- New Criminal Laws Will Make India More Afraid of Police – Published in The Times of India
- Homogeneity Under UCC Can Be Tricky Legal Terrain – Published in The Hindustan TimesThe political push for UCC wants to create a homogeneous class of citizens in a diverse society. But such homogeneity is tricky legal terrain. With Kerala becoming the second state to pass a resolution against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after Mizoram, and the Law Commission of India sifting through roughly five million responses on the possibility… Read more: Homogeneity Under UCC Can Be Tricky Legal Terrain – Published in The Hindustan Times
- Gyanvapi Is a Litmus Test for the Sanctity of the Places of Worship Act. Our System Failed It – Published in The Wire
- The Executive Must Take a Non-Majoritarian Call on Adverse Possession – Published in The Wire
- Is The Swirl of Concerns About AMU’s Minority Status Justified? – Published in The Wire
- Remembering Zafaryab Jilani, Babri Masjid dispute lawyer and true community leader – Published in the Indian ExpressAfter the Babri Masjid case was transferred to Lucknow in 1989, he devoted all his time to the litigation, fully committing to the cause
- Delhi High Court Order in Jamia Violence Case Seems to Have Ignored the Evidence – Published in The Wire
- Justice Ahmadi: A Judge With Courage, a Man With a Conscience – Published in The Wire
- Three Years Since the Delhi Riots, We Are Left With the Fruits of an Extraordinary System – Published in The Wire
- Supreme Court on hate speech: The problem on the ground is extraordinary. Extraordinary measures are needed to address it – Published in the Indian Express
- Minorities, laws and institutions – Published in India-Seminar
- Fortify the justice system to ensure Bail is the norm – Published in the Hindustan Times
- From Roe v Wade to civil rights cases in India, the idea of dignity – Published in the Indian Express
- What Minority Tag for Hindus means for India – Published in the Hindustan Times
- Interview: Parichay The Blog
- Hijab Judgment: More Questions Than Answers – Published in LiveLaw
- Interpreting Hijab: Why only through the Essential Practices Doctrine – Published in The Leaflet
- How to Unclog the Courts – Published in the Indian Express
- Why Islamic Law Allows ‘Blood Money’ To Let A Killer Go Free
- The British Have Repealed Their Sedition Act, Why Hasn’t India? – Published in OutlookWe inherited the sedition law from the British. In 1942 itself, CJ Gwyer introduced the concept of inciting ‘public disorder’ and subversionof the government by attempting to violence. While upholding the validity of Section 124-A, Gwyer’s interpretation was reiterated in different wordings and confirmed by the Supreme Court in Kedarnath case in 1962. In 1950, after we… Read more: The British Have Repealed Their Sedition Act, Why Hasn’t India? – Published in Outlook
- CAA Notification: A Backdoor Measure That Could Prove Difficult To Roll Back – Published in the OutlookIn 2015, the Central government exercised its powers under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 the Rules of 1950 to exempt Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians belonging to Bangladesh and Pakistan, from adverse penal consequences of Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. At the same time in 2015, the government exercised its… Read more: CAA Notification: A Backdoor Measure That Could Prove Difficult To Roll Back – Published in the Outlook
- Landmark Kerala HC judgement clarifies Muslim women’s right to initiate divorce – Published in The Indian ExpressIn the past, the Kerala High Court has delivered many landmark judgements in relation to Muslims’ divorce. This month, a Division Bench of the High Court was dealing with the issue of conditions in “Khula”, divorce initiated by the wife. The legal issue before the Court was whether a Muslim wife, once she has decided… Read more: Landmark Kerala HC judgement clarifies Muslim women’s right to initiate divorce – Published in The Indian Express
- The Dismal Use of Legislation – Published in Rising KashmirIn the year 1994, the Supreme Court of India stated that “the culture of law in Indian democratic republic should be on secular lines”; and that there can be no democracy if anti-secular forces are allowed to work dividing followers of different religious faiths flying at each other’s throats. This is the understanding of the… Read more: The Dismal Use of Legislation – Published in Rising Kashmir
- Two Bails, Two Views, Many Inconsistencies – Published in the LeafletTHE order granting bail to the young climate activist Disha Ravi is one of the finest expositions of law in the present times. It comes at a time when many political dissents engaged in permissible actions have been unreasonably criminalised. One hopes that this order will give “disha” (direction) to the other pending and future bail cases of similar… Read more: Two Bails, Two Views, Many Inconsistencies – Published in the Leaflet
