From landmark tax reforms and a high-profile reinstatement to a crackdown on digital misconduct—three legal developments underline India’s evolving governance and professional ethics this week.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (12 AUGUST 2025)
LOK SABHA CLEARS NEW INCOME-TAX BILL 2025
Overview: Parliamentary approval of the Income-Tax Bill, 2025.
The Lok Sabha has passed the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the outdated 1961 Act. The legislation reduces the number of sections, simplifies language, digitises compliance, and incorporates key parliamentary committee suggestions to improve taxpayer experience and reduce disputes. It marks a major overhaul of India’s direct tax regime.
Legal Provision
Falls under Parliament’s power to legislate on taxation (List I, Seventh Schedule, Constitution of India). The bill introduces a consolidated structure with 536 sections, faceless assessment provisions, reduced litigation, and technology-driven compliance, aligning with constitutional principles of equity and certainty in taxation.
RANYA RAO GOLD SMUGGLING CASE – IPS OFFICER REINSTATED
Overview: Alleged gold-smuggling by Ranya Rao; administrative action against IPS officer Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao.
The Karnataka government has revoked the compulsory leave of senior IPS officer Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, reinstating him as DGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement. He had been sent on leave amid a probe into gold-smuggling allegations linked to his daughter, Kannada actor Ranya Rao. Investigations under multiple laws remain ongoing.
Legal Provision
Administrative action under All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969; investigation under the Customs Act, 1962, and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. State authority retains discretion in service postings unless restricted by court orders.
BAR COUNCIL OF DELHI WARNS LAWYERS AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION
Overview: Bar Council of Delhi issues caution on digital self-promotion by advocates.
On August 4, 2025, the Bar Council of Delhi issued a formal notice warning advocates against using social media posts—including reels, interviews, and case photos—to solicit work. Such actions infringe Rule 36 of the Bar Council of India Rules and may trigger disciplinary action under Section 35 of the Advocates Act.
Legal Provision
This relates to professional ethics under Rule 36 (BCI Rules) dealing with advertising and solicitation, enforceable under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which provides for disciplinary consequences including suspension or license cancellation.
Source – Supreme Court of India
Also Read: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (11 AUGUST 2025)
