Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (16 MAY 2024)

by | May 16, 2024

LAW AND GOVERNANCE 

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DISTINCTION BETWEEN SENTENCE AND VICTIM COMPENSATION

Rajendra Bhagwanji Umraniya v. State of Gujarat

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized the independence of sentencing from victim compensation, stating that compensating victims should not influence the severity of a convict’s sentence. The Court underscored that victim compensation aims at restitution, not punishment, and should not undermine justice by allowing convicts to buy their way out. The decision reaffirms the victim-centric nature of Section 357 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which focuses solely on addressing victims’ losses or injuries without impacting sentencing.

 

Legal Provision:

  1. Section 357 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): This section empowers courts to award compensation to victims while passing judgment of conviction, ensuring that victims are not forgotten in the criminal justice system.

Legal Framework:

  1. Separation of Sentencing and Compensation: Upholding the principle that compensation to victims should not influence the severity of a convict’s sentence, ensuring fairness and integrity in criminal proceedings.

 

Source- Supreme Court of India 

SUPREME COURT CLARIFIES AGENT’S RIGHTS UPON PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR’S DEATH

SESHAREDDY (D) REP. BY HIS LR. CUM IRREVOCABLE GPA HOLDER AND ASSIGNEE KOTAMREDDY KODANDARAMI v. STATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS.

The Supreme Court overturned a High Court ruling, affirming that the death of a principal contractor does not automatically terminate an agency contract if the agent holds a vested interest in the contract. By invoking Sections 201 and 202 of the Indian Contract Act, the Court upheld the agent’s right to continue the agency, ensuring fairness and contractual integrity. This decision provides clarity on the nuanced interplay between contractual obligations and agency relationships.

Legal Provisions:

  1. Sections 201 and 202 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872: Section 201 deals with conditions for termination of an agency contract, including the death of the principal, while Section 202 specifies that an agency cannot be terminated to the prejudice of the agent’s interest in the subject matter of the agency.

Legal Framework:

  1. Contractual Continuity: Clarifying the legal stance on agency contracts, ensuring that the death of a principal contractor does not automatically terminate the agency if the agent holds an interest in the contract, thereby upholding contractual integrity and fairness.

 

Source- Supreme Court of India 

SUPREME COURT REVISITS PUC CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT FOR THIRD PARTY INSURANCE

MC Mehta v. Union of India & Ors.

The Supreme Court signaled a review of its 2017 mandate linking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates to third-party vehicle insurance. Acknowledging concerns raised by the General Insurance Council, the Court sought solutions to balance PUC compliance and insurance coverage effectively. This move reflects a commitment to address practical challenges while upholding environmental and insurance standards, fostering a holistic approach to road safety and pollution control.

Legal Provisions:

  1. Previous Supreme Court Directives: The 2017 order mandated linking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates with vehicle insurance renewal, ensuring 100% compliance to improve air quality and road safety.

Legal Framework:

  1. Balancing Compliance and Insurance Coverage: Addressing concerns raised by insurance companies regarding non-compliance with PUC norms and its impact on insurance claims, seeking a balanced approach to maintain environmental standards while ensuring adequate insurance coverage for vehicles.

Source- Supreme Court of India 

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

OVERSEAS INDIAN WELFARE

(Ministry of External Affairs)

  • Objectives:
    • Provide critical support to Indian nationals facing distress situations abroad.
    • Enhance consular services and improve the overall well-being of Overseas Indian nationals.
  • Benefits:
    • Transportation of mortal remains and emergency evacuation.
    • Legal assistance, emergency medical care, and support for community welfare activities.
    • Improved consular services through staff hiring and logistical support.
  • Criteria:
    • Applicant must be an Overseas Indian national in distress as defined by the scheme.
    • Assistance provided on a means-tested basis to those most in need.
    • Emphasis on improving consular services, supporting Indian communities abroad, and promoting cultural exchange.

ICCR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)

(Ministry of External Affairs)

  • Objectives:
    • Provide a platform for young scholars to engage with soft power in foreign policy.
    • Foster a deeper understanding of India’s cultural ties with other nations.
  • Benefits:
    • Monthly honorarium and one-time air travel expenses.
    • Opportunities to work on specific projects and conduct research.
    • Logistical support during the internship period.
  • Criteria:
    • Applicant must be an Indian citizen with a graduate degree in relevant fields.
    • Postgraduate, research, and foreign language students also eligible.
    • Preference for candidates with strong academic records and backgrounds in international relations.
    • Selection process may include personal interviews, with priority given to exceptional candidates.

Source- mySchemes

Also Read- DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (15 MAY 2024)

Written By Vishakha Khatri

My name is Vishakha Khatri. I am an engineering graduate and a civil service aspirant with a passion for spreading knowledge about Indian polity. I believe that understanding our political system is crucial for every citizen, and I am committed to making this information accessible to everyone in my own easy way. Through my experiences in civil service preparation and my unique perspective as an engineering graduate, I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of Indian polity.

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