Category: Activism

Straying from the Law to Cage Compassion – Supreme Court’s diktat on street dogs of national capital

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When the Supreme Court’s August 2025 order on street dogs dropped, it landed with all the subtlety of a bulldozer in a butterfly garden. In one sweep, the Bench declared that every single community dog in Delhi-NCR must be rounded up, carted off to shelters, and never set paw on its old street again dismissing, without ceremony, any voice of dissent from animal welfare groups. The problem? India already has a law for this, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and that law says precisely the opposite: sterilise, vaccinate, and return them to their home turf, not exile them indefinitely. In the courtroom drama of “public safety versus compassion,” the scriptwriter here seems to have thrown the statute book out of the window.

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The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025: A Threat to Judicial Independence and the Sanctity of the Legal Profession

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“The legal profession is not merely an occupation; it is the guardian of justice, the voice of the oppressed, and the first line of defense against tyranny. An independent Bar is the cornerstone of an independent judiciary—compromise it, and you compromise the very foundation of democracy.”

If the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 had a motto, it would be: “Speak less, comply more, and never question authority.” Wrapped in the language of “reform,” this Bill is less about improving the legal profession and more about taming it. It reads like a playbook for turning fierce, independent advocates into government-approved legal service providers, carefully selected to avoid ruffling any executive feathers. By expanding control over the Bar, criminalizing dissent, and creating a chilling effect on legal activism, the Bill seems designed to ensure that lawyers think twice before taking up cases that challenge the powers that be. In a democracy, advocates are meant to be the watchdogs of justice—but with these amendments, the government appears keen to turn them into obedient house pets, barking only when permitted. The message is clear: fall in line, or risk professional extinction. But history has shown that the legal fraternity does not take kindly to such attempts at subjugation—and the overwhelming resistance to this Bill proves that the fight for an independent Bar is far from over.

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High Court seeks Rigorous Compliance of sanitation issues: Respect for shared spaces and lessons from Japan

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The scene portrayed above is from a Japanese movie, Perfect Days (2023), directed by Wim Wenders. The film portrays the life of a Tokyo toilet cleaner, Hirayama, who finds profound meaning and dignity in his seemingly mundane job. The philosophy of Perfect Days emphasizes finding dignity, meaning, and beauty in tasks, like cleaning toilets, reflecting the profound connection between care for shared spaces and human respect. As essential public services, sanitation and toilets embody this philosophy by upholding public health, equality, and dignity for all. Together, they remind us that even the simplest actions in maintaining hygiene can have transformative societal impacts.
The High Court’s various directives in CWPIL 6 of 2017 and the philosophy of Perfect Days converge on a universal truth: dignity resides in the care we show for our shared spaces and responsibilities. Just as Hirayama’s work elevates public toilets to sanctuaries of care, the court’s insistence on accountability and sustainable practices transforms sanitation into a symbol of collective respect and progress.

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Inconvienient Judgments that ruffle too many feathers-The case of the silent majority, Judicial Transfers and Sherlock Holmes

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Imagine Sherlock Holmes sitting in his Baker Street flat, scratching his head over the enigma of judicial transfers in India. “It’s quite elementary, my dear Watson,” he might say, “except when it’s not. The transfers happen without consent, reasons are shrouded in secrecy, and the silent majority watches as the plot thickens!”

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Buy-back policy, HIPA Training, Special Task Force, and other directions by the High Court to Combat Solid Waste Issue

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Shimla, August 8, 2024 – The division bench of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh presided over by J. Tarlok Singh Chauhan and J. Sushil Kukreja, in its ongoing commitment to environmental preservation, has issued a series of significant directives aimed at enhancing solid waste management across the state. Building on its earlier orders on March 23, May 9, 2024 and July 18, 2024., the court has now introduced new measures to ensure that these efforts reach the most critical areas and involve every level of society. The court’s new order, dated August 8, 2024, builds on these earlier measures with additional, targeted directives. Let’s dive right in:

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High Court Issues Comprehensive Directives to Tackle Solid/Plastic Waste Issue in Himachal Pradesh

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 Shimla, July 24, 2024 – In a landmark ruling on July 18, 2024, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, under the astute guidance of Judges J. Tarlok Singh Chauhan and J. Sushil Kukreja, issued an exhaustive order that promises a greener future. This pivotal decision, following the court’s March 23 and May 9, 2024 Orders, addresses critical aspects of compliance and sets forth robust directives for solid waste management. Lets dive right in:

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The Proposal to Charge Electricity and Water at Commercial Rates for Homestays: A Critical Examination

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In a surprising and controversial move, the Himachal Pradesh government recently announced a proposal to impose commercial rates for electricity and water on homestays. This decision was revealed in various news outlets indicating that a proposal to provide electricity and water facilities in the state’s homestays at commercial rates has been placed before the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to amend the Home Stay Rules 2024.

