The article analyzes the Tarun Tejpal rape case, where the Bombay High Court overturned a trial court acquittal, criticizing its reliance on the "perfect victim" stereotype. It explains Nils Christie's theory of the "ideal victim" (female, weak, respectable, unknown to offender) and "ideal offender" (purely bad stranger), arguing that deviations from these stereotypes often lead to survivors' credibility being questioned. Historical cases like Mathura and Bhanwari Devi are cited where survivors' backgrounds or behavior were used to dismiss their claims. The Supreme Court has recently urged judges to adopt greater gender sensitivity, recognizing that trauma affects individuals differently and should not be used to discredit testimony.
- The "perfect victim" stereotype, as theorized by Nils Christie, influences judicial perceptions and can lead to survivors' credibility being questioned.
- Historical cases demonstrate how survivors' personal backgrounds or reactions have been used to dismiss their claims of sexual assault.
- The Bombay High Court in the Tejpal case criticized the trial court for falling prey to the "perfect victim" notion.
The article discusses Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe's efforts to curb surrogate advertising, particularly targeting celebrities endorsing products like Vimal Elaichi, which are suspected of indirectly promoting tobacco. While acknowledging the commendable intent to protect consumer health and address the "gross asymmetry" where endorsers face no economic downsides, the article cautions against regulatory overreach. It emphasizes that the FDA must prove its suspicions under laws like COTPA and the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, as brand registration alone doesn't prove surrogate advertising. The piece highlights India's high oral cancer burden and the need for a robust, fair regulatory regime to tackle misleading claims and protect public health.
- Maharashtra FDA's initiative to curb surrogate advertising, especially for tobacco-related products, is a positive step for consumer health.
- The article warns against regulatory overreach, stressing the need for the FDA to prove its claims with robust evidence.
- Celebrity endorser liability under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 strengthens enforcement against misleading advertisements.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need for institutionalizing reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent a "knee-jerk reaction" to crises like the NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks. A Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha questioned the Centre's approach of forming new committees, like the Nandan Nilekani-led task force, without implementing recommendations from previous panels, such as the K. Radhakrishnan committee. The court stressed the importance of "vibrant, institutionalised" reforms with "institutional memory" to ensure continuity and address systemic problems effectively, rather than shifting officers and undoing reforms after each exam.
- The Supreme Court stressed the need for institutionalized and enduring reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- The court criticized the government's tendency to form new committees without fully implementing recommendations from previous ones.
- Justice P.S. Narasimha highlighted the importance of "institutional memory" and continuity in reforms to address systemic issues.
The Supreme Court is considering using its exceptional power under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs against students involved in NEET-UG paper leak protests. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that FIRs naming only students would be quashed, while those involving serious criminal antecedents would be decided after discussion. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court that police investigation would focus on 2,873 individuals with "serious criminal backgrounds" identified at the protest site. The court emphasized protecting students' right to peaceful protest under Article 19, while also allowing action against criminal elements, and plans to form a high-powered panel to examine protest issues.
- The Supreme Court is considering invoking Article 142 to quash FIRs against students involved in NEET-UG protests.
- FIRs against students without serious criminal antecedents are likely to be quashed, upholding their right to peaceful protest under Article 19.
- Delhi Police will focus its investigation on 2,873 individuals identified with serious criminal backgrounds at the protest site.
The Supreme Court questioned whether the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act of 2025 could prevent constitutional courts from granting suitable compensation to nuclear disaster victims. A petition challenged the Act's provisions limiting liability for operators, suppliers, and manufacturers, and capping the government's residual liability at SDR 300 million and operator liability at ₹3,000 crore. Petitioners argued these caps are abysmally low, undermining victim compensation and incentivizing profit over safety, citing high costs of past global nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
- The Supreme Court is examining if the SHANTI Act, 2025, can bar courts from granting suitable compensation in nuclear accidents.
- The Act caps operator liability at ₹3,000 crore and government's residual liability at SDR 300 million.
- Petitioners argue these caps are too low and could undermine victim compensation and safety.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the dismantling of a Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, backed by the ISI, in a major counter-terror operation ahead of Independence Day. Security agencies detained 253 people across 14 States and arrested over 200 operatives. The network was linked to grenade attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, petrol bomb incidents, and targeted killings. Coordinated raids on August 12 thwarted plans for subversive activities. The operation reflects the government's "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism, involving real-time intelligence sharing between Central and State police forces.
- A Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, backed by the ISI, was dismantled in a major counter-terror operation.
- The operation led to the detention of 253 people across 14 States and the arrest of over 200 operatives.
- The network was involved in grenade attacks, IED blasts, petrol bomb incidents, and targeted killings.
