Nyaya-Manthan
Contact
Humanitarian/Pro bono Work
Our legal advocacy initiatives and public interest litigation advancing social justice across India.
COVID-19 Advocacy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, law students took initiative to address critical issues affecting the public through legal channels:
Black Marketing of Essential Supplies
Law students wrote to the Chief Justice of India regarding the black marketing of key drugs and oxygen during the pandemic crisis, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Business Standard

Covid-19: Law students write to CJI over key drugs, oxygen black marketing

Requesting to pass immediate directions and orders for uniform guidelines on certain matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic, a group of law students has sent a combined letter petition to the CJI

  • ANI News:

www.aninews.in

Loading...

RGNUL Fee Reduction Case
A significant legal battle was fought by students of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) challenging the university's demand for full semester fees during the COVID-19 pandemic when campus facilities were inaccessible.
1
Initial Challenge
Students of RGNUL moved Punjab & Haryana High Court, challenging the University's demand for full semester fees amid COVID-19 crisis when they couldn't access campus facilities.

Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news

Students of RGNUL move P&H HC challenging University demand for full semester fee amid COVID-19 crisis

Students of the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) have moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging a demand made for the payment of the fu

2
Court Notice
The High Court issued notice to Punjab and the law university regarding the fee collection during pandemic.

Hindustan Times

HC notice to Punjab, law varsity over fee collection

The HC has directed that no late fee should be charged from students in the meantime.

3
Court Ruling
Punjab and Haryana High Court were trying to make two ends meet during COVID-19" and found charging the entire hostel rent was not justified during this period.
The High Court directed RGNUL to charge only 50% of hostel rent from students for the COVID-19 period.

Verdictum

People Were Trying To Make Two Ends Meet During Covid-19: P&H HC Directs RGNUL To Charge Only 50% Hostel Rent From Students

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala to charge only 50% of the Hostel rent from the students and observed that the University was not...

LawBeat

Punjab and Haryana High Court directs RGNUL to charge only 50% of hostel rent from students for Covid-19 period

“The students were out of the hostel rooms not out of choice but out of compulsion. Their belongings were left in the rooms. There was panic and fear all around. Those who did not have secure jobs...

4
Supreme Court Appeal
The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the High Court's order directing RGNUL to charge only 50% hostel rent from students for the COVID period.

Verdictum

SC Refuses To Interfere With High Court's Order Directing RGNUL To Charge Only 50% Hostel Rent From Students For Covid Period

The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Order passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala to charge only 50% of the Hostel...

EdexLive

RGNUL: Punjab & Haryana HC directs institutes to charge only 50% of hostel fees for COVID span

On Monday, November 21, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, to charge only 50% of the hostel

This ruling set a precedent for educational institutions during the pandemic.
Ooty Women Toilets Advocacy
A significant advocacy effort highlighted the lack of toilet facilities for women lawyers in the Ooty Court Complex, bringing attention to basic infrastructure issues affecting women in the legal profession.
1
Letter to NCW
A complaint was filed highlighting the lack/absence of toilet facilities for women lawyers within the recently inaugurated court complex in Ooty, Nilgiris

PDF file

2
The Supreme Court had earlier taken up a miscellaneous application on its own motion and directed it to be listed with a Writ Petition instituted by the Women Lawyers Association of Nilgiris seeking the availability of basic amenities in the Court complex. The said Writ Petition was earlier disposed of by the Chief Justice-led bench by granting liberty to either move the District Judge or, as the case may be, the Registrar General of the High Court so that the grievance can be looked into.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) issued a notice to the Registrar General of Madras High Court seeking action within 3 days regarding the absence of toilets for women in the Ooty Court Complex.

Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news

Address lack of toilets for women lawyers in Nilgiris court complex: NCW Chairperson to Madras High Court

Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Rekha Sharma has written a letter to the Registrar General of the Madras High Court seeking measures to a

India Today

Lack of toilets for women lawyers in Ooty, NCW flags 'neglect' to Madras High Court

National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma has written to the Registrar General flagging the absence of toilets for women lawyers at Ooty court complex.

