Latest news with #Judicial
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Business Standard
a day ago
- General
- Business Standard
'Judicial corruption weakens trust': CJI Gavai amid Yashwant Varma case
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has warned that corruption and misconduct within the judiciary can seriously undermine public trust, posing a threat to the credibility and integrity of the entire justice system, Bar and Bench reported. His remarks come amid allegations against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, who is facing scrutiny after a substantial amount of burnt cash was recovered from his official residence in Delhi on March 14. Speaking at a roundtable conference at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on 'Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence', Justice Gavai said every system, no matter how robust, is susceptible to issues of professional misconduct. 'Sadly, there have been instances of corruption and misconduct that have surfaced even within the judiciary. Such occurrences inevitably have a negative impact on public confidence, potentially eroding faith in the integrity of the system as a whole.' He said. 'However, the path to rebuilding this trust lies in the swift, decisive, and transparent action taken to address and resolve these issues. In India, when such instances have come to light, the Supreme Court has consistently taken immediate and appropriate measures to address the misconduct.' Defending the collegium system CJI Gavai also defended the collegium system, which governs appointments to the higher judiciary. He noted that before 1993, the executive branch had the final say on appointments to the Supreme Court and high courts. 'During this period, the executive twice superseded the senior-most judges in appointing the CJI, which went against established tradition,' he said. While acknowledging criticisms of the collegium system, Gavai insisted that any solution must not compromise judicial independence. 'Judges must be free from external control,' he said. Justice Gavai stressed that the judiciary must not only deliver justice but also be seen as a credible institution capable of holding power accountable. He explained that judicial legitimacy and public confidence are deeply connected and vital for the system's strength. 'Legitimacy and public confidence are not secured through coercion of command but through the credibility earned by courts. Any erosion of this confidence risks weakening the judiciary's constitutional role as the ultimate arbiter of rights. Transparency and accountability are democratic virtues,' he said. Concerns over post-retirement jobs CJI Gavai addressed concerns over judges accepting post-retirement jobs, warning that such roles could raise doubts about judicial impartiality. 'Another point of discussion is post-retirement jobs taken by judges. In India, judges are subject to a fixed retirement age. If a judge takes up another appointment with the government immediately after retirement, or resigns from the bench to contest elections, it raises significant ethical concerns and invites public scrutiny,' he said. He added that the timing and nature of such roles might create a perception that judicial decisions were influenced by future government posts or political ties. To safeguard judicial independence and public trust, Justice Gavai said that he and many of his colleagues have pledged not to accept any post-retirement roles or government positions. All-party consensus for impeachment motion The Union government is planning to move an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. As part of the process, it has begun efforts to build an all-party consensus on the move. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed to The Hindu that he has already started speaking to political parties to garner their support. 'I have started reaching out to political parties as this is a non-political issue and would be better for all parties to be on board for the same,' he said. Rijiju will be holding consultations with various political parties to build support for the motion. If successful, this would be the first-ever impeachment of a High Court judge in India.