Anjali Chauhan's opinion piece critiques the societal and legal expectation of a 'perfect victim' in sexual violence cases, where women are expected to behave in prescribed ways after an assault. She uses the Tarun Tejpal case, where an acquittal was overturned by the Bombay High Court, to illustrate how victims' credibility is often judged against unrealistic standards of trauma and reaction. The author argues that this expectation denies women their humanity, forcing them to justify their reactions and experiences instead of focusing on the violence itself. She calls for an end to the 'endless interrogation' of victims and for society to stop placing the burden of proof on how a victim suffers.
- The article criticizes the societal and legal demand for a 'perfect victim' in sexual violence cases, where women are expected to conform to specific post-assault behaviors.
- The Tarun Tejpal case is used as an example, where the initial acquittal scrutinized the complainant's behavior, which was later rejected by the Bombay High Court.
- The author argues that this expectation denies victims their humanity, forcing them to explain their reactions rather than focusing on the perpetrator's actions.
The article argues that India's social media landscape is increasingly mirroring China's tightly controlled cyberspace due to government pressure on platforms like Meta. Following the brief removal of a PM Modi video, the government's intent to suppress protest-related posts, such as those from Jantar Mantar, has become evident through numerous takedown notices. The author highlights that Instagram Reels, a powerful mass media platform, is being used to curb political speech, pushing India towards platform bans seen in Pakistan and closer to China's censorship model. The article warns that real-time monitoring gaps, if filled by AI-based solutions, could further threaten privacy and liberty, transforming India's digital freedoms.
- The Indian government is increasingly pressuring social media platforms to suppress protest-related content.
- This pressure is leading India's social media environment to resemble China's tightly controlled cyberspace.
- Instagram Reels, a significant mass media platform, is being used as a tool for curbing political speech.
As India enters its 80th year of Independence, the article reflects on the nation's journey, acknowledging its achievements but highlighting grave challenges to its democratic fabric. Authored by Senior Advocate Ashwani Kumar, it points to the erosion of fraternity, heightened communal discord, pervasive arrogance of power, and politicization of institutions. The judiciary's credibility is questioned due to media trials and delays, while Parliament's deliberative role is doubted. The electoral process needs reform to restore trust. The author emphasizes that substantive democracy goes beyond majoritarianism, requiring moral leadership, ethical politics, and a return to constitutional values to overcome these threats and ensure justice, freedom, and human dignity.
- India's democracy at 80 faces significant challenges including erosion of fraternity and political polarization.
- The article highlights the decline in credibility of the judiciary and the diminished deliberative role of Parliament.
- Electoral processes require reform to restore public trust and reduce widespread doubts about credibility.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant criticized the Bar Council of India (BCI) for interfering in a "dialogue" between him and NALSAR students regarding his invitation as chief guest for their convocation. The BCI had issued a directive to stop the enrollment of NALSAR's 2026 batch after students expressed antipathy towards the CJI's visit, a directive later dropped due to public criticism. The Supreme Court barred BCI from coercive actions, emphasizing that the right to profession cannot be threatened for dissent and that BCI must act within legal bounds, not interfering with university autonomy or student expression.
- CJI Surya Kant criticized the BCI for interfering in a matter between him and NALSAR students.
- The BCI had attempted to prevent the enrollment of NALSAR's 2026 batch due to student dissent, an action later retracted.
- The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to a profession cannot be jeopardized for expressing dissent.
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed safeguards against arbitrary arrest, emphasizing that an arrested person must be properly and meaningfully informed of the grounds for arrest, as mandated by Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution and Section 50 of the CrPC (now Section 47 of BNSS, 2023). The court's ruling in Vihaan Kumar v. State of Haryana (2025) stressed that failure to provide clear information invalidates the arrest. It also reiterated guidelines from Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014), stating that arrests should be an exception, not routine, and must be justified by necessity, especially for offenses with punishment less than seven years. These measures aim to balance state authority with individual liberty and dignity.
- The Supreme Court has reinforced that arrested persons must be properly and meaningfully informed of the grounds for their arrest, upholding constitutional rights.
- Failure to provide clear information about the grounds of arrest violates Article 22(1) of the Constitution and Section 50 of the CrPC (now Section 47 of BNSS, 2023).
- Arrests should not be routine; they must be justified by necessity, especially for offenses with punishment less than seven years, as per guidelines from Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014).
A three-member inquiry committee, constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, found charges "proved" against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The charges relate to the discovery of burnt currency at his official residence. The committee concluded that Justice Varma's explanations were "evasive and unsatisfactory" and that material evidence was not properly secured. The report, tabled in Parliament, highlighted serious questions about integrity and conduct expected of a higher judiciary judge. The government may continue removal proceedings despite his resignation, which had commenced before he stepped down.
