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.