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Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Indian Express
SC using special powers to reverse POCSO verdict shows its moral responsibility
Written by Shashank Maheshwari When Jesus of Nazareth stood before Pontius Pilate and declared that he came into the world to bear witness to the truth, the Roman governor responded with a question that still echoes through history: 'What is truth?' Jesus did not reply. His mission, the silence suggests, was not to define abstract truth but to stand for justice — the justice envisioned in the Kingdom of God. He died for that justice. In today's constitutional context, when the Supreme Court invokes Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, the question is not merely, 'What is the law?' but something deeper and more human: 'What is justice?' Article 142 empowers the Court to deliver what the statutes sometimes cannot: 'complete justice.' It is not a routine remedy but a moral trust, invoked when our shared sense of fairness is offended — and this tension was at the centre of the Court's recent ruling in In Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (2025). This is a case where the victim was not only abandoned by her family but also neglected by the State and failed by delayed legal action. The case dates back to 2018, when a 14-year-old girl ran away to the house of the accused, who was 25 at the time. The victim's mother filed an FIR and requested the accused to bring her daughter back. The girl returned home a week later, only to go back to the accused's house a year after and begin cohabiting with him. She was completely abandoned by her family thereafter. During this period of cohabitation, a baby girl was born. After a delayed investigation, the accused was arrested under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, for committing 'aggravated penetrative sexual assault' and under Sections 376(2)(n) and 376(2)(i) of the Indian Penal Code — for repeatedly raping the same woman and for raping a woman under 16 years of age, respectively. He was also charged with kidnapping under the Indian Penal Code. The Special Court under POCSO sentenced him to 20 years of imprisonment for sexual assault, along with five years for kidnapping. When the case reached the Calcutta High Court, it reversed the conviction, holding that both the victim and the accused were in a 'consensual romantic relationship' and that their actions constituted 'non-exploitative sexual acts.' The High Court also made objectionable remarks, directing female adolescents to control their sexual urges, along with similar directions to boys and girls — prompting the Supreme Court to initiate suo motu proceedings in the matter. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld the Special Court's judgment, reversing the High Court's decision, and emphasised that consent is irrelevant in cases involving a minor. A committee was appointed to assess the victim's socio-economic situation. Its report revealed her emotional trauma, financial exploitation, and the debt she incurred while supporting the accused. Invoking Article 142, the Court exempted the accused from further punishment to avoid inflicting additional harm on the victim. However, the Court clarified that this ruling is not to be treated as a precedent. Article 142(1) of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary to do complete justice in any pending matter. No other constitution in the world grants such broad discretionary powers to its highest court, except for Bangladesh (Article 104) and Nepal (Article 88(2)). The interpretation of 'complete justice' under Article 142 has evolved significantly — from a restrained approach in Prem Chand Garg (1963), where the Court held it could not override statutes, to a more expansive use in the 1990s. In Union Carbide (1991) and Delhi Judicial Service Association (1991), the Court used Article 142 to bridge legal and executive gaps. Later, in Vishakha (1997), it issued binding guidelines in the absence of legislation. While such interventions helped address urgent injustices, they have also drawn criticism for bypassing constitutional limits. In the recent POCSO case, the Court acted out of deep concern for the victim's dignity and future. Yet it also stepped into executive territory — prescribing care plans, financial support, and directing state-level compliance. These are responsibilities typically expected of welfare departments or social services. Even when done with noble intent, such judicial action can disrupt the delicate balance of powers that underpins constitutional governance. The Supreme Court's intervention in this case was emotionally resonant and morally grounded. But the ruling serves as a reminder that Article 142 is not a blank cheque for good intentions. It is a delicate instrument, one that must be used sparingly — precisely because it enables the judiciary to operate outside statutory bounds. Though the Court explicitly stated that this case shall not be used as precedent, that does not mean similar decisions cannot be made in the future, even without relying on this ruling. This case should also serve as a caution: even justice must pause to reflect on its limits. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, justice is not only about what is right — it is about who decides what is right, and how. The writer teaches at Jindal global law school
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Addison Ministries Celebrates 5 Years of Spreading Faithful Confidence Through Church, Community Outreach, and Speaking
05/20/2025, Louisville, Kentucky // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Founded by Rev. Brandon J. Addison in 2020, Addison Ministries has been advancing the Kingdom of God through community-centric initiatives for five years. For Addison Ministries, this is more than a milestone; it's a celebration of hope, freedom, and service. As it prepares for another half-decade of impact, the founder remains excited about the future while reflecting on an inspirational journey, from a personal struggle to a personal mission, and from preaching from his garage to national reach. At Addison Ministries, faithful confidence uplifts individuals to become faithfully confident and confidently faithful. As the need for love- and hope-driven initiatives grew, so did the ministry, today offering the HopeBoyz podcast, God's Grill homeless outreach program, and The Kingdom Advancement church. To touch the hearts of the community in more ways, Rev. Addison also penned Tell Your Truth: becoming vulnerable enough to change, a powerful story of human nature, inevitable falls, and second chances. For Rev. Addison, the mission behind Addison Ministries is personal. He was born into a family of preachers. With a great-grandfather who was a minister, a grandfather and two uncles who are pastors (one of whom is a founding pastor), and an aunt who is a minister, Rev. Addison was raised to live by faith and prayer. As a fourth-generation minister, third-generation pastor, and second-generation founding pastor, he carved his own path as a first-generation 'street preacher.' However, it wasn't until Rev. Addison invited darkness into his own soul that he found purpose. His journey before Addison Ministries was shaped by self-destruction. From substance abuse to rehab to recovery, he took one too many chances, ultimately clouding his happiness. What motivated him to change? His car got stolen, he lost a job, his apartment was in jeopardy, and he didn't know what to do. Rev. Addison turned to God, finding solace at a local church. There, under the Director of Security's wing, he found a sense of family away from family. 