Chanda Kochhar’s liability under IPC Section 409

In this post, the author highlights how Chanda Kochhar’s charge of “Criminal Breach of Trust” provides the courts an opportunity to develop an individualised jurisprudence for section 409 of the Indian Penal Code. The existent jurisprudence surrounding section 409 conceptualises it as a mere footnote to the more general provision of section 405. Although the courts have previously acknowledged the distinct nature of section 409, the same acknowledgement and understanding is not reflected in their interpretative exercise. The author, thus, argues that the courts must culminate the tradition put into motion by the courts in these previous cases by harmonising the general provision of section 405 with section 409’s unique characteristics.
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Breaching Proportionality, Tearing Constitutionality: The Privacy Concerns of the Criminal Identification Act, 2022

The authors in this article have analyzed the privacy concerns of the recently enacted Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 by examining the said legislation by subjecting it to the “proportionality test” further drawing a comparison with the laws of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Continue reading Breaching Proportionality, Tearing Constitutionality: The Privacy Concerns of the Criminal Identification Act, 2022

A CASE IN SUPPORT OF RETAINING SECTION 124A (Part-1)

The intent of the author through this piece is to present a case in support of retaining Section 124A. To build the case, the piece is divided into two parts – Part –I give a brief legislative history and judicial interpretations of the provisions along with an understanding of the provision. Continue reading A CASE IN SUPPORT OF RETAINING SECTION 124A (Part-1)

Expounding the Contours of Sexual Harassment in Virtual Reality: Applicability of the Penal Laws to State-of-the-Art Technology (Part 2)

In the second part of this series, the authors highlight the existing legal recourse available in India against sexual harassment in virtual reality and then discuss the limitations of these remedies and laws in general. They then suggest measures and a way further for dealing with sexual harassment in virtual reality before providing their concluding thoughts. Continue reading Expounding the Contours of Sexual Harassment in Virtual Reality: Applicability of the Penal Laws to State-of-the-Art Technology (Part 2)

Expounding the Contours of Sexual Harassment in Virtual Reality: Applicability of the Penal Laws to State-of-the-Art Technology (Part 1)

In the first part of this series, the authors analyse the criminal implications of ‘crimes’ committed in the Metaverse in light of recent reports of alleged sexual harassment experienced by users within the Metaverse. The authors draw a comparative analysis between real life experience of sexual harassment vis-a-vis harassment in VR. Further, they explore the lack of jurisprudence in this area and go on to suggest legal and technical solutions to tackle this new age crime. Continue reading Expounding the Contours of Sexual Harassment in Virtual Reality: Applicability of the Penal Laws to State-of-the-Art Technology (Part 1)

Analysing the Scheme of Open Texture of Legal Language in the Goonda Act, 2021 (Part 2)

The second part of the series uses Ronald Dworkin to elaborate upon how constitutional rights would function as limitations that must be observed by courts to ensure that the interpretive discourse retains ‘justice-qualities’ in the light of broad and vague provisions of the Goonda Act. Continue reading Analysing the Scheme of Open Texture of Legal Language in the Goonda Act, 2021 (Part 2)

Analysing the Scheme of Open Texture of Legal Language in the Goonda Act, 2021 (Part 1)

This blog series throws light upon the controversy surrounding ‘Lakshadweep Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation 2021’ using the understanding of the core and penumbra. The first part of the series shows how open texture inhabits most of the provisions of the Goonda Act and how it can prejudice the adjudication process. Further, the first part shows that reversion to ‘rights’ as indicators of ‘justice-quality’ of judicial discourse is apt in ‘Hard Cases’ in the backdrop of the Goonda Act. Continue reading Analysing the Scheme of Open Texture of Legal Language in the Goonda Act, 2021 (Part 1)

Anticipatory Bail to Juveniles(?): A Dilemma Unresolved

In this post, the author analyses the applicability of Anticipatory Bail under section 438 CrPC to the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The author argues that in the absence of concrete guidelines and judgment by the Supreme Court on the issue, there is an absence of uniform approach adopted by the High Courts which has led to the divergence of opinion amongst them, which has resulted in the need for urgent judicial intervention of the apex court. Further, the author analyses both sides of the argument to and for application of section 438 CrPC to JJ Act and proposes a way forward.
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To Repair a Damaged Rape-Shield

In this post, the author discusses rape-shield laws and how the recent Tarun Tejpal v. State of Goa judgment has wide implications for the confidence that survivors place in the justice system. The author also discusses the revictimisation of rape survivors, the need for reinforcing India’s rape shield laws, and how inspiration for the same may be drawn from other jurisdictions. Continue reading To Repair a Damaged Rape-Shield

Ghana’s Homophobic and Heteronormative Colonial Laws: An International Law Perspective

In this post, the authors delve into the veracity behind Ghana’s legal regime on LGBTQ+ rights. They attempt to do this by scrutinising its legal framework, the influence of its socio-religious fabric on the same, and its international legal obligations. The authors argue that LGBTQ+ rights, as opposed to ‘special rights’, are inherently embedded in the body of international human rights. Further, they argue that there is ample room in the Ghanaian Constitution to honour and import the construction of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ to include sexual orientation and gender identity as per the international standards. Continue reading Ghana’s Homophobic and Heteronormative Colonial Laws: An International Law Perspective