Legal Bites June 2024: Monthly Legal Updates

Here are Legal Bites June 2024 monthly GK updates. The notable happenings of the months were related to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, the Monthly stipend announced by Assam to curb child marriage and so on. We have covered all the happenings in the gist so that it helps the readers to remember all legal and current updates about June 2024 most efficiently and easily.

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Legal Bites June 2024: Monthly Legal GK Updates

1. Delhi High Court stated that it does have the power to appoint a sole arbitrator despite the arbitration agreement mentioning a three-arbitrator panel

On 2nd June 2024, the Delhi High Court mentioned that it does have the authority to appoint a single arbitrator even if the agreement specifically states the appointment of a panel of arbitrators comprising three arbitrators. Thus, the petition filed under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 was upheld. The same court stated that the parties had failed to appoint the panel of arbitrators.

2. Hyderabad is not a joint capital of Andhra Pradesh anymore

On 2nd June 2024, Hyderabad officially ceased to act as a common joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The same shall now solely be the capital of Telangana and the same has been set up by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. This has thereby ended the 10-year arrangement between the states. This decision thus culminated in the 10-year-long arrangement between the two states on June 2, 2014.

3. Notification of SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024

On 3rd June 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India notified certain amendments in the SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2019. The key changes include relaxation in timelines granted to FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) to report and disclose any material changes categorised as Type 1 under the regulations.

4. The Bombay High Court reiterated the essence of maternity leave under the Maternity Benefit Regulation under the AAI Regulations, 2003

On 3rd June 2024, the Bombay High Court stated that the purpose and essence behind the Maternity Benefit Regulation under the AAI Regulations, 2003 is to protect and safeguard the rights of working mothers and the same cannot be used as a weapon to combat overpopulation. Thus, the woman could opt for maternity leave for one child born before she joined the service at AAI (Airport Authority of India).

5. The Court stated that “Subsequent Changes in Law Cannot be a Valid Ground for condonation of Delay”

On 5th June 2024, it was ruled by the Supreme Court that any subsequent change in the laws cannot be a valid ground for condoning delays. The said appeals had been filed against orders of the High Court whereby acquisition proceedings had lapsed under Section 24(2) (Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency) of the Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The apex court directed Delhi HC to conduct a fresh fact-finding to determine which claimant should be awarded compensation.

6. Release of IFSCA (Book-keeping, Accounting, Taxation and Financial Crime Compliance Services) Regulations, 2024

On 6th June 2024, the rules for bookkeeping as mentioned above were released by the International Financial Services Centres Authority to assist in making the process of bookkeeping by all IFSCAs uniform and transparent. The regulations are set to apply to all the IFSCA companies in the country.

7. Somalia won a Non-Permanent seat in the UN Security Council

On 6th June 2024, Somalia showcased its utmost brilliance by winning the Non-permanent seat in the Security Council-UN. It remains to be the first country to have achieved the same since the year 1970. Currently, the Security Council has a total of 15 members out of which 5 are permanent members and 10 are non-permanent.

8. IIAC (Conduct of Micro and Small Enterprises Arbitration) Regulations, 2024

On 7th June 2024, the India International Arbitration Centre released the IIAC (Conduct of Micro and Small Enterprises Arbitration) Regulations, 2024. The same has been introduced to speed and help in making the process of dispute resolution more efficient and quick to ultimately assist in promoting arbitration in India.

9. Third Global Hackathon- HaRBInger 2024 launched by RBI

On 7th June 2024, registrations for the third global hackathon ‘HaRBInger 2024 – Innovation for Transformation’ began. Participants invited solutions under two themes: Zero Financial Frauds and Being Divyang Friendly. Mentoring of participants shall be done by industry experts so that they can exhibit their solutions before the jury.

10. Medal winners in sports now to be paid higher prize money in Himachal Pradesh

On 8th June 2024, as per the Himachal Pradesh government announcement, an increase in prize money for medal winners in international championships shall be awarded as per the new sports policy of the state. The same was announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. This shall apply to gold medal winners in the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics, whereby the prize has been raised from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore.

11. Discussion paper released by IBBI Proposes Ease of Compliance Burden on Insolvency Professionals

On 10th June 2024, a discussion paper was released by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India that proposes ways to reduce the burden on insolvency professionals. The framework showcases how the reporting and deadlines can be streamlined to consolidate them into a ‘centralised IBBI website’. The same will enhance accessibility.

