Constitution of India

Over six decades has passed since India attained her independence. However, an archaic practice like untouchability continues to prevail in the nation, subtly as well as openly. Be it on the name of educational backwardness or economic dependence on landowners, untouchables or Dalits have been the target of atrocities in India for centuries. Widely acknowledged as outcasts, Dalits endure segregation in public places, including schools and hospitals. Moreover, majority of the segment lives below the poverty line.

Innovation in medical science and technology has made it easy to determine a fetus’ condition. The technology used for this purpose is called prenatal diagnosis and proved itself as a boon for pregnancy care. However, it is being misused on a large scale in India, as a result of the widespread preference of male child over a female child in the Indian society. Indian laws have been enacted to curb the practice of female feticide in India.

It is worth noting that the crude practice is being given a boost by medical practitioners themselves. In the attempt to make big bucks, several medical professionals, including doctors and clinics, are willing to disclose illegal information about gender of the fetus to the families. This results in abortion of the fetus, if it happens to be a girl. Such practice by the medical practitioners is not only a violation of the human rights law, but also an abuse of the code of ethics and conduct of medical profession.

Getting an annulment based on Impotency

Under English law, either a husband or wife can sue for a decree of nullity of the marriage on the ground of impotency. In India, a petition for getting an annulment can be filed only by the non-impotent spouse. Example: If Tom and Mary are married and Mary is impotent, the marriage annulment as per Indian matrimonial laws require Tom to file a petition. Under English law, either Tom or Mary can file a petition for annulment of marriage.

Child labor statistics in India is shocking and presents a serious human right issue for the whole world. The 2001 census conducted by the Indian government estimated 12.6 million child labourers under the age of 14 while NGOs and agencies estimate the number to be much higher - 50 million!

The problem of child labour is a serious one. Imagine little children under the age of fourteen who are working in hazardous environments such as making fireworks with their bare little hands when they should be playing or learning concepts in school like other children.

Courts in India have taken diverse views on whether Catholic priests are entitled to inheritance rights. In Hindu law, a Hindu ascetic or Sanyasi loses civil rights upon renunciation.

Delhi’s school education is expensive and parents know exactly how expensive it gets each year. Right from nursery admission, Delhi is a competitive educational hub for parents and teachers, all of whom scan the Delhi school list to touch down on the best option. Top schools of Delhi are sure to welcome the latest developments that took place on 19^th February 2010. 

In a Hindu marriage, a decree for divorce can be sought based on specific grounds such as adultery, polygamy, renunciation, conversion by a spouse and so on. However, many legal problems are not just about Hindu divorce law.  There are so many legal questions about adoption, maintenance and inheritance that Hindu individuals or families face often.

In India,  the birth of a son is considered to be essential in family life, particularly among Hindu families.  Female babies and girl foeticide have taken place since time immemorial. Religious and caste based faiths have lowered the status of the girl child in India, even among well-to-do, educated Indian families.

In an interview given to Times of India (reported on 12th February, 2010), Justice A.P.Shah, who had recently retired as chief justice of Delhi High Court, spoke openly about his feeling of being hurt. His name had been overlooked by the country's highest collegium which is headed by the Chief Justice of India. 

There are several grounds for obtaining divorce under the Indian Divorce Act, 1869.  Conversion to another religion by one spouse is a valid ground for divorce. So is insanity, schizophrenia, venereal disease, cruelty and adultery. Here are some more interesting questions about other grounds for divorce.