RULE OF LAW

Iran presses other countries to refrain from implementing US sanctions

Iran's Foreign Ministry declared all nations must avoid implementing United States sanctions. New United States economic measures were called illegal state terrorism and a crime. These actions put millions of civilians' health and livelihoods at serious risk. Tehran urged the international community to uphold the rule of law. Iran will use all capabilities to defend against a combined United States-Israeli assault.

Jubilant Generics receives show-cause notice demanding over Rs 105 cr

Jubilant Generics received a Rs 105.5 crore GST show-cause notice from Uttarakhand authorities. The notice alleges improper availment of tax refund and Advance Authorisation Scheme benefits. This action pertains to the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22. The company plans to contest the notice and file a detailed reply soon. Jubilant Pharmova expects no significant financial or operational impact.

US judge blocks Trump's executive order on mail-in ballots ahead of midterm elections

A federal judge blocked President Trump's executive order concerning mail-in ballots. This ruling came just days after the Supreme Court lifted a previous block. The order sought to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections. Judge Indira Talwani cited the impracticality and potential unconstitutionality of the directive. The Trump administration is expected to appeal this significant judicial decision.

Retiring early? Know how much tax exemption can employees claim for VRS

You can claim full tax exemption on VRS if the scheme was launched under special framework; Know how it works for employees claiming VRS.

HDFC Bank, LIC Housing Finance to contest Zee resolution

HDFC Bank and LIC Housing Finance will challenge the NCLT ruling on the Zee Group debt settlement. The approved plan includes a small payment from Subhash Chandra as guarantor. Several lenders had opposed this repayment plan, which was approved by the majority. Government officials clarified Chandra was a guarantor, not the principal borrower.

Furlough should not be a free pass

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh received his seventeenth furlough after a 2017 rape conviction. He has spent 435 days outside prison since his sentencing. Haryana's law allows furlough for good conduct and rehabilitation incentives. However, the state law excludes 'hardcore convicted prisoners' from temporary releases. Singh's murder convictions for criminal conspiracy prevent his classification as hardcore.

Uber, Eternal, Porter quit Karnataka gig and platform workers welfare board

The state government has approached other platforms to fill the vacancies. Delhivery, Namma Yatri and Yulu have responded positively and agreed to join the board, people familiar with the development told ET. So far only 15 platform companies have registered with the board, collectively representing about seven lakh gig workers.

HDFC Bank mulls NCLAT appeal over Subhash Chandra insolvency order

HDFC Bank plans to appeal a bankruptcy court ruling concerning Subhash Chandra. The court approved a repayment plan with a 99.97 percent haircut for lenders. HDFC Bank's claim of Rs 680 crore saw only 3.2 percent admitted. Lenders faced negligible recovery against over Rs 22,000 crore in admitted claims. The NCLT rejected objections, citing the debtor's estate value and potential future recovery.

No salary delay: You will get it by 7th of each month now under new labour code

Rupee slide, valuation rules put foreign asset disclosure scheme out of reach for many

The rupee's depreciation and strict valuation rules hinder foreign income disclosure. A one-time voluntary disclosure window allows regularization of overseas assets up to one crore. However, many exceed this limit due to currency conversion dates and asset values. Taxpayers explore updated returns and disclosure schemes, risking misrepresentation claims. Clarification on valuation rules is needed for borderline cases and falling-value assets.

US pauses immigrant visa interviews worldwide: Who is affected and what happens next?

The Trump administration has paused or rescheduled immigrant visa interviews worldwide for training on identifying applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits. The disruption could delay green cards and family reunification, with the State Department yet to say when normal appointments will resume.

United States pauses visa appointments worldwide until further notice

The Trump administration has paused global visa appointments for training purposes. This action is part of an ongoing immigration crackdown by the U.S. government. Consular officers will receive training to screen applicants more thoroughly. Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown as discriminatory and violating rights. The administration has also made legal immigration more difficult through new fees.