- Ordinance with Malice – Published in Rising KashmirIn the recent past, various ordinances were brought by the States including the Ordinance relating to interfaith marriages in the State of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, animal slaughter in Karnataka. All these Ordinances have serious penal consequences affecting personal liberty of citizens. In many cases booked under the UP Ordinance, the High Court of… Read more: Ordinance with Malice – Published in Rising Kashmir
- Not All, Only husbands – Published in RisingKashmirIn a recently pronounced judgement, the Supreme Court said that a mother-in-law cannot be the accused of the offence of pronouncement of Triple Talaq under the Act of 2019, as the offence can only be committed by a Muslim man. However, while granting final direction in the judgement, the Court has bound the same mother-in-law… Read more: Not All, Only husbands – Published in RisingKashmir
- Torture, an issue ignored – Published in the Indian ExpressIn a recent judgment, the Supreme Court stated that “when the protector of people and society himself instead of protecting the people adopts brutality and inhumanly beat the person who comes to the police station, it is a matter of great public concern”. A recently-reported case of torture is of Jayaraj in Tamil Nadu. Very… Read more: Torture, an issue ignored – Published in the Indian Express
- Tale of Two Protests – Published in the Indian ExpressThe Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) was passed on December 12, 2019. The law excluded Muslims from its scope of grant of citizenship and led to hundreds of protests being organised in different parts of the country, starting from two universities in New Delhi and later, at Shaheen Bagh in the national capital, which became an inspiration for… Read more: Tale of Two Protests – Published in the Indian Express
- It is Not for the Law to Decide on Any Other Matter Concerning Marriage of Two Adults – Published in the Indian ExpressContemplating laws to regulate matrimonial relationships between two consenting adults would not be just against the constitutional guarantees but would offend the very notion of individuality and basic freedoms. Many state governments have announced that they are considering enacting an appropriate law to stop marriages which they term as “love jihad” — essentially a part… Read more: It is Not for the Law to Decide on Any Other Matter Concerning Marriage of Two Adults – Published in the Indian Express
- Police needs to be made accountable, and freed from grip of politics – Published in The Indian ExpressWhenever the criminal justice process fails, there is an outcry for new laws. We have enough laws. What we lack is the honest implementation of existing laws. The Hathras case has once again put the spotlight on our criminal justice process. The facts of the crime and subsequent support from powerful interests in favour of… Read more: Police needs to be made accountable, and freed from grip of politics – Published in The Indian Express
- Babri Verdict: Is Rule Of Law At The ‘Mercy Of Those In Power’? – Published in The QuintBabri Masjid was demolished on 6 December 1992. It was not a general criminal incident. The Supreme Court said that ‘a five-hundred-year-old structure which was defenceless and whose safety was a sacred trust in the hands of the State Government was demolished’. This had the effect of shaking faith in the rule of law and… Read more: Babri Verdict: Is Rule Of Law At The ‘Mercy Of Those In Power’? – Published in The Quint
- Criminal contempt? Not now, My Lords – Published in FrontlineThe Supreme Court has found lawyer Prashant Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt of court for two tweets. It has recorded that “the tweet has the effect of destabilising the very foundation of this important pillar of the Indian democracy”, it “tends to shake the public confidence in the institution of judiciary” and undermines the dignity and… Read more: Criminal contempt? Not now, My Lords – Published in Frontline
- Ayodhya — History will be the judge – Published in The Indian ExpressIn 1994, the Supreme Court of India said that, “within a short time, the entire structure was demolished and razed to the ground. Indeed, it was an act of ‘national shame’. What was demolished was not merely an ancient structure; but the faith of the minorities in the sense of justice and fair play of… Read more: Ayodhya — History will be the judge – Published in The Indian Express
- Delhi Riots: Could Courts Have Handled the Crisis Differently? – Published in The QuintWhen we look back at the Northeast Delhi riots of 24-26 February, one question that will continue to be asked is – could the judiciary have intervened? As things stand today, Muslim victims are finding it difficult even to get FIRs registered, or to avail the compensation that is due to them. Victims are being… Read more: Delhi Riots: Could Courts Have Handled the Crisis Differently? – Published in The Quint
