Jan
3
DOS Report on Religious Freedom in India
January 3, 2004 | Comments Off on DOS Report on Religious Freedom in India
Last month, the US Department of State released its International Religious Freedom Report for 2003. In its India analysis, the report discusses issues such as India’s religious demography, the legal/policy framework, restrictions on religious freedom, forced religious conversions, and societal attitudes. The report also discusses the “gradual but continual institutionalization of “Hindutva,”” discussing the spread […]
Jan
2
Increasing Custodial Deaths
January 2, 2004 | Comments Off on Increasing Custodial Deaths
The National Human Rights Commission released its annual report, describing the increasing numbers of custodial deaths: Over 1,305 cases were reported during 2001-02, according to the commission’s annual report — 1,140 deaths occurred in judicial custody and the rest in police custody. In light of these statistics, the NHRC has recommended better custodial management, human […]
Jan
1
POTA Amendment Bill: Controversial Clause
January 1, 2004 | Comments Off on POTA Amendment Bill: Controversial Clause
Yesterday’s Indian Express discusses a controversial clause in the POTA Amendment Bill, which has now passed both houses of Parliament and is awaiting the President’s signature. Manoj Mitta claims that this clause threatens the independence of the judiciary: [T]he POTA Amendment Bill slipped in a clause that effectively lets a review committee—appointed by the Government […]