Author: Md. Imran Wahab

Table Investigation — What it is and why it matters A police investigation conducted primarily from a desk, without officers visiting crime scenes or interviewing witnesses in person, is known as a “table investigation.” This concerning practice undermines the principles of rigour, impartiality, and the pursuit of truth essential to the criminal justice system. Overview Officers rely on First Information Reports (FIRs), hearsay, assumptions, or second-hand reports, often neglecting critical fieldwork and compromising the thoroughness of their inquiries. This approach stems from several key problems that ultimately weaken the collection of crucial evidence, hinder proper case analysis, and make the…

Introduction – The Urgent Need to Secure Evidence Imagine you suspect that crucial evidence—documents, designs, or data—may be destroyed or hidden before it can be presented in court. What if the law allowed you to obtain a special court order to enter the other party’s premises and secure that evidence without warning? This powerful but extraordinary remedy is known as an Anton Piller order. First recognized in Anton Piller KG v. Manufacturing Processes Ltd. [1976] Ch 55 (CA), these orders are among the most potent legal tools in intellectual property and commercial disputes. They permit a plaintiff to search a…

Media Ethics & Regulation The role of the media in a democracy is indispensable. It functions as the “fourth pillar,” holding institutions accountable, shaping public opinion, and ensuring transparency. However, unchecked freedom can lead to trial by media, privacy violations, communal tensions, and ethical breaches. To balance freedom of expression with responsibility, India follows a composite framework of self-regulatory mechanisms and government-mandated legal rules. This article explores the code of conduct applicable to media persons, the framework governing them, and relevant judicial pronouncements that have shaped media ethics in India. Regulatory Framework Governing Media Conduct Press Council of India (PCI)…

Professional Conduct Guidelines for Advocates Professional Conduct Guidelines for Advocates In the pursuit of justice, an advocate’s role is not merely to argue cases but to embody the principles of fairness, dignity, and ethical responsibility. The Professional Conduct Guidelines for Advocates serve as a vital compass for legal practitioners, ensuring their conduct reflects the nobility of the profession and the trust placed in them by society. This article distils the key provisions of the guidelines into actionable insights for both seasoned and aspiring legal professionals. The guiding principles are enshrined in Chapter II of Part VI of the Bar Council…

Working in law enforcement is tough Police officers are responsible for public safety, but this job also exposes them to upsetting events and a lot of pressure from their organizations. Around the world, police officers are more likely to suffer from mental health issues. However, support for their mental well-being is often missing or not good enough within police departments. This problem is especially serious in India, where officers face extreme demands and there aren’t enough support systems. This clearly shows an urgent need for big changes. The Overlooked Psychological Burden on Law Enforcement Globally, the psychological well-being of police…

John Doe Orders (Ashok Kumar Orders) Imagine you own a creative work — a film, a song, or a new invention — and someone is illegally copying or sharing it online, but you have no idea who they are. How do you stop them? This is where a John Doe Order comes into play. In India, it is commonly known as an Ashok Kumar Order. It is a special legal tool that allows courts to issue commands against unidentified individuals or groups who are infringing on someone’s rights. Why these orders matter today These orders are incredibly important today because…

DNA from Human Remains — Causes of Damage and Practical Responses Getting DNA from human bones or bodies is very important. It helps police solve crimes and helps people learn about history. With DNA, we can find out who someone was, if they are related to others, and learn old secrets. But sometimes, really harsh conditions can completely ruin the DNA. Then, we can’t use it. This article will explain the main reasons DNA gets damaged too much. We will see how this happens and what it means for police and archaeologists. We will also talk about ways to stop…

Neurodiversity and Criminal Law: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Legal Responsibility Introduction When individuals with neuro-developmental conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome – now classified under autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – are implicated in criminal proceedings, it presents a profound challenge to conventional legal frameworks. These cases compel courts to reconsider foundational concepts like intent, culpability, and appropriate sentencing. This paper explores how the cognitive and behavioural traits associated with ASD can influence legal responsibility, the evidentiary standards required in court, and the need for systemic reform. Neurodiversity and Criminal Responsibility The growing recognition of neurodiversity – the understanding that brains function…

Introduction The illicit trade of cigarettes poses a significant and multifaceted challenge for India, undermining the legitimate tobacco industry, eroding government revenue, and subverting critical public health regulations. This proliferation of tax-evaded and smuggled tobacco products has transformed India into a major hub for illegal tobacco trade, driven by factors such as high taxation and porous borders. This article will analyze the issue from both Indian and international perspectives, examining the legal frameworks, judicial precedents, and policy challenges to propose actionable and effective solutions. Stakeholder Perspectives The illicit cigarette trade in India reverberates across multiple stakeholder groups, deepening economic and…

Imagine moving to a new country Imagine moving to a new country with years of strong work experience, only to be told it doesn’t count because you didn’t get it here. For many immigrants in Canada, this is a real problem they face every day. The need for “Canadian experience” has become an old and harmful rule in job market. A Wall That Blocks Good People Let’s be clear: asking for Canadian experience isn’t about keeping high standards; it’s about keeping people out. It traps skilled newcomers in a difficult situation: you can’t get a job without Canadian experience, and…