- Why This Report Says The Delhi Riots Were A Pogrom – Published in Article 14The violence was ‘planned and targeted’ against Muslims, and the police, who played a partisan role, are deciding what should be investigated and when, says the head of a committee inquiring into the Delhi riots of February 2020 New Delhi: The narrative was changed to “one of violence on both sides rather than a pogrom… Read more: Why This Report Says The Delhi Riots Were A Pogrom – Published in Article 14
- Retirement of Tainted Judge a Reminder of How the Executive Failed the Judiciary – Published in The WireThe process required for the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Justice S.N. Shukla stood complete in January, 2018. Yet, the Central government failed to act. In the higher judicial system, very rarely has an occasion come when two Chief Justices of India have had to remind the prime minister of something. Alas, two consecutive CJIs… Read more: Retirement of Tainted Judge a Reminder of How the Executive Failed the Judiciary – Published in The Wire
- Equity and NPR Data – Published in FrontlineFrom the time of Independence until 2019, India’s citizenship law was region- and religion-neutral. The Constituent Assembly debated issues relating to citizenship before giving final shape to the provisions in the Constitution, which came into force in 1950. Later, the Citizenship Act 1955 (Act of 1955) was enacted and also amended several times, incorporating additional… Read more: Equity and NPR Data – Published in Frontline
- Cases of Multiple FIRs–Goswami Facts Needs A Re-Look In Future It Is Hate Crime, A Social Disorder! – Published in LiveLawThe Arnab Goswami case in the Supreme Court resulted in quashing various similar FIRs which had been registered in different parts of the country relating to his TV programme broadcasted on 21.04.2020, viewed nationwide. Allegations in FIRs were communal in nature, instigating Hindus against Muslims and Christian . Very often, multiple FIRs are challenged in courts. On… Read more: Cases of Multiple FIRs–Goswami Facts Needs A Re-Look In Future It Is Hate Crime, A Social Disorder! – Published in LiveLaw
- Justice Gogoi in Rajya Sabha: Beware, ‘Anti-nationals’? – Published in NewsClickAt the very outset, I feel compelled to state that I am a first-generation advocate, practising with little support from the ‘system’. I cannot boast of the kind of resources that give the legal profession its reputation of being an elite pursuit. We legal practitioners understand that the system reserves many of its ‘favours’ for… Read more: Justice Gogoi in Rajya Sabha: Beware, ‘Anti-nationals’? – Published in NewsClick
- Why India is not capable of carrying out NPR – Published in Mumbai MirrorThe Centre introduced the National Register of Citizens (NRC) by placing Section 14A in the existing Citizenship Act of 1955, through an amendment in 2003. This added provision gives discretion to the government to either go ahead with the exercise of NRC or not. It is not an obligatory exercise. To give effect to this… Read more: Why India is not capable of carrying out NPR – Published in Mumbai Mirror
- Why Unsigned Addenda to Ayodhya Verdict Must Go – Published in NewsClick.inOne notable and never-seen-before feature of the recent verdict of the Supreme Court in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi dispute is the separate and anonymous “addenda” affixed to the unanimous ruling of the five-judge bench. Running into 116 pages, this addenda marks a completely new beginning; that of a judge making his opinion public through a… Read more: Why Unsigned Addenda to Ayodhya Verdict Must Go – Published in NewsClick.in
- Ayodhya Judgement, Far From Right – Published in India TomorrowIn 1857, the US Supreme Court decided in Dred Scott v. Sandford, that the Constitution of the United States was not meant to include American citizenship for black people, and therefore the rights and privileges it confers upon American citizens could not apply to them. It was wrong proposition but binding on the US citizens… Read more: Ayodhya Judgement, Far From Right – Published in India Tomorrow
- Ayodhya verdict: A case closed, wound open – Published in The Mumbai MirrorThe Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title case was a long pending legal dispute between two communities who are the residents of Ayodhya. In 1949 about 100 Hindus placed idols inside the Mosque at a time when Namaz used to be offered by Muslims. Pursuant to this, a dispute arose over time and it became a matter… Read more: Ayodhya verdict: A case closed, wound open – Published in The Mumbai Mirror
