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President of India has appointed Justice Antony Dominic, senior-most Judge of Kerala High Court, as the Acting Chief Justice of Kerala High Court with effect from 6th  November, 2017 consequent upon the retirement of present Chief Justice Justice Navaniti Prasad Singh. … [Read more...] about Justice Antony Dominic Appointed As Acting Chief Justice Of Kerala HC [Read Notification]

While it is the settled law that the courts will not interfere in the manner of investigation, the courts can play a supervisory role in ensuring fair investigation. In cases where the courts find that the DNA evidence is relevant, they can pass appropriate judicial orders giving directions to the investigation agency to collect DNA evidence. While the court will not direct the manner of collection of DNA evidence, it is surely empowered to direct the investigation agency to collect DNA evidence in a given case. Our trial courts need to be sensitized and made aware of the importance of DNA evidence which is scientifically conclusive. Similarly, prosecutors and defense counsels need to be made aware of the use and relevance of DNA evidence in criminal cases. … [Read more...] about #WheresTheDNA: DNA Evidence: Right To Fair Investigation And Trial

During a recent hearing, the Court took note of an earlier order passed in April this year, wherein it had directed that the prescription be placed in public domain and be widely publicized. It further noted that the impugned notification had been premised on the report of an expert body, in order to ensure that the children attend age-appropriate classes. … [Read more...] about Delhi HC Upholds Upper Age Limit For Nursery Admissions In Schools [Read Judgment]

Supreme Court of India’s initiative for disclosing the reasons for the elevation, transfer and confirmation of judges in the higher judiciary is commendable, a step in the right direction but still a lot needs to be done to make the process more transparent. The ‘October 3, 2017 resolution of the collegium’ which opens a window for transparency reads as “The decisions henceforth taken by the collegium indicating reasons shall be put on the website of the Supreme Court, when recommendation(s) is/are sent to Government, with regard to cases relating to initial elevation to High Court Bench, confirmation as permanent Judge(s) of High Court, elevation to the post of Chief Justice of High Court, transfer of High Court Chief Justices/Judges and elevation to Supreme Court, because on each occasion the material which is considered by the Collegium is different.” It further provides that “The resolution is passed to ensure transparency and yet maintain … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Starts Doing What It Preaches; But Much More Needs To Be Done

DNA analysis for a criminal investigation uses highly sophisticated scientific equipment – first a DNA molecule from the suspect is disassembled and selected segments are isolated and measured. Then the suspect’s DNA profile is compared with one derived from a sample of physical evidence to see whether the two match. If a conclusive non-match occurs, the suspect may be eliminated from consideration. If a match occurs, a statistical analysis is performed to determine the probability that the sample of physical evidence came from another person with the same DNA profile as the suspect’s. Juries use this statistical result in determining whether a suspect is guilty or innocent. … [Read more...] about #WheresTheDNA: DNA & Indian Legal System: Code Of Criminal Procedure & Indian Evidence Act Must Be Amended