Index: Name - Kajal Vinayak Patil Roll No-6016 Year-5 Year BLS LLB Assignment - Family Law and Environmental Law
Index: Name - Kajal Vinayak Patil Roll No-6016 Year-5 Year BLS LLB Assignment - Family Law and Environmental Law
Roll No—6016
Year- 5th year BLS LLB Assignment- family law and
Environmental law
Index
Introduction :-
According to the preamble of this Act, it amends the law relating to the divorce of people professing
Christianity. It even confers upon certain courts the jurisdiction to settle these matters. This is the only
codified law regulating divorces amongst Christians.
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN -
Definition 3 of the Indian Christian Act, 1872 defines the term ‘Christian’ as “a person professing
Christian Religion”. Under the Act, Indian Christians include native converts to Christianity and under
their Christian descendants.
Christian.
According to the preamble of this Act, it amends the law relating to the divorce of people professing
Christianity. It even confers upon certain courts the jurisdiction to settle these matters.
This is the only codified law regulating divorces amongst Christians. The British had first enacted this law
before Independence and it continues to be force today.
The Act came into existence on 1 April 1869. It applies to the whole country except the state of Jammu
& Kashmir. Furthermore, it applies only to those people who profess the Christian religion. The parties
must also reside in India to apply for any remedy under the Act.
. meaning- Short title. Commencement of Act—This Act may be called the Divorce Act, and shall come
into operation on the first day of April, 1869.
2. Extent of Act—4 This Act extends to 5 [the whole of India [except the State of Jammu and Kashmir
Extent of power to grant relief generally. Nothing hereinafter contained shall authorise any Court to
grant any relief under this Act except where the petitioner [or respondent] professes the Christian
religion,
and to make decrees of dissolution—or to make decrees of dissolution of marriage except where the
parties to the marriage are domiciled in India at the time when the petition is presented,
or of nullity—or to make decrees of nullity of marriage except where the marriage has been solemnized
in India and the petitioner is resident in India at the time of presenting the petition, or to grant any relief
under this Act, other than a decree of dissolution of marriage or of nullity of marriage, except where the
petitioner resides in India at the time of presenting the petition.
Marriage dissolution
Christian marriage in India can be dissolved under the Indian Divorce Act of 1869 (under Section X)
under three conditions:
By Section X A (as amended in 2001) both parties can file for a divorce by mutual consent.
According to Section X (I), either party can file for divorce on the grounds that the other party is
of unsound mind. These grounds require two conditions:
'The relevant medical symptoms must have been noted at least two years prior to filing for divorce. If
the symptoms were treated at any point in time, but ultimately became incurable, the period of two
years will be counted from the date when the disease was certified as incurable.
A woman married under The Indian Christian Marriage Act of 1872 can seek dissolution of her marriage
under the Indian Divorce Act of 1869
The court may grant a divorce under any of the following grounds:
f) When a party has deserted the spouse for two years or more;
Apart from these grounds, the wife can present a petition of divorce on additional grounds. For
example, she can file for divorce if her husband has, after marriage, been guilty of rape, bestiality, etc.
According to Section 10, the grounds we saw above must exist for a party to file for divorce. However, it
may so happen that both parties wish to seek divorce mutually. For this purpose,
the Parliament amended this Act to insert Section 10-A.
According to Section 10-A, parties may together mutually file a petition for divorce in the District Court.
In order to do this, they must have lived separately for two years and must be unable to live together. In
case parties do not withdraw this petition between 6 to 18 months, the court may dissolve their
marriage.
Nullity of Marriage
Apart from the dissolution of marriage, the Act also contains provisions for nullity. Either the husband or
the wife may file a petition for this before the District Court. There are a few grounds for which a party
may file such a petition.
For example, the impotency or lunacy of a party at the time of marriage can be ground. One can also file
this petition if the other party was still married to his/her former spouse during the marriage.
Custody of Children
The Divorce Act contains some provisions governing custody of children in cases of dissolution or nullity
of marriage. Section 41 empowers courts to make interim orders with respect to custody. Even after
passing a final decree of separation, the court may award custody to any specific party.
Case law
According to this article, there is no need to to add any ground of divorce. "Union for life is the method
of Christian marriage and not separation". As we have already stated1, the majority of views favours at
least the introduction of equality between the sexes, in regard to divorce amongst Christians
In B.D. Cardoza v. Glady B. Cardoza,{6} where a wife obtained consent by concealing the fact that by
operation her fallopian tubes were removed and she was incapable of giving birth to a child the petition
for declaration of annulment of marriage was allowed and decree passed. Where a wife delivered a child
after 203 days of marriage and the child was not premature and the husband had neither access nor
knowledge about her pre-marriage pregnancy, was held in P. V Sabu v. Mariakutty,{7} that the husband
is entitled to a declaration of nullity of marriage on ground of fraud.
The concept of Maintenance in Muslim law was introduced to provide support to those people who are
not capable to maintain themselves. The principle of maintenance includes the basic requirement of a
person for survival and includes amenities like food, clothing, shelter, education and other necessities of
life. Many acts have been passed and laws made for the protection of women from certain atrocities
faced by them in their matrimonial life. However, the lacunas are never filled and each time there is a
lack of some regulation that tends to be unendurable for women. Laws for different religions are not the
same due to distinction in their practices and traditions. Therefore, except for the common law that
exists for all, there are personal laws of every religion by which they are governed.