12. Nano-fertilizer plant set up at Kakinada

On 10th June 2024, Coromandel International set up in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada, a nano-fertiliser plant. The same shall be utilised in ensuring optimal nutrient delivery and absorption by plants which shall further assist in eliminating the use of conventional fertilizers and will ultimately lead to an increase in crop yield.

13. Monthly stipend announced by Assam to curb child marriage and support education

On 12th June 2024, it was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that 'Nijut Moina' is a scheme for providing monthly stipends to girl children from the class of 11th to post-graduation over the next five years. The scheme has been approved by the state cabinet and a sum of about Rs. 1,500 crore over five years has been allocated for the same.

14. Samsung Display Noida penalised by MCA for violation of the Companies Act

On June 12th 2024, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs released its order thereby holding accountable the big tech company for its failure in practising due diligence for ascertaining the SBO (Significant Beneficial Owners) as under Section 90 of the Companies Act, 2013. Heavy penalties have been imposed on the company.

15. Land allocation for solar projects approved by Rajasthan Government

On 13th June 2024, it was announced by the Rajasthan government through Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma that 4,780 hectares of land is to be allocated for the setting up and establishment of four solar projects. This showcases the government’s ardent desire to make the state more environment-friendly and sustainable.

16. As per the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the passing of an arbitral award cannot be delayed if the HC lacks original civil jurisdiction

On 15th June 2024, the Supreme Court held that if a High Court lacks original civil jurisdiction, it does not give it the power to extend the time duration/ limit to pass arbitral award as per Section 29A which prescribes the time limit for passing the arbitral award, as per Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

17. Indian Railways mentioned in Limca Book of Records

On 15th June 2024, Indian Railways entered the Limca Book of Records for the largest number of people at a public service event organised at multiple venues. The event was held on 26th February and was attended by approximately 40,19,516 people across 2,140 venues. The inauguration of the event was done by PM Modi.

18. UNCCD Land Hero- Siddhesh Sakore

On 16th June 2024, Siddhesh Sakore who is also a former founder of AGRO RANGERS from Maharashtra was awarded as the Land Hero by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The same was done due to his innumerable contributions to the efforts for sustainable land management and the elimination of desertification. The program where he was felicitated was held in Germany.

19. Accusation on Delhi Government by Supreme Court for mismanagement of water thereby resulting in water crises

On 17th June 2024, the Supreme Court stated that the ‘jal board’ is a part of the Delhi Government and thus it was the government’s responsibility to manage the water accordingly. Strict action was ordered against the tanker mafias. The apex court thereby stated that the Delhi government was to be held responsible for the water shortage as they had mismanaged the resources.

20. The 17th Instalment of the PM-KISAN Scheme released

On 18th June 2024, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister released the 17th instalment which comprises about Rs. 20,000 crore in the PM-KISAN Scheme. The event was attended by PM Narendra Modi in Varanasi. Around 30,000 self-help groups as Krishi Sakhis were also awarded certificates at the event.

21. Discussion on Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024 between MEITY and Industry Bodies

On June 18th 2024, the proposed Draft Digital Competition Bill was discussed with industry representatives to take into consideration the varied opinions on the same. The main argument proposed was that the DC bill might create hurdles for investment along with regulatory overlap. The bill is set to be reassessed by the policymakers in this context.

22. Enforcement of Post Office Act, 2023

On 18th June 2024, the Post Office Act, 2023 came into force. The act attained the assent of the President on 24.12.2023. The act has also led to the repeal of the Post Office Act, 1898 and contains no penal provisions. Further, the Act has stated the standards for addressing items, address identifiers, and the usage of postcodes.

23. Amendments introduced by IBBI for holding accountable Guarantors of Bankrupt Firms

On 19th June 2024, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India through its discussion paper on the same subject matter proposed certain key changes in its framework to hold guarantors of bankrupt firms accountable in resolution plans. This step has been taken by IBBI to restrict personal guarantors from escaping liability.

24. Imposition of fine by SEBI on major companies for non-submission of no default statement

On 19th June 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India levied hefty penalties on seven major companies including Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Power and Incredible Realcon as they had defaulted in their submission of the no-default statement. A fine of approximately Rs. 1 crore was levied on Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Power and Incredible Realcon and Rs. 20 lakh on Paranjape Schemes Ltd. among others. The fine has been directed to be paid within 45 days as per the 90-page order passed by SEBI.