- Every final judgment may not necessarily be right and just – Published in the Hindustan TimesThe judgment delivered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid civil dispute in Ayodhya has given finality to the dispute over 1480 sq yds of land. This small tract of land where the Babri mosque once stood came to be believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. This finality… Read more: Every final judgment may not necessarily be right and just – Published in the Hindustan Times
- Courts Must Censure Wrongful Behaviour of the State – Published in the Indian ExpressIt is duty of the constitutional courts to make appropriate observations about inappropriate functioning of the state and its administration. The Supreme Court order awarding compensation and rehabilitation to Bilkis Bano is certainly a step forward in strengthening the faith of the common citizen in the judicial process while fighting the failure of the state… Read more: Courts Must Censure Wrongful Behaviour of the State – Published in the Indian Express
- SC Has Ordered Mediation But the Modi Govt Wants Ayodhya Pot Boiling – Published in The WireTwo weeks after suggesting mediation as an option, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the parties involved in the Ayodhya case to join a confidential, court monitored mediatory process as means of resolving the dispute. The mediators named are senior lawyer Sriram Panchu, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar and Justice Kalifullah, a former… Read more: SC Has Ordered Mediation But the Modi Govt Wants Ayodhya Pot Boiling – Published in The Wire
- Judges Must Not Channel Personal Religious Beliefs Through Judgments – Published in The WireJustice S.R. Sen’s recent order in the Meghalaya high court is divided on religious lines and reflects a protectionist attitude towards Hindus. A Meghalaya high court judge had to recently pass a clarificatory order stating that he is not a “religious fanatic.” The need for a clarification sprang from his judgment two days earlier calling… Read more: Judges Must Not Channel Personal Religious Beliefs Through Judgments – Published in The Wire
- For most Muslims, Mosque Crucial for Namaz – Published in the Hindustan TimesIn 1994, in the case of Dr Ismail Faruqui vs Union of India, the Supreme Court made two serious observations. One, that a mosque is not an essential part of Islam; and two, that the protection of law to religious places can be tested on the basis of “particular significance”. Of the three judges of… Read more: For most Muslims, Mosque Crucial for Namaz – Published in the Hindustan Times
- Talaq Bill: With Added Provisions – Published in The Kashmir MonitorThe Triple Talaq issue arose out of a suo moto reference of the Supreme Court made in the year 2016. In August 2017, the issue was settled by a five judges’ judgement, declaring that three pronouncements of Talaq in one sitting by a husband is a non-legal action. The government has since then been trying… Read more: Talaq Bill: With Added Provisions – Published in The Kashmir Monitor
- Eroding Democratic Values – Published in LivelawSupreme Court has recently said ‘lynching is an affront to the rule of law and to the exalted values of the Constitution itself’. The Rule of law is one of the basic features of the Constitution of India and the same reflects everywhere in it. Similarly, the Supreme Court has declared ‘Secularism’ as a basic… Read more: Eroding Democratic Values – Published in Livelaw
- Belittling Damage – Published in The StatesmanThe Supreme Court of India has upheld the Gujarat Government’s scheme restricting the compensation for religious places destroyed during the communal riots of 2002 to a maximum of Rs 50,000 with many conditions attached thereto. Before the issue reached the Supreme Court at the instance of the State of Gujarat, in terms of the judgment… Read more: Belittling Damage – Published in The Statesman
- The Triple Talaq Bill – The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017In 1937, in the Act to protect personal laws, it was stated that ‘Muslim Woman Organizations condemned the customary law’ stating that they were ‘disgraceful’ and demanded that the Shariat lawl be made applicable to make their life better by acknowledging the right of Muslim woman to have properties, right to divorce, right to inheritance… Read more: The Triple Talaq Bill – The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017
- Will The ‘Triple Talaq Bill’ Really Protect Rights Of Muslim Woman? -Published in LiveLawFinally, the Bill relating to Muslim women for protection of their rights on marriage has come into the public domain. Section 3 of the Bill states that “talaq-e-biddat” shall be ‘void’ and ‘illegal’. This is followed by consequence of such void action in terms of Section 4 thereof, stating, whoever pronounces talaq-e-biddatshall be punished with… Read more: Will The ‘Triple Talaq Bill’ Really Protect Rights Of Muslim Woman? -Published in LiveLaw