- A Lok Sabha Speaker-constituted inquiry committee found charges against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to be "proved".
- The charges stemmed from the discovery of burnt currency at his official residence, for which his explanations were deemed "evasive and unsatisfactory".
- The committee's report, tabled in Parliament, questioned the judge's integrity and conduct expected of a higher judiciary.
A Syrian court, under the country's new transitional leadership, has sentenced former ruler Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for atrocities committed during Syria's 14-year civil war. He was convicted of premeditated murder, torture, repeated deprivation of liberty, and other crimes against humanity and war crimes. This historic ruling, the first under the transitional government that ousted Assad in December 2024, also saw six other former military and security officials, including his brother Maher al-Assad and former Defence Minister Fahd al-Frej, sentenced to death. The rulings will be referred to Syria's court of cassation, with defendants having 30 days to appeal.
- Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death in absentia by a Syrian court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- The conviction marks a significant step towards justice and accountability under Syria's new transitional leadership.
- Other high-ranking military and security officials were also sentenced to death for their roles in the atrocities.
An internal task force, headed by the Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, has recommended amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules. Key recommendations include increasing relief and rehabilitation amounts to adjust for inflation, introducing counselling for victims, their dependents, and the accused, and fast-tracking FIR and chargesheet procedures. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) also suggested amendments to protect the livelihoods of ST communities alienated from their traditional territories and measures to check "counter FIRs" against those reporting atrocities.
- The task force recommends increasing relief amounts for SC/ST atrocity victims to account for inflation.
- Counselling services are proposed for victims, their dependents, and the accused to ensure holistic support.
- Faster FIR and chargesheet procedures are suggested to ensure timely justice.
The Union government plans to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following widespread opposition. The Bill, which seeks to tighten regulation of foreign funds, has drawn criticism from various states and organizations, including a unanimous resolution from the Tamil Nadu Assembly and mass protests in Mizoram. Concerns include potential threats to the autonomy of charitable and religious institutions, sweeping powers to take over assets without judicial oversight, and disruption of social welfare activities. The government aims for balanced deliberation and protection of civil society space.
- The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, faces significant backlash for its stringent provisions.
- The Bill proposes giving the government sweeping powers to take over assets of organizations whose FCRA registration is cancelled or not renewed.
- Critics argue it threatens the autonomy of charitable and religious institutions and could disrupt social welfare activities.
Despite recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza raising doubts about its relevance, international law is not dying but facing challenges. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirms its continued importance, shaping state conduct daily in areas like aviation, maritime law, and human rights. While acknowledging imperfections and historical biases reflecting power structures, international law provides a crucial framework for peaceful coexistence, dispute resolution, and cooperation on global issues like climate change and health. Its effectiveness is challenged by violations by powerful states and a lack of political will, but it remains essential for protecting human rights and ensuring accountability. Strengthening institutions and promoting rule of law are key to its future.
- Recent global conflicts have led to doubts about the relevance of international law, but it continues to shape state conduct and provide a framework for resolution.
- International law's quiet accomplishments are visible daily in various sectors, from aviation regulations to human rights.
- Challenges include violations by powerful states, lack of political will, and slow enforcement mechanisms, alongside emerging issues like cyber warfare.
Eviction notices continue to be issued in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, threatening indigenous and forest-dwelling communities, despite the existence of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The Forest Department claims encroachment on forest land, while the Supreme Court has directed a time-bound eviction plan with rehabilitation and due process, emphasizing Gram Sabha verification. Critics argue these evictions violate FRA provisions, ignore Gram Sabha's role, and disproportionately impact tribal communities, creating fear and displacement. The issue highlights the conflict between conservation efforts and the rights of traditional forest dwellers, underscoring the need for strict FRA implementation and balancing conservation with community livelihoods.
- Eviction notices in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve are issued despite the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which recognizes forest-dwelling communities' rights.
- The Supreme Court has directed a time-bound eviction plan, emphasizing rehabilitation and verification by Gram Sabhas.
- The evictions are problematic as they violate FRA, ignore Gram Sabha's role, and disproportionately affect tribal communities.
The article critically examines the prolonged incarceration of political prisoners in India, citing the case of Sharjeel Imam, detained for over six years without trial under sedition and UAPA laws. It highlights how these stringent laws facilitate indefinite detention without bail, effectively punishing individuals before conviction and undermining fundamental rights. The author argues that such legal provisions are often misused to suppress dissent, silence activists, and disproportionately target minorities, creating a climate of fear and injustice. The delays in the justice system further exacerbate the plight of these prisoners, denying them due process and liberty.
