Author: Kejal Rawal

India is set to transform its colonial-era criminal justice system with the implementation of three new laws on July 1, 2024. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively. This comprehensive reform has been met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the significant changes it brings. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), marks a significant step in India’s legal system. Coming into effect on July 1, 2024, the BNS replaces…

From the printing press to social media, from one individual to another, from one group to another, the idea of encountering hate speech is hurtful but where do we draw the line? This article delves into the delicate balance between Free speech and hate speech. Free speech and its power Free speech allows us to exchange ideas, hold power structures accountable, and foster an intellectual marketplace. Yet, free speech isn’t absolute. The line gets blurry when it veers into hate speech, creating a complex situation between protecting expression and safeguarding individuals from harm. The Importance of Free Speech is that…

What seemed to be an isolated incident has escalated into a series of attacks, heightening security concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The emergence of a “newly infiltrated group,” as reported by ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, suggests a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region. Escalation: beyond Reasi attack Following the horrific Reasi bus attack, the sense of security in Jammu and Kashmir was further shattered by incidents in Doda and Kathua districts. These incidents, though not as large-scale as the Reasi attack, underscored the attackers’ intent to spread fear across a wider region. In Doda district, terrorists targeted a…

In today’s digital world, our lives are increasingly online. We bank, shop, and connect with loved ones all via our devices. This convenience, however, comes with a risk: digital identity theft. Digital identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information online and uses it to impersonate you for fraudulent purposes. This stolen information can be anything from your Social Security number and credit card details to your login credentials for online accounts. With this information, con artists can open new accounts in your name, rack up charges, damage your credit score, or even commit other crimes using your stolen…

In a world dominated by monogamy, the practice of polyandry- a social practice where a woman has multiple husbands, stands out as an uncommon social structure. Although it is illegal in many countries, it has been part of diverse cultures historically. In contemporary India, despite the Hindu Marriage Act forbidding it, some isolated communities still maintain this age-old custom. The Hatti tribe, residing in the mountainous terrains of Himachal Pradesh, is one such community. The Hattis have maintained the tradition of polyandry for generations, known as “Jodidaran Pratha” or “Draupadi Pratha.” This distinctive practice stems from practicality rather than societal…

The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, June 9th, marked a significant event for India. Yet, this day was overshadowed by a dreadful terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday, June 9th, shattered the recent calm in the region. A bus carrying pilgrims returning from the holy Shiv Khori shrine was fired upon by unidentified gunmen, leading to a tragedy that claimed the lives of ten innocent people and injured over 30 others. The incident took place near Teryath village in the Poni area. It is reported that…

For many years, women in India have faced underrepresentation in politics. This has curtailed their capacity to shape policies affecting their lives and the country at large. The enactment of the Women’s Reservation Bill as the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, marks an important move towards achieving gender equality and is set to transform India’s political scene. Historical efforts for the inclusion of women in politics The struggle for greater political representation of women in India has a lengthy history. The idea of reserving seats for women was initially proposed in 1989, suggesting a one-third reservation in local government bodies. This…

Bhushan Athale Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Hate Crime and Interstate Threats An Indian-American man from Texas, Bhushan Athale (48), is facing federal charges for a hate crime targeting employees of a Sikh civil rights organization. The Department of Justice alleges Athale made threatening phone calls and left voicemails expressing hatred towards Sikh individuals. According to the complaint, the incident began in September 2022 when Athale allegedly left seven voicemails on the organization’s phone number. These voicemails reportedly contained violent threats against Sikh employees, including threats of injury or murder with a razor. The content also included…

The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of People, is the lower house of India’s bicameral parliament and plays a key role in governing the country. With 543 seats up for grabs, Lok Sabha elections are crucial as they determine the composition of the central government and set the direction for the country’s policy and legislative agenda. Phases of the election India’s 18th Lok Sabha elections were held in seven stages from April 19 to June 1, 2024. The first phase on April 19th saw voting in 87 constituencies spread across 20 states and union territories. The subsequent phases…

On June 3rd, 2024, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) implemented a nationwide increase in toll tax by an average of 5%. This hike was initially scheduled for April 1st but was deferred due to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The rise in toll rates is expected to generate additional revenue for highway development and maintenance projects across the country. However, it has also sparked concerns about the financial burden placed on commuters and the potential impact on the transportation sector. Understanding the toll tax Toll tax is also known as user fee, is a levy imposed on vehicles…