Verdictum

Lack Of Toilet For Women In Ooty Court Complex: NCW Issues Notice To Registrar General Of Madras HC Seeking Action In 3 Days

The National Commission for Women has issued a notice to the Registrar General of the Tamil Nadu High Court on a complaint that the newly inaugurated Court complex in Ooty, Nilgiris lack toilet...

3
Media Coverage
The issue received widespread media attention, with multiple publications highlighting the "neglect" faced by women lawyers in the judicial infrastructure.

Hindustan Times

A 25-year-long struggle for a toilet

This article is authored by Anita Anand, communications and development specialist, New Delhi.

www.bebadass.in

TOILET (or the lack of it) AS A FEMINIST ISSUE! • Bebadass.in

The problem women face in Ooty is much larger than just not meeting the basic needs of women.

4
Resolution
Following the intervention and hearing, the Nilgiris Court Complex finally got toilets for women in Ooty.

ABPLive

Toilets For Women Allotted In Nilgiris Court Complex After Supreme Court Hearing

The vacation bench recorded a detailed report by the Registrar General of Madras High Court on the matter.

There is a lot more yet to be done…

Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news

Toilets for women in courts: A ‘stale’ issue presenting an opportunity for a new design for court complexes

A major hot-button issue that has been brought to the fore multiple times over the last couple of months is the lack of toilets for women in court complexes. It

JNUSU 2024 Elections
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) elections faced legal challenges in 2024, requiring judicial intervention to ensure proper conduct of the electoral process.
Legal Challenge
The Delhi High Court sought JNU's stand on a plea challenging the conduct of student union elections, initiating judicial oversight of the process.

Live Law

Delhi High Court Seeks JNU's Stand On Plea Challenging Conduct Of Student Union Elections

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on a plea challenging the process of conducting the elections to the Jawaharlal Nehru University...

The Hindu

HC seeks JNU’s stand on plea challenging students’ union elections

The High Court on Wednesday asked Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to respond to a plea challenging the upcoming students’ union elections.

theprint

HC seeks JNU's stand on plea for re-election of students' union general secretary

New Delhi, May 3 (PTI) The Delhi High Court sought the Jawaharlal Nehru University’s stand on Friday on a plea seeking re-election to the post of JNUSU general secretary. Justice Sachin Datta issued a notice to the university as well as its Election Committee, the Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) and elected general secretary Priyanshi Arya […]

Judicial Observer Appointed
The Delhi High Court appointed former Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian as an observer to oversee the functioning of the election committee, ensuring fair conduct of the JNUSU elections.

The Indian Express

JNUSU elections: Delhi HC appoints former SC judge as observer

Former Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as an observer to oversee the activities of the election committee constituted for the JNUSU elections to be held on March 22.

Business Standard

HC appoints former SC judge Ramasubramanian as observer for JNUSU polls

The Delhi High Court has appointed former Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian as an 'observer' to exercise oversight over the activities of the election committee constituted for the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union elections for the 2023-24 academic year.

SCC Times

JNUSU Elections| Delhi HC appoints former Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian as observer to oversee functioning of election committee

“In view of the election schedule that is notified on 10-03-2024, the Grievance Redressal Cell is directed to complete the exercise and…

This case highlighted the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring fair electoral processes even at the university level, particularly in institutions of national importance like JNU.
Live-streaming of Court Proceedings

The Hindu

Five years after Supreme Court judgment, only 9 out of 25 High Courts livestream proceedings

The live streaming of court proceedings has really taken our court absolutely to the homes and to the hearts of the common citizens.

Five Years After Supreme Court Judgment
Despite a landmark Supreme Court judgment promoting transparency in judicial proceedings, implementation of livestreaming has been slow across India's High Courts.
Only 9 out of 25 High Courts livestream proceedings, according to a report by The Hindu.
This highlights the gap between judicial directives and their implementation, raising questions about transparency and accessibility in India's judicial system.
NLU Students' Statement on Farmers' Protest
"An attack on Indian democracy"
In February 2021, 688 students from National Law Universities across India released a collective statement condemning the farmers' protest. This represented a significant mobilization of law students engaging with a major national issue through their legal perspective.
The statement addressed concerns about the protests and their implications for democratic processes in India, demonstrating how law students actively engage with and respond to significant socio-political developments in the country.
This initiative highlighted the role of law students as engaged citizens who utilize their legal education to analyze and respond to national events.
Read the full coverage on EdexLive

