Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (18 MAY 2024)

by | May 18, 2024

LAW AND GOVERNANCE

KERALA HIGH COURT ASSERTS COURT’S EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO ALTER CHARGES

(STATE OF KERALA V. AZEEZ)

The Kerala High Court ruled that only the court has the power to alter charges under Section 216 of the CrPC, rejecting the prosecution’s attempt to add charges in the State of Kerala v. Azeez case. The court highlighted the importance of maintaining fair trial standards and upheld the trial court’s decision.

Legal Provisions and Framework:

  • Section 216, CrPC: This section empowers the court to modify or add charges at any point before the judgment is delivered. It ensures the accused is fully informed of the charges to prepare their defense properly.
  • Section 482, CrPC: Grants inherent powers to High Courts to issue orders necessary to prevent abuse of the judicial process or to secure justice.
  • Section 420, IPC: Concerns cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
  • Section 376, IPC: Addresses the punishment for rape.
  • Section 342, IPC: Pertains to punishment for wrongful confinement.
  • Section 120B, IPC: Deals with criminal conspiracy.
  • Section 370, IPC (Pre-2013): Addressed human trafficking and slavery before being amended in 2013.

Related BNSS’23 Sections:

  • Section 239, BNSS’23: Relates to the alteration or addition of charges, similar to Section 216 of CrPC.
  • Section 240, BNSS’23: Pertains to recalling witnesses when charges are altered, paralleling Section 217 of CrPC.

 

Source – Kerala High Court

JHARKHAND HIGH COURT CLARIFIES EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR DOWRY DEATH PRESUMPTION

(RAJA RAM MANDAL V. STATE OF JHARKHAND)

In Raja Ram Mandal v. State of Jharkhand, the Jharkhand High Court emphasized that to invoke the presumption under Section 113B of the Indian Evidence Act, the prosecution must provide clear evidence of dowry-related cruelty shortly before the victim’s death. The court overturned the trial court’s conviction due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

Legal Provisions and Framework:

  • Section 304B, IPC: Defines dowry death and prescribes punishment. It applies when a woman dies from burns or bodily injuries, or under abnormal circumstances, within seven years of marriage, if there is evidence of cruelty or harassment related to dowry.
  • Section 113B, IEA: Establishes a presumption of dowry death if it is shown that the woman was subjected to cruelty or harassment related to dowry demands “soon before” her death.
  • Section 498A, IPC: Addresses cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman.

Related BNSS’23 Sections:

  • Section 118, BSA’23: Covers the presumption of dowry death, similar to Section 113B of the IEA.

 

Source– Jharkhand High Court

SUPREME COURT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY BAIL HEARINGS

(AMANDEEP DHALL V. STATE OF DELHI)

The Supreme Court instructed the Delhi High Court to expedite the bail hearing for Amandeep Dhall in the Delhi excise policy case, underscoring that every day is crucial in matters of personal liberty. The court criticized the nearly 11-month delay, emphasizing the necessity for prompt judicial proceedings.

 

Legal Provisions and Framework:

  • Article 21, Constitution of India: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, ensuring that no person is deprived of their liberty except according to the procedure established by law.
  • Section 439, CrPC: Empowers High Courts and Sessions Courts to grant bail.
  • Delhi Excise Policy Case: Involves allegations of corruption and irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy.

Related BNSS’23 Sections:

  • Section 89, BNSS’23: Similar to Section 439 of CrPC, it empowers the High Courts and Sessions Courts to grant bail.

 

Source– India Today

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Technology Development Fund (TDF)

(Ministry of Defence)

Objective:

  • Promote self-reliance in defense technology as part of ‘Make in India’.
  • Support innovation and development of cutting-edge defense technologies.

Benefits:

  • Grants-in-aid up to INR 50 crore.
  • Up to 90% of the project cost covered.
  • Encourages collaboration with academia or research institutions.
  • Financial support for prototype development and trials.
  • Additional funding for nascent startups.

Criteria:

  • Open to public and private companies, partnerships, LLPs, and startups.
  • Startups must be recognized by DPIIT.
  • Startups should be less than three years old.
  • Must be incubated at government-assisted incubators.

Exclusion:

  • Startups previously receiving government grants for similar technologies are ineligible.

Agnipath Scheme

(Ministry of Defence)

Objective:

  • Enable Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces for four years.
  • Foster a youthful and patriotic profile through the Agniveers program.

Benefits:

  • Customized monthly package with risk and hardship allowances.
  • One-time SevaNidhi package after four years.
  • Non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh.

Criteria:

  • Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 17.5 to 21 years (17.5 to 23 years for 2022 intake).
  • Must meet educational, physical, and medical standards set by the armed forces.

Exclusion:

  • No entitlement to gratuity or pension benefits.
  • Permanent enrolment offered to up to 25% of Agniveers based on performance and organizational needs.

Source- mySchemes

Also Read- DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (17 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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