Between Faith and Rights: Why religious, social reforms cannot wait for consensus
The law, in isolation, is insufficient. But where practices are deeply embedded in structures of inequality, waiting for consensus alone is neither realistic nor right
OPINION | Judicial Discretion in Brutal Crimes: How the Supreme Court decides death penalty
Even when crimes are extremely brutal and fit the “rarest of rare” category, courts sometimes reduce the sentence. Legal rules and judges’ decisions can lead to inconsistencies, raising questions about the purpose of the death penalty
OPINION | Legal battle over IP covering oral semaglutide is not yet over
On March 20, Delhi HC in an interim decision allowed the sale of the generic formulation. The final verdict will have far-reaching consequences on the way an originator can build moats to delay generic launches
Watchdogs can’t claim immunity: NCLT clears probe into Deloitte, BSR, SRBC in IL&FS fraud case
Order dated March 24 brings auditors within scope of Section 339; liability to hinge on evidence of ‘knowing participation’
Maligning woman's character form of social violence: Kerala HC on FIR against Malayalam actor Shwetha Menon for 'obscene movies, ad'
In its order on March 11, the court observed that when a society focuses more on a woman’s image than her achievements, "it exposes its own intellectual poverty".
OPINION | Supreme Court’s 9-judge constitutional bench will demarcate the boundary for labour rights
On March 17, a constitutional bench will begin hearing a reference related to the scope and correctness of a 1978 judgement. At its core is this question: what is the statutory meaning of “industry”? The answer will influence labour relations
OPINION | 'The intention underlying withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment is only to ease suffering and protect dignity': Dr Dhvani Mehta
Harish Rana was moved to palliative care on March 16, following a far-reaching Supreme Court verdict. His lawyer explains why it’s inappropriate to label it passive euthanasia
OPINION | Uniform Civil Code: Constitutional vision, Supreme Court observations, and the current debate
On several occasions, the Court has drawn attention to the constitutional vision embodied in Article 44 and the importance of moving towards a common civil framework for all citizens
OPINION | The Golaknath case and the evolution of the Basic Structure doctrine
On 27th February 1967, a majority in a 11-judge bench of the Supreme Court declared that Parliament could amend Fundamental Rights. The verdict’s significance lay in the role it played in the evolution of the Basic Structure doctrine of the Court, unarguably the most consequential ruling thus far
OPINION | Surge in PILs raises concerns over misuse and judicial efficiency in India
As diverse PIL filings surge across courts, concerns grow over misuse, judicial backlog and the dilution of a remedy originally designed to protect the marginalised
OPINION | Balancing Faith and Equality: How the review of Sabarimala case will influence Indian secularism’s character
In April, a nine-judge bench will hear a review of the 2018 Sabarimala verdict that deemed as unconstitutional the prohibition of entry of women in their “menstruating years” into the temple. But at stake are questions that extend well beyond this temple or even a single religion
OPINION | Collegium System: Power, process and persistent questions of accountability
The collegium has its roots in constitutional debates on judicial appointments. Over time, it gained significant authority. Concerns about transparency, representation and accountability continue to surround its functioning
OPINION | KT Thomas, the judge opposed to capital punishment
Conferred recently with the Padma Vibhushan, his work encapsulated a balance between thoroughness and deep sensitivity
OPINION | When Supreme Court leaves key issues unresolved, executive has the space to be arbitrary
Every time SC has given a verdict that leaves no grey areas, the executive has lost room to be selective in applying the law. Unfortunately, some recent judgements leave key questions unanswered
OPINION | India’s AI Copyright Challenge: Law, data, and doctrine limits
As generative AI moves from experimentation to mass commercial deployment, India stands at a critical crossroads where copyright law, innovation policy, and creator protection must be reconciled
Shaping Judges: Essays that illuminate law, justice, and judicial integrity
Eminent jurists contribute essays honouring Dr Balram K. Gupta in ‘Shaping the Judges’. The book explores judicial ethics, training, and wisdom, reflecting on the qualities and responsibilities that define great judges
OPINION | Judging Caste: What the Supreme Court’s report reveals
A new report produced by the apex court on the evolution of jurisprudence on caste shows that even within a rule-based framework, social conditioning makes its presence felt
OPINION | Constitutional overreach of India’s new higher education bill
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 16 and then referred to a joint parliamentary committee It’s a wide-ranging bill, seeking to create a new body for higher education by replacing UGC, AICTE and NCTE. It’s emphasis on centralisation has stirred debate
OPINION | Supreme Court in 2025: A significant year for the Indian judiciary
In 2025, the Supreme Court of India marked its 75th anniversary with key judgments, controversies, and reflections on its role, while navigating internal challenges and judicial reforms Shishir Tripathi
OPINION | The Fallibility of the Supreme Court: Reflections on judicial decision making
Former Chief Justice B. N. Kripal’s *Supreme But Not Infallible* highlights the Supreme Court’s fallibility, emphasising its power to review judgments and correct errors to uphold justice and constitutional values
OPINION | Supreme Court to reconsider plea for reviving NJAC system
Reform of the Collegium system should prioritise efficiency, transparency, and accountability, avoiding power struggles and ensuring judicial independence in appointments
OPINION | Supreme Court clarifies roles of Governor and President in dealing with Bills but doesn't resolve the matter entirely
The Supreme Court held it cannot impose timelines on Governors or the President for Bill assent but may issue a limited mandamus against prolonged inaction, balancing separation of powers with ensuring constitutional functioning
IT union slams Karnataka's self-certification policy, calls it anti-worker move
The new provision allows companies to self-declare compliance, which the IT union argues grants corporations a free hand to violate labour laws without fear of scrutiny.
OPINION | Evaluating the 130th Amendment Bill: Legal perspectives
Researchers from Charkha prepared a detailed report analysing the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, assessing its legal validity, alignment with constitutional principles, and offering recommendations to prevent misuse
OPINION | Supreme Court’s Karur Judgement: Questions of jurisdiction, neutrality and federal trust
Two aspects of the interim order have triggered debate. One, the decision to transfer the case to CBI when jurisprudence has set a high bar to do so. Two, the decision to appoint two IPS officers to the supervisory committee who may be of Tamil Nadu cadre but not natives of the state