'Being there was what I needed to grow into my own rights,' he says. 'Until I found a new job, I was putting everything I had in me into the church, trusting that God would illuminate my way forward.' Rev. Addison found the light quickly. But he realized that his mission didn't end there; it was to guide others who were lost. 'For me, leaning on God was the natural step. But not everyone has a foundation built by generations of pastors and ministers to know where to seek help,' he adds. From that realization, Addison Ministries was born. 'It felt like a calling,' he says. 'Reaching young people to prevent them from going down that road or, if they have already, to show them that there is a better place waiting.' Soon after, he started preaching at his uncle's church, at the same time obtaining higher education. After his major in Religion, Rev. Addison did his initial sermon in March 2018, was licensed in May 2019, and was called to plant The Kingdom Advancement Cathedral of worship on July 5th, 2020. Founded amidst the pandemic, the church, the first Addison Ministries project, started in Rev. Addison's living room with only seven people. The rapid growth required more space. He moved to his garage, then into a large rented space, and the rest is history. Because of his intimate understanding of inner darkness, Rev. Addison doesn't speak only from a religious standpoint. He speaks from experience, through the lens of someone who's been there, fallen to the bottom, and come out on the other side. Therefore, The Kingdom Advancement, while welcoming to all, is particularly passionate about providing hope to young men. This passion found an outlet when HopeBoyz came to life. With a tagline 'No Longer Serving Dope, Now We Serving Hope,' the podcast aims to empower youth through unfiltered conversations, raw emotions, and real stories of real people. In a true full-circle moment, the podcast is now recorded in the same garage where The Advancement Kingdom took its first steps. Addison Ministries is enriched through God's Grill, a for-profit wing that gives back as a nonprofit to people experiencing homelessness. By feeding and clothing those in need, the organization transforms lives from the ground up, offering them basic human needs that many take for granted: food, support, and dignity. However, God's Grill has recently encountered trouble when its grill, a professional equipment that could feed tens of people, was stolen. Addison Ministries is actively seeking funding to resume operations and continue curbing suffering with human care. As Addison Ministries looks forward to a hopeful future, its founder reflects: 'The ultimate mission is advancing the Kingdom of God in any space of oppression. Through the act of praise and worship, healing, deliverance, or exegetical teaching, you can feel what it really means to be the hands and feet of Christ. Seeing the impact of Addison Ministries has been rewarding and humbling. It instilled in me a different level of appreciation for the upbringing God gave me. I want to be able to help other parents give the same to their children, and then they can carry that forward. At its core, it's all about living life with people, united by God's love. And I'm grateful that God allows me to spread this message every day.' Media Contact Name: Stephon Camp Email: [email protected]
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Ex-archbishop of Canterbury urges cathedrals to ditch banks funding fossil fuels
Dr Rowan Williams, who held the post from 2002 to 2012, said he wants to see more Church of England cathedrals switching to 'more ethically grounded banking options' after several recently committed to do so. Durham, Southwark, Truro and Worcester Cathedrals said they would move away from banks which fund fossil fuels, joining Chelmsford, Derby and Sheffield Cathedrals, who either already bank with a fossil-free institution, or have committed to switch. Dr Williams said: 'It is excellent news that so many cathedrals have already signalled their willingness to change to more ethically grounded banking options. 'The public profile and reputation of cathedrals remains high, even in a society that is less openly religious than it was, so the standards of vision and hope that they set matter to everyone. 'It would be wonderful to see more joining in this witness.' His comments come as green group Christian Climate Action launches a campaign calling on cathedrals and the wider church to move away from Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Natwest and Lloyds because of their ties to fossil fuel firms. The group has already coordinated vigils and protests outside cathedrals across the UK, including Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Bristol and Ripon. Dr Stephen Edwards, the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said its declaration of a climate emergency and its Eco Church programme focuses on 'the wider implications of the climate crisis and how we can make a difference across the Cathedral's activity'. 'We began exploring alternative banking arrangements last year and are working to seek the best ethical and sustainable approach to financial processes. 'In doing so we live out our values as a Christian organisation proclaiming the Kingdom of God.' It comes as part of a wider trend of organisations moving to greener banks, such as The Cooperative Bank, Nationwide, Starling and Triodos. Adam Durrant, campaign's officer at Make My Money Matter – which campaigns for green finance, said: 'It's fantastic to see even more cathedrals and churches leaving these polluting high street banks. 'They are part of a growing movement demanding better from their money, including universities, charities and medical institutions.'