Meaning
Maintenance under Muslim Law known as ‘Nafqah’ means amount spent by a man on his family to
provide for food, shelter, clothing, lodging and other essential requirements for livelihood. A muslim
husband has obligation to maintain his wife during the subsistence of marriage. A husband is require to
maintain his wife irrespective of his financial condition.
We shall discuss the aspects of maintenance in Muslim law from the viewpoint of the persons who are
eligible for maintenance. Such persons are:
1.Wife
OBLIGATION OF HUSBAND
The husband’s obligation to maintain his wife exists so long as the wife remains faithful to him & obeys
all his reasonable orders. If she does not, then he is not liable to provide maintenance to her. However,
there are exceptions to this rule i.e even if the wife does not conform as per her husband wishes she can
still claim maintenance if:
3. If the marriage cannot be consummated owing to his illness, malformation, his absence from her
without her prior permission or the husband has still not attained the age of puberty.
Under Muslim law in India, maintenance is known as ‘Nafqah’. ‘Nafqah’ is the amount that a man
spends on his family. The right to maintenance of a Muslim woman is absolute and not conditional on
whether she can maintain herself or not.
Hence all the Muslim women earning or not earning are eligible for the right to maintenance which is
contrary to most of the other religious acts where only dependent women are eligible for the
maintenance.
It is the duty and liability of the husband to provide adequate maintenance to his wife in all the
circumstances irrespective of his financial condition. However, a Muslim woman cannot claim
maintenance from her husband in the following cases:
She has abandoned her husband and marital duties with sufficient reason.
The quantum of maintenance is not prescribed under any personal law. The court decides the quantum
on the basis of the financial condition of husband and wife and any other circumstances relevant to the
case. The Shia Law decides the quantum of maintenance by taking into consideration the requirements
of the wife. The Shafei Law determines the quantum of maintenance by the post of the husband. Thus,
the basis of determination of quantum of maintenance is different for different sub-castes of Muslims.
A Muslim marriage is construed as a contract, an agreement that is made between the parties to the
marriage (nikah) which prescribes the rights & duties of both husband and wife. In this agreement, the
wife can stipulate some conditions for husband and in case of breach of such conditions; she has a right
to live separately and is also eligible to receive maintenance.
The quantum of the maintenance and the terms are to be agreed and settled at the time of marriage
itself. The wife can stipulate the contract of the marriage in case the husband ill-treats her/ or takes a
second wife or keeps a concubine.
In such a case, she has the right to live separately from her husband and she is also eligible to claim
maintenance against the husband. However, it has to be noted that the husband’s liability is limited
only till the iddat period and the wife can claim maintenance only during the period of iddat and not
beyond that.
In terms of Section (3) (a) of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, a Muslim
husband is liable to make reasonable and fair provision for the future of the divorced wife.
This includes her maintenance as well. Accordingly, the husband has to make a fair and reasonable
provision for the maintenance of the wife beyond the iddat period as per the terms of Section 3 (1) (a)
of the Act.
A divorced Muslim woman who has not remarried and who is not able to maintain herself after iddat
period can claim maintenance under Section 4 of this act from her relatives who are entitled to her
property after her death. This has provided additional rights to Muslim women.
Muslim Father is under the obligation to maintain his legitimate child until he attains the puberty age.
Under Muslim Law, the father has to maintain his son only until he attains majority.
While he has to maintain his daughter until her marriage and till the time she goes to her husband’s
home. Under the law, the father is not under a duty to maintain the illegitimate child.
Thus after perusing the above-mentioned facts, it can be easily concluded that the maintenance
provisions of Muslim Law are different from other personal laws and are very unique.
CASES
This is a landmark case in which the Supreme Court in their delivered judgment stated that ‘ A woman
has a right to claim maintenance under Section 125 CrPC as the code is a criminal law and not a civil
law’. According to SC, there was no conflict between Section 125Cr. P.C and the Muslim personal law as
this section is a part of criminal procedure code and applies to all not restricted to a particular caste,
creed, or religion even if its nature is criminal and nature of Muslim personal law is civil.
The court in this case said that the Muslim husband’s liability under this act is not limited to the Iddat
period. He is supposed to make arrangements within this period of iddat for his wife’s maintenance.
So the maintenance would also account for after the iddat period but the husband must arrange it
before the end of the iddat period. Also, the court held the Muslim women (protection of rights on
divorce) act 1986 as constitutional.
twari v. Ashgari
In this case, the Allahabad High Court held that if the husband has married a second wife, the first wife
can live separately and claim maintenance against him.
Conclusion
Thus, from the above article, it can be stated that the maintenance provisions of Muslim Law are
different from other personal laws. The provisions for maintenance of child are not a matter of concern
as they are provided adequate maintenance under the law but the position of the wife is poor as
compared to other laws. Though the legislature has enacted an act, it has not created much difference
in the condition of the wives. The proper efforts and contribution of legislature and judiciary is required
to improve the position of wife under Muslim Law
Environment law. (kajal patil)
Index
Q.1.Air Pollution ACT 1981
Introduction-
Short title, extent and commencement—
Definitions
What is an ‘air pollutant’ and what is ‘air pollution’?
What Boards are set up under this Act?
Constitution of the Boards
Penalties and procedures under this Act
Procedures
Case law
Conclusion
Q.2.Noise pollution
Introduction-
Meaning-
Human Diseases Caused by Noise Pollution
Effects of Noise Pollution on Wildlife and Marine Life
Social and Economic Costs of Noise Pollution
Laws
Procedure under the Act
Analyses of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
Conclusion
Q.1.Air Pollution ACT 1981
Introduction-
An Act to provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution, for the establishment, with
a view to carrying out the aforesaid purposes, of Boards, for conferring on and assigning to such Boards
powers and functions relating thereto and for matters connected therewith.
