India: Constitutional & Administrative Law

The article discusses the key changes introduced in the recent amendment to Section 9D of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. which provides certainty, price parity, and uniform taxation across the country. It also discusses the background of the said amendment, which necessitated this amendment.

The purpose and goal of criminal procedure should be to strike a balance between the rights of the victim and the accused, while ensuring a transparent and fair investigation process. A well-documented procedure, more often than not, thwart malicious endeavors to abuse the law of the land.

This issue examines a consistent judicial theme in contemporary criminal law: coercive powers must be exercised strictly within statutory and constitutional limits. The Delhi High Court has clarified that Look Out Circulars cannot be used as instruments of debt recovery. Mere loan default or financial distress, without allegations of fraud or serious economic wrongdoing, cannot justify restricting the fundamental right to travel abroad. Similarly, the Supreme Court has cautioned against continuing criminal proceedings arising from a predominantly commercial dispute after a settlement has been fully implemented and recognised by the Debt Recovery Tribunal.