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This long article is written by Pratik Prakash Jaiswal from, G. H. Raisoni Law College, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University,Maharashtra, India

Abstract

This article examines the evolution and contemporary relevance of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India through the analytical frame of sociological jurisprudence, with a specific focus on privacy and protection laws in the digital age. It traces doctrinal and practical developments from the procedural innovations that democratised access to courts, to landmark constitutional rulings that enshrined privacy, dignity and equality as enforceable rights. By analysing prominent PILs and constitutional judgments, including Hussainara Khatoon, Bandhua Mukti Morcha, Olga Tellis, Vishaka, NALSA, K.S. Puttaswamy, the Aadhaar litigation and Navtej Singh Johar, the paper demonstrates how courts have used purposive interpretation, continuing mandamus and proportionality tests to secure substantive protections for marginalised groups. The study then turns to emerging challenges: algorithmic decision-making, mass surveillance, cyber insecurity, and innovations in financial technology such as cryptocurrencies, all of which raise complex questions about informational autonomy, transparency, accountability and distributive fairness. Methodologically, the paper synthesises doctrinal analysis with socio-legal evidence and technical audits filed in PILs to assess real-world impact. Drawing on comparative perspectives and contemporary regulatory debates, the article proposes a pragmatic framework for deploying PILs in the digital era: clearer proportionality standards, institutional collaboration with regulators and technical experts, targeted and measurable remedies, and robust monitoring mechanisms. While PILs cannot substitute for comprehensive legislative frameworks, they catalyse rights protection, prompt regulatory action and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind. The conclusion emphasises that a renewed sociological jurisprudence, one that honors constitutional commitments to social justice while embracing technical expertise and democratic processes, can help preserve meaningful fundamental rights amid rapid technological change. Finally, the paper stresses that judicial success depends on sustained civic engagement, institutional accountability and continuous evaluation of technological systems for fairness and inclusion.

Keywords: Public Interest Litigation, Privacy, Data Protection, Sociological Jurisprudence, AI & Law

This dissertation is written by Prasoon Kumar. 

‘Mahatma Gandhi’ once said that “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” and ADR promotes resolution through dialogue, understanding and compromise rather than conflicts and retaliation.

This abstract is about the impact of Dispute resolution in a global context. In a world that is globalised, resolution of dispute across borders becomes significantly important for the maintenance of international cooperation, commerce, governance etc. This might involve mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, litigation, negotiation which are specifically designed to address the complexities of inter border conflicts while also keeping in regards the cultural and legal differences. However, challenges like conflicts over jurisdiction, diversity in culture persists. For such challenges there are solutions like online dispute resolution (ODR) among others which lend a significant hand to enhance accessibility and cost efficiency.

The future of dispute resolution globally is dependent upon harmonization of legal frameworks, inclusiveness being fostered and building up of international cooperation. By strengthening this mechanism, we can ensure stability and thereby uphold the rule of law and promote the situation of trust in an increasingly interconnected society. The objective is multifaceted; it firstly aims to comprehend the idea of alternate dispute resolution and investigate current worldwide trends in ADR with an emphasis on contemporary times. Additionally, the study will also examine ADR procedures in other nations and the global business community, thereby also highlighting regional differences and the function of ADR in promoting trade at an international level. Lastly, the writing will make recommendations for international cooperation, technological integration and legal reforms as ways to improve the ADR system. This article attempts to give a thorough grasp of ADR’s ability to close gaps in international conflict resolution by examining its historical evolution in contemporary applications. Technology has the ability to promote a more effective, equitable and connected world as it continues to influence ADR’s future.

This long article is written by Dr. Kuldeep Singh Panwar, co authored by K. Livi Yeptho.

Abstract

Women make up half the population of the nation, and with education, they can be empowered to go on to contribute to the Indian economy. Empowerment of women through education will allow them to counter provocation, fight generational biases, and transform their suppressed reality. Even with continuous efforts to abolish gender inequality and the patriarchal nature of society, discrimination continues to exist. A lot requires action in the domain of education for women in order to do away with this prejudice. Naturally, women are built differently from men, but that should not hinder them from realizing their true potential because when it comes to proving their grit, women have always excelled, and sometimes even better than men. It is not to say that men should be demoted, but a fair and equal opportunity to both sexes on unbiased grounds would make a significant impact in ensuring a better nation tomorrow.

