LAW AND GOVERNANCE
CJI Chandrachud Praises New Criminal Laws for Digitizing Procedures
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud lauded recently enacted criminal laws aimed at digitizing criminal procedures, calling them a significant step towards modernizing the Indian justice system. Speaking at the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture, he highlighted key aspects of the new laws, including digital recording of every stage of a criminal investigation, electronic issuance of summonses, and virtual presentation of testimonies. These measures aim to streamline information flow and enhance coordination among stakeholders. The laws also empower courts and law enforcement agencies to summon necessary documents and materials, including digital evidence, for investigations. CJI Chandrachud emphasized the importance of adopting technology to avoid delays in criminal prosecutions, particularly those handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He also noted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing criminal investigations by analyzing data rapidly and accurately.
Delhi HC Directs ED to File Report on Arvind Kejriwal’s Orders During Custody
The Delhi High Court directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file a report before the trial court judge hearing the liquor policy case on a plea against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issuing orders while in ED custody. The court clarified that it has not commented on the petitioner’s standing and has left merits open. The petitioner argued that no rules allow Kejriwal to pass orders while in custody, citing AAP’s conferences discussing the orders. In response, Kejriwal’s counsel questioned the petitioner’s standing, asserting that he is a third party. The court directed the ED to bring the note’s contents to the district judge’s attention and to treat the plea as a representation.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Election Commission on VVPAT Slips Counting Plea
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Election Commission on a plea seeking the counting of all Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) paper slips in elections, challenging the current practice of verifying only five randomly selected Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in each assembly segment. The petition argues that sequential verification of VVPAT slips causes undue delay and suggests simultaneous verification to expedite the process. It also highlights the discrepancy between the number of VVPATs purchased and the number of slips verified, calling for all VVPAT slips to be counted to ensure voter confidence. The plea has been tagged with a similar petition by an NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), and will be heard by a bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme
(Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment)
Objective: Deliver comprehensive health cover with simplicity and affordability.
Key Features:
- Affordable Premium: One fixed premium, irrespective of age.
- Equal Coverage: Same level of healthcare support for all disabilities.
- Financial Assistance: Reimbursement-based insurance cover.
- Wide Range of Services: Coverage for regular checkups, hospitalizations, therapies, surgeries, and transportation.
- No Medical Tests: Coverage starts immediately without pre-insurance medical tests.
- Hospital Flexibility: Choose any hospital without restrictions.
Benefits:
- Health insurance coverage up to ₹1,00,000 for various expenses.
- Outpatient department (OPD) treatment covering medicines, pathology, diagnostic tests, etc.
- Regular medical checkups for non-ailing individuals with disabilities.
- Dental care including preventive dentistry services.
- Surgery for preventing further disability worsening or for existing disabilities.
- Non-surgical/hospitalization coverage for treatments and related stays.
- Ongoing therapies for managing disability and related complications.
- Alternative medicine coverage for alternative treatment options.
- Transportation costs reimbursement related to medical care.
Eligibility: All disabled persons under the National Trust Act, 1999 with a valid disability certificate.
Exclusions: Scheme not available in Jammu and Kashmir.
NSAP – Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
( Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India)
Details:
- Scheme Description: IGNOAPS is a part of NSAP, providing a monthly pension to citizens aged 60 or above living below the poverty line.
- Pension Amount: ₹200 up to 79 years, ₹500 thereafter.
- Objective: Provide financial aid to destitute elderly.
- Coverage: Rural and urban areas.
- NSAP Components: IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS, NFBS, Annapurna Scheme.
Objectives of NSAP:
- Provide social assistance in cases of death, maternity, or old age.
- Ensure minimum national standards for social protection.
- Ensure uniform social protection across the country.
Expansion:
- In 2007, expanded to cover all eligible BPL persons.
Eligibility:
- Citizen of India
- Below Poverty Line
- Age 60 or above.
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