Legal Bites December 2024: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for December 2024! This edition provides a comprehensive overview of the latest judgments, regulations, and key legal developments in India. Stay informed and up-to-date with the most significant legal changes of the month.

December 2024: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. World AIDS Day 2024: Theme and Message: The theme for World AIDS Day 2024 is "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!" This theme emphasizes the importance of health as a fundamental human right and calls for global leaders and citizens to address inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS.
   (December 1, 2024)
2. A BWF World Tour Super 300 Event: The Syed Modi International 2024 was a prestigious badminton tournament held from November 26 to December 1, 2024, at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, India. As a BWF World Tour Super 300 event, it attracted top international shuttlers competing for a total prize pool of USD 210,000. (December 1, 2024)
3. SC Collegium Recommends Justice Manmohan's Elevation to Supreme Court:
   The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, has unanimously proposed the elevation of Justice Manmohan, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, to the Supreme Court of India. (December 1, 2024)
4. China Discovers $83 Billion Gold Deposit: China has discovered a massive gold deposit in the Wangu goldfield, Pingjiang County, Hunan Province, estimated to contain over 1,000 metric tons of high-quality gold valued at approximately $83 billion.
   (December 1, 2024)
5. National Pollution Control Day: National Pollution Control Day 2024 observed on December 2, commemorated the lives lost in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy and raised awareness about pollution control measures. (December 1, 2024)
6. UP Declares Maha Kumbh Mela Area as Temporary District: To streamline administration for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has declared the event area in Prayagraj as a temporary district, called the Maha Kumbh Mela District.
   (December 2, 2024)
7. Mission Arun Himveer: Boosting Local Produce for ITBP: Mission Arun Himveer, launched by the Arunachal Pradesh government, aims to enhance market access for local agricultural and horticultural products by facilitating direct procurement from farmers, self-help groups, and cooperatives. (December 2, 2024)
8. Uber Shikara in Srinagar: Uber has launched its first water transport service in India, enabling users to book traditional Shikara rides on Srinagar's Dal Lake via the Uber app. This initiative seamlessly combines technology with cultural heritage to enhance the tourist experience.
   (December 2, 2024)
9. UNESCO Declares West Bengal Top Heritage Spot: UNESCO has officially recognized West Bengal as a premier destination for heritage tourism. This acknowledgement highlights the state's rich cultural heritage and its efforts in promoting tourism. (December 2, 2024)
10. Ratapani Declared India's 57th Tiger Reserve: In 2024, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was declared India's 57th tiger reserve and the state's eighth. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the reserve and launched a bike rally to promote wildlife conservation.
    (December 2, 2024)
11. Asian Women's Handball Championship: The 20th Asian Women's Handball Championship was held from December 3 to 10, 2024, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India. Hosting the event for the first time, India showcased its growing commitment to the sport. (December 3, 2024)
12. Assam Cabinet's Beef Ban: The BJP Assam Pradesh has hailed the state cabinet's decision to ban beef consumption in hotels, restaurants, and public functions as a historic step towards safeguarding Assam's cultural and religious sentiments.
    (December 4, 2024)
13. India Clinches 5th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup Title: India's Junior Men’s Hockey team defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the final of the 11th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, securing the title for a record fifth time. (December 4, 2024)
14. International Gita Mahotsav 2024 Begins in Kurukshetra: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 in Kurukshetra. The event celebrates the birth of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the sacred scripture embodying Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna during the Mahabharata's 18-day battle.
    (December 5, 2024)
15. Death Row Convicts and Article 21: The Supreme Court in State of Maharashtra & Ors. v. Pradeep Yashwant Kokade & Anr. (2024) dismissed the appeals filed by the State of Maharashtra, affirming the High Court's decision to commute the death sentences to fixed terms of 35 years. The judgment underscores the constitutional mandate to uphold human dignity and ensure fair treatment, even for death row convicts. (December 9, 2024)

16. Sanjay Malhotra appointed as new RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the RBI for a three-year term. At 56, he becomes the 15th civil servant to lead the central bank. (December 9, 2024)

17. International Anti-Corruption Day: International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on December 9 to raise awareness about corruption and promote efforts to combat it. (December 9, 2024)
18. PM Modi Launches 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' for Women: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' in Panipat, an LIC initiative to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness among women aged 18-70 years. Eligible women, who have passed Class X, will receive specialized training and a stipend for three years to support this mission. (December 9, 2024)
19. Devajit Saikia Appointed Acting BCCI Secretary:
    Former Assam cricketer Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the acting secretary of the BCCI, succeeding Jay Shah, who recently became ICC chairman. Saikia, previously BCCI's joint secretary, was appointed by board president Roger Binny using constitutional powers. (December 9, 2024)
20. PM Modi Inaugurates Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 and Business Expo in Jaipur. Aimed at doubling Rajasthan’s economy to $350 billion in five years, the event focuses on the theme "Replete, Responsible, Ready."
    (December 9, 2024)