- Triple Talaq Judgment: A Majority Verdict Without The Support Of Reasons Of Majority Judges – Published in LiveLawThe majority view of the five-judge bench of the Supreme Court is that triple talaq, pronounced in one sitting coming into effect instantaneously, is “set aside”. Out of these three judges, two (Justice Rohinton F. Nariman and Justice Uday U. Lalit) also held that this form of talaq was violative of fundamental right mentioned in Article 14,… Read more: Triple Talaq Judgment: A Majority Verdict Without The Support Of Reasons Of Majority Judges – Published in LiveLaw
- Triple talaq verdict: Five key questions answered by two lawyers – Published in The Indian ExpressThe Indian Express spoke to two lawyers, M R Shamshad and Anas Tanwir, on Tuesday’s triple talaq verdict. Shamshad is Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court of India. He appeared for the AIMPLB and assisted Kapil Sibal during the hearing of the triple talaq case. Tanwir practises in the Supreme Court of India. He is interested in Muslim… Read more: Triple talaq verdict: Five key questions answered by two lawyers – Published in The Indian Express
- Why India’s decision to ban triple talaq can’t be guided by laws in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – Published in DailyOA Constitution bench of the Supreme Court concluded its hearing on the issue of whether or not triple talaq in one sitting is valid. This was probably the first time when the Supreme Court took the initiative to examine the issue pertaining to personal laws. The central government and its allies heavily relied upon the… Read more: Why India’s decision to ban triple talaq can’t be guided by laws in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – Published in DailyO
- A Choice Between Faith and Equality – Published in The StatesmanThe Supreme Court’s five judges are to hear and take a view as to whether talaq pronounced three times in one sitting and its coming into effect immediately is valid or not. The main proponent in favour of its validity are followers of the Hanafi School of thought who form a substantive majority of the… Read more: A Choice Between Faith and Equality – Published in The Statesman
- Where Are We On Basic Education? – Published in Millennium PostPathetic state of basic education in public funded schools would create very deep disparities, leading to an irreparable imbalance in future generations. We realised very late (in 2002) that the right to education for all children from age of six to fourteen years will have to be made a Fundamental Right and accordingly, by the… Read more: Where Are We On Basic Education? – Published in Millennium Post
- Appeal To Voters In The Name Of Identity Politics – Published in LiveLawIn a recently concluded hearing before the Seven Judges Bench of the Supreme Court, Mr Kapil Sibal raised the very fundamental issue in relation to the changed electoral politics in India stating that the very purpose of all the laws regulating corrupt practices in an election is to protect the ‘underlying/enduring constitutional ethos’ and for… Read more: Appeal To Voters In The Name Of Identity Politics – Published in LiveLaw
- Understanding an Affidavit – Published in the StatesmanRecently the Muslim Personal Law Board had to file an affidavit running into 68 pages in a proceeding initiated by the Supreme Court on its own motion. On the basis of a few selected lines of the bulky affidavit, the electronic and print media trivialised the stand taken by the Board. The concerted and coordinated… Read more: Understanding an Affidavit – Published in the Statesman
- Food Adulteration Laws in India and Government’s Response – Published in LiveLawIn the year 1954, the Central Government consolidated legal provisions by way of comprehensive legislation (the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954) to curb food adulteration and repealed all the laws in relation thereto in force on that date. The penalties for the offences in 1954 Act were set out and from time to time,… Read more: Food Adulteration Laws in India and Government’s Response – Published in LiveLaw
- Issues For The Court To Settle – Published in the StatesmanThe appeal of the Vice-President of India to the Supreme Court to clarify the contours within which the principles of secularism and composite culture should operate has taken many people by surprise. But this issue has been talked about earlier also. Intellectuals, activists and even religious heads have spoken on this repeatedly. However, the Vice… Read more: Issues For The Court To Settle – Published in the Statesman
- ‘Nationalists’ Who Hate Nationalism – Published in the StatesmanNow it is a time for testing who is a nationalist. Your love for the nation may not be important. To show love, you need to participate in a referendum on a daily basis to establish you are a nationalist. The test of your nationalism is not your love for the Constitution of India, or… Read more: ‘Nationalists’ Who Hate Nationalism – Published in the Statesman