- Political prisoners in India face prolonged detention without trial under stringent laws.
- Sedition and UAPA laws are criticised for enabling indefinite incarceration without bail.
- The misuse of these laws is seen as a tool to suppress dissent and target activists.
The Bombay High Court overturned the trial court's acquittal of Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case, finding the lower court's judgment 'perverse' and based on 'conjectures and surmises.' The High Court highlighted several errors, including the trial court's failure to consider the victim's testimony credibly, its focus on minor inconsistencies, and its disregard for the victim's right to privacy by allowing disclosure of her identity. The High Court emphasized that a victim's testimony is paramount and minor discrepancies do not negate the core incident. The judgment underscores the need for sensitivity in handling sexual assault cases and adherence to legal principles.
- The Bombay High Court found the trial court's acquittal of Tarun Tejpal 'perverse' and based on speculation, not evidence.
- The High Court criticized the trial court for discrediting the victim's testimony based on minor inconsistencies and for violating her privacy.
- It reiterated that a victim's statement is crucial in sexual assault cases and should not be dismissed due to minor discrepancies.
The digital arrest scam continues to persist, with scammers evolving techniques like SIM boxes, multiple mule accounts, and deepfakes to defraud victims. Despite a drop in reported complaints, low conviction rates indicate gaps in law enforcement and evidence gathering. Many scam operations originate from overseas compounds in Myanmar, the Golden Triangle, and Cambodia, often with alleged official patronage, making investigation and prosecution difficult. The Supreme Court has issued directions for the RBI to circulate SOPs for temporary debit holds, states to notify cybercrime coordination centres, and operationalize e-Zero FIRs, emphasizing continued vigilance and international cooperation.
- Digital arrest scams continue to evolve, utilizing advanced techniques like SIM boxes and deepfakes to deceive victims.
- Scam operations primarily originate from overseas compounds in regions like Myanmar and Cambodia, complicating cross-border investigations.
- Low conviction rates highlight significant challenges in law enforcement, evidence gathering, and victim reporting.
Police use of "less lethal" crowd control measures, such as lathis, tear gas, pellet guns, and shock-batons, in excess or misuse, can lead to severe long-term health consequences, turning peaceful demonstrations into medical crises. The U.S.-based Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) highlights injuries ranging from transient symptoms to lifelong disability and death. Indian law lacks clear regulations on the composition and deployment of these devices, leading to indiscriminate harm. Examples include head injuries from tear gas shells and pellet gun injuries causing vision loss. Experts call for better training, transparency, and accountability to minimize harm.
- Excessive use of "less lethal" crowd control weapons by police can cause severe, long-term health issues and even death.
- Indian law lacks clear regulations on the composition and deployment of crowd control devices, leading to misuse.
- Tear gas, pellet guns, and shock-batons have caused serious injuries, including respiratory issues, burns, head trauma, and vision loss.
The Supreme Court pulled up civic authorities in State capitals for failing to act against illegal constructions and unauthorized use of residential premises for non-residential purposes, despite earlier directions. The court restrained municipal authorities from issuing contradictory orders and warned that any interference would invite contempt proceedings. It directed civic authorities nationwide to identify illegal constructions, clear public spaces of stray cattle, and file compliance affidavits within three weeks. The directions arose from a Tamil Nadu case but were expanded pan-India, with the court noting Bhopal Municipal Corporation's unsealing of premises after a State policy intervention.
- The Supreme Court criticized civic authorities for inaction on illegal constructions and unauthorized commercial use of residential areas.
- The court issued a warning against any interference with its orders, threatening contempt proceedings.
- Nationwide directives were issued to identify illegal constructions, clear public spaces, and file compliance reports.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill, which had already passed in the Lok Sabha, is a Money Bill. Opposition members questioned the "hurry" in bringing an Ordinance first and then converting it into an Act. Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that increasing the number of judges is a step towards improving judicial efficiency.
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill.
- The Bill increases the total number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38.
- Opposition members raised concerns about the use of an Ordinance before the Bill.
The Bombay High Court directed social media platforms to remove deepfake and AI-generated videos falsely linking Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to the ethanol blending programme (EBP). The court found the content defamatory, alleging corruption and misuse of office by Gadkari and his family. Gadkari clarified he had no role in the EBP's decision-making, which is managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The court expressed concern over the lack of a mechanism for removing abusive content without judicial intervention, forcing individuals to approach courts for relief.
- Bombay High Court ordered social media platforms to remove defamatory deepfake videos targeting Nitin Gadkari.
- The videos falsely linked Gadkari to the ethanol blending programme and alleged corruption.
- Gadkari clarified his non-involvement in the EBP's decision-making process.