EdexLive

An attack on Indian democracy: 688 NLU students release statement condemning farmers' protest

A group of 688 law students from National Law Universities across the country has released a solidarity statement with the government of India, condemning the c

INTERVIEWS
Fact vs Fiction: The Truth About Law School and Legal Practice
Interview Insights
An in-depth interview exploring the realities of law school education and legal practice in India, addressing common misconceptions and providing practical insights for aspiring lawyers.
The interview covers:
  • Expectations vs. reality of law school education
  • Challenges in transitioning from academic to practical legal work
  • Career pathways in the legal profession
  • Advice for current and prospective law students

EdexLive

Fact vs Fiction: The truth about law school and legal practice

Many law aspirants might have preconceived notions about the legal profession. Supreme Court advocate Aditya Kashyap clears the air and busts a few myths: While

A Nationalism-Minded Fellowship for Students
An investigative report by ThePrint examines a fellowship program with a nationalist orientation that has been securing prestigious internships.

theprint

A nationalism-minded fellowship for students is bagging plum internships in BJP’s Raj

Advertised on ABVP’s website, Think India is a national internship programme. It matches students with suitable nationalist mentors in government, parliament, think tanks, and law firms.

Meet the RGNUL Student Who Fought His College's Fee Policy During Covid-19
A profile of student activism that led to significant policy change during the pandemic.
This profile features a student from Rajiv Gandhi National Law University (RGNUL) who took on the institution's fee policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a legal challenge that ultimately resulted in a favorable judgment from the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
The case became a significant precedent for educational institutions during the pandemic, with the court directing RGNUL to charge only 50% of hostel rent for the period when students couldn't access campus facilities.
The profile highlights how student activism through legal channels can lead to meaningful policy changes, especially during extraordinary circumstances like the pandemic.
Read the full profile on Careers360.

Careers360

Student Litigants: Meet the RGNUL student who fought his college’s fee policy during Covid-19

A Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Punjab alumnus fought for students and patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BCI's Ban on Advertising Sparks Debate Among Lawyers
Professional Ethics vs. Modern Practice
The Bar Council of India's ban on advertising and soliciting litigation work has ignited a significant debate within the legal community, highlighting tensions between traditional professional ethics and modern legal practice needs.
Key points of contention include:
  • Restrictions on how lawyers can promote their services
  • Impact on new entrants to the profession
  • Comparison with international legal practice standards
  • Balance between professional dignity and commercial realities
The debate reflects broader questions about how the legal profession in India should evolve while maintaining its core ethical principles.
The restrictions have divided the legal community between those supporting traditional professional standards and others advocating for modernization.
Read the full article in The Hindu.

The Hindu

BCI’s ban on advertising, soliciting litigation work sparks debate among lawyers

Legal professionals weigh in on the implications of bar council’s directive banning lawyers from advertising and soliciting work through online platforms that connect them with litigants

Mumbai and Pune's Hit-and-Run Cases
Rich Kids' Real Life Saga of 'How to Get Away with Murder'
An in-depth investigation by EdexLive examines hit-and-run cases involving wealthy young individuals in Mumbai and Pune, analyzing how privilege intersects with justice in these high-profile incidents.
Wealth and Accountability
The report examines how financial privilege potentially influences the legal outcomes in hit-and-run cases involving wealthy families.
Legal System Challenges
The investigation highlights procedural and systemic issues in how these cases are handled by law enforcement and the courts.
Public Perception
The article analyzes how these cases shape public perception of justice and equality before the law in contemporary India.
This investigative piece raises critical questions about whether justice is truly blind or if wealth and connections can influence legal outcomes in serious criminal cases.