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Seven key Rangers figures appointed to Scottish FA & SPFL committees
The Ibrox club have announced a number of influential members of the leadership team will contribute to working groups in Scottish football. Chief executive Patrick Stewart will also stand for election to the board of the SPFL on June 24, the club confirmed. Director Fraser Thornton has been named on the SPFL Remuneration and Appointments Committee. James Taylor, the club's chief financial officer, will serve on the SPFL Audit Committee. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell will be involved in the Compensation Tribunal Working Group and the SPFL Competitions Working Group. Donald Gillies, managing director of women's and girls' football at Rangers, has been appointed to the Scottish FA Congress for a two-year term as an SPFL representative. Head of safety, security and resilience Darren Faulds will represent Rangers on the SPFL Policing Working Group. Rangers' company secretary and legal director Graham Horsman has been appointed to three groups: SOFL Rules and Regulations Review Working Group, the Scottish FA Rules Revision Group, and the JPP (Judicial Panel Protocol) Working Group. And chief communications and marketing officer Greig Mailer will represent Rangers on the Scottish Football Marketing Commerical Advisory Board. Read more: A Rangers statement read: "Rangers will be well represented across a number of Scottish football committees and working groups during the 2025/26 season, with several members of the club's leadership team contributing to key areas of the game's governance and development. "Fraser Thornton, Board Director, has been named to the SPFL Remuneration and Appointments Committee, where he will support decisions around executive appointments and compensation policy across the SPFL. "James Taylor, Rangers' Chief Finance Officer, has been appointed to the SPFL Audit Committee, where he will support the oversight of financial governance of the league. "Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell will contribute to two important areas, having been appointed to both the Compensation Tribunal Working Group and the SPFL Competitions Working Group, which is responsible for reviewing the competitive structure of the SPFL. "Donald Gillies, Rangers' Managing Director of Women's and Girls' Football, has been appointed as an SPFL representative to the Scottish FA Congress for a two-year term, contributing to the strategic discussions relating to the national association. Gillies also remains on the board of the SWPL. "Head of Safety, Security & Resilience, Darren Faulds will represent the club on the SPFL Policing Working Group, alongside other clubs and authorities on matchday safety and public order matters. "Rangers' Company Secretary & Legal Director, Graham Horsman, will take on a broad remit with appointments to three separate groups: the SPFL Rules and Regulations Review Working Group, the Scottish FA Rules Revision Group, and the JPP (Judicial Panel Protocol) Working Group. These bodies are tasked with advising on the regulatory framework that underpins professional football in Scotland. "Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Greig Mailer will represent Rangers on the Scottish Football Marketing Commercial Advisory Board, helping to shape the marketing strategy for the game alongside peers from across the league. "Meanwhile, Patrick Stewart will stand for election onto the board of the SPFL on 24 June." Stewart commented: "Rangers is committed to being a force for good in Scottish football. "That means not only contributing ideas and energy to help the game grow but also playing our part in asking the right questions and helping raise standards across the board. "These appointments and nomination collectively demonstrate the club's determination to play a full and constructive part in Scottish football's decision-making and to ensure that Rangers' voice is heard on matters of importance."
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Karur court acquits activist R.S. Mugilan from sedition case
The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court at Karur on Friday acquitted R.S. Mugilan, a social activist, in a sedition case. According to sources, the Aravakurichi police registered a case against him under Sections 124 (A) (attempts to incite disaffection and hatred towards the government by words, signs or other means), 153 (1)(b) (act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities) and 505 (1)(b) (statements that cause fear and alarm to the public) of the Indian Penal Code based on his speech at the birth anniversaries of Ambedkar and Bharathidasan at Seethampatti on April 23, 2017. He was said to have spoken against illegal sand mining, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project and other issues. Chief Judicial Magistrate N.S. Jayaprakash, who heard the case, acquitted Mugilan from all charges.
Mid East Info
23-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Judicial Institute launches ‘Legal and Technical Skills for Judicial Expertise' Program - Middle East Business News and Information
In line with legal advancements and support of Dubai's ambitious vision Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) has launched the 'Legal and Technical Skills for Judicial Expertise' program to enhance the capabilities of judicial experts and keep pace with the rapid legal advancements. This program reaffirms DJI's dedication to advancing Dubai's judicial expertise framework and strengthening the emirate's position as a global model of legal excellence and rule of law. Designed within a rigorous scientific and practical framework, the program aims to qualify experts who meet the legal and technical criteria for inclusion on the Dubai Courts' official list of registered experts. This initiative is part of DJI's ongoing efforts to boost the skills and capabilities of the judicial expertise ecosystem, which is the cornerstone of the emirate's judicial framework, by equipping nominated candidates with vital tools to enhance the