(1) This Act may be called the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
(3) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, appoint
Definitions
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) “air pollutant” means any solid, liquid or gaseous
substance 2 [(including noise)] present in the atmosphere in such concentration as may be or tend to be
injurious to human beings or other living creatures or plants or property or environment;
(b) “air pollution” means the presence in the atmosphere of any air pollutant.
(c) “approved appliance” means any equipment or gadget used for the bringing of any combustible
material or for generating or consuming any fume, gas of particulate matter and approved by the State
Board for the purposes of this Act.
Section 2(a) defines ‘air pollutant’ as any solid, liquid or gaseous substance that may be harming or
injuring the environment, humans, other living creatures, plants or even property. Through a 1987
Amendment, the noise was also included in the list of substances that are deemed to be harmful to the
environment. Therefore, this Act also provides for the regulation of noise pollution.
Section 2(b) defines ‘air pollution’ as the presence of any air pollutant in the atmosphere.
Section 2(g) defines ‘Central Board’ as being the same as the ‘Central Pollution Control Board’ which has
been constituted under Section 3 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, which
stipulates that this Board shall be set up by the Central Government of India, for the purposes of the Act.
This Board’s powers extend to the whole of India.
Section 6 states that in the case of Union Territories, the Central Board shall exercise the powers of a
State Board under that Act, or it may even delegate these powers or functions to any person or body of
persons.
Section 2(o) defines ‘ State Board’ as a Board set up in those states where the Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is in effect and where the State Governments have decided to set up
these Boards. This Act also applies to States where the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
1974 is not in effect. ‘State Board’ is the same as the ’State Pollution Control Board’.
Therefore, we observe that while the Water ( Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 in the first
instance, applies to only those States in which it has been given effect but the Air ( Prevention and
Control of Air Pollution) Act 1981 applies to the whole of India in the first instance.
Section 3 and Section 4 of this Act state that the appropriate powers and functions shall be given to the
Central Board and the State Boards respectively, and they shall exercise these powers and not go
outside the ambit of these powers.
The main function of the Central Board shall be to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or
abate air pollution in the country.
It may:
Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air;
Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air
pollution.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to the state boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and
research relating to problems of air pollution.
Organize through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention, control or
abatement of air pollution.
The Central Board may establish or recognize a laboratory to enable the Central Board to perform its
functions under this section efficiently.
To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention of air pollution;
To inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think necessary, assess the quality of air
therein and take steps for the prevention of air pollution in such areas;
To inspect, at all reasonable times, any control equipment, industrial plant or manufacturing process,
and to give by order such directions to such person as it may consider necessary to take steps for
prevention of air pollution.
Penalties
Under Section 37, whoever fails to comply with the provisions of Section 21, 22 and the directions issued
under Section 31A, can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of one year and six months. This
sentence can be extended to six years and with fine, if the requisite compliances under the aforesaid
sections are still not carried out, with an additional fine of five thousand rupees every day.
Under Section 38, penalties for certain acts are laid down. These acts are-
Destroying, defacing, removing etc any pillar, post, stake or notice fixed in the ground under the
authority of the Board.
Obstruction of any person acting under orders of the Board from exercising his powers and functions
under the Act.
Failure to furnish information to an officer or any employee of the Board, which is required by such
officer or employee.
Failure to inform about the excess release of emissions than the standard set by the State Board. Even
an apprehension of the release of excess emissions should be informed to the State Board.
Giving false information to the Board, for getting permission under Section 21 i.e. permission for setting
up industrial plants.
Procedures
Sections 42 to 46 cover procedures. Section 42 states that no suit, prosecution or another legal
proceeding shall lie against the government, any officer of the government or any member, employee or
officer of the Board, where the actions are done by such body or persons are done or intended to be
done in good faith in pursuance of this Act.
Section 43 states that the Court shall take cognizance of only those offences where the complaint is
made by-
Any person who has given notice of not less than sixty days,of the alleged offence and his intention to
make a complaint to the Board or an officer authorised by it.
No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate of First Class shall try any
offence punishable under this Act.
Case law
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India 1991 SCR (1) 866 (Vehicular Pollution Case)
In this case, a writ petition was filed by M.C. Mehta regarding air pollution caused due to vehicular
emissions. He prayed for the Court to pass appropriate orders to prevent pollution.
The Court held that environmental protection is the responsibility of the State as enshrined in the
Directive Principles of State Policy and Articles 48A and 51A of the Constitution. The Supreme Court
observed that the right to a healthy environment was a basic human right and this included the right to
clean air, covered under the ambit of Article 21 of the Constitution. In this way, the Court expanded the
scope of Article 21 to include the right to a healthy environment and clean air under the fundamental
rights.
This paved the way for the introduction of lead-free petrol supply in Delhi and paved the way for the
introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG). The Court also assisted in setting up a committee that
was not just aimed at litigation but also finding long term solutions to the air pollution problem in Delhi.
Conclusion
It is observed that the legislation to deal with air pollution is pretty strict and well formulated. It
encompasses the scientific aspects of managing air pollution with the actions of State and Central
bodies. The Pollution Control Boards are bestowed with a wide range of powers and functions to check
emission limits and take appropriate action. However, enforcement still remains lax.