EdexLive

Mumbai and Pune's hit-and-run brats: Rich kids’ real life saga of ‘How to Get Away with Murder’

Two hit-and-run incidents in Maharashtra have highlighted a longstanding issue: a poor man's life being seen as dispensable, a driver made a scapegoat, and affl

The Whats and Hows of Being a Law Clerk

Verdictum

Advocate Aditya Kashyap Speaks About The Whats And Hows Of Being A Law Clerk

Advocate Aditya Kashyap speaks about the “Whats and Hows of being a Law Clerk” as he highlights what the job entails, what the work routine of the law clerk is and the requisite qualifications and...

Inside the Role of a Law Clerk
An in-depth interview with Advocate Aditya Kashyap provides valuable insights into the role, responsibilities, and experiences of working as a law clerk in India's judicial system.
The interview covers:
  • Day-to-day responsibilities of a law clerk
  • Skills and qualifications required for the position
  • Working relationship with judges
  • Career benefits of clerking experience
  • Challenges and learning opportunities
This resource offers practical guidance for law students and young lawyers considering judicial clerkships as part of their career path.
Watch the full interview on Verdictum.
Arya Samaj Weddings Under Scrutiny

theprint

Arya Samaj weddings are in trouble. Courts cracking down on certificates, conversions

Judges are rejecting Arya Samaj certificates, flagging ‘fake’ documents, questioning short-cut conversions, and ordering probes into rogue outfits using its name.

Recent court decisions have placed Arya Samaj weddings under increased scrutiny, with judicial authorities cracking down on certificates and conversion practices associated with these ceremonies.
Legal Challenges
Courts across India have begun scrutinizing Arya Samaj wedding certificates more closely, questioning their validity in certain circumstances and examining the procedures followed.
Conversion Controversies
A particular focus of judicial scrutiny has been on conversions conducted for the purpose of marriage through the Arya Samaj system, raising questions about religious freedom and marriage laws.
Regulatory Implications
The increased judicial oversight has significant implications for couples who choose this marriage pathway, potentially affecting the legal recognition of their unions.
This issue highlights the complex intersection of personal laws, religious practices, and judicial oversight in India's marriage system.
  • Detailed report on ThePrint
NEET-UG Examination Controversy
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical courses (NEET-UG) faced significant controversy with allegations of paper leaks and irregularities, leading to legal challenges in the Supreme Court.
1
Supreme Court Hearing
Legal experts provided insights on what to expect from the July 8 Supreme Court hearing on the NEET-UG controversy, including the potential impact of the CBI report on the court's verdict.

EdexLive

NEET-UG SC hearing on July 8: What to expect? Will CBI report affect verdict? SC advocates, legal experts answer

Lakhs of medical aspirants are restlessly waiting for Monday, July 8, when the Supreme Court is set to hear petitions related to the alleged irregularities and

2
Review Petition Analysis
Experts explained the concept of review petitions and why students affected by the NEET-UG paper leak were considering filing them, providing legal context for the ongoing controversy.

EdexLive

NEET UG paper leak case: What’s review petition? Why do students want to file it? | Expert opines

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET-UG) exam will not be postponed and students are still quite troubled about this. As we already

3
Legal Strategy Assessment
Legal analysis suggested that a review petition might not be the most effective way forward for students affected by the NEET-UG paper leak, outlining alternative legal approaches.

EdexLive

NEET-UG paper leak row: A review petition might not be the way forward. Here’s why

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 paper leak fiasco seems to have come to a conclusion, with the Supreme Court ruling ou

This case highlighted the intersection of education policy, examination integrity, and legal remedies in India's competitive medical entrance system, affecting thousands of aspiring medical students across the country.
Contempt Case Against Cartoonist Rachita Taneja
A high-profile contempt of court case against cartoonist Rachita Taneja, creator of "Sanitary Panels," sparked significant debate about freedom of expression, criticism of judiciary, and the scope of contempt powers in India.
1
Letter to Attorney General
A law student filed a complaint against cartoonist Rachita Taneja over cartoons that allegedly "hurt" him and were claimed to be contemptuous of the Supreme Court.

