Indian Law Explorer

Penalties:

Violation can lead to constitutional remedies under Article 32 and 226

Historical Context:

Article 21 was inspired by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution. The Supreme Court has given it a very wide interpretation through various landmark judgments like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), which established that the procedure must be fair, just and reasonable.

Penalties:

Death penalty or life imprisonment and fine

Historical Context:

Section 302 is part of the original Indian Penal Code drafted by Lord Macaulay in 1860. It was based on English criminal law but adapted for Indian conditions. The death penalty provision has been subject to various Supreme Court guidelines since the 1980s.

Penalties:

Constitutional remedies available under Article 32 and 226

Historical Context:

Article 14 is based on the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution. It has been interpreted to allow reasonable classification but prohibits class legislation.

Penalties:

Imprisonment up to 5 years and fine up to Rs. 15,000 or dowry amount

Historical Context:

The Dowry Prohibition Act was enacted in 1961 to combat the social evil of dowry system. It has been amended several times to make provisions more stringent and effective.

Penalties:

Imprisonment up to 3 years or fine up to Rs. 5 lakh or both

Historical Context:

The IT Act 2000 was Indias first comprehensive legislation on cyber crimes. Section 66 was significantly amended in 2008 to address various forms of cyber crimes more effectively.

Penalties:

Disciplinary action, compensation, and criminal prosecution under IPC

Historical Context:

This Act was enacted following the Supreme Court guidelines in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997). It provides a comprehensive framework for addressing sexual harassment at workplaces.

Penalties:

Penalty on public information officers for non-compliance

Historical Context:

The RTI Act was enacted in 2005 to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning. It was based on the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).

Penalties:

Compensation, replacement, refund as per consumer forum orders

Historical Context:

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It introduced new concepts like product liability, mediation, and e-commerce regulations.

Penalties:

Imprisonment up to 5 years or fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or both

Historical Context:

The Environment Protection Act was enacted in 1986 following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It provides an umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India.

Penalties:

Protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders

Historical Context:

This Act was enacted in 2005 to provide civil remedies to women facing domestic violence. It recognizes various forms of abuse and provides for protection orders and monetary relief.