Adani case: Centre has no objection to SC panel
Summary:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Union government have agreed to the Supreme Court constituting an expert committee to examine the existing regulatory regime and frameworks in the securities market to protect investors from share value meltdowns such as the one seen in the Adani Group. However, they have urged the court to allow them to suggest the committee's mandate and members' names in a sealed cover to protect the market from any upsets. The SEBI is already enquiring into the allegations made in the Hindenburg report to identify violations of SEBI Regulations. The market regulator stated that the events concerning the Adani Group following the Hindenburg report were localized to a single group of companies and did not warrant a system-level review of the regulatory frameworks in operation.
Top court upholds constitution of J&K delimitation panel
Summary:
The Indian Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge to the constitution of the Jammu and Kashmir Delimitation Commission, which was tasked with readjusting constituencies in the newly-created Union Territory. The court ruled that there is no illegality associated with the establishment of the commission, which was created under the Delimitation Act of 2002. The challenge was limited to a challenge of the notification issued by the Union government in March 2020 establishing the commission, and a second one in March 2021 extending its term for the purpose of conducting delimitation only for Jammu and Kashmir.
Mayoral polls: nominated members can’t vote, says SC; elections ‘after Feb. 17’
Summary:
The Supreme Court in India ruled on Monday that nominated members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi cannot vote in mayoral polls. A Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud posted the case filed by AAP’s Shelly Oberoi alleging the deliberate stalling of mayoral polls for the third time in a row, for Friday. The nominated members cannot vote in the mayoral polls, and the constitutional provision of Article 243R is very clear, Chief Justice Chandrachud addressed Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, who was appearing for the office of Delhi Lieutenant-Governor.
Constitutional oath is not a mere formality
Summary:
The article discusses how the Indian Constitution has many silent disqualifications that disqualify individuals from occupying high constitutional offices, and how the adherence to the Constitution and the oath taken by high officeholders is crucial. The article highlights several cases in which adherence to the Constitution and oath of office were called into question, and how the Supreme Court dealt with those issues. It also discusses the need to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary and the importance of transparency in judicial appointments and transfers.
‘Worried’ about pending transfers, SC says a ‘lot more’ needs to be done
Summary:
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the government's delay in clearing certain pending transfers, including the transfer of Orissa High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar to Madras, and reiterated the collegium's recommendation of senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal for appointment as a Delhi High Court judge. The court observed that although "some developments" have occurred since the last hearing on February 3, a "lot more" needs to be done. The court listed the case again for March 2.
J&K parties express varied reactions to SC verdict on J&K delimitation panel
Summary:
Several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed dissatisfaction over the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss a petition challenging the constitution of the J&K Delimitation Commission and its recent exercise. The delimitation process has been termed unconstitutional, and some parties have accused it of rigging the election in the Union Territory. The Congress wanted delimitation to be done according to settled norms, while the BJP welcomed the decision.