EdexLive

I have nothing against her, but her cartoons hurt me: Meet the law student who complained against cartoonist Rachita Taneja

How thin is the line between criticism and contempt of court, we ask Aditya Kashyap. He is a fifth year BA LLB student at Punjab's Rajiv Gandhi National Law Uni

Article14live

Why 2 Law Students Appointed Themselves Guardians Of The Supreme Court

What motivated two law students to file separate criminal contempt-of-court petitions against a comedian and a stick-comic illustrator for tweeting criticism of the Supreme Court? A recent high-profile contempt case and desire to protect the judiciary from “criticism” and “negativity”

2
Attorney General's Consent
Attorney General KK Venugopal granted consent to initiate contempt proceedings against Taneja for her stick-figure comics that allegedly criticized the Supreme Court.

Hindustan Times

AG nod to contempt case on cartoonist

A law student Aditya Kashyap brought these tweets to the notice of the top law officer of the country for grant of consent under the Rules to Regulate Proceedings for Contempt of the Supreme Court of India, before lodging a contempt petition against her.

OpIndia

Attorney General allows contempt proceedings against Sanitary Panels

Webcomic Sanitary Panels founder Rachita Taneja is known for her controversial, hateful and often Hinduphobic Tweets | OpIndia News

The Week

AG grants consent for contempt of court proceedings over stick-figure comics

Artist’s comic called ‘audacious assault and insult to the institution’ of the SC

The Wire

AG Gives Consent to Initiate Contempt Proceedings Against 'Sanitary Panels' Cartoonist

The AG has surmised from the tweets that the

3
Contempt Petition filed against Rachita in Supreme Court.

theprint

Contempt petition filed in SC against ‘Sanitary Panels’ cartoonist Rachita Taneja

After receiving Attorney General’s consent, law student files petition that Taneja’s viral comic strips ‘attacked the institution of judiciary’.

The Quint

After AG’s Consent, Contempt Plea Against Rachita Taneja in SC

AG Venugopal said Taneja’s tweets had presented the Supreme Court of India ‘as biased towards the ruling party.’

The New Indian Express

Supreme Court to decide on Friday plea to initiate contempt against comic artist Rachita Taneja

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court would pronounce its order on Friday on a plea seeking initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against comic artist Rachita Tane

4
Supreme Court Observations
Supreme Court issued Notice.
During proceedings, the Supreme Court noted that "criticism of courts is growing, everybody is doing it now," signaling a potential shift in how the judiciary views public criticism.

Deccan Herald

Contempt case against comic artist: SC says criticism growing, everybody doing it now

On December 18, the top court had issued show-cause notices to Kunal Kamra and Rachit Taneja for their alleged scandalous tweets against the apex court

Scroll.in

Contempt case against Rachita Taneja: ‘Criticism of courts growing, everybody is doing it,’ says SC

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the cartoonist, said the foundation of the Supreme Court is much stronger and criticising it is not contempt.

5
Legal Defense
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi defended Taneja, arguing that "the foundation of the Court is strong" and that "criticism of court can never be contempt."

Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news

"Foundation of the Court is strong, criticism of court can never be contempt:" Mukul Rohatgi defends Rachita Taneja in contempt of court case

Senior Advocate and former Attorney General for India Mukul Rohtagi today entered appearance on behalf of cartoonist Rachita Taneja in the contempt of court cas

6
Matter remains pending.
International News:

Committee to Protect Journalists

Indian government gives go ahead for contempt proceedings against cartoonist - Committee to Protect Journalists

New Delhi, December 8, 2020 — The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed alarm over a petition to the Indian Supreme Court calling for it to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against political cartoonist Rachita Taneja for her comics about the judiciary.  On December 5, Aditya Kashyap, a law student and member of the student union associated...

Maktoob media

Global journalists' body condemns contempt plea against cartoonist Rachita Taneja

The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed alarm over a petition to the Indian Supreme Court calling for it to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against political cartoonist Rachita Taneja for her comics about the judiciary.

The case received international attention, with the Committee to Protect Journalists and other global media organizations expressing concern about its implications for freedom of expression in India.

Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news

Contempt for free speech? How Prashant Bhushan's case triggered a slew of requests to Attorney General KK Venugopal for contempt action

Ever since the conviction of activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan for contempt of court on August 14 this year, at least eighteen letters have been written to Attor

This case highlighted the tension between protecting judicial dignity and ensuring freedom of expression, particularly in the context of satirical or critical commentary on judicial actions.