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25. Media restricted by Bangalore High Court from publishing Defamatory News against Kannada Actor

On 19th June 2024, the Bangalore High Court passed an order whereby it restrained the media from publishing by way of printing, telecasting or other modes any defamatory statements against Vijayalakshmi Darshan, her husband Darshan and her family members. The same comes after the arrest of Darshan Srinivas in a murder case.

26. Winding up of City Co-operative Bank ordered by RBI post revocation of its license

On 19th June 2024, RBI cancelled the license of City Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mumbai. The central bank stated that the City Bank did not have adequate capital and earning prospects. The continuance of the bank is predicted to be prejudicial to the interests of its depositors. Winding up orders for the same bank has also therefore been passed. The bank has failed to meet the requirements as have been stipulated in the RBI Act, 1949.

27. Approval of National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme by Cabinet

On 19th June 2024, the Cabinet approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme. The financial outlay for the same is about Rs. 2254.43 crore for campuses, labs, and infrastructure enhancement. The duration is initially 2024-25 and then 2028-29. The objective is to set up and establish Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Central Forensic Science Laboratories in India.

28. New Nalanda University Campus at Rajgir, Bihar inaugurated

On 19th June 2024, the new campus of Nalanda University was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The university presents a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. A total of about 100 acres of water bodies and environment-friendly features comprise the total area of the new campus. The focus has been on “Environmental Sustainability”.

29. Pre-Open Call Auction Session extended by SEBI for curbing IPO Pricing Manipulation

On 20th June 2024, SEBI issued a circular as per which a new framework has been introduced to curb IPO price manipulation. The same shall be effective from the 90th day after its issuance. The timing for the pre-open call auction has been extended by 60 minutes. This period is important as it comprises of price discovery made before the commencement of regular trading hours.

30. The connection between Agri-Startups and E-Commerce Platforms to be established by UP Government

On 20th June 2024, the UP government announced that it shall take steps to connect agriculture commodity startups with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) and e-NAM (National Agriculture Market). The idea is to foster the rural incomes generated through agriculture and to also assist in the generation of employment. The startups shall be free to further join any of the e-commerce platforms for digital marketing.

31. Proposal for introducing ‘Dedicated Deep Tech Start-up Policy’ in the coming budget by MCA

On 21st June 2024, MCA stated that it is looking forward to proposing a dedicated policy towards deep tech start-ups. The policy shall follow the draft National Deep Tech Start-up Policy as was previously released in July 2023. The same shall aim to eliminate the challenges faced by deep tech start-ups.

32. Security sought for UP Judge who ordered ‘Gyanvapi survey’ by NIA Court Judge

On 21st June 2024, an NIA court judge stated that “Islamic Fundamentalist Forces Conspiring To Kill the UP judge who had ordered the survey for Gyanvapi.” The Additional District Judge (Fast Track) requires safety on these grounds and the place was thereby submitted before the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court,

33. GST Council Recommendation on Special Procedure for Manufacturers has been clarified by CBIC

On 22nd June 2024, in GST Council’s 53rd meeting, certain special procedures were notified by the CBIC with regards to the special procedure that has to be adhered to by the manufacturers. The same shall apply to persons who are thus involved in the process of manufacturing including a contract worker and job worker. However, it is important to note that in the case of an unregistered manufacturer, the liability of compliance with the special procedure shall lie with the principal manufacturer.

34. 2nd Lok Adalat of Gujarat for the year 2024 resolved a record number of cases

On 22nd June 2024, Gujarat’s 2nd Lok Adalat resolved 8.6 lakh cases and awards up to Rs. 1341.7 crores were awarded. The same took place under the aegis of NALSA which is the National Legal Service Authority. This stands to be a record-breaking number and thus wheels of justice made significant strides.

35. Notification of Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Rules, 2024

On 23rd June 2024, the Department of Personnel and Training of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Rules, 2024 as a step towards eliminating unfair means that are used in examinations and to promote fair and just exams.

36. Demands from Trade Unions for scrapping the new Labour Codes and reintroducing Old Pension Scheme

On 24th June 2024, it was urged by a joint platform of a total of ten central trade unions that the new four labour codes must be taken back and the old labour laws that encompassed 29 labour laws must be reintroduced. The reduction of penalties and certain other factors were criticized and thus the unions called for enhanced resource mobilisation.

37. Dismissal of appeal by Haryana SSC for socio-economic marks policy

On 24th June 2024, the Supreme Court rejected the Haryana SSC appeal and thereby invalidated the ‘socio-economic marks policy’. This had previously also been set aside by Punjab and Haryana High Court. The notification was regarding the grant of an additional 5% marks to the Haryana domicile based on certain ‘socio-economic’ criteria.