quality of services within the sector. The program also seeks to familiarise participants with the laws and regulations linked to the work of judicial expertise, refine their skills in handling various types of evidence, and enhance abilities in data analysis and evaluation. In addition, it will provide training on drafting technical reports to enhance their competency and professionalism in their duties, while also instilling principles of integrity and transparency. Additionally, the program covers a wide scope of topics and themes, encompassing different aspects and mechanisms of judicial expertise to ensure the participants' familiarity with them. It includes the legal framework governing expert work, the procedural and substantive rulings applicable to experts, the technical aspects of expert activities, and the legal responsibilities of registered experts. Around 50 trainees are participating in the 12-week program from April 22 to July 10, 2025, at DJI. It merges theoretical, practical, and applied training methods to boost learning outcomes and employs a comprehensive mechanism to ensure the integrity and transparency of the assessment process. The program aligns with DJI's commitment to enhance the professional and technical capabilities of experts, equipping them with vital tools and best practices, thereby ensuring the quality and efficiency of expert work submitted before judicial authorities.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill allowing contraceptive vending machines in schools dies quick death in Senate committee
Judicial Proceedings Chair Sen. Will Smith (D-Montgomery). (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) The House spent days in floor debate last week on a bill that Republicans said would expose kindergartners to condoms, a claim supporters said blatantly misrepresented a measure aimed at decriminalizing access to contraception. A Senate committee spent all of 10 seconds Friday morning killing House Bill 380. 'We all know what this bill does. There is a motion for an unfavorable – is everyone comfortable being recorded in the unfavorable?' Sen. Judicial Proceedings Chair Will Smith (D-Montgomery) asks in the opening seconds of Friday's committee voting session. He quickly got a second. 'All right. We have disposed of House Bill 380 unanimously,' Smith said, before moving on to the rest of the voting list. HB380 did not even get a hearing before the committee killed it. With no Senate version of the bill, the committee vote means the issue is dead for this session. The vote gave Republicans a rare chance in the Democrat-controlled legislature to take a victory lap. 'The legislation ignored Maryland's real crises — failing schools, a crippling teacher shortage, and soaring living costs — in favor of radical social policies that strip away parental rights and expose children to inappropriate content at an unthinkably young age,' according to a statement Friday from the conservative Freedom Caucus. Republicans had argued that the bill would expose young kids to all sorts of lewd situations, and called it 'one of the most extreme and unnecessary bills pushed by progressive lawmakers this session.' But Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince George's), who sponsored the bill, said it did nothing of the sort. The bill simply removed a criminal penalty for placing a contraceptive-dispensing vending machine on school campuses, said Williams, but the debate on the bill got off track, which ultimately doomed the measure. 'I think people got very distracted about what this bill actually does,' Williams said after the Judicial Proceedings Committee unceremoniously dispatched it. 'This bill is simply decriminalizing access to contraception. That's all the bill does. It does not dictate any type of policy as it relates to vending machines and any of our schools or preschools or day care centers,' she said. HB380 would have removed language from Maryland law that penalizes those who sell or offer contraceptives from a vending machine at a kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary or secondary school. Someone who violates the law faces a misdemeanor charge and is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 per violation. Williams saw her bill as an extension of previous deregulation of vending machines for reproductive health care. The General Assembly in 2023 removed the restriction, allowing contraceptive vending machine on college campuses. HB380 would have extended that action to all other school campuses in the state, from high schools down to nursery schools. Republicans had a field day. They latched onto the idea that condom-filled vending machines could show up in elementary schools or younger. They offered an amendment to exclude younger grade levels from the bill, which was rejected. 'I felt that we were getting away from what the bill actually does (with the amendment),' Williams said Friday. The House ultimately voted 89-41 for the bill, mostly along party lines on Feb. 21, sending it to the Senate for consideration. Typically, a bill that crosses over to the other chamber is assigned to a committee which schedules hearings and debate before voting to amend it, kill it or sent to the full chamber for a vote. HB380 didn't get past being assigned to committee before it was killed. Republicans claimed a 'major victory' after the committee vote. 'This is a huge win for Maryland families,' said Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County), vice chair of the Freedom Caucus, in a written statement. 'The Maryland Freedom Caucus led the charge in exposing the radical nature of HB380, and today's vote proves that even members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee couldn't defend it. Maryland parents have spoken, and lawmakers were forced to listen.' Williams said she was surprised the committee shot down her bill without a hearing on the matter. 'It's a bit disappointing, not to have at least have had the conversation on the Senate side about the need for making sure that everyone in the state of Maryland has access to contraceptives,' she said.