- A Terror Suspect Cannot Be A Terrorist – Published in The StatesmanMedia reporting of criminal investigation and prosecution in the last 15 years has changed manifold. In case the suspect is arrested for terrorist activity and the police have started their investigation, the matter reaches the highest level of sensationalism. This was the case with Wasif Haider of Kanpur, who was arrested in many cases and… Read more: A Terror Suspect Cannot Be A Terrorist – Published in The Statesman
- And Where Were The Muslim Lawyers? – Published in The StatesmanThe hanging of Yakub Memon drew unexpected intention at the last moment when it had become abundantly clear that he had to go to the gallows. His case in the Supreme Court was pressed hard, in unprecedented hearings lasting till dawn two hours before he was actually hanged. The Court can be appreciated for having… Read more: And Where Were The Muslim Lawyers? – Published in The Statesman
- Forcing a Choice on Children – Published in The StatesmanAn Office Memorandum, directing all secondary and senior secondary schools to conduct prayer for twenty minutes, issued by the Government of Rajasthan became the subject matter of challenge in a petition before the High Court. Twenty minutes’ prayer time was trifurcated; five minutes for prayer, National song, National anthem, next 10 minutes for Suryanamaskar (Salutation… Read more: Forcing a Choice on Children – Published in The Statesman
- Due Process and Law Enforcement – Published in The StatesmanThe curtailment of civil liberty in the form of detention of a civilian has a long history. In third world countries, like India, police officers and generally the Courts take view that ‘the end justifies the means’. In their eyes, taking unauthorized liberties in stopping, questioning and searching a citizen is commendable police work, if… Read more: Due Process and Law Enforcement – Published in The Statesman
- Compensating the Victims of Crime – Published in Millennium PostMonetary compensation should be given to victims of the criminal justice process In a modern constitutional democracy, the criminal justice process is the responsibility of the government. This process encapsulates everything from the involvement of police to the date of registration of crime till the conclusion of a criminal trial by court. Ordinarily, in the… Read more: Compensating the Victims of Crime – Published in Millennium Post
- Poll Manifestos are Mere Promises – Published in Millennium PostThe election manifesto should be an enforceable social contract between political parties and citizens. The political manifesto or its idea thereof has a long history. As early as 1848, the Communists released their manifesto; in 1850, the Anarchists, believing in a stateless society, released their manifesto. Then it was the Fascists who issued the Manifesto… Read more: Poll Manifestos are Mere Promises – Published in Millennium Post
- Conversion, re-conversion and its limit! – Published in Millennium PostHow can the RSS and its affiliates establish markers of Hindu religious identity, and promote re-conversion, when they are not in consonance with the understanding held by a majority of people from their own faith? The concept of belonging to a particular religion or identity in a diverse country like ours has been a contentious issue.… Read more: Conversion, re-conversion and its limit! – Published in Millennium Post
- Fighting Old Battles With New Tricks – Published in Millennium PostThe issue of ‘Love Jihad’ has drawn attention of many activists, academicians and lawyers and everyone who has taken a stand. Recently, two different views were published in one leading national daily, one after another. Madhu Kishwar wrote justifying the existence ‘Love Jihad’ and opined that ‘the angst about ‘love jihad’ has to do with surreptitious… Read more: Fighting Old Battles With New Tricks – Published in Millennium Post
- Control, Alter and Encounter – Published in The Millennium PostThe Supreme Court, speaking through the Chief Justice of India, has laid down the norms, which will certainly create accountability on the police personnel involved in the killing of civilians in encounters. This is an another example where the Indian executive and legislature have failed despite recurring and repetitive grievances from the citizens and civil society… Read more: Control, Alter and Encounter – Published in The Millennium Post
- Curious Case of Hobby Lobby – Published in Millennium PostFew weeks before, a nine-judges’ bench of the Supreme Court of the United States took a view on the issue as to whether a for-profit business corporation can take the plea of violation of religious freedom and belief for not complying with the contraceptive mandate coverage for women under the medical insurance flowing from the Patient… Read more: Curious Case of Hobby Lobby – Published in Millennium Post
