LEGAL NEWS
Supreme Court of India – A People’s Court Evolution
• The Supreme Court of India has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1950.
• As it marks 75 years, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna highlighted its role as a "true people’s court."
• This transformation underscores its dedication to ensuring social, economic, and political justice.
• Founded on January 26, 1950, the court came into existence with the enforcement of the Constitution.
• Over the years, it has played a crucial role in shaping India’s socio-economic framework.
• Landmark rulings have enhanced clarity in laws like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.
• The Supreme Court has also bolstered alternative dispute resolution, improving efficiency in legal proceedings.
Split Verdicts of the Supreme Court
• The Supreme Court of India has faced criticism for its handling of split verdicts, where judges fail to reach a consensus.
• A recent case involving Ramesh Baghel’s father’s burial highlights the complexities of such rulings.
• In this case, two judges disagreed on whether a Christian man could bury his father on private land or at a designated burial ground.
• Justice B.V. Nagarathna supported burial on private agricultural land, while Justice S.C. Sharma ruled in favor of a designated Christian burial site.
• Unusually, the case was not referred to a larger Bench for a final verdict.
• Split verdicts typically arise in two-judge (Division) Benches when opinions differ, leading to legal uncertainty.
• Standard procedure involves escalating such cases to a larger Bench with an odd number of judges (three, five, or more) for resolution.
• Split verdicts are not uncommon; for instance, in 2022, a Karnataka hijab ban case resulted in differing opinions and was referred to a larger Bench.
• In some cases, the Supreme Court has acted swiftly post-split verdicts, such as in 2013 with Yakub Memon’s death penalty case.
• Similarly, in a case related to pregnancy termination, the Court intervened quickly to ensure a resolution.
• These instances showcase the Court’s ability to respond promptly when urgent matters arise.
IMPORTANT DAYS
On January 30, the nation commemorated Mahatma Gandhi's 77th death anniversary and Martyr's Day.
• On January 30, India observes the 77th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Martyr's Day or Shaheed Diwas.
• This day honors Gandhi's life and enduring impact.
• A Sarva-Dharma Prarthana (multi-faith prayer) was held at Gandhi Samadhi, Rajghat, New Delhi, in remembrance.
• Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, at Birla House, New Delhi.
• His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born in Porbandar, Gujarat on October 2, 1869.
• In 1932, he founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh to serve and uplift the Dalits.
AWARDS
Uttar Pradesh’s tableau “Mahakumbh 2025” won the Best Tableau, and J&K Rifles won the Best Marching Contingent award.
• Uttar Pradesh’s tableau, “Mahakumbh 2025,” won the Best Tableau award at the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2025, with the theme 'Mahakumbh 2025—Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.
• J&K Rifles was awarded the Best Marching Contingent.
• Tripura's tableau on ‘Kharchi Puja and Worship of 14 Deities’ secured second place.
• Andhra Pradesh's tableau, ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu—Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys,’ won third place.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs' tableau, representing ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh,’ was named the best among Central Ministries and Departments.
• In the Marching Contingent category, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles was best among services, while Delhi Police triumphed among CAPFs and auxiliary forces.
• Special Prizes went to the Central Public Works Department for "75 Years of Constitution of India" and the 'Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam' Dance Group.
• An online poll held from January 26-28 on MyGov saw Gujarat’s 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas' win the popular choice for Best Tableau.
• Uttar Pradesh was the runner-up in the Popular Choice category, with Uttarakhand's ‘Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports’ tableau taking third place.
• Signals Contingent won Best Marching Contingent among services, while CRPF topped the CAPFs and auxiliary forces category.
STATE NEWS
Himachal Pradesh Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2025 has been approved.
• The Himachal Pradesh government has approved the Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme, 2025.
• The scheme will address cases related to petroleum products up to the financial year 2017-18.
• Its goal is to clear the backlog of cases under non-subsumed enactments.
• Around 3,500 cases are expected to be resolved, with an estimated revenue of Rs 10 crore.
• This is the third Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme introduced by the state to settle tax-related disputes.
• The Chief Minister also announced the elevation of Chadiyar Sub-Tehsil to a full Tehsil.
Punjab State Health Department, Punjab Police, and Alliance India (an NGO) have collaborated to fight drug abuse.
• Punjab State Health Department, Punjab Police, and Alliance India (NGO) have joined forces to combat drug abuse.
• The State Health and Family Welfare Minister highlighted the crucial role of women in the fight against drug addiction.
• He emphasized the importance of rehabilitation programs to prevent youth from falling into drug abuse.
• The Special Director General of Punjab Police launched a targeted outreach initiative for women in the anti-drug campaign.
• The initiative aims to empower women to play a key role in addressing drug abuse in the state.
NATIONAL NEWS
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill approved 14 amendments.
• The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) approved 14 amendments to the Waqf Amendment Bill.
• These amendments, proposed by the BJP-led NDA, were cleared during the final meeting on January 29, 2025.
• The JPC rejected 44 proposed changes by Opposition MPs, with amendments passing by a 14-11 vote margin.
• The new amendments empower state governments to appoint an officer to decide if a property is Waqf, replacing the previous authority of the District Collector.
• Under the Waqf Act of 1995, survey commissioners and additional commissioners previously held this power.
• The committee removed the provision for mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, suggesting a new structure with three members, including a scholar.
• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was referred to the JPC in August 2024.
• Jagdambika Pal chairs the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2025 as the Year of Community.
• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2025 as the "Year of Community."
• The initiative aims to promote unity and inclusion across society.
• With the theme “Hand in Hand,” the UAE focuses on building a cohesive, empowered community.
• A series of events will encourage both citizens and residents to participate in community service.
• Over four million Indians, an integral part of UAE’s diverse population, contribute to the nation’s strength.
• The UAE’s foundation is built on a united community where individuals are interconnected.
SPORTS
Official logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 have been released in Chennai.
• The official logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 were unveiled in Chennai.
• The championship will be held from February 17 to 20, 2025.
• Approximately 1,700 para-athletes from across India will participate.
• The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has been instrumental in organizing the event.
• Tamil Nadu will host the 23rd edition of the National Para Athletics Championship.
• The event will celebrate the strength and determination of para-athletes.
Ladakh topped Khelo India Winter Games 2025, and the Army retained the Ice Hockey Title.
• Ladakh emerged as the winner of Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025, securing seven medals, including four gold.
• The first phase of the KIWG concluded on January 27 at the NDS Stadium.
• Leh hosted the Games for the second time this year.
• The Ladakh women’s ice hockey team triumphed over ITBP 4-0, winning gold and avenging last year’s loss.
• The Indian Army successfully defended its ice hockey title, defeating ITBP 2-1 in the men's final.
• Tamil Nadu showed strong skating talent, with Yashashree winning gold in the women’s 500m skating event.
• Tamil Nadu finished second with five medals, including three gold, while Maharashtra topped the medal tally with 10 medals but only two gold.
• The second phase of KIWG 2025 will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from February 22-25.