Introduction Today's legal landscape is defined by critical developments in criminal justice, legislative procedure, and industrial policy. A recent acquittal in an acid attack case has reignited the debate on the implementation of Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Supreme Court's guidelines on victim compensation. Additionally, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs' review highlights significant new legislations like the Income-tax Bill, 2025 and the digital transformation of legislatures via NeVA.
1. Criminal Law: Acid Attack Jurisprudence
The acquittal of the accused in the Shaheen Malik acid attack case (after 16 years) has exposed gaps in the criminal justice system, despite stringent legal provisions.
A. Statutory Framework: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Section 124: Acid attacks are now a specific offence under the new criminal code.
Punishment: Minimum 10 years imprisonment, extendable to life.
Fine: Must be "just and reasonable" to cover the victim's medical expenses.
Attempted Attack: Punishable with 5 to 7 years imprisonment.
Mandatory Treatment: All hospitals (public/private) must provide free first aid/treatment; denial attracts criminal liability.
B. Supreme Court Precedents (Key for Law Aspirants)
Laxmi v. Union of India (2013):
Recognized acid attacks as a distinct offence (before BNS/IPC amendment).
Mandated minimum compensation of ₹3 Lakh (₹1 Lakh within 15 days).
Regulated the sale of acid (Buyer ID check, Seller register).
Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India (2015): Directed states to ensure timely compensation and effective enforcement of acid sale bans.
C. Statutory Relief Schemes
NALSA Scheme, 2016: Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, victims are entitled to priority legal aid and victim compensation.
2. Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs: Year-End Review 2025
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs reported the passage of 39 Bills, highlighting major statutory reforms.
A. Key New Legislations (2025)
Income-tax Bill, 2025: A new Direct Tax Code to simplify the existing Income Tax Act, 1961.
Viksit Bharat-Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025: Replaces/Upgrades MGNREGA to a statutory "supply-driven" model.
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025: A new statutory framework to regulate the online gaming industry, distinguishing it from gambling.
B. Digital Governance of Legislature
National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA): A "Mission Mode Project" to make all State Legislatures paperless. 20 State/UT legislatures are now "live" on this platform, enhancing digital democracy.
Rule 377 (Lok Sabha): Highlighted as a key tool for MPs to raise issues of public importance that are not points of order.
3. Industrial Policy: Semiconductor Law
The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for semiconductors is showing on-ground results.
A. Regulatory Context
Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
Semicon India Programme: The overarching policy framework.
Eligibility: Covers Startups (DPIIT definition) and MSMEs (MSME Act definition).
Objective: To build "Sovereign AI" and chip design capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign IP (Intellectual Property).
Key Legal Takeaways
Statutory Section: Section 124 BNS, 2023 (Acid Attacks).
Key Judgment: Laxmi v. Union of India (2013) (Regulation of Acid Sale, Compensation).
New Bill: Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
New Bill: Income-tax Bill, 2025 (Simplifies tax code).
Parliamentary Rule: Rule 377 (Raising public issues in Lok Sabha).
Scheme: NALSA Scheme 2016 (Legal aid for acid attack victims).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, what is the minimum punishment for an acid attack?
Answer: 10 years imprisonment, which may extend to life imprisonment.
Q2: Which Supreme Court case mandated the regulation of over-the-counter acid sales?
Answer: Laxmi v. Union of India (2013). It directed that acid should not be sold unless the seller maintains a register and the buyer provides a photo ID.
Q3: Is the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) mandatory for all states?
Answer: NeVA is a Mission Mode Project under Digital India. While the Centre encourages and funds it (60:40 or 90:10 ratio), adoption depends on the respective State Legislature's initiative.
Q4: Which body provides legal services to acid attack victims under the 2016 Scheme?
Answer: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Q5: What is Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha?
Answer: It is a procedural rule that allows Members of Parliament to raise matters of urgent public importance that cannot be raised under the rules relating to Questions, Short Notice Questions, or Calling Attention Motions.