Empowering women through education is not solely about literacy; it is about creating a domino effect that impacts generations. A literate woman evolves into an informed mother, a competent worker, and an agile citizen who becomes a responsible citizen in moulding the sociodemographic essence of the nation. In the non-urban regions, especially, the existence of one educated woman can alter community practices concerning child care, hygiene, and nutrition, exhibiting that empowerment is both personal and collective. Therefore, edifying women should not be a representative gesture, but a fundamental amelioration that fuels the very foundation of democracy and development.

Keywords: Women’s Empowerment, Female Literacy Rate, United Nations, Participation, Patriarchal

This Long Article has been written by Karunakaran. Karunakaran is pursuing LL.M from Govt. Law College, Thrissur. 

ABSTRACT

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Budhadev Karmaskar v. State of West Bengal (2011) was a turning point in Indian legal history. While it arose from the conviction of a man for murdering a sex worker, the Court went beyond the immediate facts and addressed the larger question of the rights and dignity of sex workers. For the first time, the Court clearly stated that sex workers, like all other citizens, are entitled to the protection of Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes the right to life, livelihood, health, privacy, and dignity. Using its powers under Article 142, the Court also formed a panel of experts and directed steps to prevent police harassment, secure access to healthcare and welfare benefits, and ensure that the children of sex workers are not stigmatised or unnecessarily separated from their mothers.

However, when examined in the context of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1986 (ITPA), the judgment reveals a strong conflict between constitutional rights and statutory restrictions. The ITPA, which began as the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956 and was amended in 1986, takes a largely punitive approach. Although aimed at curbing trafficking, the Act criminalises many aspects of sex work—such as running brothels (S. 3), living on earnings of sex work (S. 4), and soliciting in public (S. 8). These provisions make it nearly impossible for sex workers to practice their livelihood without breaking the law. Further, the “rescue and rehabilitation” provisions (Ss. 16–17) often result in detention without consent, undermining the very autonomy the Court sought to recognise.

The Budhadev Karmaskar case can therefore be understood as an effort to balance the constitutional promise of dignity with a law that continues to treat sex work through the lens of morality and criminalisation. While the Court’s directions soften the harshness of the ITPA, they cannot substitute legislative change. This highlights the urgent need for reform to remove contradictions between Article 21’s broad protections and the restrictive provisions of the Act.

This article critically explores the Budhadev Karmaskar judgment in relation to the ITPA, 1986. It reviews the historical development of India’s laws on sex work, evaluates the constitutional values reinforced by the Court, and analyses the gap between judicial protection and legislative control. It also compares India’s position with global approaches—contrasting the restrictive “Nordic model” with New Zealand’s decriminalisation framework. Ultimately, it argues that although the judgment is progressive, its impact will remain limited unless the ITPA is reformed to decriminalise consensual adult sex work and bring sex workers fully within the fold of constitutional rights and social protections.

Key words:

Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Sex Work in India, Budhadev Karmaskar Judgment, Constitutional Rights of Sex Workers, Decriminalisation of Sex Work.

This long article is written by Karuna Kaushik, a postgraduate in Political Science from IGNOU and UGC NET qualifier in the same subject, the author is a freelance creative and academic content writer with an experience of about 10 years in the writing field, also having worked with organisations like Drishti IAS and GS Score, New Delhi. Currently, the author is pursuing MA History from IGNOU.

ABSTRACT

Following the Supreme Court of India’s Vishaka guidelines judgment of 1997, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) became a landmark social legislation to ensure constitutional rights of women to equality, dignity, and safe working conditions. This paper attempts to trace the journey, efficiency, challenges, and loopholes of the Act, and suggest measures for its effective implementation in the future. The paper follows a case-by-case journey approach to illustrate these points. This paper is, therefore, a critical examination of the implementational deficit of the POSH Act.

It underlines the persistent shortcomings, widespread non-compliance with mandatory Internal Committees (ICs), systemic neglect of Local Committees (LCs) that cover the informal sector, inadequate training of committee members, and absence of uniform procedures. Data indicates troubling disparities: while large companies increasingly report cases, smaller firms and the informal sector remain black holes of compliance, perpetuating the “zero-case paradox.” Fear of retaliation, entrenched cultural taboos, and low awareness further silence women, limiting the Act’s effectiveness as a protective framework.