For years, homestays have been a lifeline for middle-class and lower-income families, providing a vital source of supplementary income and contributing to the local economy. However, this new policy threatens to undermine the very foundation of homestays, turning what was once an accessible and inclusive form of tourism into a financially burdensome endeavour. The government argues that aligning utility rates with commercial standards is necessary for regulatory consistency and financial sustainability. However, this rationale fails to consider the unique nature of homestays, which operate on a small scale and offer tourists an authentic, home-like experience rather than a commercial service. The proposal raises critical questions about economic inequality, property rights, and the future of sustainable tourism in Himachal Pradesh. In this blog, we will delve into the multifaceted implications of this proposal, examining how it stands to impact local livelihoods, exacerbate economic disparities, and contradict the very principles of the Incredible India scheme.

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Gender Bias in Hindu Succession Act: Examining Inequality in Property Rights

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In India, inheritance laws vary significantly based on religious affiliations, with Hindus governed by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (HSA). A unique aspect of this Act is its differentiation between the intestate succession rights of males and females. Specifically, the intestate succession of a female Hindu depends on the source from which she acquired the property. This article critiques this aspect of the HSA, arguing that it is discriminatory and unconstitutional, and discusses recent legal developments that may bring about significant change.

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State’s Compliance and Waste Management Directives by High Court in Suleman Vs UOI

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In a significant decision dated May 9, 2024, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, presided over by Judges J. Tarlok Singh Chauhan and J. Sushil Kukreja, delivered a comprehensive order addressing multiple matters concerning the compliance with the earlier order, examining the Action taken report of Municipal Corporation Shimla, and issuing directions in furtherance of its March 23 Order for solid waste management. This article deals with the above three aspects of the order in three Parts.

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The Aquatic Arteries of the Himalayas: Judicial intervention to preserve rivers from a grave threat of sewage treatment plants.

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Pristine peaks of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. However, beneath the serene surface, a crisis brews in its veins—the rivers and streams that carve through this mountainous terrain are under siege. Pollution, unchecked and unbridled, threatens not only the rich wildlife that depends on these waters but also the communities for whom these rivers are lifelines. The purity of these waters is integral to the ecological balance and cultural heritage of not only this region but also the rest of the country as the Himalayas provide water to most of the parts of the Indian sub-continent. The water bodies face peril from industrial discharge, inadequate waste management, and faltering sewage treatments.

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Himachal Pradesh High Court’s Landmark Order: A Beacon for Waste management Stewardship

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Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – In a landmark decision that underscores the judiciary’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh through Hon’ble Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, has issued a comprehensive order, setting a new precedent for waste management and environmental protection in the state. The order, stemming from the case “Suleman vs. Union of India,” encompasses a wide array of directives aimed at enhancing waste management practices, promoting sustainable environmental policies, and ensuring strict compliance with environmental laws.(check earlier directions here https://lawumbrella.org/2023/11/26/high-court-of-himachal-pradesh-orders-stringent-implementation-of-solid-waste-management-laws/)

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High Court of Himachal Pradesh Orders Stringent Implementation of Solid Waste Management Laws

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Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: In a significant development in the ongoing environmental case of Suleman vs. Union of India 2369 of 2018, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, presided over by Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, has taken a decisive step towards addressing the persistent issue of garbage and solid waste management in the state.

In the latest hearing on November 16, 2023, the court expressed concern over the lack of progress due to the disjointed efforts of various stakeholders. In an unprecedented move, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Prabodh Saxena, was summoned for a personal appearance. Accompanied by other high-ranking officials, Mr. Saxena assured the court of the state’s commitment to developing a clear roadmap for implementing environmental laws.

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