Q.2.Noise pollution
Introduction-
It is the loud noises which are fashioned by human activities that disturb the standard of living in the
affected area. It can shoot from things such as railroads, traffic, loud music, concerts, aeroplanes
fireworks etc. This can even result in permanent or temporary loss of hearing as well as disturbances to
wildlife. Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution, is the propagation of
noise with ranging impacts on the activity of human or animal life, most of them harmful to a degree.
The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport, and propagation
systems.
Meaning-
Noise pollution is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated sound levels that may lead to
adverse effects in humans or other living organisms. ... construction sounds like drilling or other heavy
machinery in operation. airports, with constant elevated sounds from air traffic, i.e. planes taking off or
landing.
Whether we realize we are subjected to it or not, noise pollution can be hazardous to our health in
various ways.
Hypertension is, in this case, a direct result of noise pollution caused elevated blood levels for a longer
period of time.
Hearing loss can be directly caused by noise pollution, whether listening to loud music in your
headphones or being exposed to loud drilling noises at work, heavy air or land traffic, or separate
incidents in which noise levels reach dangerous intervals, such as around140 dB for adult or 120 dB for
children.
Sleep disturbances are usually caused by constant air or land traffic at night, and they are a serious
condition in that they can affect everyday performance and lead to serious diseases.
Child development. Children appear to be more sensitive to noise pollution, and a number of noise-
pollution-related diseases and dysfunctions are known to affect children, from hearing impairment to
psychological and physical effects. Also, children who regularly use music players at high volumes are at
risk of developing hearing dysfunctions. In 2001, it was estimated that 12.5% of American children
between the ages of 6 to 19 years had impaired hearing in one or both ears
Psychological dysfunctions and noise annoyance. Noise annoyance is, in fact, a recognized name for an
emotional reaction that can have an immediate impact.
Our oceans are no longer quiet. Thousands of oil drills, sonars, seismic survey devices, coastal
recreational watercraft and shipping vessels are now populating our waters, and that is a serious cause
of noise pollution for marine life. Whales are among the most affected, as their hearing helps them
orient themselves, feed and communicate. Noise pollution thus interferes with cetaceans’ (whales and
dolphins) feeding habits, reproductive patterns and migration routes, and can even cause hemorrhage
and death.
Other than marine life, land animals are also affected by noise pollution in the form of traffic,
firecrackers etc., and birds are especially affected by the increased air traffic.
The World Health Organization estimates that one out of three people in Europe is harmed by traffic
noise. More than the purely medical effects of noise pollution on the individual, there is a significant
social and economic impact. Since noise pollution leads to sleep disturbance, it affects the individual’s
work performance during the day, it leads to hypertension and cardiovascular disease and costs the
health system additional time and money, and it negatively affects school performance in children.
Laws
Earlier, noise pollution and its sources were addressed under the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981.
They are now, however, regulated separately under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules,
2000.
Additionally, noise standards for motor vehicles, air-conditioners, refrigerators, diesel generators and
certain types of construction equipment are prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
Noise emanating from industry is regulated by State Pollution Control Boards / Pollution Control
Committees (SPCBs / PCCs) for states / Union territories under the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981.
Under these Rules the loudspeakers or public address system shall not be used except after obtaining
written permission from the competent authority or a loudspeaker or public address system shall not be
used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication within,
e.g., auditorium, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls.
Under these Rules, whoever, in any place covered under the silence zone area commits any offence
relating to noise pollution shall be liable for penalty under the provisions of the Act or the competent
authority shall take action against the violator in accordance with the provisions of these Rules and any
other law in force.
Thus, these are the various provisions provided under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000. But these Rules are inadequate to cover the whole area for controlling noise pollution.
Recently, the Supreme Court gave directions to an amicus curiae to give suggestions to implement the
noise standards with regard to fire crackers. In response to the court’s earlier order issued in 1998,
inability has been shown about implementing noise standards prescribed under the Rules of 2000
because of lack of manpower as well as equipment and infrastructure for enforcing the noise pollution.
The Central Pollution Control Board suggested that power to issue licences for manufacture and sale of
fire crackers should be vested in State Government.
The critical examination of the Act and experience during past years has proved that the Act is
inadequate and insufficient for controlling the noise pollution. The various drawbacks of the Act are as
follows:
Present Rules under the Act does not cover the whole area for controlling of noise pollution. It only
covers the noise of loudspeakers and amplifiers within the area of its operation. The noise of aircrafts,
trains, domestic animals, transport, industry and commercial establishments has not been covered by
the Rules.
The punishment provided under the Rules is not adequate and deterrent as compared to effect of noise
on the health and environment. Because of providing less punishment the Act becomes inadequate. No
time? limit is prescribed in the Rules for trial under the Act. The delay in the decision frustrates the
object of the Act.
There are no provisions made under the Rules for public awareness, public participation or public
coordination for controlling the noise pollution.
There is wide gap between the Act in theory and its implementation in practice.
Under Rule 4(2) of the Act authority is responsible for the enforcement of noise pollution control
measures. But the role of the authority to control the noise pollution is inactive.
There is no provision for coordination between the different departments of Government in the Rules
for controlling noise pollution. For example in the same areas, the Planning Department of the city
sanctions the plans for construction of residential houses and on the other hand, the Industrial
Department grants the licences for factories. As a result the inhabitants are facing lot of difficulties in
such areas due to industrial pollution. Therefore, the coordination among various departments of the
Government must be ensured under these Rules.
