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Dear Reader,
The week before last, G N Saibaba, the Delhi University professor who was incarcerated for over a decade on charges of terrorism, was acquitted by the Bombay High Court. The Court invalidated the prosecution based on the long list of procedural non-compliances in the case against the Professor.
According to Article 14, this acquittal is a triumph for the logic of rigorously hunkering down on the rule of procedure by the defendants, especially in cases where a citizen's life and liberty are on the line. It asserts that focusing and insisting on the fine points of procedure may be the ‘only protection’ that citizens have against a rampaging state which is largely unconcerned by the nuances of procedures as laid down by law.
In the battle for a woman's right to life and dignity, abortion rights are a critical component which legislation and the Courts have sought to strengthen over the years. However, The India Forum argues that in recent judgements, Indian Courts have, even if inadvertently, eroded its hitherto staunchly ‘pro-choice’ stance. The Courts have tended to defend the rights of the unborn child, overriding the autonomy of women on their own bodies.
Healthcare and education in Bihar, as frequently reported in these pages, have been way below par. And, when you are among the marginalised and the poor, the impact is even more aggravated. Mooknayak reports that the women in the Dalit community in northern Bihar are disproportionately affected by miscarriages. The reason is not far to see – abject poverty, illiteracy, ignorance of government schemes and, tragically, lack of access to basic and essential food and nutrition.
And, the stranglehold of Big Tech on the markets and citizens' lives has been a cause for concern. Many governments have moved to regulate these behemoths. Last week, the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs released the draft of the ‘Digital Competition Bill’ for public debate and consultation. The Bill seeks to prevent large digital platforms from engaging in monopolistic practices, self-preferencing, and misusing of users' data.
The penalties of the proposed laws are stringent. Corporations found to be in breach of the provisions can be fined as much as ten per cent of their global turnover; and the leadership can face imprisonment of up to three years. While this has been largely welcomed, there is a need to strike a balance between consumer interests and the regulations of big firms. MediaNama explains the provisions of the bill.
For more such stories from the grantees this week, please read on.
Warmly,
Sunil Rajshekhar
IPSMF
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