• NATIONAL NEWS

SC has deferred its hearing on the issue of legalisation and decriminalisation of gay sex

The Apex Court has deferred its hearing on a bunch of petitions filed by gay rights activists and also by political, social and religious organisations, who have opposed the Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising homosexual behaviour.

SEBI likely to relax norms for sovereign wealth funds

SEBI is likely to relax investment norms for sovereign wealth funds from countries with which the government has agreements in place. As per the proposed norms sovereign wealth funds will have the liberty to hold upto 20% in a listed company.

SC: Central Government to issue notifications to prohibit employment of children in circuses

The Apex Court has directed Central Government to issue the notification within two months of the order. As directed simultaneous raids also to be conducted in all the circuses to liberate the children and to frame proper scheme of rehabilitation of rescued children. Detail order attached.

All recent property deals under Income-tax scanner

In an attempt to uncover black money, the income tax department has decided to examine all the recent property deals. Before its implemented at All-India level, it will first be started in Delhi NCR.

SC: Oral dying declaration is a weak kind of evidence

Oral dying declaration is a weak kind of evidence, where exact words uttered by the deceased are not available, mainly because of the failure of memory of witnesses who are said to have heard it.

Consent to divorce may be withdrawn any time before the passing of decree

SC: Most important requirement for a grant of a divorce by mutual consent is free consent of both the parties. Unless there is a complete agreement between husband and wife for the dissolution of marriage and Court is completely satisfied, it cannot grant a decree for divorce by mutual consent.

Speed of a vehicle itself does not prove the rashness or negligence of the driver: Delhi Trial Court

Delhi trial court has held that speed of a vehicle itself does not prove the rash or negligent driving and a driver is not responsible for an accident if a person suddenly comes in front of his vehicle.

New Income Tax Return Forms for Assessment Year 2011-12

CBDT has notified New Income Tax Return Forms for the Assessment Year 2011-12 vide Income-tax (3rd Amendment) Rules, 2011 stipulating that the business income computed in accordance with special provisions, referred to in sec 44AD & sec 44AE of the Act to be in Form SUGAM (ITR-4S) and substituting “SARAL-II” with “SAHAJ” 

SC: Contempt generally and criminal contempt is a matter between the Court and the alleged contemnor

No one can compel or demand as of right initiation of proceedings for contempt. The person filing an application or petition before the court does not become a complainant or petitioner in the proceedings. He is just an informer or relator.

SC:Law prevails over equity incase of a conflict. Equity can only supplement law and not supplant it

When Rules are framed under Art. 309 of Constitution, no undertaking need be given to anybody and the Rules can be changed at any time. For instance if retirement age is fixed by rules, the same can be changed subsequently by an amendment even in respect of employees appointed before the amendment.

SC: Principal is not bound to consult his attorney before signing a compromise petition

Even after execution of a power of attorney the principal can act independently and does not have to take the consent of the attorney. The attorney is only an agent of the principal. (Judgment attached).

Presidential assent to National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill, 2011

The president of India has assented to the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill, 2011 as National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2011 (Act No.5 of 2011) dated 30th March 2011

State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Amendment Bill, 2010 has received the Presidential assent

The president of India has assented to the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks)Amendment Bill, 2010 as State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Amendment Act, 2011 (Act No.7 of 2011) dated 1st April 2011

Repatriation of prisoners (Amendment) Bill, 2010 has received the Presidential assent

The president of India has assented to the Repatriation of prisoners (Amendment) Bill, 2010 as Repatriation of prisoners (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act No.6 of 2011) dated 1st April 2011

SC has directed Vodafone to Appear before IT in tax case

The Apex has directed vodafone to appear before IT in tax case. However,it has been made clear that if the IT Department passes any order for penalty, it would not be enforced till SC's further order as the main matter of tax dispute is still pending in the Apex Court.

Binayak Sen gets bail from the Supreme Court

The Apex Court has granted bail to Binayak Sen, sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of sedition. Earlier the Chhattisgarh High Court has rejected his application seeking bail.

Government to introduce amendments in Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act

The Government may introduce the Bill proposing changes in the 1988 Act during the monsoon session of the Parliament. The proposed law is likely to tighten the provisions relating to Benami transactions.

Mere taunts for bringing insufficient dowry does not amount to causing harassment: Delhi Court

A Delhi court has held that taunting for bringing insufficient dowry is distinct from demand of dowry and mere taunts does not amount to causing harassment to woman or subjecting her to cruelty for dowry, unless there is a persistent demand for it aimed at forcing her to meet it.

All district Courts in the State of Nagaland likely to have Front Office for Lok Adalat

Front Office for Lok Adalat which means “People’s Court” likely to be opened in all District Courts of the state, in order to provide effective legal aid to poor, underprivileged and those who are ignorant of their rights so as to enable them to access justice.

