Since the inception of Independent India, The Judiciary and legislative bodies have been instrumental in shaping the legal framework of the nation, addressing critical issues and safeguarding fundamental rights. Here are some significant judgments and legislative developments that have made headlines:
- Protection of Personality Rights:
- The Delhi High Court recently provided legal protection to the personality rights of a well-known Bollywood actor, preventing unauthorized use by third parties. This decision reinforces the importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights over their own image and identity.
- Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951:
- The Karnataka High Court rendered a decision nullifying the election of a Lok Sabha member from the Hassan constituency under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This underscores the legal mechanisms in place to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and uphold democratic principles.
- Expansion of Abortion Rights:
- The Supreme Court extended the right to safe and legal abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy for all women in the country, irrespective of marital status. This landmark decision is a significant stride towards promoting reproductive rights and ensuring equal access to abortion services, aligning with principles of individual autonomy and choice.
- Judicial Scrutiny of Preventive Detention:
- The Supreme Court emphasized the extraordinary nature of preventive detention powers and the need for judicious application to safeguard personal liberty. This underscores the court’s role in balancing state security concerns with individual freedoms.
- Affirmation of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Quota:
- The Supreme Court Constitutional Bench upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and public employment. This reaffirms the state’s commitment to providing opportunities for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
- National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023:
- The recent ordinance nullifies the impact of a Supreme Court verdict granting the Delhi government authority over administrative services in the national capital. This legislative move has implications for the distribution of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
- Judicial Pronouncement on the Office of Mayor:
- The Supreme Court clarified that the Constitution does not permit nominated members of a municipality the privilege of voting in the selection process for the post of mayor. This reaffirms the democratic principles governing local governance structures.
- Right To Privacy:
- With the President’s assent to the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDP), 2023, India takes a significant step towards regulating data privacy in line with the Supreme Court’s recognition of privacy as a fundamental right. This legislative development reflects the evolving legal landscape in the digital age.
These judgments and legislative actions demonstrate the judiciary and legislative bodies’ pivotal role in upholding constitutional values, protecting fundamental rights, and adapting to the evolving needs of society. As India progresses, these legal landmarks continue to shape the nation’s legal framework and governance.