Brazil fines TikTok owner ByteDance for unlawful processing of teenagers' data

ANPD said that the local unit of China's ByteDance had processed personal data of teenagers aged 13 to 18 without a valid legal basis. The regulator estimated that, during the period under review, TikTok may have processed the data of at least 8 million children, reflecting ⁠what it ⁠described as shortcomings in the platform's age-verification system.

US lawmakers want Trump to cut the spy supply chain to China, Russia

In a bid to strengthen national security, lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to curb American citizen involvement with Chinese and Russian intelligence agencies. Although a 2018 law prohibited military intelligence collaboration, civilian agencies continue to operate without strict oversight. This situation raises alarms about foreign agencies hiring U.S. consultants and accessing cutting-edge technology, especially in light of President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Washington.

Housing societies cannot charge higher maintenance for bigger flats and shops based on area, rules Maharashtra Co-operative Appellate Court

Unlike property tax, maintenance cannot be charged at a higher rate for bigger flats and shops, explains the Maharashtra Co-operative Appellate Court and gives relief to flat and shop owners from discriminatory higher maintenance. Read the article.

US moves to impose more than $100,000 fee for H-1B worker visas

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register on Monday.

This country lets people walk, camp, swim, boat and pick berries on private land: Here’s how its unusual ‘Every Person’s Right’ works

Finland has an unusual approach to private land, allowing people to walk through forests, camp temporarily, swim, boat and pick wild berries and mushrooms even when the land belongs to someone else. Known as “Every Person’s Right”, the long-standing principle gives people broad access to nature without requiring landowner permission or an entry fee.

Can divorced central govt woman employee add parents to health scheme? DAE clarifies CHSS rule

The central government has clarified that married female employees can now list their parents or parents-in-law as beneficiaries in the CHSS scheme. Even after a divorce, biological parents remain eligible for benefits if they are dependent on the employee. This guidance was prompted by inquiries from DAE employees, who also received clarifications regarding CHSS facilities available for disabled children.

Trump administration's visa pause for 75 countries struck down by US court

A US federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, ruling it violated immigration law. Visa refusals based solely on the policy were also set aside and must be reconsidered by consular officers.

Taiwan accuses China of silencing political dissent

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council has called on Beijing to liberate two pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong, who were found guilty of subversion under national security legislation. The council voiced deep sorrow over their convictions, highlighting the broader implications of political repression. This situation has drawn worldwide attention to the encroachment on human rights, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding freedoms to maintain Hong Kong's role as a global financial hub.

CJI Surya Kant introduces 'Nyaya Setu' and 'Nyay-nomics' at BRICS Plus Legal Forum

Chief Justice Surya Kant introduced 'Nyaya Setu' and 'Nyay-nomics' at the BRICS Plus Legal Forum. These concepts aim to foster judicial cooperation and economic prosperity among member states. He proposed a judicial fellowship and a shared jurisprudence repository for legal professionals. These initiatives seek to deepen understanding and collaboration across diverse legal traditions. The Bar Association of India is also establishing a BRICS arbitration centre in New Delhi.

Silencing Jama Masjid pulpit now part of state policy: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Mirwaiz said those who place such restrictions may not know the history of Jama Masjid, which has stood for people’s rights, coexistence and dialogue. “Every opportunity to be at Jama Masjid is a blessing but restrictions and attempts to silence the pulpit, unfortunately, seem to be part of the state policy right now. It was a time to bear with patience and continue the good work, however possible,” the Mirwaiz said.

Eight DMs empowered to fast-track CAA certificates: Amit Shah in West Bengal

Claiming that “rule of law” prevails in Bengal now with the new BJP government in power, Shah said the previous government did not implement BNS in Bengal so that they could promote cut money, syndicate raj and corruption. He praised CM Suvendu Adhikari who has fulfilled 43% of the poll promises made in the BJP’s manifesto ‘Sankalp Patra’ in just 100 days.