Will the Scourge of Manual Scavenging End: Analyzing the 2012 Bill

by Gayatri Loomba Last Tuesday, the Central Government once again assured the Supreme Court that it would soon amend the law relating to manual scavenging in the country. The court was hearing an appeal filed by the Centre challenging a Madras high court order, which said if the Centre failed to amend the law to … Continue reading Will the Scourge of Manual Scavenging End: Analyzing the 2012 Bill

The Issue of ‘Age of Consent’ in The Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012

by Samyak Sibasish Over the last few days, we have seen much public angst over the widely publicized rape of a young girl on a bus in Delhi. One wonders to what extent will the protesting masses ride on emotion and sentiment and hold aloft nauseating pictures demanding public hanging, stoning or castration of rapists, … Continue reading The Issue of ‘Age of Consent’ in The Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012

Mental Health Law Reform: Challenges Ahead

by Aditya Ayachit Mental disorders are complex physiological infirmities of the nervous system. While they continue be the tough riddles in the field of medical research, they pose even more daunting challenges in the socio-economic and legal contexts. In recent times the mental health laws across the world have undergone a significant change. A policy … Continue reading Mental Health Law Reform: Challenges Ahead

Is the Indian State Conceived in Terms of Hindu Society Alone?

by Shomit Sirohi Recently, the Delhi High Court clamped an order against the organizing of a beef-and-pork festival at Jawaharlal Nehru University that was being organized by a student body. This Order was passed in a PIL filed by the Rashtriya Goraksha Sena — which sought a ban on the festival. The New Materialists, the … Continue reading Is the Indian State Conceived in Terms of Hindu Society Alone?

Bal Thackeray and the Problem of the Sons of the Soil Movement in Mumbai

by Satchit Bhogle Bal Thackeray, at 86, has finally passed away, leaving behind a legacy of right-wing Hindu nationalism, Marathi sub-nationalism and political demagoguery. With his death, an age-old question must be asked: Where must freedom of movement and trade surrender to local interests? Do linguistic groups have the right to defend the identity of … Continue reading Bal Thackeray and the Problem of the Sons of the Soil Movement in Mumbai

Judiciary’s Selective Cognizance of the Amarnath Pilgrimage Issue

by Arpita Sarkar The death of 67 Amarnath Yatris this year has been a major cause of concern for the apex court. Reacting to the incident, the Court directed the Government to provide an explanation for the same and to upgrade the infrastructure and other facilities in the high mountains of Kashmir in the interest … Continue reading Judiciary’s Selective Cognizance of the Amarnath Pilgrimage Issue