Legal Bites November 2024: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for November 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.

November 2024: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. Supreme Court Bans 'Bulldozer Justice': On November 13, the Supreme Court outlawed the government's practice of demolishing the homes of individuals accused of criminal offences, emphasizing the protection of civil rights.The judgment of
   Re: Directions in the Matter of Demolition of Structures (2024) reinforces constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state actions, particularly in matters where fundamental rights, such as the right to shelter, dignity, and due process, are at stake.
2. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Seeks Restoration of Autonomy: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on November 6, urging the central government to restore the region's semi-autonomous status.
3. Jharkhand Assembly Elections: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance secured a majority in the state assembly elections held between November 13 and 20, reaffirming its political influence in the region.
4. Maharashtra Assembly Elections: The Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance achieved a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections on November 20, consolidating its political dominance in the state.
5. Violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: Clashes erupted on November 24 over a court-monitored survey of a mosque in Sambhal, resulting in four deaths and highlighting ongoing communal tensions.
6. Severe Air Pollution in New Delhi: On November 18, New Delhi faced unprecedented smog levels, with the Air Quality Index surpassing 1700. This led to school closures, halted construction, and discussions about relocating the capital due to health concerns.
7. Cyclone Fengal Alerts: Authorities issued red alerts for Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka in anticipation of heavy rains from Cyclone Fengal on November 30, prompting school closures and flight cancellations.
8. India's Victory in First Test Against Australia: On November 25, India defeated Australia by 295 runs in the first Test match in Perth, with standout performances from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
9. Youngest IPL Contract Signing: Thirteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to sign an Indian Premier League contract, joining the Rajasthan Royals for 11 million rupees on November 26.
10. US Charges Against Gautam Adani: U.S. prosecutors charged Indian billionaire Gautam Adani (November 21) with a long-term bribery scheme involving over $250 million to secure favourable solar power contracts, impacting international perceptions of Indian business practices.
11. Amazon Workers' Strike in India: Amazon workers in India joined a global strike on Black Friday (November 29), demanding better wages and working conditions, reflecting growing labour unrest in the e-commerce sector.
12. GST Collections Rise: India's goods and services tax collections increased by 8.5% in November compared to the same period last year, indicating economic resilience.
13. National Education Day:
    National Education Day, observed annually on November 11, commemorates the birth anniversary of Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India
14. Constitution Day: India marked the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with President Droupadi Murmu delivering an address to a joint session of Parliament.
15. Grenade Attack in Srinagar Injures Nine:
    On November 3, a grenade explosion in a busy market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, injured nine individuals, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
16. Vistara Ceases Operations: On November 11, Vistara, India's luxury airline, ceased operations after nine years, following a merger agreement with Air India.
17. Manipur Violence: On November 11, ten members of the Hmar community were killed in disputed circumstances by paramilitary forces near Jiribam, Manipur, leading to unrest in the state.
18. Hypersonic Missile Test: India successfully launched its first hypersonic missile on November 16 at a test site on Abdul Kalam Island, marking a significant advancement in defence technology.
19. Hospital Fire in Jhansi: A fire broke out in the neonatal ward of a hospital in Jhansi on November 15, resulting in the deaths of ten infants and raising concerns about hospital safety standards.
20. India's T20I Series Win in South Africa:
    The Indian cricket team toured South Africa from November 8 to 15, winning the four-match T20 International series 3-1, with standout performances from Tilak Varma and Varun Chakravarthy.
21. International Film Festival of India (IFFI): The 55th IFFI was held in Goa from November 20 to 28, featuring over 180 films from 81 countries. Lithuanian drama 'Toxic' won the Golden Peacock Award for Best Film.
22. India-Singapore Military Exercise 'AgniWarrior 2024':
    From November 28 to 30, India and Singapore conducted a joint military exercise, 'AgniWarrior 2024', focusing on enhancing interoperability and strategic cooperation.
23. India-ISA Agreement on Solar Projects: On November 26, India’s Ministry of External Affairs signed an agreement with the International Solar Alliance to implement solar energy projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, aiming to enhance energy access in these regions.
24. Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrations: On November 15, millions across India celebrated Guru Nanak Jayanti with traditional processions, emphasizing community harmony and spiritual reflection.
25. Children's Day Celebrations: On November 14, schools and NGOs across the country celebrated Children's Day with educational programs and activities to promote child welfare and rights.
26. Violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:
    Clashes erupted on November 24 over a court-monitored survey of a mosque in Sambhal, resulting in four deaths and highlighting ongoing communal tensions.
27. Youngest IPL Contract Signing: Thirteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to sign an Indian Premier League contract, joining the Rajasthan Royals for 11 million rupees on November 26
28. Criticising Orders Permissible, Not Judicial Officers:
    The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Sonu Agnihotri v. Chandra Shekhar & Ors. (2024) allows criticism of orders but advises restraint in making personal remarks about Judicial Officers' conduct or calibre.
29. Supreme Court Reaffirms India's Positive Secularism: The Hon'ble Supreme Court’s decision in Anjum Kadari & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors., (2024) reaffirmed the limits of state intervention in religious educational institutions, safeguarding secularism, equality, and educational rights under the Constitution.
30. Cricket Series in Australia: The Indian cricket team faced a crucial series against Australia, aiming to regain fan support after a disappointing performance against New Zealand. The five-test Border-Gavaskar Trophy began in Perth on November 22.
31. Easing Restrictions on Axis Capital: On November 26, SEBI modified its earlier ban on Axis Capital, allowing the firm to act as a merchant banker for new debt issues.
32. Proposals for Diversified Ownership of Clearing Corporations: SEBI (November 22) proposed diversifying the ownership of equity clearing corporations, which are currently fully owned by stock exchanges. The initiative aims to enhance the financial and operational independence of these entities, ensuring they operate in the public interest. Public comments on the proposal were invited by December 13.
33. Modifications to Index Derivatives Trading: Effective November 20, SEBI raised the minimum contract size for index derivatives from the previous range of ₹5–10 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
34. Meeting with SoftBank Founder: On November 27, PM Modi met with Masayoshi Son, the founder of Japan's SoftBank Group, to discuss potential investments in India's technology and artificial intelligence sectors.
35. Centralized Pension Payment System: The Labour Ministry announced on November 12 plans to implement a centralized pension payment system for Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) beneficiaries by 2025.
36. Foundation Stone Laid for AIIMS Darbhanga: On November 13, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Darbhanga, Bihar.
37. Address at Hindustan Times Leadership Summit:
    On November 17, at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, PM Modi outlined his vision for India's development, focusing on inclusive growth and the importance of public participation in governance
38. Aviation Safety Awareness Week: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) observed Aviation Safety Awareness Week from November 25 to 29, 2024.
39. Increase in Hoax Bomb Threats: Between January 1 and November 14, 2024, Indian airlines and airports received 999 hoax bomb threats, a nearly tenfold increase compared to the previous year.
40. Data Sharing Restrictions and Financial Penalty: On November 18, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a ₹213.14 crore (approximately $25.4 million) fine on Meta.
41. Probe into Google's Gaming App Policy: The CCI initiated an investigation on November 28 into Google's policies regarding real-money gaming apps on its platform, following complaints of discriminatory practices. The investigation is expected to be completed within 60 days.
42. Diplomatic Engagements: On November 25, the President received credentials from envoys of five nations at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including ambassadors from Ethiopia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Romania, and the High Commissioner of Grenada.

43. LokManthan-2024 Inauguration: On November 22, the President inaugurated LokManthan-2024 in Hyderabad, Telangana. She commended the event for strengthening the unity inherent in India's diverse cultural and intellectual heritage, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving these traditions.
44. Green Bond Auction: On November 29, the RBI devolved 70% of a new 10-year green bond to primary dealers due to insufficient market demand.

45. Surge in Cyber Fraud Losses: Data from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in November revealed that India incurred losses of approximately ₹11,333 crore due to cyber fraud in the first nine months of 2024.

46. Profit Increase: Facebook India reported a 43% increase in net profit for the fiscal year 2023-2024, reaching ₹505 crore.