Key legal updates: Justice Gavai is likely to be India’s 52nd CJI, ED targets PACL scam accused, and Allahabad HC clarifies limits on protection for interfaith or runaway couples.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (17 APRIL 2025)
CJI SANJIV KHANNA RECOMMENDS JUSTICE GAVAI AS SUCCESSOR
Appointment of the 52nd Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has recommended Justice B.R. Gavai as the next Chief Justice of India. Justice Gavai, known for landmark judgments including Article 370 and electoral bonds, will serve over six months if appointed. He is the senior-most judge and will succeed CJI Khanna, retiring on May 13.
LEGAL PROVISION AND FRAMEWORK:
- Appointment governed by Memorandum of Procedure for appointment of CJI and SC Judges
- Seniority principle followed
- Recommendation initiated by outgoing CJI
- Law Ministry initiates appointment via Presidential notification
- Article 124 of the Constitution governs SC judge appointments
- Age of retirement: 65 years
SOURCE: Supreme Court of India
PACL CASE: ED RAIDS AAP MLA KULWANT SINGH AND RAJASTHAN CONGRESS LEADER KHACHARIYAWAS
Enforcement Directorate Investigation into PACL Ponzi Scam (₹48,000 crore)
The ED conducted raids at 15 locations, including the premises of AAP MLA Kulwant Singh and Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, in connection with the ₹48,000-crore PACL ponzi scam. The investigation is linked to PACL India and its promoter, Nirmal Singh Bhangoo. Singh is a key real estate player in Punjab.
Legal Provisions and Framework:
- Investigation under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
- Based on FIR registered by CBI against PACL India Ltd.
- Involves alleged ponzi scam worth ₹48,000 crore
- ED empowered to seize properties and examine suspicious land deals
- Section 50 of PMLA allows ED to summon and record statements
- PACL/PGF Limited accused of collecting illicit public deposits
SOURCE: Enforcement Directorate (ED)
POLICE PROTECTION NOT AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT FOR RUNAWAY COUPLES, RULES ALLAHABAD HC
The Allahabad High Court clarified that couples marrying against their families’ consent are not automatically entitled to police protection. Protection may only be granted where a credible threat to life or liberty exists. The Court emphasized that such couples must learn to support each other and confront societal realities maturely.
Legal Provisions and Framework:
- Article 21, Constitution of India: Guarantees protection of life and personal liberty.
- Lata Singh v. State of U.P. & Anr. (2006): Supreme Court upheld an adult’s right to marry a partner of choice, but also clarified the role of courts in ensuring safety only in cases of real danger.
- Discretionary Powers of High Courts: Courts may issue protective directions only when the threat is substantiated by credible evidence.
- Standard for Granting Police Protection: Mere apprehensions or social disapproval do not justify protection orders. Objective threat assessment by authorities is necessary.
Source: Allahabad High Court (Uttar Pradesh)
Also Read: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (16 APRIL 2025)
WRITTEN BY– ISHA SHARMA
EDITED BY – VISHAKHA KHATRI