The Supreme Court’s interventions, particularly in Aureliano Fernandes v State of Goa, have shifted enforcement from a complaint-driven to a state-monitored model, mandating compliance surveys, functional LCs, and digital integration via the SHe-Box portal. The paper concludes that bridging the chasm between law and practice requires a multi-pronged approach: legislative amendments to codify procedures and anti-retaliation protections, stronger penalties for non-compliance, mandatory standardized training, and cultural change initiatives. Only through systemic accountability, proactive governance, and social transformation can the POSH Act fulfil its original vision of ensuring safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces for all women in India.

Keywords – Zero case Paradox, She-Box, Vishaka Guidelines, POSH Act 2013, judicial activism

This long article is written by Mukesh Shukla, LL.M. (Law), Department of Law, M.A., (Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration), Department of Social Work, Faculty of (MSW), Lucknow University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

Abstract

Gender equality under Islamic law in India represents a complex intersection of religion, personal law, and constitutional principles. Muslim personal law, primarily governed by the Shariat Act of 1937 and the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act of 1939, regulates matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and guardianship. While rooted in religious traditions, these laws have often been criticized for perpetuating patriarchal practices that restrict women’s rights. Practices such as polygamy, unilateral divorce (talaq), unequal inheritance, and child marriage have raised serious questions about justice and equality for Muslim women.

At the same time, Islamic teachings, in their essence, emphasize fairness, dignity, and respect for both men and women. The challenge arises when cultural traditions and narrow interpretations overshadow these principles, creating inequalities that contradict the spirit of Islam itself. Indian courts have played a pivotal role in addressing this imbalance, delivering landmark judgments on maintenance, custody, divorce, and women’s autonomy. These judicial interventions attempt to harmonize personal law with constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, and 21, which ensure equality, non-discrimination, and dignity for all citizens.

The broader debate also includes the contentious issue of the Uniform Civil Code, which seeks to unify personal laws across religions while balancing community rights with individual freedoms. In this context, gender justice under Islamic law is not only a legal question but also a social, cultural, and constitutional challenge. It calls for sensitive reforms that protect religious identity while ensuring women’s rights and equality remain at the forefront of justice.

Key words: Gender Justice, Islamic Law, Muslim Personal Law, Women’s Rights, Equality under Constitution, Judicial Interpretation

This long article is written by Divyansh Verma, M.A., Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration, Faculty of Art, Lucknow University of Lucknow, UP, India & Neeraj Kumar, LL.M. (Law), Faculty of Law, BBA University (A Central University) Lucknow, UP, India,

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has created both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. As cybercrime evolves in complexity and scale, traditional methods of defense have proven insufficient to counter emerging threats such as phishing, ransomware, and large-scale network intrusions. This study explores how advanced technological tools are being adopted to strengthen cybercrime prevention and investigation, with a particular focus on comparing India’s progress with global practices. While many developed nations have integrated sophisticated solutions into government and private-sector systems, India’s adoption has been slower, hindered by infrastructural constraints, regulatory uncertainty, and limited technical expertise. Nevertheless, recent initiatives-ranging from policy reforms to the establishment of dedicated cybercrime units-highlight growing recognition of the need for stronger defenses. The research identifies a key gap: global literature provides extensive insights into large-scale implementation and operational successes, yet little work examines how these strategies can be adapted to the Indian context. This comparative approach aims to highlight differences in adoption, analyze the challenges unique to India, and suggest ways to integrate international best practices into local frameworks. Ultimately, the study contributes to bridging the divide between conceptual discussions and practical enforcement, offering insights that are crucial for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and technology developers alike. By situating India within a broader global context, the research underscores the importance of building context-specific strategies that combine technological innovation with legal, institutional, and social considerations.