There are no provisions for permanent restrictions on noise producing areas for controlling of noise
pollution.
Conclusion
The study reveals that the law, pertaining to noise control is inadequate to curb the problem of noise
pollution. The constitutional provisions and various legislative enactments are insufficient for controlling
the noise pollution. We find that the remedies available in Law of Torts and Law of Crimes are
inadequate to control the noise pollution. It is very difficult to place restrictions on noise produced by
railway engines and aeroplanes. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is inadequate to curb the
problem of noise pollution.
Constitutional law
Law of crimes
introduction
Parliament is the pivotal institution of our representative parliamentary democratic polity. Its role in
navigating India's voyage in the post-independence period of momentous developments stands in
comparison with the best of legislatures anywhere in the world. We can take legitimate pride and
comfort from the impressive record of the uninterrupted continuity of our parliamentary institutions for
over half a century. However, like all living institutions, Parliament needs to keep under constant review
its structural-functional requirements as also the entire gamut of its operational procedures. Also, it has
to be remembered that in parliamentary democracy just as Government is responsible to Parliament,
Parliament is also responsible to the people who are the supreme sovereign.
Article 105 and Article 194 grant privileges or advantages to the members of the parliament so that they
can perform their duties or can function properly without any hindrances. Such privileges are granted as
they are needed for democratic functioning. These powers, privileges and immunities should be defined
by the law from time-to-time. These privileges are considered as special provisions and have an
overriding effect in conflict.
The most important function of the Parliament and the State legislatures is to represent the people. It is,
however, important to remember that in parliamentary polity the legislature has also to provide from
within itself a representative, responsible and responsive government to the people. One way to judge
whether the system is working well or not is to see whether it has brought into being governments that
last their terms and succeed in providing good governance to the community. The overriding objective
has to be to make both government and parliament relevant to meet today's challenges which bear little
comparison to those faced by our society in the middle decades of the twentieth century. The
fundamental challenges are economic and technological. Parliament has a decisive role in refashioning
the national economy, keeping in the forefront the ideals of a self-reliant economy that serves the real
needs and aspirations of our vast masses. Parliament can play this historic role only if it consciously
reforms its procedures and prioritizes its work.
Powers
The Parliament has the power, which is given by the Constitution of India, to make its own rules but this
power is subjected to the provisions of the Constitution. Though it can make its own rules, the rules
should not be made for its own benefit. If they make any rule which infringes any provision of the
Constitution then it would be held as void.
1.Internal independence/autonomy
For the effective working of both the houses of parliament and their members, internal independence
should exist without the interference of any outside party or person. The houses can deal with their
respective issues internally without any interference of the statutory authority.
The Indian Judiciary might not interfere with the proceedings or issues dealt in the parliament or by the
members in the course of their business. Nevertheless, it may interfere in the proceedings if it is found
to be illegal or unconstitutional.
The member of parliament cannot be arrested 40 days before and 40 days after the session of the
house. If in any case a member of Parliament is arrested within this period, the concerned person should
be released in order to attend the session freely.
3.Right to exclude strangers from its proceedings and hold secret sessions
The object of including this right was to exclude any chances of daunting or threatening any of the
members. The strangers may attempt to interrupt the sessions.
The right has been granted to remove or delete any part of the proceedings took place in the house.
The House has the right to regulate its own internal proceedings and also has the right to call for the
session of the Legislative assembly. But it does not have any authority in interrupting the proceedings by
directing the speaker of the assembly.
This right has been given to every house of the Parliament. If any of its members or maybe non-
members commit contempt or breach any of the privileges given to him/her, the houses may punish the
person.
The houses have the right to punish any person for any contempt made against the houses in the
present or in the past.
This is defined under Article 105(1) and clause (2). It gives the members of parliament freedom of
speech under clause (1) and provides under Article 105(2) that no member of parliament will be liable
in any proceedings before any Court for anything said or any vote given by him in the Parliament or any
committee thereof. Also, no person will be held liable for any publication of any report, paper, votes or
proceedings if the publication is made by the parliament or any authority under it.
The same provisions are stated under Article 194, in that members of the legislature of a state is
referred instead of members of parliament.
Both the Articles, Article 19(1)(a) and Article 105 of the Constitution talks about freedom of speech.
Article 105 applies to the members of parliament not subjected to any reasonable restriction.
Article19(1)(a) applies to citizens but are subject to reasonable restrictions.
Article 105 is an absolute privilege given to the members of the parliament but this privilege can be used
in the premises of the parliament and not outside the parliament.
If any statement or anything is published outside the parliament by any member and if that is
reasonably restricted under freedom of speech then that published article or statement will be
considered as defamatory.
Privileges and fundamental rights
Part III of the Constitution contains fundamental rights wherein Article 19(1)(a) grants freedom of
speech to the citizens. It is subjected to reasonable restrictions. These restrictions are:-
Where on the other hand the members of parliament have been granted powers, privileges etc. their
powers or privileges are absolute unlike fundamental rights for the citizens.
The Parliament enjoys mostly all the supreme powers while making laws and exercise its power to the
best possible extent because of the absolute nature of its powers and privileges.
The powers of the legislators are too wide such as they decide their own privileges, include points which
can breach the laid down privileges, and also decide the punishment for that breach.
Article 105(3) and Article 194(3) states that the parliament should from time to time define the laws or
pass the laws on the powers, privileges and immunities of the members of the parliament and members
of the legislative assembly.
