the Author has explained how Section 15 of the Hindu Succession Act violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution, rendering it unconstitutional. This has been done in light of a recent petition to the Supreme Court. While the Act claims that the order of inheritance is based on the proximity of the relationship, Section 15 does not adhere to this principle. This also goes against the principles of justice, equity, and good conscience. Thus a new scheme for Section 15 has been proposed.
Unveiling the expanded scope of “State”: When private entities take public roles
Article 12 of the Indian Constitution defines โStateโ. In the initial years of Indiaโs independence, the notion of โstateโ was defined quite narrowly by the Supreme Court of India. It was only later that the Courts took a liberal view while interpreting โStateโ. Due to privatisation, there are more private organisations and corporations than ever before. It is essential that they fall under the definition of โStateโ in order to enforce fundamental rights against them and devolve liability in a way that escorts the devolvement of power and authority from traditional bases like governmental organs to private players. This article examines the evolving interpretation of the term โStateโ in the Indian Constitution in light of increasing privatization. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights and explains how courts have expanded the definition of โStateโ to hold private entities accountable.
Re-evaluating the U.S. Judgement on Affirmative Action: A need for reconsideration?
The recent US Supreme Court verdict asserting race-based reservation unconstitutional has ignited widespread criticism globally. The article delves into analyzing the implications of the judgment on American society and its education system. Drawing parallels with the trend of affirmative action in India, the authors suggest that the US Supreme Court should draw a comparison between the discrimination faced by untouchables and blacks in India and the US respectively. Hence, the authors advocate for reconsidering the recent judgment, arguing that the previous system of affirmative action aligns better with the principles of justice and equality.
Demonetization Verdict and its Deep Overtones: It’s the time to Prioritize?
The authors, in this article, discuss the Supreme Court's growing backlog of cases. Through the example of the demonetization verdict, the authors highlight the need for prioritizing substantial legal and constitutional matters. They have also discussed recent reforms made to the case listing system and the need for broad-based reforms to address the issue of backlog.
Progressive Constitutions
The author in the piece argues that progressive constitutions should keep pace with societal changes, avoid abuse, and ensure citizen participation. The discussion is in light of the recent events in Chile and India show erosion of constitutional principles, compromising democratic institutions and principles of federalism.
Critiquing The Existing Literature By Analyzing The โSurnameโ Debate
The author in this article highlights the Hon'ble Apex Court's interpretation of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 and the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, with regard to the biological motherโs right to decide the child's surname. The article also addresses the question of whose surname will prevail in light of a judgment of Italian Constitutional Court and critiques existing pieces on the Akella verdict.
On Preventive Detention and the Need for a Compensatory Framework in Constitutional Tort Cases.
The author in the article comments on a recent judgement of the Madras High Court (Sunitha v. Additional Chief Secretary) which has highlighted the callousness with which the state misuses preventive detention provisions in the law. Further, the article analyses the compensatory jurisprudence of the Court in constitutional tort cases and the need to develop a legislative framework for the same.
Reform, That You May Preserve
The author in this piece discusses the ongoing conflict over the method of judicial appointments in India. He critiques judicial primacy in judicial appointments in light of the dissent of Justice Chelameswar in the NJAC case. The author suggested a new model based on the United Kingdom's model for appointing judges in India.
The Standard of Judicial Review in Religious Rights Adjudication
The author in this article discussed the interpretation of the Essential Religious Practices Test over the years. He highlights the need to do away with the Essential Religious Practices Test. The author has also proposed an alternative approach to view the essentiality of a religious practice.
On the Qualms of Secularism and Equality
In this article, the authors examine and critique the judgment ofย Hemant Gupta J. and his reasoning in the case of Aishat Shifa v. State of Karnataka. The piece also suggests that religious freedom and equality needs to be accompanied by a focus on reasonable accommodation.
Reconsidering Reservations: Including Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians Within the Ambit of Scheduled Castes
The author in this piece has analysed the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950 as unconstitutional by exploring that it it excludes Dalit muslims and Christians under the ambit of the SC status. The author traces the historical overview of the order and put forths that given the transformative constitutionalism and constitutional morality the following have to included under the SC ambit.
Biological Disaster: Who Should Respond – Centre or States?
The author in this piece has explored the Centre-State relations in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. She discusses the need for demarcation of power between Centre and States inter alia disaster management and suggests a way forward.