Keywords: Cybercrime, Digital Security, Comparative Study, Law Enforcement, Policy Framework

This long article is written by Ravichandra Iti, a IV B.A.LL.B Student of KLE Law College Bengaluru.
Abstract
The rise of the gig economy in India has redefined traditional employment structures, creating opportunities for flexible work while also raising serious concerns about job security, wage stability, and social protection. Unlike regular employees, gig workers are classified as “independent contractors”, excluding them from conventional labour law protections related to minimum wages, health benefits, insurance, and retirement security. This legal ambiguity has led to significant vulnerabilities, particularly for workers engaged in ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital freelancing. This research critically examines India’s evolving labour law framework, with a particular focus on the Code on Social Security, 2020, which attempts to incorporate gig and platform workers into the social security net. The study evaluates the effectiveness, limitations, and enforcement challenges of this legislation in providing universal access to essential protections such as provident funds, gratuity, health insurance, and pension schemes. Furthermore, this paper explores the role of digital platforms as potential contributors to social security mechanisms, addressing the ongoing debate about whether platform companies should be legally required to contribute to social security funds for their workforce. It investigates the comparative legal approaches in other countries, such to draw insights for strengthening India’s regulatory approach.
The study also emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining rights, the role of trade unions, and potential judicial interventions in securing fair treatment and social protection for gig workers in India. By highlighting the gaps, opportunities, and future directions for labour law reforms in the gig economy, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on worker rights, fair labour practices, and the future of social security in India’s digital workforce.
Keywords– Gig Economy, Platform Workers, Social Security Code 2020, Wage Security, Employment Classification, Social Protection Policies, Labour Rights in Digital Economy, Hybrid Regulatory Model, Worker Welfare Schemes, Implementation Challenges, Labour Market Reforms

This long article is written by Kartikey Mishra and Namrata Mishra.
ABSTRACT
Artificial Intelligence continues to penetrate the heart of India’s governance and legal systems. As an example, in the case of AI-enabled facial-recognition systems, currently deployed to record student attendance in Telangana, to fintech services that aid in scoring an algorithmic credit rating, and judges using ChatGPT to help them with bail matters, technology is influencing who receives rights, opportunities, and justice. Algorithms are supposed to be efficient and fast, yet they also introduce an undetectable threat: that of reproducing existing inequalities by introducing hidden data and design bias. This is not just a technical issue, it is a constitutional issue in a country where caste, gender and class divisions are still very strong and institutionalized. This paper states that Article 14 of the Indian Constitution needs to be re-examined according to the constitutional harms of algorithmic bias. The pre-existing tests of reasonable classification, and arbitrariness, which were important during their time, have not kept up to date in regard to systemic discrimination caused by hidden and automated decision-making. Drawing on the Supreme Courts jurisprudence of substantive equality as depicted in cases such as E. P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu and Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, this paper engages with a framework that renders algorithmic bias a violation of constitutional equality. The analysis situates India within global debates on AI regulation, referencing the European Union’s AI Act, Brazil’s draft AI bill, and discussions on compute sovereignty across the Global South. Ultimately, the paper contends that embedding substantive equality into AI governance is constitutionally necessary if technological progress is to advance rather than undermine justice in India.
Keywords: Algorithmic Bias; Substantive Equality; Social Divisions; Artificial Intelligence; Indian Constitution.

This long article is written by SUMITHRA S, co authored by  RUTHRA B 

Abstract: The governance of AI systems used in independent and vital industries like healthcare, finance, defense, and public administration is the main focus of this paper  which examines the boundaries of algorithmic accountability in India. It looks at the doctrinal, ethical, and legal aspects of accountability, placing AI governance within industry-specific regulatory frameworks, emerging jurisprudence, and constitutional principles. The study examines the effectiveness of legislative measures, court rulings, and policy directives in mitigating the risks associated with multi-stakeholder AI ecosystems and opaque decision-making processes. It also explores explainability, transparency, algorithmic audits, and liability distribution among developers, operators, and end users, emphasising the practical and normative requirements for responsible AI deployment. In order to propose a comprehensive governance model, the paper makes policy recommendations that include algorithmic impact assessments, adaptive compliance frameworks, and the integration of ethical and human rights protections. This study adds to the continuing conversation on AI accountability in India by combining legal theory, regulatory practice, and interdisciplinary insights, providing workable frameworks to balance technological advancement with social protection.

Keywords: Algorithmic Accountability, AI Governance, Autonomous Systems, Liability, Transparency, Explainable AI, Indian Legal Framework, Critical Sectors, Policy Recommendations, Ethical Oversight.