Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (22 MAY 2024 )

by | May 22, 2024

LAW AND GOVERNANCE

SUPREME COURT ADDRESSES LACK OF DRTS IN 18 STATES

Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited v. M/S Hotel Alpine Ridge & Ors.

The Supreme Court learned that 18 states and two union territories, including J&K and Ladakh, lack Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs). Petitioners argued that traveling to Chandigarh DRT posed significant financial and logistical challenges, infringing their constitutional right to accessible justice.

 

Legal Framework and Provisions:

  1. SARFAESI Act, 2002: The case revolves around the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, specifically Section 17, which provides borrowers with the right to appeal to Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) against actions taken by banks and financial institutions.
  2. Article 21 of the Constitution of India: The petitioners argued that the lack of local DRTs in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh violates their fundamental right to access justice, as guaranteed by Article 21, due to the undue financial and logistical burdens of accessing distant DRTs.
  3. Writ Jurisdiction under Article 226: The High Court had allowed the use of writ petitions under Article 226, which provides High Courts the power to issue certain writs, in the absence of local DRTs, to ensure justice.

Source- Supreme Court of India 

 

SUPREME COURT HALTS ENFORCEMENT OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE ORDER

Basudha Chakraborty & Anr. v. Neeta Chakraborty

The Supreme Court suspended a Calcutta High Court order requiring the personal appearance of petitioners. Highlighting health concerns and the availability of virtual hearings, the Court deemed the travel from Mumbai to Kolkata unnecessary and emphasized the need for judicious discretion.

 

Legal Framework and Provisions:

  1. Article 21 of the Constitution of India: The Supreme Court highlighted the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to health and avoiding unnecessary hardships.
  2. Virtual Court Proceedings: The Court emphasized using virtual hearings to accommodate the petitioners’ health issues, ensuring they can participate in legal proceedings without undue physical strain.
  3. Judicial Discretion in Contempt Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court stressed the need for judicial restraint in requiring personal appearances unless absolutely necessary to avoid misuse of contempt jurisdiction and undue hardship.

 

Source– Supreme Court of India 

BOMBAY HIGH COURT SUPPORTS MATERNITY LEAVE RIGHTS

Dr. Seemanti Bose v. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

The Bombay High Court instructed BMC to pay pending salary and avoid terminating a woman on maternity leave. The court stressed the legal right of contractual employees to maternity benefits, underscoring the humanitarian aspect and setting a follow-up hearing for June.

 

Legal Framework and Provisions:

  1. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: This act ensures maternity leave and benefits for women employees, including those on contractual terms, providing paid leave during and after pregnancy.
  2. Article 21 of the Constitution of India: The court emphasized the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to maternity leave and benefits as crucial to women’s health and welfare.
  3. Supreme Court Precedents on Contractual Employees: The petitioner referenced a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the entitlement of contractual employees to maternity leave, underscoring the need for consistent application of this precedent to ensure fair treatment.

 

Source– India Today

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES 

MANAGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

(Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India)

Objectives:

  • Enhance students’ practical knowledge and skills in agriculture-related disciplines.

Benefits:

  • Stipend: ₹ 10,000 per month for a 3-month internship (includes free boarding and lodging).
  • Stipend: ₹ 35,000 per month for a 6-month internship.
  • Year-round application availability.

Criteria:

  • Must be pursuing or have completed a PhD or M.Sc. in Extension Education, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, MSW, Journalism, Communication, or Environmental Science.
  • Minimum OGPA of 8 out of 10 (80%).
  • Fluency in English.
  • Good writing skills.

NATIONAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIP (NTS)

(Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India- Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

Objectives:

  • Financially support undergraduate students studying agriculture outside their home state.
  • Promote national integration and access to quality education.

Benefits:

  • Scholarship amount: ₹ 2,000 per month for the duration of the Bachelor’s degree.
  • Initially awarded for one year and renewable based on academic performance and conduct.

Criteria:

  • Must be admitted to an ICAR-recognized Agricultural University outside their state of domicile through the All India Entrance Examination (AIEE).
  • Maintain good academic performance and conduct.
  • Study full-time without engaging in part-time jobs or other financial aid.
  • University must be funded under the “Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India” scheme.

Source– myScheme 

Read Also–DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (21 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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