Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court agreed to dissolve the marriage of former J&K CM Omar Abdullah with his estranged wife Payal Abdullah using its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
Key points
- The apex court accepted submissions that the parties have 'embraced freedom' and settled the matter.
- An application was filed under Article 142 seeking dissolution of marriage.
- This followed Omar Abdullah's plea challenging a Delhi High Court order that had dismissed his divorce plea.
- The case highlights the Supreme Court's wide-ranging powers in administering complete justice.
Background & context
Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it. This power is discretionary and is used in exceptional circumstances. Divorce laws in India typically require specific grounds and procedures, but Article 142 can allow for dissolution by mutual consent or in cases where the court deems it necessary for justice.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution deals with the enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court and orders as to discovery of persons or documents.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Constitutional provisions, Judicial review, Powers of Supreme Court; GS Paper I: Social Issues - Personal laws, Marriage and divorce.
Why in news?
A Zero FIR registered in Noida against a woman for allegedly making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister during a protest has been transferred to Delhi for further investigation.
Key points
- The FIR was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for alleged abusive language and lowering the dignity of the PM's office.
- The protest was related to the NEET paper leak.
- The Zero FIR was transferred to Delhi Police as the incident occurred within their jurisdiction.
- The police will review the FIR and seek legal opinion before proceeding with the investigation.
Background & context
A Zero FIR allows for registration of a case in any police station, regardless of jurisdiction, and is later transferred to the concerned police station. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 353(1) of BNS pertains to public mischief.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is intended to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Law and order, Freedom of speech and expression, Contempt of court/Parliament, Role of police.
Why in news?
A six-member committee has been formed to audit all land documents registered during the tenure of a suspended Sub-Registrar in Palani, following allegations of fraudulent registration of land belonging to a math.
Key points
- The audit will cover documents registered between February 5, 2024, and the date of the Sub-Registrar's suspension.
- The suspended Sub-Registrar, Justin Manikandan, is under investigation by the CB-CID for alleged illegal sale of land.
- The committee is tasked with submitting its report within three days.
- This action aims to uncover any fraudulent activities and ensure the integrity of land registrations.
Background & context
Land registration is a critical function of government sub-registrar offices. Fraudulent registration can lead to significant financial losses and disputes. This incident points to potential corruption or dereliction of duty within the registration department.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Sub-Registrars are government officials responsible for registering documents related to property transactions.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper IV: Ethics and Integrity - Public service ethics, Probity in public life; GS Paper II: Governance - Public administration, Corruption in public life.