Supreme Court Directs State Bar Councils to Co-Opt Two Women Members

• The Supreme Court has directed State Bar Councils to co-opt two women members wherever adequate representation is lacking.
• Hospitals have volunteered ₹12 lakh in compensation during proceedings on the Ghaziabad child rape and murder case.
• The Centre will not withdraw around 2,700 FIRs against those with serious criminal antecedents in connection with NEET protest cases.
• The Bombay High Court has overturned Tarun Tejpal's acquittal in the 2013 rape case.

By requiring each State Bar Council to have at least two female members, the court is taking a crucial step towards achieving greater gender parity in these bodies.

In a move aimed at promoting greater gender diversity, the Supreme Court has directed State Bar Councils to co-opt two women members wherever adequate representation is lacking. The court's order comes as part of its efforts to address the underrepresentation of women in legal regulatory bodies. This decision is significant, as it acknowledges the need for more inclusive and representative institutions. By requiring each State Bar Council to have at least two female members, the court is taking a crucial step towards achieving greater gender parity in these bodies.

During hearings on the Ghaziabad child rape and murder case, the Supreme Court proposed guidelines for hospitals dealing with victims of sexual offences. The court's decision was prompted by an SIT report highlighting treatment lapses in such cases. In a significant development, hospitals have also volunteered ₹12 lakh in compensation during the proceedings. These new guidelines are expected to impact treatment protocols and compliance obligations for hospitals across the country.

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it will not withdraw around 2,700 FIRs against those with serious criminal antecedents in connection with the NEET protest cases. This decision comes as part of the Centre's efforts to address the paper leak controversy surrounding the exams. The court has also been informed about a new exam security framework, which includes consideration of computer-based NEET exams. This development is significant, as it highlights the Centre's commitment to ensuring the integrity of the exams.

In a major reversal, the Bombay High Court has overturned former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal's acquittal in the 2013 rape case. The court held that the trial court had misread evidence and relied on stereotypes about sexual assault survivors. This decision is significant, as it highlights the need for more nuanced and sensitive approaches to handling such cases. The court's ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for similar cases in the future.

Lawyers should note the new guidelines proposed by the Supreme Court for hospitals dealing with victims of sexual offences, which may impact their treatment protocols and compliance obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Law & Justice This Week