The main purpose of Legislature is to make laws, pass a bill etc. To understand the working of
Legislature or Legislative Procedure let us first discuss the term “Bill”. By Bill, we mean a draft of the
legislative proposal. This bill after getting assent from both the Houses of Legislature becomes an Act
after getting assent from the Governor. Article 196 of the Indian Constitution tells us about the
provisions of the introduction and passing of the Bill. Except for the Money Bill and the Financial Bill
( procedure of passage of these bills are given in Article 198 and 207), the other bills can be introduced
in either Houses of the legislature. Any bill is said to be passed only when it got assent from both the
Houses of the legislature. Here both the Houses should agree on the amendment made to the bill. A bill
would not lapse when it is pending in the House and there is the prorogation of that House. A bill
pending in the Legislative Council of any state which is not passed by the Legislative Assembly shall not
lapse even on the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. Also, there is a condition mentioned in Article
196 which states that if there is a bill pending in the assembly and at that time the assembly dissolute,
then the bill will also lapse ultimately. The bill will also lapse if it is passed by the assembly and is
pending by the Council.
Case Law
Gunupati Keshavram Reddy v. Nafisul Hasan and the State of U.P AIR 1952
The facts of the case:- The U.P. Legislative Assembly issued a warrant against the Home Minister who
was arrested from his residence in Bombay on the ground of contempt of the house. The Home Minister
under Article 32 applied a writ of Habeas Corpus on the ground that his detention under Article
22(2) violates his fundamental right.
The Supreme Court accepted the arguments and ordered his release according to Article 22(2). He was
not presented before the magistrate within 24hrs of his arrest or detention. Not presenting him before
the magistrate resulted in the violation of his fundamental right under Article 22(2). In this case, it was
opined that Article 105 and Article 194 cannot supersede the fundamental rights.
Conclusion
After analysing Article 105 and 194, one can clearly infer their absoluteness. These special provisions are
granted to the Parliament for its effective functioning. These articles also impose duties upon them to
make effective laws which do not harm the rights of others. The parliament or the Legislative Assembly
though can exercise their powers, privileges and immunities, cannot act as an ordinary Court of justice.
Introduction
Cabinet or parliamentary form of government is that in which; Legislature and executive are closely
related and share powers with each other. Cabinet is formed by the parliament and parliament is the
superior organ. There are two executives i.e. the elected president or king and the Prime Minister.
Definition
1. a government in which the real executive power rests with a cabinet of ministers who are individually
and collectively responsible to the legislature
2.A Parliamentary government is also known as the cabinet form of government because the cabinet is
the real executive in it. It is also called responsible government, since the cabinet always remains
responsible to the legislature for its activities.The Prime Minister is the head of the government.
Formation of Cabinet
When general election is over and prime minister is elected, then prime minister nominates his council
of ministers or cabinet. This responsibility of the prime minister is of prime significance. The list of
ministers is presented before head of state for his approval. They are commonly taken from the party's
ring leadership. Well experienced, alert and learned members are given preference because of the
sensitive nature of parliamentary System.
Origins
The cabinet system of government originated in Great Britain. The cabinet developed from the Privy
Council in the 17th and early 18th centuries when that body grew too large to debate affairs of state
effectively. The English monarchs Charles II (reigned 1660–85) and Anne (1702–14) began regularly
consulting leading members of the Privy Council in order to reach decisions before meeting with the
more unwieldy full council. By the reign of Anne, the weekly, and sometimes daily, meetings of this
select committee of leading ministers had become the accepted machinery of executive government,
and the Privy Council’s power was in inexorable decline. After George I (1714–27), who spoke little
English, ceased to attend meetings with the committee in 1717, the decision-making process within that
body, or cabinet, as it was now known, gradually became centred on a chief, or prime, minister. This
office began to emerge during the long chief ministry (1721–42) of Sir Robert Walpole and was
definitively established by Sir William Pitt later in the century.
Cabinet Office supports central government decision making processes in the following primary ways:-
providing impartial Secretariat services to the Executive Council, Cabinet and Cabinet committees
providing advice to the Governor-General, Prime Minister and other ministers on certain constitutional,
policy and procedural issues (especially those contained in the Cabinet Manual)
Cabinet Office is headed by the Secretary of the Cabinet, who is also Clerk of the Executive Council. The
two positions have distinct roles and responsibilities but are closely related in their functions of
providing impartial support to the Government. The role of Secretary of the Cabinet is primarily to
provide support to Cabinet and its committees. The role of Clerk of the Executive Council is to provide
support to the Governor-General and Executive Council.
Cabinet Manual
The Cabinet Manual is an authoritative guide to central government decision making for Ministers, their
offices, and those working within government. It is also a primary source of information on New
Zealand's constitutional arrangements, as seen through the lens of the executive branch of government.
The Cabinet Manual guides Cabinet's procedure, and is endorsed at the first Cabinet meeting of a new
government, to provide for the orderly re-commencement of the business of government.
A speech by the Secretary to the Cabinet provides a history of the New Zealand Cabinet Manual, its
purpose, the process of reviewing it, and the provisions of the Cabinet Manual that are particulary
relevant in the context of general elections and the formation of governments.
Change of government
When the Government changes, the Secretary of the Cabinet assists the incoming Prime Minister to
establish the processes of the new Government. The Secretary also advises an incoming Prime Minister,
as required, on the structure and organisation of Cabinet and its committees and the allocation of
Ministerial portfolios.