Trial Court calls for a separate legislation dealing with cases relating to child sexual abuse

Delhi Trial Court has convicted a man u/s 354 for outraging the modesty of the woman as the medical evidence did not support the conclusion of rape saying that the existing laws are highly inadequate in dealing with cases of child sexual abuse & there is need for special law.

Mere filing of criminal case on a spouse is not ground enough to break marriage: Delhi HC

Delhi HC has opined that mere filing of criminal case on a spouse is not ground enough to break alliance while rejecting the divorce petition filed by the husband on the ground that wife has lodged criminal cases of harassment and cruelty against him and his family members.

SC to take up cash-for-vote petition

The Apex court has decided to examine the petition filed by former chief election commissioner seeking directions to a special investigation team to probe the cash-for-vote scam.

RBI likely to tightens the norms for the banking licences to corporates

RBI is likely to issue new guidelines stipulating stricter norms requiring corporate houses to do ring-fencing from exposures to the sister companies, in order to take new banking licences.

Panel recommended effective ''legal mechanism'' to ensure women's right to matrimonial property

Parliamentary committee has recommended effective ''legal mechanism'' to provide to women their share in the matrimonial property, acquired during the subsistence of marriage, before divorce while favouring introduction of ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’ as new ground for grant of a divorce.

Himachal Pradesh Govt likely to make law for confiscation of property acquired through illegal means

In order to make the state free from corruption the government of Himachal Pradesh is likely to bring a new legislation for confiscating property acquired through illegal means.

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS

US Supreme Court hears Microsoft case on patents

US Supreme Court immersed itself in patent rules in a case pitting Microsoft against a Canadian technology company that claims some versions of Word violated its patent. The future of distribution of patents in the United States is at the stake as Microsoft victory would make it harder for patent holders to prove infringements. But if the court sides with i4i, some say it would stifle innovation.

"It's a bad thing not to give protection to an invention that deserves it; and it is just as bad a thing to give protection to an invention that doesn't deserve it," justice Stephen Breyer said.

Mitt Romney's Announcement for Presidential Election U.S.A.

Republican candidate Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massacausetts, announced his Presidential bid for 2012. He is scond Republican candidate who throw his hat in the ring after Tim Pawlenty, former Governor of Minnesota. President Barack Obama is the only candidate from Democratic side.

First-Ever BRICS Summit

SANYA (CHINA) hosted BRICS Summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). South Africa is new entrant in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations. Now BRIC has become BRICS. These five emerging economies will discuss "fresh uncertainties" in West Asian and North African countries during the summit. Two summits of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) were held in Russia and Brazil. India will host the next summit. World's fastest emerging five economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa prepared an action plan and touched almost all international important issues including political, economic, climate change, terrorism and reforms of the United Nations and international financial institutions. BRICS countries gloomed on the use of force by the West in Libya and supported the return of peace and stability according to the "legitimate aspirations of their peoples."

Divide among NATO over Libya

Some signs of cracks were emerging within NATO over its military strategy in Libya. British Foreign Secretary William Hague and his French counterpart Alain Juppe urged their NATO allies to intensify the bombing campaign in Libya. Their contention was that it was highly needed to protect civilians. They also welcomed if other countries also stepped up to the plate. NATO countries now pressuring Muammar Qadhafi to resolve peace and stability in Libya.

Review Plea to ICC board

At the recent ICC Executive Board meeting in Mumbai on April 4, the Board decided to allow only the 10 Full Members to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 that will be held in Australia and New Zealand. International Cricket Council president (ICC) Sharad Pawar has requested the members of the Executive Board to review the decision.

Measures Against Piracy

Maritime industry has proposed a set of measures including a stronger public-private effort to combat the increasing incidence of pirate attacks on commercial and non-commercial vessels. In a statement released by DP World, which coorganised the meet, stressed the need for an increased military presence in the waters off the shores of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The continual loss of ships and their cargoes, and the serious risk to the lives of mariners, is too great for the international community to endure for much longer, Diplomats and shipping industry representatives said at the conclusion of the Maritime Counter-Piracy Conference.

Elections in Thailand likely to be in the month of June or July

Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said today his government intends to hold elections in the politically-divided country in June or in early July. "The general election is important because it empowers people to choose their representatives to run the country and to double check the government..." he said.

Musharraf's return to Pak

Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has pledged to return to Pakistan despite threats to his life from the Taliban and other extremist groups, saying he is not afraid of anyone except God. "I will be with you soon if you promise to show the same zeal and fervour at the time I land at Lahore airport," Musharraf said.

Change to royal succession

New Zealand today supported changing royal succession rules to allow Prince William and Kate Middleton's first born to become monarch regardless of its gender. Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand backed a proposal to scrap the principle of male primogeniture, which means that the first born son would be next in line to the throne, even if he had an older sister.