South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Ex-archbishop of Canterbury urges cathedrals to ditch banks funding fossil fuels
Dr Rowan Williams, who held the post from 2002 to 2012, said he wants to see more Church of England cathedrals switching to 'more ethically grounded banking options' after several recently committed to do so. Durham, Southwark, Truro and Worcester Cathedrals said they would move away from banks which fund fossil fuels, joining Chelmsford, Derby and Sheffield Cathedrals, who either already bank with a fossil-free institution, or have committed to switch. Dr Williams said: 'It is excellent news that so many cathedrals have already signalled their willingness to change to more ethically grounded banking options. 'The public profile and reputation of cathedrals remains high, even in a society that is less openly religious than it was, so the standards of vision and hope that they set matter to everyone. 'It would be wonderful to see more joining in this witness.' His comments come as green group Christian Climate Action launches a campaign calling on cathedrals and the wider church to move away from Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Natwest and Lloyds because of their ties to fossil fuel firms. The group has already coordinated vigils and protests outside cathedrals across the UK, including Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Bristol and Ripon. Dr Stephen Edwards, the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said its declaration of a climate emergency and its Eco Church programme focuses on 'the wider implications of the climate crisis and how we can make a difference across the Cathedral's activity'. Worcester Cathedral. (David Davies/PA) 'We began exploring alternative banking arrangements last year and are working to seek the best ethical and sustainable approach to financial processes. 'In doing so we live out our values as a Christian organisation proclaiming the Kingdom of God.' It comes as part of a wider trend of organisations moving to greener banks, such as The Cooperative Bank, Nationwide, Starling and Triodos. Adam Durrant, campaign's officer at Make My Money Matter – which campaigns for green finance, said: 'It's fantastic to see even more cathedrals and churches leaving these polluting high street banks. 'They are part of a growing movement demanding better from their money, including universities, charities and medical institutions.'
Western Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Ex-archbishop of Canterbury urges cathedrals to ditch banks funding fossil fuels
Dr Rowan Williams, who held the post from 2002 to 2012, said he wants to see more Church of England cathedrals switching to 'more ethically grounded banking options' after several recently committed to do so. Durham, Southwark, Truro and Worcester Cathedrals said they would move away from banks which fund fossil fuels, joining Chelmsford, Derby and Sheffield Cathedrals, who either already bank with a fossil-free institution, or have committed to switch. Dr Williams said: 'It is excellent news that so many cathedrals have already signalled their willingness to change to more ethically grounded banking options. 'The public profile and reputation of cathedrals remains high, even in a society that is less openly religious than it was, so the standards of vision and hope that they set matter to everyone. 'It would be wonderful to see more joining in this witness.' His comments come as green group Christian Climate Action launches a campaign calling on cathedrals and the wider church to move away from Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Natwest and Lloyds because of their ties to fossil fuel firms. The group has already coordinated vigils and protests outside cathedrals across the UK, including Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Bristol and Ripon. Dr Stephen Edwards, the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said its declaration of a climate emergency and its Eco Church programme focuses on 'the wider implications of the climate crisis and how we can make a difference across the Cathedral's activity'. Worcester Cathedral. (David Davies/PA) 'We began exploring alternative banking arrangements last year and are working to seek the best ethical and sustainable approach to financial processes. 'In doing so we live out our values as a Christian organisation proclaiming the Kingdom of God.' It comes as part of a wider trend of organisations moving to greener banks, such as The Cooperative Bank, Nationwide, Starling and Triodos. Adam Durrant, campaign's officer at Make My Money Matter – which campaigns for green finance, said: 'It's fantastic to see even more cathedrals and churches leaving these polluting high street banks. 'They are part of a growing movement demanding better from their money, including universities, charities and medical institutions.'