1. Theories of punishment
Introduction
Punishment. A term which is inherent to criminal justice. It is only because of the term punishment, that
certain acts are classified as ‘crimes’. Down the lane of the history of the society, we have seen that
without punishments, it would have sometimes been impossible to tame the barbaric, as well as
primitive tendencies of the public. It was the weapon named ‘punishment’, that the rulers used against
their subjects in order to maintain a fear in the minds of the public regarding the capacities and powers
of their rulers. Punishments sometimes were also given as an insult to someone else. However, the most
common punishment from which all of us are familiar is the scolding or mild beating that we get from
our parents. In that case, what are the theories of punishment actually in case of serious crimes? How
did they develop? What are the pros and cons of the various ways of punishing people? Do the Hindu
scriptures too depict any form of the punishments mentioned hereinafter? Through this paper, we will
try to answer all such questions and understand how far are the various Theories of Punishment
applicable in the present era. The theories of punishment are as follows:
What is Punishment?
Crime is against society. Police aids in preventing the crime by arresting the criminals and forwarding
them to court, where they are punished according to the law. The result of crime is punishment. The
main aim of punishment is to reform the criminals and convert them into good Samaritans (a person
who voluntarily offers help or sympathy in times of trouble) and law-abiding citizens. According to
research, there are several theories of punishment. Let us see the essential ones.
The word ‘deter’ means to prevent. Here, deterrent theory refers to refrain from doing a particular act.
The main goal behind using this theory is to restrain criminals from committing a crime. In such theories,
punishments awarded are severe in nature which creates a fear not only in the criminal’s mind but also
in the mind of others. This theory is still prevalent in some Islamic countries.
In other words: The object of this theory is not only to prevent the wrongdoer from doing a wrong
subsequently but also to make him an example for society and other people who have criminal
tendencies.
Locke is the supporter of the deterrent theory and said that “every commissioner of crime should be
made a ‘bad bargain’ for the offenders.”
Punishment fails to create fear in the mind of criminals once the punishment is over.
This type of punishment fails to create fear in the mind of hardened criminals.
Example of the deterrent theory of punishment: Post Nirbhaya judgment, still rape cases are on the rise.
There was a belief that if the offender is subjected to the same torture as he had done to the victim,
then it makes the offender realise what he has done.
In other words: This theory proposes tit for tat, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. The punishment has to
be proportional to the crime committed. The believers of this theory say that criminals must suffer pain.
Retributive theory is the most ancient theory of justice.
Example of the retributive theory of punishment: Rape in return for rape may not be a punishment for
the offender.
The main aim of this theory is to prevent crime. When the criminals are kept in jails, they are kept out of
society. The object of this theory is to prevent or disable the offenders from repeating the offence by
giving them punishment. A supporter of preventive theory is Paton.
Fails to fulfil the aim of juvenile offenders and offenders who have committed the offence for the first
time.
Case Law: Dr Jacob vs the State of Kerala: The apex court stated that punishment should be deterrent,
retributive, preventive, expiatory, compensatory, incapacitation and utilitarian theory. Preference for
one theory over the other is not a good policy to award punishment.
This theory focuses on reforming the criminals and bringing the criminals back to society as good and
law-abiding citizens. This is based on the Gandhian principle: Hate the sin, not the sinner.
This theory was successful to some extent in the case of juveniles. Some work or craftsmanship is
imposed on the offender during his period of confinement with the aim that he will start
a new life after his punishment is over.
Example of the reformative theory of punishment: Ankit, a prisoner, has learned pottery during his stay
in jail. After his release from jail, he started a pottery business, earned his livelihood and lived happily.
If this theory is applied to criminals, the prison will no more remain as a prison rather become a dwelling
house.
This theory fails to meet its objective on criminals who are habitual offenders.
If a good citizen is punished for what he has not done, this theory may have adverse effects.
The theorists of this theory say that the object of the punishment is self-realization. If the offender, after
committing an offence, realizes his guilt, then he must be forgiven.
In other words: This theory relies on compensation to the victim for the loss caused by the accused. In
this way, the offenders are made to realise the same sufferings they have caused to the victim.
Example of the expiatory or compensatory theory of punishment: Sukant, who injured Bikash,
undergoes imprisonment where he was made to work and sell his outcomes. The money earned is
provided to Bikash to compensate for his treatment.
Too idealistic
Case Laws:
1. DK Vasu vs State of West Bengal: A victim who is guaranteed fundamental rights of the Constitution
must be compensated as he is guaranteed the right to personal life and liberty under Article 21 by the
Constitution, which was violated by the officer of the State.
2. State of Gujarat vs High Court of Gujarat: The court has raised serious concerns where the victim is
paid from the daily wages that are earned by the criminal during his confinement and demanded
comprehensive legislation for the same.
Example of the incapacitation theory of punishment: Capital punishments and life imprisonment.
According to a report by Chicago University, such a theory succeeded in eliminating twenty per cent of
the crime.
This theory applies discouraging methods on criminals to prevent crimes such as crippling or
disablement etc. This theory provides both affirmative and negative results. Such punishments are
considered to be very harsh in nature.
Example of the utilitarian theory of punishment: Death penalty for murder convict.
Conclusion
The very purpose of awarding punishment is to avoid crime in society. The root cause of crime must be
found and addressed to reduce the crime in society, with some of the root causes being unemployment,
education etc.
