Author: S. Krishnan
S. Krishnan and Mitali Kori A footpath is one of the most basic components of urban infrastructure. It enables pedestrians to move safely, access public spaces, and participate in social and economic activities. Despite their importance, footpaths in many Indian cities remain encroached upon, damaged, poorly maintained, or altogether absent. The question, therefore, arises: Is there a fundamental right to a footpath under the Constitution of India? Although the Constitution does not explicitly mention the “right to a footpath”, Indian courts have interpreted several constitutional provisions, particularly Article 21, to recognise the rights of pedestrians as an integral part of…
By Dr S. Krishnan and Akash Prajapati In a world where fame travels faster than fact and digital footprints outlive their owners, a celebrity’s identity has become both the greatest asset and most vulnerable possession. From Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic baritone to Anil Kapoor’s exuberant Jhakaas every voice, expression and gesture carries immense commercial and emotional value. Yet, in an era dominated by AI-generated deepfakes, viral reels and unauthorised brand endorsements, the line between admiration and appropriation is rapidly blurring. Personality rights protect the commercial and dignitary interests of individuals in their identity, including their name, image, voice, likeness and reputation.…
By S. Krishnan and Aman Chandel Temples in India are more than places of worship. They are enduring centres of faith, culture and community life, drawing millions of devotees every year in search of spiritual solace, blessings and a connection with the divine. For centuries, they have symbolised not only religious devotion but also the idea that every individual stands equal before God, irrespective of wealth, caste, social status or occupation. In recent decades, however, many of India’s most prominent temples have adopted a system of paid VIP darshan, allowing devotees to purchase quicker access to the deity while others…
By S. Krishnan and Shibika Gupta In a democracy, institutions derive their legitimacy not only from constitutional authority but also from public trust. The judiciary, often regarded as the guardian of constitutional values, occupies a unique position in India’s democratic framework. At the same time, citizens possess the fundamental right to question, criticise, and even satirise public institutions. The recent controversy surrounding the emergence of the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) has brought these two principles into direct conversation: judicial authority and democratic dissent. What began as a controversial judicial remark soon transformed into a nationwide social media movement, sparking debates…
S. Krishnan, Sudhir Dwivedi and Mayank Sharma The recent controversy surrounding television actress Shilpa Shinde has brought the issues of false allegations, gender justice and gender neutrality into public discourse. Nearly a decade after accusing television producer Sanjay Kohli of sexual harassment during a professional dispute, Shinde reportedly admitted that the allegations were not genuine and had been made in the context of an ongoing conflict related to her exit from the popular television show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. Her admission sparked intense public debate, with many questioning the misuse of laws intended to protect women, while others cautioned against…
S. Krishnan and Bhumika The death of Twisha Sharma in Bhopal has emerged as one of the most widely discussed criminal cases in recent months. The case has attracted significant media attention owing to the circumstances surrounding her death, allegations of dowry-related harassment made by her family, and the involvement of influential individuals. While the investigation remains ongoing, the case has reignited debate over dowry-related violence, domestic cruelty, and the legal challenges of distinguishing between suicide, abetment of suicide and dowry death. The central question is whether Twisha Sharma’s death represents yet another instance of dowry harassment and cruelty against…
S. Krishnan and Aman Chandel Language has always occupied a sensitive and significant place in India’s constitutional and political framework. India is a multilingual nation with hundreds of languages and dialects, each carrying cultural, regional and emotional importance. In such a diverse society, any policy concerning language inevitably becomes a subject of constitutional debate and political controversy. The recent discussions surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the implementation of the three-language formula have reignited debates over linguistic rights, federalism, cultural identity and constitutional morality. The three-language formula, initially introduced as part of the National Policy on Education,…
S. Krishnan, Praful Sharma and Lavisha Tank The concept of surrogacy is considered by many to be a noble and virtuous act, as it allows childless parents to beget children. This not only enables them to legally recognise such children as their offspring but also establishes a biological link via genetics. Although practised in India since time immemorial, surrogacy was largely unregulated and, therefore, susceptible to corrupt practices that emerged over time. Being a vast concept, the authors’ aim is to concisely cover the rules, regulations, guidelines and laws that have been formulated over time to regulate and monitor surrogacy…
By S Krishnan, Rimjhim Jain and Shubhradeep Shukla For 13 years, life had remained in suspension for Harish Rana, a Ghaziabad resident who slipped into a coma at the age of 31. Entirely dependent on others for even the most basic functions, his existence had been defined by medical intervention rather than conscious living. Now, after more than a decade in a vegetative state, the Supreme Court had, for the first time, set in motion the process permitting passive euthanasia in an individual case, offering a measure of relief to his family and igniting a wider legal and ethical debate.…
S. Krishnan, Tanisha Choudhary and Shubham Choudhary Contemporary popular music is frequently laced with material that, not so long ago, would have been considered firmly taboo. Profanity, sexual content and racial slurs have become increasingly widely accepted across the industry. Contrary to popular assumption, the use of such content is not confined to rap or hip-hop: pop artists such as Maroon 5 and Katy Perry, and rhythm-and-blues singer Brian McKnight, have all been prone to explicit lyrics, as have hip-hop acts such as Lil Wayne, Eminem and 2 Chainz. At present, rapper-singer Badshah is facing significant controversy and legal action…
