Legislation

No proposal to take help of retired judges in drafting legislations: Govt

There is no proposal to take the help of retired judges and senior advocates in drafting legislations, the government told Rajya Sabha on Thursday. In a written reply, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also said Legislative Department in the Union Law Ministry has been taking necessary steps to ensure that legislative drafting is simple, plain, precise and unambiguous. "Efforts are also being made to aim at clarity of expressions and use of appropriate words and expressions," he said. Rijiju was asked whether the government was aware that one of the main reasons for litigation in high courts and the Supreme Court was the "defective and faulty drafting" of legislations containing provisions admitting more than one interpretations. He was also asked whether the government has any proposal to take the assistance of retired Supreme Court and high court judges as well as senior advocates in drafting new legislations for making them more accurate. The Legislative Department is mandated with ...

Balance of powers

The constitutional bedrock should stay untouched

Maha Assembly passes Lokayukta Bill, brings CM under anti-corruption lens

Maharashtra assembly on Wednesday passed the Lokayukta Bill 2022, which brings the chief minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman. The bill was passed without discussion as the opposition had staged a walkout over the alleged scam in the Teachers Entrance Test. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the bill a historic legislation, adding Maharashtra is the first state to have such a law. As per the bill, prior approval of the Assembly has to be obtained and the motion has to be placed before the immediate session of the House before initiating any inquiry against the chief minister. Such motion shall be passed by not less than two-thirds of the total members of the assembly, states the bill, which was tabled in the House on Monday.

US House passes legislation aimed at averting national rail shutdown

The US House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at averting a national rail shutdown

Legislation to protect same-sex marriage clears key Senate hurdle in US

Legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages crossed a major Senate hurdle on Wednesday, putting Congress on track to take the historic step of ensuring that such unions are enshrined in federal law. Twelve Republicans voted with all Democrats to move forward on the legislation, meaning a final vote could come as soon as this week, or later this month. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill ensuring the unions are legally recognised under the law is a chance for the Senate to "live up to its highest ideals" and protect marriage equality for all people. "It will make our country a better, fairer place to live," Schumer said, noting that his own daughter and her wife are expecting a baby next year. Senate Democrats are quickly moving to pass the bill while the party still controls the House. Republicans are on the verge of winning the House majority and would be unlikely to take up the issue next year. The bill has gained steady momentum since the Supreme ...

India at 75: Judiciary has become near-perfect example of Russell's paradox

The question "who judges the judiciary" is fundamental since it appoints its own members via the Collegium system introduced in the early 1990s

India, Denmark exchange letters of Intent and MoUs for stronger relations

India and Denmark on Tuesday exchanged Letters of Intent and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.

The spirit of laws and the spirit of the times

It's the freedom of individual choice because there will never be a zeitgeist that limits it

TMS Ep86: Retail strategies, future workplace, MF selection, FRBM Act

How are retailers strategising to cope with the pandemic? What does the future of 'work' look like? How to pick the right Mutual Fund for investment? What is the FRBM Act, 2003? All answers here

Govt notifies Farm Laws Repeal Act: Check details here

The government on Wednesday notified a legislation to repeal the three laws

High drama during voting on no-confidence against Patiala mayor

The Patiala MC has a House with a total strength of 63 which includes three sitting legislators

PM Narendra Modi pitches for 'one nation, one legislative platform'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked lawmakers and legislatures to follow Indian values and send a message to citizens through their conduct about giving primacy to one's duties, terming it as the mantra to speed up India's development. Addressing the inaugural session of the 82nd All India Presiding Officers' Conference virtually, he also pitched for 'One Nation-One Legislative Platform', saying such a portal can not only give the necessary technological boost to the parliamentary system but also work to connect all the democratic units of the country. A similar view was echoed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his speech calling for one set of rules and procedures for all legislative bodies in the country. "Next 25 years are very important for India. During this, can we with full strength, dedication and response execute one mantra? In my view that mantra is duty, duty and duty," the prime minister said. He called for collective efforts, including from states, to take t

Proposed privacy code promises tough rules, $10 mn fines for tech giants

This week the federal government announced proposed legislation to develop an online privacy code

Two bills passed amid din as govt pushes legislative agenda in Lok Sabha

The government on Monday pushed its legislative agenda in Lok Sabha as the House passed two bills amid uproar by opposition members over the Pegasus row and farmers issue

In a push to logistics sector, Centre working on draft legislation

The efficiency in logistics comes from end-to-end services, and hence the document will not just focus on multi-modal transport

Quick Recap: Biggest legislative actions of 2019

Too many errors

Procedure for legislation & cabinet notes should be respected

Tougher laws in the pipeline to check attacks on women, children: Govt

The Centre would engage with the respective governments for implementation of the legislations in the states

Capacity building is imperative

If the executive believes its agencies can and must play judge, it must invest in building capacity in regulators to conduct court-like proceedings in a fair, objective, firm and yet polite manner