What are the two landmark judgements in India in the last ten years? Briefly explain about NOTA judgement in the year of 2013
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in Indian criminal law, enshrined in Article 20(3) of the Constitution. However, as an exception, preventive detention laws like the National Security Act (NSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) allow for detention without trial,Read more
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in Indian criminal law, enshrined in Article 20(3) of the Constitution. However, as an exception, preventive detention laws like the National Security Act (NSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) allow for detention without trial, effectively reversing the burden of proof.
These laws are justified on the grounds of national security and public order, as they aim to prevent individuals from engaging in activities that may threaten the state. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of preventive detention laws, provided they adhere to the procedural safeguards laid down in Article 22 of the Constitution.Laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) have also been criticized for shifting the burden of proof onto the accused. While the government argues that these laws are necessary to combat serious crimes, civil liberties advocates contend that they undermine the presumption of innocence and due process.
The increasing use of such laws raises concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights and the creation of a new norm where the exception becomes the rule. It is crucial to strike a balance between national security and individual rights, ensuring that preventive detention laws are used judiciously and in accordance with constitutional principles.
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In the last ten years, two landmark judgments in India are: Aadhaar Judgment (2018): In the Puttaswamy judgment (2018), the Supreme Court of India ruled that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. The court also held that the Aadhaar scheme, a biometricRead more
In the last ten years, two landmark judgments in India are:
Now, about the NOTA Judgment in 2013:
NOTA Judgement (2013): In 2013, the Supreme Court of India ruled in the case of People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India that a voter has the right to exercise a “None of the Above” (NOTA) option in an election. This option allows voters to choose NOTA if they are dissatisfied with all the candidates contesting an election. The court held that this option is essential for democratic governance and would help to ensure that voters are not forced to vote for a candidate they do not want.
The NOTA option was introduced by the Election Commission of India through an amendment to Rule 49(0) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, in January 2013. The option is available to all electors, except those who are voting by postal ballot or proxy.
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