21. Devajit Saikia Appointed Acting BCCI Secretary: Former Assam cricketer Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the acting secretary of the BCCI, succeeding Jay Shah, who recently became ICC chairman. Saikia, previously BCCI's joint secretary, was appointed by board president Roger Binny using constitutional powers. (December 9, 2024)

22. Food Adulteration Case: In the case of M/s Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Maharashtra (2024)
    , the court dismissed the application for quashing the proceedings, holding that the applicant failed to demonstrate any procedural irregularity or prejudice that would warrant interference under Section 482 CrPC. Extension of Interim Relief: The court declined the applicant’s request for an extension of interim relief granted earlier, citing the inordinate delay of 14 years in the proceedings. (December 11, 2024)
23. India's Remarkable Progress in Reducing Malaria: India has achieved a 69% reduction in malaria cases, from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023, and a 68% decline in deaths, from 11,100 to 3,500, as reported in WHO's World Malaria Report 2024. (December 11, 2024)
24. Donald Trump Named Time's Person of the Year 2024: Time magazine has selected Donald Trump as its Person of the Year for 2024, recognizing his significant influence on American politics and his historic comeback in shaping the global and domestic political landscape. This marks Trump's second recognition, following his first in 2016.
    (December 12, 2024)
25. Russia Wins 13th Admiral's Cup Sailing Regatta: Russia emerged victorious in the 13th Admiral's Cup Sailing Regatta at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala. The Russian team, led by Lt Gorkunov Petr Ilyich and Cdt Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna, claimed first place, with Italy and India securing second and third. Lt Gorkunov also topped the men's category, while Italy's Ensign Camilla Bernabei led the women's.
    (December 13, 2024)
26. Celebrating 100 Years of Raj Kapoor: The Showman of Indian Cinema: The Kapoor family marked the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor with grand celebrations, including a film festival showcasing classics like Awaara and Mera Naam Joker. Prominent figures from the film industry paid tributes, while the events highlighted Kapoor's enduring legacy and contributions to Indian cinema.
    (December 14, 2024)
27. Legal Validation of Metro Railway Land Acquisition: Tenants’ Rights Examined: In the case of Jagannath Prasad Gupta & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. (2024), the petitioners, tenants in a portion of premises at National Library Avenue, Kolkata, challenged the acquisition of 532.634 sq. mtr. of land by Metro Railway under the Metro Railway (Construction of Works) Act, 1978. The writ petition was dismissed, and the petitioners were ordered to vacate the premises within six weeks.
    (December 17, 2024)
28. 77th Inter-State – Inter Zonal &86th Senior National Badminton Championships 2024: The 77th Inter-State–Inter-Zonal and 86th Senior National Badminton Championships were held at the Karnataka Badminton Association in Bengaluru from December 18 to 24, 2024. The event featured both team and individual competitions, offering a prize pool of ₹50 lakh. Defending champions Chirag Sen and Anmol Kharb competed alongside top talents like Priyanshu Rajawat and Malvika Bansod, showcasing India's badminton prowess.
    (December 18, 2024)
29. NITI Aayog's Report on Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth: NITI Aayog's report, “S.A.F.E. Accommodation,” emphasizes the importance of Secure, Affordable, Flexible, and Efficient housing for industrial workers to drive manufacturing growth in India. It outlines challenges, solutions, and key interventions to scale up such facilities nationwide. (December 19, 2024)
30. Ayodhya Becomes Uttar Pradesh's Top Tourist Destination:
    In 2024, Ayodhya emerged as Uttar Pradesh's most visited tourist destination, surpassing the Taj Mahal. From January to September, it welcomed around 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors, largely due to the inauguration of the Ram Temple.  (December 20, 2024)
31. Uttar Pradesh and Manipur Join Hands for 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat': Uttar Pradesh and Manipur have signed an MoU to implement the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Effective immediately for three years, the agreement emphasizes activities like language learning, cultural traditions, music, tourism, cuisine, and sports to strengthen ties between the two states.
    (December 20, 2024)
32. Salman Khan Named Brand Ambassador for Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). (December 20, 2024)
33. Ashwini Vaishnaw Confers 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award 2024: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award 2024 to 101 Indian Railways employees and officers. The awardees were recognized for exceptional contributions in areas like innovation, productivity, revenue generation, safety, operations, security, project completion, and sports.
    (December 20, 2024)
34. S. Jaishankar Honoured with National Eminence Award for Public Leadership: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership from the South Indian Education Society (SIES). In his speech, he emphasized India's independent global role, commitment to the Global South, and the importance of standing firm against external pressures.
    (December 22, 2024)
35. Affordable 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' Launched at Airports: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced the 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' to offer affordable food and beverages at airports, starting with a pilot project at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Advocated by MP Raghav Chadha to ease the burden of high refreshment prices, the initiative provides essentials like tea for ₹10. If successful, it will expand to Airports Authority of India-operated airports nationwide, making air travel more accessible.