Some heinous crimes like rape, murder etc., where punishment cannot fulfil the damage caused, in such
cases, the victims must be awarded compensation with fair and speedy justice. The court should think
from every aspect while awarding punishment because a hundred accused may go off, but an innocent
should not be punished.
Introduction
The idea of the Reformative Theory is hypothesis. As per this hypothesis, the object of discipline ought
to be the change of the crook, through the strategy for individualization. It depends on the humanistic
rule that regardless of whether a wrongdoer perpetrates a wrongdoing, he doesn’t stop to be a
person. In this way, an exertion ought to be made to change him/her during the time of his/her
detainment. For example, he may have executed bad behaviour under conditions which may never
happen again. Hence an effort should be made to transform him during the hour of his confinement.
The object of order should be to accomplish the moral difference in the liable party. He ought to be told
and perform some craftsmanship or industry during the hour of his confinement with the objective that
he may have the alternative to start his life again after his conveyance from jail.
History of the Theory:
The human development has consistently been administered under the standard of an incomparable
force. The job and type of pre-eminent force has changed throughout a long term. Beginning from the
primitive type of Government to the present just, republican and different types of Governments, the
obligation of the incomparable authority has changed a lot. The idea of discipline has additionally
changed like the idea of State duty throughout the long term. The idea of discipline relied upon the
premise of religion and the organization of the Kings. During old occasions, the idea of discipline was
retributive premise, where the hoodlums were given uncouth type of discipline. Afterward, over the
entry of ages, the significance of common liberties expanded which in essence cleared path for the
replacement of Retributive hypothesis by Reformatory and Rehabilitative hypotheses. Under the
Reformative and Rehabilitative hypotheses, the blamed are given such structures for discipline which
would change them and keep them from perpetrating such wrongdoings.
The theory of punishment being followed in India with the goal to change the crooks as opposed to
rebuffing them isn’t that compelling in avoidance of the event of violations in India. The essential idea of
law isn’t to be static, but to be dynamic in nature. At exactly that point the law will have the option to be
successful in all fields of the general public.
The reason for this hypothesis of discipline is to make the criminal languish over his bad behaviour. Here
the motivation behind the discipline is profoundly customized and rotates around the mental outlet of
the person in question or his family. The primary reason might be accomplished to parole and
probation, which have been acknowledged as current procedures of improving the guilty parties all
around the globe. Consequently, the backers of this hypothesis legitimize imprisonment not exclusively
to separate hoodlums and kill them from society. Not many of the advanced reformative procedures of
discipline are essentially concocted for the treatment of guilty parties as per their mental attributes, for
example, probation, parole, uncertain sentence, exhortation and pardon. The reformative techniques
have demonstrated to be valuable in the event of adolescent misconduct, first wrongdoers and ladies.
Sex cases additionally appear to react well to the reformative strategy for discipline. All the more as of
late, the reformative hypothesis is in effect widely utilized as a technique for treatment of intellectually
denied wrongdoers.
Criticism:
Reformative theory anticipates better framework and offices in jail, legitimate co-appointment between
various control and diligent exertion on their part to shape criminals. It requires gigantic ventures which
poor nation can’t bear the cost of.
A great many guiltless individuals who have high respects for law are finding hard to get fundamental
courtesies hypothesizes moral avocation for giving better offices inside jail.
Also, the soundness of the hypothesis is more towards motivators for the commission of wrongdoing
instead of counteraction.
Transformation can work out on those individuals who can be improved, there are individuals who can’t
be changed like bad-to-the-bone lawbreaker, profoundly instructed and proficient hoodlums.
This theory disregards possible wrongdoers and people who have submitted wrongdoing however not
inside the arms of law. Further, it ignores the cases of survivors of violations.
Degenerate social ecological is liable for wrongdoing yet not person duty, is the way of thinking of
reformative which is difficult to process. In any case, it is out of line to excuse the honourable idea of
reconstruction as a complete disappointment. All know about the occasions where untalented,
uninformed and evidently hopeless lawbreakers have created aptitudes in jail, which have changed
them into profoundly valuable people.
Justice Krishna lyer opens his judgment in Rakesh Kaushik Vs Superintendent, Central Jail (1980 Supp.
S.C.C. 183) with the following poignant question : "Is a prison term in Tihar Jail a post-graduate course in
crime ?" In Sunil Batra (II) V. Delhi Administration (1980 3 S.C.C. 488), The judgment deals at length
with the shocking conditions prevailing in Indian prisons and suggests a series of prison reforms.
Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 has been passed to reforms the JUVENILE OFFENDER. About this Act,
the Supreme Court observed in Rattan Lal v. State of Punjab that the Act is a milestone in the progress of
the modern liberal trend of reform in the field of penology. It is the result of the recognition of the
doctrine that the object of criminal law is more to reform the individual offender than to punish him. In
Musa Khan v. State of Maharashtra, The Supreme Court observed that this Act is a piece of social
legislation which is meant to reform juvenile offenders with a view to prevent them from becoming
criminals by providing an educative and reformative treatment to them by the Government.
CONCLUSION
Crime & conflict result in harm to people, Restorative Justice seeks to heal & right the wrongs, focusing
on the needs of the harmed & those responsible for the harm. It encourages accountability, healing &
closure for all.The reformative theory is also known as rehabilitative sentencing. The purpose of
punishment is to:-
“Reform the offender as a person, so that he may become a normal law-abiding member of the
community once again. Here the emphasis is placed not on the crime itself, the harm caused or the
deterrence effect which punishment may have, but on the person and the personality of the offender.”