- Separate Law Needed for Organized Violence – Published in The Milli GazetteOne of the chapters of our Constitution makes certain duties “obligatory” and “fundamental”. These duties have put the citizens under certain obligations towards the Nation and Society. These duties include: duty to develop scientific temper, protect rich heritage and composite culture, environment, National Flag etc. This is different from the Chapter of Fundamental Rights wherein… Read more: Separate Law Needed for Organized Violence – Published in The Milli Gazette
- Fatwa and Problem of Perception – Published in The Millennium PostIf a formal opinion is sought from an Islamic scholar, competent to issue such opinion, on an Islamic issue that may be understood as a ‘fatwa’. To put it more succinctly, it’s the formal opinion given on a judicial or legal question to understand the legal position as per Islamic law. It is like an… Read more: Fatwa and Problem of Perception – Published in The Millennium Post
- Minority Question: Is Heptulla Right or is Antony? – Published in India TodayAK Antony of the Congress and Najma Heptulla of the BJP, and the current Minister for Minority Affairs, have both made statements in the last one month about minorities, mainly inferring to Muslims. Heptulla said, “Muslims are many to be called minority, it’s Parsis, who need special attention”, adding “I am not in favour of… Read more: Minority Question: Is Heptulla Right or is Antony? – Published in India Today
- Legal Notes: Can the State Impose the Medium of Instruction? – Published in The Milli GazetteRecently the Supreme Court examined the legality of fixing the medium of instruction at the primary level. In a country, like ours, where mother tongues are innumerable, whether the executive can bind the children to a particular medium of instruction in his primary education either in his mother tongue or in a particular regional language?… Read more: Legal Notes: Can the State Impose the Medium of Instruction? – Published in The Milli Gazette
- Trial of Akshardham Attack Exposes Criminal Justice – Published in The Milli Gazette“…we intend to express our anguish about the incompetence with which the investigating agencies conducted the investigation of the case of such a grievous nature, involving the integrity and security of the Nation. Instead of booking the real culprits responsible for taking so many precious lives, the police caught innocent people and got imposed the… Read more: Trial of Akshardham Attack Exposes Criminal Justice – Published in The Milli Gazette
- Secularism & Muslims: For Muslims, It’s An Issue Of Equality – Published in The Milli GazetteIn our country, every group of aware persons has been holding different connotations about secularism. When it is time to elect representatives in Parliament and assemblies, this becomes a much more serious issue and the entire debate would surround the large chunk of Muslims votes and the beneficiaries of such votes would roam around like… Read more: Secularism & Muslims: For Muslims, It’s An Issue Of Equality – Published in The Milli Gazette
- Slaughtering Animals for Food – Published in The Milli GazetteRecently the Supreme Court issued direction to all the states and the Union Territories to submit their response on the humane method of slaughtering animals for the purpose of food by proposing the mechanical stunning of animal by using Captive Bolt Pistol (CBP) of two types, penetrating and non-penetrating. In both the processes the pistol… Read more: Slaughtering Animals for Food – Published in The Milli Gazette
- Nimesh Report And Acquittals Vindicate The Stand Of Up Government – Published in The Milli GazetteA full bench of Allahabad High Court, Lucknow, took another serious view [after about three years of Ayodhya dispute verdict] in relation to the power and its exercise by the state government under the Code of Criminal Procedure if it wanted to withdraw the criminal cases pending in different courts in alleged “terror” cases where… Read more: Nimesh Report And Acquittals Vindicate The Stand Of Up Government – Published in The Milli Gazette
- Talaq & its Prior Conditions – Published in The Milli Gazette.Time and again the issue of Talaq and the consequences thereof has remained an issue of cantankerous debate in the country as well as within different sections of the Muslim community. This issue has also gone to courts of law resulting in authoritative pronouncements. Simultaneously, Muslim ulama have also given their opinion based on the… Read more: Talaq & its Prior Conditions – Published in The Milli Gazette.
- Option to Adopt a Child – Published in The Milli GazetteThe recent judgment of the Supreme Court about the right of a Muslim to adopt a child has been reported with different viewpoints. However, the core issue is whether a Muslim could adopt a child in the present legal position and at the same time not go beyond the restrictions imposed by the Muslim Personal… Read more: Option to Adopt a Child – Published in The Milli Gazette