    (December 22, 2024)
36. The Unyielding Judge: Life and Legacy of Justice A.N. Grover: Authored by his granddaughter Gauri Grover, The Unyielding Judge explores the life and legacy of Justice A.N. Grover, a prominent Supreme Court judge. The book highlights his key contributions, including his role in the landmark Kesavananda Bharti case, and his leadership in education and media rights. Combining professional achievements with personal insights, it portrays a life dedicated to integrity and public service. (December 23, 2024)
37. RTE Amendments 2024: Schools Granted Authority to Fail Class 5 and 8 Students: The central government has amended the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2010, allowing schools to fail students in classes 5 and 8 if they do not meet required performance standards. This marks a significant shift in school education policy aimed at enhancing academic accountability. (December 23, 2024)
38. Kisan Diwas 2024: Honoring Farmers and Chaudhary Charan Singh: Kisan Diwas, celebrated on December 23, honours the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister and a staunch advocate for farmers. The 2024 theme, Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation, highlights the vital role of farmers in India's economy. (December 23, 2024)
39. Kaamya Karthikeyan: Record-Breaking Mountaineer: Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old mountaineer from Mumbai, is the youngest female to complete the Seven Summits challenge and summit Mount Everest at 16. She has earned the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar and excels in music, dance, and academics, inspiring many with her achievements. (December 24, 2024)
40. President Appoints Governors for Five States: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed new governors for five states. Ajay Kumar Bhalla takes charge as Governor of Manipur, Arif Mohammed Khan moves to Bihar, and Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is reassigned to Kerala. Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has been named Governor of Odisha, and General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.) becomes Governor of Mizoram. These appointments will take effect upon the assumption of office. (December 24, 2024)
41. Statue of Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on His 100th Birth Anniversary: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled a 10-foot bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Bellevue Square in Cuttack. This event was part of Odisha's initiative to honour 21 renowned personalities in 2024, coinciding with the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (December 25, 2024)
42. Gujarat CM Launched SWAR Platform: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched SWAR ((Speech and Written Analysis Resource), a Speech-to-Text platform developed with the Ministry of Electronics' Bhashini Team to overcome language barriers. (December 25, 2024)
43. PM Modi Lays Foundation for Ken-Betwa River Linking Project: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region. The ₹44,605 crore project will supply drinking water to 6.5 million people, irrigate 1.08 million hectares, and generate renewable energy, while balancing ecological concerns, including the impact on Panna Tiger Reserve. (December 25, 2024)
44. RBI Forms FREE-AI Committee for Ethical AI in Finance: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed an eight-member committee, the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), to create guidelines for the ethical use of AI in the financial sector. (December 26, 2024)
45. Sikkim Celebrated the Vibrant Kagyed Dance Festival: Sikkim recently celebrated the Kagyed Dance on December 28-29, a vibrant Buddhist festival held annually, marking the destruction of evil forces and the arrival of peace and prosperity. Monks in traditional masks performed this ritualistic dance at monasteries like Old Rumtek, Phodong, and Tsuklakhang Palace, attracting both locals and visitors. (December 28, 2024)
46. Manohar International Airport: Best Domestic Airport 2024: Manohar International Airport (GOX), Goa, won the "Best Domestic Airport" award at Travel + Leisure India's Best Awards 2024, based on feedback from over 186,000 participants. Celebrated for its seamless travel experience, the airport showcases Goa's culture through curated merchandise, art galleries, and modern amenities like e-Visa facilities. (December 28, 2024)
47. One Nation One Election: The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State/UT Assemblies by introducing Article 82(A). It aims to synchronize election cycles, fix the Lok Sabha's tenure, and align State Assembly elections. Mid-term polls will cover only the remaining tenure if dissolved early. (December 30, 2024)
48. ISRO's Landmark Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) Launch: ISRO successfully conducted its inaugural Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), deploying two 220-kilogram spacecraft into a 470-kilometer circular orbit to showcase in-space docking and power transfer capabilities. (December 30, 2024)
49. Justice V Ramasubramanian Assumes Charge as NHRC Chairperson: Justice V Ramasubramanian, former Supreme Court Judge, has assumed the role of Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India. Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi joined as a Member, along with Shri Priyank Kanoongo, who assumed his position last week, during a formal welcome ceremony. (December 30, 2024)
50. Kerala Clinches First Senior National Men's Handball Championship Title: Kerala secured their first Senior National Men's Handball Championship by defeating Chandigarh 34-31 in a thrilling final. Kerala's Devendra was named 'Player of the Championship,' Rahul was awarded 'Best Goalkeeper,' and Sujith earned the title of 'Best Left Wing Player.' (December 31, 2024)