Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, Criminal Procedure and Evidence

Reframing Res Gestae: Towards a Narrow Hearsay Exception in BSA

The doctrine of res gestae was developed as a narrow exception to the hearsay rule. In Indian evidence law, however, its boundaries have gradually become blurred, with courts frequently conflating it with the broader rule governing facts forming part of the same transaction. In this article, the author analyses how this confusion has shaped judicial decisions, identifies the resulting doctrinal inconsistencies, and proposes a separate framework for the admissibility of spontaneous statements. Continue reading Reframing Res Gestae: Towards a Narrow Hearsay Exception in BSA

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Constitutional Law

Uncertain Sovereignty of Advisory Opinion: How Article 143 Views Alter Precedent Only by Replacing Per Incuriam Decisions

In this blog post, the authors examine the constitutional status of advisory opinions issued under Article 143 of the Constitution and their relationship with binding judicial precedent. They argue that while advisory opinions may influence future interpretation, they cannot overrule or modify existing Supreme Court judgments unless the earlier ruling is expressly found to be per incuriam. The article explores the limits of the Court’s advisory jurisdiction, the doctrine of precedent, and the implications for constitutional certainty, judicial discipline, and the separation of powers in India’s legal framework. Continue reading Uncertain Sovereignty of Advisory Opinion: How Article 143 Views Alter Precedent Only by Replacing Per Incuriam Decisions

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Intellectual Property, Technology Law

AI Voice Cloning in India: Rethinking Legal Frameworks Through a Harms-Based Lens

In this blog post, the author examines the emerging legal challenges posed by AI voice cloning in India and argues that existing legal frameworks remain fragmented and inadequate to address the diverse harms caused by synthetic voice technologies. Through a harms-based lens, the article analyses how unauthorised voice replication can result in reputational, economic, psychological, and democratic harms that are not fully captured by current protections under Indian law. The author argues that India’s fragmented legal framework creates uncertainty and advocates for a dedicated regulatory framework with stronger protections for vocal identity, clearer consent standards, and greater accountability to balance technological innovation with individual rights. Continue reading AI Voice Cloning in India: Rethinking Legal Frameworks Through a Harms-Based Lens

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RMLNLU International Legal Essay Competition

Control without Controllers: Forensic and Evidentiary Challenges in Regulating Phantom Boards in India

By: Mahi Agrawal INTRODUCTION Corporate fraud has evolved in sophistication over the past few decades, with perpetrators increasingly exploiting gaps in regulation and enforcement. Among the most troubling manifestations of this evolution is the emergence of “phantom boards,” a corporate structure that exist almost entirely on paper. Phantom boards are typically composed of dummy or nominee directors who hold titles and sign documents but wield … Continue reading Control without Controllers: Forensic and Evidentiary Challenges in Regulating Phantom Boards in India

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Aviation

Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part II)

In this blog series, the authors examine India’s aviation accident investigation framework, arguing that excessive administrative discretion and limited institutional independence undermine public confidence. Through a Comparative analysis of India with the frameworks of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, they advocate for an autonomous Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, transparent investigator appointments, parliamentary oversight, and stronger safeguards against external influence to align with international standards and ensure credible investigations. Continue reading Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part II)

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Aviation

Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part I)

In this blog series, the authors examine India’s aviation accident investigation framework, arguing that excessive administrative discretion and limited institutional independence undermine public confidence. Through a Comparative analysis of India with the frameworks of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, they advocate for an autonomous Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, transparent investigator appointments, parliamentary oversight, and stronger safeguards against external influence to align with international standards and ensure credible investigations. Continue reading Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part I)

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International Law, Posts

Capture, Control, and Consequences: Trump’s Venezuela Strike Through the Lens of International Law

In this article, the authors analyse the legality of the United States’ alleged military operation in Venezuela through the framework of public international law, examining questions of sovereignty, use of force, self-defence, and head of state immunity. By engaging with the UN Charter framework and relevant international jurisprudence, the authors argue that the absence of an armed attack or UN Security Council authorisation raises serious concerns regarding the legality of the intervention and the capture of a sitting head of state. The article further reflects on the broader implications of such unilateral action for the stability of the international legal order and the continuing tension between power and legality in the regulation of force between states. Continue reading Capture, Control, and Consequences: Trump’s Venezuela Strike Through the Lens of International Law

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Posts

Call for Papers: RMLNLU Journal on Communication, Media, Entertainment & Technology Law [Volume 13]: Submit by 3rd March, 2026

About RMLNLU Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University is an institute for law in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Dr. RMLNLU was established in the year 2005, and since then, has been providing undergraduate and post-graduate legal education. About the Journal Committee The Committee was constituted with the objective of promoting legal research and writing. Apart from conducting the RMLNLU International Legal Essay Writing Competition … Continue reading Call for Papers: RMLNLU Journal on Communication, Media, Entertainment & Technology Law [Volume 13]: Submit by 3rd March, 2026

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Criminal Law

Judicial Intervention in Compounding of Non-Compoundable Offences: ‘Inherent’ or ‘Indirect’ Power? (Part 2)

In this blog series, the author examines Section 359 of the BNSS, which deals with compoundable and non-compoundable offences. On a perusal of the judgments of the Supreme Court on the same matter, we find that the power of High Courts to compound (quash) a non-compoundable offence has been inconsistently interpreted. Sometimes, it has been viewed as a backdoor entry into doing something that is statutorily impermissible, and at other times, it is seen as an exercise of inherent and original powers preserved under Section 528 of the BNSS. The author has attempted to analyse this issue through this blog post and suggests solutions to statutorily address this inconsistency. Continue reading Judicial Intervention in Compounding of Non-Compoundable Offences: ‘Inherent’ or ‘Indirect’ Power? (Part 2)

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Criminal Law

Judicial Intervention in Compounding of Non-Compoundable Offences: ‘Inherent’ or ‘Indirect’ Power? (Part 1)

In this blog series, the author examines Section 359 of the BNSS, which deals with compoundable and non-compoundable offences. On a perusal of the judgments of the Supreme Court on the same matter, we find that the power of High Courts to compound (quash) a non-compoundable offence has been inconsistently interpreted. Sometimes, it has been viewed as a backdoor entry into doing something that is statutorily impermissible, and at other times, it is seen as an exercise of inherent and original powers preserved under Section 528 of the BNSS. The author has attempted to analyse this issue through this blog post and suggests solutions to statutorily address this inconsistency. Continue reading Judicial Intervention in Compounding of Non-Compoundable Offences: ‘Inherent’ or ‘Indirect’ Power? (Part 1)

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