Caste in temples

The Supreme Court had recently observed that caste and birth should not be the criteria for appointment as the priest in a temple. The Court is of the opinion that qualifications other than those of caste or birth should be prescribed for a person to be appointed as a priest. The ruling seems to be in sync with the beliefs of Dr Ambedkar who advocated learning and not birth to be the criteria of priesthood. In certain temples, even the sub caste has been prescribed. The Brahmins have objected on the ground that this is the only profession that is exclusively for them and if this is also taken away then what will they do. Another objection raised was on the ground of the appointments being made on the basis of age old customs and traditions. The Court says that it is in accordance of Article 16 of the Constitution. The judgement has come in the time when a number of people including politicians have stated that they were denied entry into various temples.
The implementation of the uniform civil code may be an antidote of many discriminatory practices being followed in different religions. Till then these practices are covered under personal laws that have their source in customs and traditions.

The juvenile justice amendment law

Both the Houses of Parliament have passed the amendment law to make juveniles over the age of 16 years to be treated as adults for heinous crimes. These crimes include offences which carry a punishment of imprisonment of more than 7 years like rape and murder. The juvenile justice board comprising of a judge and two social workers shall decide whether the juvenile is to be sent for trial or for rehabilitation.
The amendment bill was passed because of the public outrage over the Delhi gang rape in which one of the offenders was juvenile and was sent for rehabilitation. The bill once ratified by the President shall have prospective effect and not effect the trials of crimes already committed.
India is a signatory of the convention on the rights of child and the bill is being criticized for being violative of the convention which requires all juveniles to be treated alike.

Air pollution

Taking consideration of the rising air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court has recently give an interim order that no private vehicle (car or sub) with an engine of capacity over 2000 cc running on diesel shall be registered. Further, it held that no commercial vehicle registered before 2005 shall be allowed to enter Delhi and NCR and commercial vehicles are prohibited from using Delhi in transit. This is an interim order for three months. The court approved of the Delhi government's odd/even rule for all private vehicles.
In another order, the court raised by 100% the green cess on all commercial vehicles entering Delhi, and also added that all taxis and cabs to convert to CNG from March 31, 2016. The court observed that no garbage is to be burnt in NCR.

Climate change

In the Paris pact, all the countries have agreed to cap the global warming to 2C or if possible to 1.5C of the preindustrial times. The smaller islands have also pitched in to speak on the impact of global warming that they face, riding sea levels and have got recognition for it. The key targets are to move from cheaper and easily available fossil fuels to renewable and cleaner sources of energy like solar and wind. The pact aims at reducing the greenhouse gases to control global warming and climate change. While all the nations have set their own target dates, countries are required to renew their pledges every five years.

Women in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has become the last country to grant voting rights to women. 2015 marks the first time women voted or stood up in elections with 900 women contesting and 19 coming out as winners. The voice of women in an electoral process is a very important thing, women make up 50% of the population, and require an equal voice for their rights. Women in politics can make better decisions regarding issues related to children, healthcare, agriculture, women rights, education and also foreign policy.
It is not democracy if half of the population cannot take part in the electoral process. For free and fair elections, elections and candidates must be selected irrespective of their religion and sex. It is important that women play important role not just as a voter but also as elected representatives.
Saudi Arabia has finally given voting rights to women but it has a long way to go in implementing equal rights of women and work in the fields of domestic violence, marital rape, gender equality, employment laws and education.

Disability benefits for acid attack victims

The Supreme Court has recently observed that acid attacks not only cause physical and psychological harm to the victim but also attach social stigma and fewer job opportunities. The court directed the state governments to add acid attack victims in the list of persons with disabilities so that they can get disability benefits including the reservation benefits in employment. The direction comes in the light of increasing acid attacks. The court also ordered for a stricter implementation of laws prohibiting the sale of acids and impose stricter punishment on the person selling acid without authorization.