38. Suraj Revanna (Janata Dal MLC) was remanded to police custody after post sexual abuse case filed by Man

On 24th June 2024, the Bangalore court remanded Suraj Revanna who is a Janata Dal (MLC) to police custody as he has been charged under Section 377, 342 of the IPC in a case of sexual abuse as filed by a man. The order was passed by Magistrate KN Shivakumar post remanding him previously to judicial custody in connection with the same case.

39. January 25 is to be observed as Tamil Language Martyrs' Day

On 24th June 2024, it was announced by the Tamil Nadu government that from the year 2025 onwards, January 25 will be observed as ‘Tamil Mozhi Thiyagigal Naal’ which is the Tamil Language Day. The same has been done to commemorate former Chief Minister M. Karunanidh. Moreover, a statue of Kavignar Mudiyarasan is set to be set up in the state in the coming months.

40. Seven law colleges barred by BCI from admitting new students

On 24th June 2024, the Bar Council of India directed a total of seven colleges that are: H. S. Law College, Master Somnath Law College, Shri Krishna College of Law, Sri Eshwar Reddy College of Law, Sri Shirdi Sai Vidya Parishad, Sri Shirdi Sai Law College, S. S. College of Law, Teju Singh Memorial Law College. They are restricted from admitting new students until they fulfil all necessary standards and receive due clearance from BCI.

41. Black Day Protest declared by West Bengal Bar Council against implementation of new criminal laws

On 25th June 2024, a resolution was passed in the meeting of the West Bengal Bar Council as per which they agreed to express their unanimous views against the implementation of the new criminal laws by holding a ‘black day protest’ on July 1, 2024, the day when the laws are set to be implemented. They have claimed that the laws are 'Anti-People, Undemocratic & Draconian'.

42. Bail granted to Tamil Nadu Minister in the case regarding remarks on Sanatan Dharma

On 25th June 2024, the Bangalore High Court granted bail to TN Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in a case that was registered against him whereby he had made remarks against the Sanatan Dharma. The same had been passed in a seminar held in Chennai which was targeting the eradication of the whole sanatana dharma.

43. Income Tax to be paid by Madhya Pradesh Ministers

On June 25th 2024, it was announced by the Madhya Pradesh government that the 52-year-old rule whereby no income tax was to be paid by the Madhya Pradesh ministers. The decision thereby has overridden the rule that was set in 1972. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The same decision was appreciated and approved by the cabinet and is set to be implemented soon in the coming months.

44. Arrest of ex-Kashmir Bar Council President in the murder of Advocate Babr Qadri

On 25th June 2024, the detention of ex-Kashmir Bar Council President Mian Abdul Qayoom, who is also a renowned advocate; was made by Jammu and Kashmir SIA (State Investigation Agency). The same was in lieu of his alleged involvement in Advocate Babar Qadri’s murder in the year 2020. It is stated by J&K SIA that Mian is the main conspirator in the case.

45. Personal appearance of Rahul Gandhi ordered by UP High Court in Defamation Case

On 26th June 2024, the UP High Court ordered the personal appearance of Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case over alleged remarks on Amit Shah. The MP/MLA Court judge that is Shubham Verma ordered the appearance. The complaint had been filed against Rahul Gandhi by BJP leader Vijay Mishra about some highly objectionable comments that the leader had passed against the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.

46. Om-Birla re-elected as Speaker of Lok Sabha

On 26th June 2024, Om Birla who was an NDA Candidate was re-elected for another term as the speaker of the Lok Sabha by the members of the Lok Sabha. The motion for his appointment had been moved by Prime Minister Modi and was further seconded by the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

47. Bannerghatta Biological Park hosts India’s largest Leopard safari

On 26th June 2024, Bangalore Bannerghatta Biological Park was established as India’s largest leopard safari covering 20 hectares. The safari comprises various features such as semi-deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and high-security measures. It also has a vertical chain mesh of about 4.5 metres and 1.5 metres of metal sheets. The total financial outlay that was utilised for setting the same up was about Rs. 4.5 crore approximately.

48. Bill to protect gig workers’ rights set to be introduced by Karnataka Government

On 28th June 2024, new regulations for protecting food delivery platforms and ride-hailing companies were launched by Karnataka Government. The same now mandates companies to register with the Labour Department to provide for adequate grievance redressal and protection against unjust dismissal. The draft bill is soon to be released to the public for proper perusal.

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