Reporting on Laws from India Together.https://indiatogether.org/en-inhttps://indiatogether.org/gstat-economy/https://indiatogether.org/gstat-economy/The GST Appellate Tribunal is already much-delayed, and the apex court has directed the government to set it up swiftly. It presents a greenfield opportunity to build a completely online dispute resolution system that can significantly ease doing business, writes Surya Prakash.Mon, 30 May 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/rj-health-health/https://indiatogether.org/rj-health-health/The fault lines laid bare by covid have made the public more attentive towards the state of health care. Rajasthan has introduced legislation to recognise the people's right to health care. Tamil Nadu also declared it would make health care access universal. Sweta Dash reports.Sat, 30 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/jia-courts-laws/https://indiatogether.org/jia-courts-laws/When a new law is proposed, it would be useful to anticipate the effects it is likely to have on the justice system. There is a dearth of Judicial Impact Assessments, which could help ensure that we do not exacerbate pendency and delays.Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/dma-eda-laws/https://indiatogether.org/dma-eda-laws/The experience of women street vendors during and after the lock-downs shows there is much more India needs to do to ensure that the government's response to crises are bound by checks, and strikes a balance between different vulnerabilities that people face.Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/open-court-laws/https://indiatogether.org/open-court-laws/The courts are public institutions, and they way they function should therefore be transparent and accountable. The media's role in informing the public about the courts is therefore vital, and should not be diluted, writes Surya Prakash.Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/barrier-laws/https://indiatogether.org/barrier-laws/The higher judiciary has very few women. While the low percentage is acknowledged to be a problem by the judiciary itself, there has been no serious effort to correct this. A concerted effort to overcome the hurdles is needed to make the courts more representative. Shikha Sharma reports.Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/participate-government/https://indiatogether.org/participate-government/In cities across Karnataka, civil society groups are pushing the government to establish Ward Committees and Area Sabhas as mandated by the Constitution and state laws, so that they can participate in decision-making to direct the governance of their localities, writes Kathyayini Chamaraj.Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/regional-sc-laws/https://indiatogether.org/regional-sc-laws/Should the appellate jurisdiction of the apex court be distributed across the country and made more accessible to the people? Or would that carry risks of increased litigation, and lead to more inconsistencies between judgments? Pooja Murty lists the pros and cons.Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/right-city-laws/https://indiatogether.org/right-city-laws/The Delhi High Court's ruling in Ajay Maken offers hope to residents of informal settlements by protecting their right to housing and enhancing their role in decision-making about urban space, writes Mathew Idiculla .Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/inclusion-benchmark-laws/https://indiatogether.org/inclusion-benchmark-laws/Apex court rules that both public and private sector are obliged to make 'reasonable accommodation' to facilitate the full participation of disabled persons in society. In doing so, the judges overturned an earlier decision of the SC itself.Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/online-hearing-laws/https://indiatogether.org/online-hearing-laws/During the lockdown, electricity regulators have been effective in instituting online facilities to conduct hearings remotely. Such virtual processes, with some further steps, could improve public participation in normal times too, writes Manabika Mandal .Tue, 23 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/dichotomy-rule-of-law-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/dichotomy-rule-of-law-op-ed/The rule of law guides our legislative, executive and judiciary and all other institutions yet our country is in chaos. Harish Narasappa analyses the role of reason in making the rule of law stronger and effective to bring order in the country.Tue, 24 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/monsoon-session-2018-laws/https://indiatogether.org/monsoon-session-2018-laws/The Monsoon Session of Parliament began today and will continue till August 10, 2018. It is scheduled to have 18 sittings during this period. PRS Legislative Research outlines what is in store in the upcoming session.Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/decoding-the-code-on-wages-economy/https://indiatogether.org/decoding-the-code-on-wages-economy/This past August the Code on Wages was introduced in the Lok Sabha and subsequently referred to the Standing Committee on Labour for examination. Vinayak Krishnan of PRS Legislative explains the Code and its pros and cons.Sun, 03 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/overview-of-the-legal-issues-around-aadhaar-laws/https://indiatogether.org/overview-of-the-legal-issues-around-aadhaar-laws/Anviti Chaturvedi of PRS Legislative Research discusses how the Aadhaar project started, why the courts have stepped in to examine its legality, and some aspects of the recent judgement.Sun, 11 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/speedy-disposal-of-court-cases-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/speedy-disposal-of-court-cases-op-ed/High Courts and subordinate courts have been directed by the Supreme Court to expedite the disposing of criminal cases, yet cases languish for years in these courts. Harish Narasappa explains why it is so and how it can be fixed.Tue, 02 May 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/banning-commercial-surrogacy-laws/https://indiatogether.org/banning-commercial-surrogacy-laws/A brief overview of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 by PRS legislative.Wed, 30 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/manipur-rattled-and-torn-laws/https://indiatogether.org/manipur-rattled-and-torn-laws/It has been more than nine months since a political crisis has snowballed into a battle between the tribals and the non-tribals of Manipur creating sharp divisions. Ramesh Menon surveys the fragile situation.Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/easier-for-you-to-save-lives-here-s-how-society/https://indiatogether.org/easier-for-you-to-save-lives-here-s-how-society/You don’t have to fear police harassment if you report or help an injured accident victim. You don’t even have to reveal personal details unless you wish to testify. Here’s a summary of the “Good Samaritan” guidelines that the apex court has now made compulsory for states to follow.Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/challenges-before-the-election-commission-government/https://indiatogether.org/challenges-before-the-election-commission-government/There is a lot that happens in the background to make sure that every Indian election - like the just concluded Bihar assembly election - is conducted fairly, freely and peacefully. Smarak Swain, who was on election duty in Bihar reports on the challenges faced by the Election Commission of India and how it is overcoming them effectively.Wed, 11 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/dna-bill-issues-laws/https://indiatogether.org/dna-bill-issues-laws/The Centre for Internet & Society (CIS) registers its dissent over the new Human DNA Profiling Bill draft. Sunil Abraham, Executive Director of CIS, explains how the Bill does not address the privacy concerns despite a seemingly powerful language.Wed, 12 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/talk-about-superstition-society/https://indiatogether.org/talk-about-superstition-society/Rolla Das and Suparna Banerjee comment on the rampant obscurantism and complete lack of informed public debate around the existing and proposed legislation in various states against social evils practised in the guise of religion and faith.Tue, 23 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/promises-of-tadri-port-environment/https://indiatogether.org/promises-of-tadri-port-environment/As environmental clearance on the proposed Tadri port in Karnataka is awaited, Dina Rasquinha and Aarthi Sridhar discuss how assumed future benefits of the port have been projected in complete disregard of the natural, environmental gifts that the region enjoys.Mon, 15 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/hear-the-children-first-children/https://indiatogether.org/hear-the-children-first-children/Bengaluru-based The Concerned for Working Children believes that while ending child labour is a worthy goal, preventing children from all work without hearing them out on their actual circumstances could be a big mistake. Eden Ezsak spoke to Kavita Ratna of the CWC some time back.Fri, 12 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/food-safety-issue-health/https://indiatogether.org/food-safety-issue-health/As the country boils over in outrage against Nestle following the detection of dangerous levels of lead in its popular Maggi brand, Sarika Agarwal takes an objective look at the possible real sources of contamination and the core issues related to food safety.Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/quest-for-justice-continues-in-tripura-laws/https://indiatogether.org/quest-for-justice-continues-in-tripura-laws/Tripura’s revocation of the AFSPA is certainly a positive move from a human rights perspective. But it leaves unaddressed the issue of justice for those whose lives were torn apart by the excesses under the Act, writes Anjuman Ara Begum.Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/books-and-films-are-not-the-only-one-censored-government/https://indiatogether.org/books-and-films-are-not-the-only-one-censored-government/In the shrill discourse over freedom of speech, the selective publication, and even overt suppression, of actionable development data is often overlooked. Amid calls for a next-gen data revolution, Biraj Swain highlights this and other challenges that lie in its path.Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/futile-struggle-for-the-right-to-trade-laws/https://indiatogether.org/futile-struggle-for-the-right-to-trade-laws/Legislation for street vendors mandates registration of all vendors and allocation of spaces for them by the state in designated zones. Navya P K interacts with street vendors in Delhi, and finds a reality that is in stark contrast to what the law holds.Mon, 18 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/rocky-road-for-gram-swaraj-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/rocky-road-for-gram-swaraj-op-ed/The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act Amendment Committee suggested reforms in the 1993 legislation to realise the ideal of decentralisation in letter and spirit. Nandana Reddy, a core member of the committee, holds the state accountable for the manner in which it has dealt with the report and proposed amendments.Sun, 17 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/child-safety-on-the-internet-children/https://indiatogether.org/child-safety-on-the-internet-children/It’s a big, bad world out there on the social network and a recent study finds nearly 73 percent of urban children aged 8 to 13 active on such sites. Supriya Unni Nair tries to understand the role of adult influencers in keeping the children safe online.Mon, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/present-regulatory-framework-on-trade-issues-is-not-nurturing-the-idea-of-public-consultation-economy/https://indiatogether.org/present-regulatory-framework-on-trade-issues-is-not-nurturing-the-idea-of-public-consultation-economy/Shalini Bhutani takes a close look at the law and ensuing policy on trade in India, and asks whether the regulatory framework on trade issues nurtures the idea of public consultation.Thu, 07 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/the-obstacles-to-manage-conservation-and-sustainable-coastal-development-environment/https://indiatogether.org/the-obstacles-to-manage-conservation-and-sustainable-coastal-development-environment/From delayed reconstitutions of critical state and national level institutions to glaring loopholes in procedures, Meenakshi Kapoor identifies all that stands in the way of effective plans to manage conservation and sustainable coastal development.Sun, 03 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/afspa-in-arunachal-and-northeast-states-raise-questions-government/https://indiatogether.org/afspa-in-arunachal-and-northeast-states-raise-questions-government/The Centre may have rolled back its sudden unilateral decision to accord ‘disturbed area’ status to Arunachal Pradesh under the AFSPA 1958, but that does little to restore confidence and good faith between the state and the government of India. Anjuman Ara Begum analyses why.Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/net-neutrality-explained-with-reference-to-trai-airtel-flipkart-laws/https://indiatogether.org/net-neutrality-explained-with-reference-to-trai-airtel-flipkart-laws/No, net neutrality is not just about IT and activists! If you're still wondering why over two lakh people have already written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) about that, and whether you should follow suit, Supriya Unni Nair has some details for you.Tue, 14 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/ignoring-dlccs-in-environment-protection-and-coastal-zone-governance-environment/https://indiatogether.org/ignoring-dlccs-in-environment-protection-and-coastal-zone-governance-environment/Effective District Level Coastal Committees, provided for by the CRZ notification of 2011, could have been the key link in ensuring legal environmental protection for coastal regions and communities. Manju Menon, Kanchi Kohli and Meenakshi Kapoor discuss how these have been continuously disregarded.Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/amendments-to-real-estate-regulation-bill-2013-laws/https://indiatogether.org/amendments-to-real-estate-regulation-bill-2013-laws/While a list of approved amendments to the proposed law on regulation of real estate is yet to be made public, it is now clear that the Bill will apply to commercial projects as well. Here is a round-up of the recent developments, from PRS Legislative Research.Thu, 09 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/plant-variety-protection-law-and-seed-ip-costs-for-farmers-agriculture/https://indiatogether.org/plant-variety-protection-law-and-seed-ip-costs-for-farmers-agriculture/The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act 2001, based on the European seed patenting model, is increasingly proving to be more of a burden on small farmers. Shalini Bhutani explains why.Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/odisha-ngo-agragamee-help-tribal-women-wrest-rights-under-fra-and-mgnrega-women/https://indiatogether.org/odisha-ngo-agragamee-help-tribal-women-wrest-rights-under-fra-and-mgnrega-women/A meticulous initiative by an NGO in remote tribal districts of Odisha has brought women from the local communities together, enabling them to wrest their rights and entitlements under laws such as the FRA and MGNREGA. Abhijit Mohanty writes on the project.Fri, 03 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/judicial-court-delays-and-pending-cases-daksh-talk-laws/https://indiatogether.org/judicial-court-delays-and-pending-cases-daksh-talk-laws/On 18 March, at a discussion organised by Daksh India, Nick Robinson from the Harvard Law School explored in detail the phenomenon of judicial delays, sharing insights from his work in both India and the US. Pavan Kulkarni summarises the important points raised.Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/cag-audit-of-odisha-rehabilitation-for-those-affected-by-mining-and-land-acquisition-government/https://indiatogether.org/cag-audit-of-odisha-rehabilitation-for-those-affected-by-mining-and-land-acquisition-government/As Parliament debates the amended land acquisition and mining laws, Himanshu Upadhyaya draws attention to the report of an audit of Odisha’s resettlement and rehabilitation policy that clearly highlights the threats to displaced communities.Mon, 09 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT