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  • Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

    Why in the News?

    PM Modi recently questioned why the colonial-era Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, which allowed authorities to ban plays deemed seditious, defamatory, or obscene, remained in force 75 years after independence.

    What is the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876?

    • The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, was a colonial-era law enacted by the British to suppress nationalist and anti-government sentiments in public performances.
    • The Act empowered the government to ban, regulate, or censor public plays, pantomimes, and dramas that were deemed:
      • Scandalous or defamatory
      • Seditious or inciting disaffection against the government
      • Obscene or corrupting to public morality
    • It also allowed magistrates to search, seize, and arrest performers and organizers without a warrant.
    • The law prescribed up to three months of imprisonment and/or a fine for violations.

    References to Article 19 and Article 372

    • Conflict with Article 19(1)(a) – Right to Free Speech:
      • After independence, freedom of speech and expression was guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
      • The Allahabad High Court (1956) ruled the Act unconstitutional, stating it restricted free speech beyond reasonable limits.
    • Exceptions Under Article 19(2):
      • Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions on free speech for: Security of the state, public order, morality, and defamation.
      • The court ruled that the Dramatic Performances Act exceeded these limits.
    • Article 372 and Colonial Laws:
      • Article 372(1) of the Constitution states that laws in force before independence shall continue to be in effect unless repealed or modified by the Parliament.
      • Though invalidated in 1956, the law was formally repealed in 2018 under the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017.

    PYQ:

    [2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

    [2021] A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?​

    (a) Article 14 ​

    (b) Article 28​

    (c) Article 32 ​

    (d) Article 44​

     

  • Article 136 of the Indian Constitution

    Why in the News?

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently raised concerns over the wide usage of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) under Article 136 of the Indian Constitution, stating that what was meant to be a “narrow slit” has now turned into a wide judicial intervention.

    What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP) under Article 136?

    • A SLP is an extraordinary appeal mechanism that allows the Supreme Court (SC) to intervene in any judgment, decree, or order passed by a lower court or tribunal, except in matters related to the Armed Forces Tribunal.
    • SLP is discretionary, meaning the SC is NOT obligated to hear every petition filed under Article 136.
    • The concept of SLP originates from the Government of India Act, 1935, which gave a similar power to the Privy Council in colonial times.

    Key Features of SLP:

    • Jurisdiction of Article 136:
      • The SC has the power to grant special leave to appeal against judgments of High Courts, tribunals, or other judicial bodies.
      • This allows the SC to examine cases that may not have a direct appeal provision under law.
    • Scope of Application:
      • SLPs can be filed in both civil and criminal cases.
      • It can be used even in cases where a High Court refuses to grant a certificate of appeal to the Supreme Court.
      • The SC may accept or reject an SLP without providing reasons.
    • Time Limit for Filing:
      • 90 days from the date of the High Court’s judgment.
      • 60 days if the High Court refuses to certify an appeal.
    • Judicial Discretion:
      • SLP is not an automatic right of appeal but is granted only in cases where the SC finds that a substantial question of law or injustice is involved.
      • Even if an SLP is accepted, the SC may later decline to interfere in the final decision.
    • Conversion into a Formal Appeal: If the SC grants leave under an SLP, the case turns into a full-fledged appeal, allowing both parties to present their arguments.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

    1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
    2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither I nor 2

     

  • ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1

    Why in the News?

    US’s Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, becoming the second private mission to do so and the first to land upright.

    What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?

    • Blue Ghost Mission 1 is a private lunar landing mission by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
    • It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
    • It successfully landed on the Moon, at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium.
    • The mission is designed to operate for 14 Earth days (one lunar day).

    Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:

    • Carries 10 scientific instruments, including a lunar soil analyzer, a radiation-tolerant computer, and a GPS-based navigation experiment to test satellite navigation on the Moon.
    • Equipped with a high-definition imaging system to capture a lunar eclipse (March 14, 2024) and lunar sunset (March 16, 2024).
    • Successfully navigated a rocky and cratered surface using hazard-avoidance technology, slowing from thousands of miles per hour to just two mph before touchdown.
    • The lander is golden in color and about the size of a hippopotamus.
    • It supports Artemis missions by testing lunar technologies and reducing costs for future human exploration.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

     

  • The SEC and Hague Service Convention

    Why in the News?

    On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Secuirty and Exchange commission asked the Indian government under the Hague Service Convention, to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities and wire fraud case.

    What is the Hague Service Convention? 

    • The Hague Service Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), is a multilateral treaty that facilitates the service of legal documents across international borders in civil and commercial cases.

    How does it function? 

    • The Hague Service Convention standardizes the process for serving legal documents across borders in civil and commercial matters.
    • It operates through Central Authorities in member countries, ensuring efficient service, protecting defendants’ rights, and allowing alternative methods like postal service if permitted. It excludes criminal cases and non-signatory nations.

    How is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attempting to serve summons on the Adanis? 

    • Invoking the Hague Service Convention: The SEC has requested assistance from India’s Ministry of Law and Justice under Article 5(a) of the Hague Service Convention to officially deliver the summons to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
    • Exploring Alternative Service Methods: The SEC is considering alternative methods under Rule 4(f) of the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows service through means like email or social media, if conventional methods face delays.
    • Proceeding Despite FCPA Suspension: Although the Trump administration has temporarily paused the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement for 180 days, the SEC argues that the pause does not apply retroactively, allowing their investigation into the Adanis to continue.

    What are India’s reservations under the Convention? 

    • Opposition to Alternative Service Methods: India rejects all alternative service methods under Article 10 of the Convention, including postal service, diplomatic channels, and direct service by foreign judicial officers.
      • Example: A U.S. court cannot serve legal documents in India via U.S. consular channels unless the recipient is a U.S. national residing in India.
    • Mandatory Use of Central Authority: All service requests must go through India’s Ministry of Law and Justice, which is the designated central authority for processing foreign summons. Requests must be in English or include an English translation.
      • Example: In Punjab National Bank (International) Ltd. v. Boris Shipping Ltd. (2019), a U.K. court ruled that service through alternative methods was invalid due to India’s reservations.

    How long does the service process typically take?

    • The service process under the Hague Service Convention in India typically takes six to eight months.
    • After receiving a request, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice verifies and forwards it to the appropriate authority.
    • Upon completion, an acknowledgement is issued to the requesting country, confirming successful service.

    Way forward: 

    • Expedite Processing Mechanisms: Implement digital tracking and streamlined workflows within the Ministry of Law and Justice to reduce delays in handling service requests.
    • Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation: Enhance legal cooperation with key countries through bilateral agreements to complement the Hague Service Convention and facilitate faster document service.

  • ‘Kundi’ Traditional Water Harvesting

    Why in the News?

    With summers nearing, the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan particularly in Churu, Jaisalmer, and Barmer districts largely rely on ‘Kundi’ system of traditional rainwater harvesting.

    kundi

    What is Kundi System?

    • Found in Churu, Rajasthan, kundis (or kunds) are traditional rainwater harvesting structures designed for storing drinking water.
    • A circular or rectangular pit, often lined with bricks or stones, is dug into the ground.
    • Rainwater is collected through sloped catchments and funneled into the kundi for storage.
    • A lid or stone slab covers the pit to prevent contamination and evaporation.
    • These structures help communities survive in regions with scarce groundwater and unpredictable rainfall.

    Other Traditional Water Harvesting Systems in India

    Khadin (Rajasthan) Earthen embankment (bund) built across slopes to retain surface runoff for moisture conservation and groundwater recharge, used since the 15th century.
    Johads (Rajasthan, Haryana) Small crescent-shaped embankments that store rainwater, recharge groundwater, prevent runoff, and improve water availability.
    Baolis / Stepwells (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, MP) Deep stepwells with stairs leading to groundwater storage, used for drinking, irrigation, and bathing; famous examples include Rani ki Vav (UNESCO site) and Agrasen ki Baoli.
    Virdas (Gujarat – Kutch region) Shallow wells dug in depressions to separate fresh rainwater from saline groundwater, used by Maldhari pastoralists for drinking and livestock.
    Tankas (Rajasthan, Gujarat) Circular underground tanks built in homes and temples for storing rainwater; lined with lime for purification, found in Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Dwarka.
    Zabo (Nagaland) Terraced ponds built on hill slopes to collect rainwater for drinking, irrigation, and livestock, preventing soil erosion and increasing groundwater recharge.
    Kuls (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K) Small channels (kuls) diverting glacial meltwater to fields for irrigation, made of stones, wood, and mud, and managed by local communities.
    Ahar-Pyne (Bihar, Jharkhand) Ancient system from the Mauryan period, where reservoirs (Ahar) collect rainwater, and channels (Pyne) distribute it for paddy cultivation.
    Eri (Tamil Nadu) Interconnected chain of tanks developed during the Chola period for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and flood control, still supporting agriculture.
    Surangam (Kerala, Karnataka) Horizontal tunnels dug into hillsides to extract water from aquifers, similar to Iran’s Qanat system, common in Malabar and Kasargod.
    Phad Irrigation (Maharashtra) Community-managed canal irrigation system drawing water from rivers, used in drought-prone areas, managed by a village council (patkari system).

     

    [UPSC 2016] With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta refers to:

    (a) Bonded labour

    (b) Land grants made to military officers

    (c) Waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

    (d)  Wasteland converted to cultivated land

     

  • [pib] Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

    Why in the News?

    The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) recently organized Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony in New Delhi.

    • Prani Mitra Awards were established in 1966 to honor individuals excelling in animal welfare and protection.
      • Since 1966, 54 individuals have received this award for their remarkable service.
    • Jeev Daya Awards, instituted in 2001, acknowledge efforts in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and welfare education.

    About the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

    • The AWBI is a statutory advisory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
    • It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, with Rukmini Devi Arundale as its first chairperson.
    • Headquarters: Ballabhgarh, Haryana (previously in Chennai).
    • Composition: 28 members serving for a period of three years.
    • Jurisdiction: Initially under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, later moved to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and is now managed by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
    • Functions of AWBI:
      • Recognition of Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs): Grants recognition to organizations meeting the Board’s guidelines.
      • Financial Assistance: Provides funds for shelters, cattle rescue, ambulances, and birth control programs.
      • Policy and Legal Advocacy: Proposes changes in animal welfare laws and offers guidance to law enforcement agencies.
      • Awareness and Education: Conducts educational programs, workshops, and publications on animal welfare.
      • Monitoring Animals in Research & Entertainment: Instrumental in setting up CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals) and implementing Performing Animals Rules (2001, amended 2005).
      • Activism & Legal Rights for Animals: Successfully fought in 2014 (AWBI vs. Nagaraja case) for recognizing fundamental rights of animals under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following statements:

    1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.

    3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • National Science Day

    Why in the News?

    February 28 is observed as National Science Day in India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. It is the only Nobel achieved by an Indian while working in India.

    About National Science Day

    • National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 every year.
    • It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928.
    • The GoI declared this day as National Science Day in 1986 to promote scientific awareness.
    • The primary objective of the day is to promote scientific temper, encourage research, and recognize India’s contributions to science.
    • Schools, colleges, and research institutions organize seminars, science exhibitions, and debates to celebrate this day.
    • The theme for National Science Day 2024 is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.”

    Who was C.V. Raman?

    • Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
    • He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Presidency College, Madras.
    • He initially worked as an Assistant Accountant General but continued his passion for physics through research.
    • In 1917, he became a professor at Calcutta University and conducted groundbreaking experiments.
    • He established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948, which became a major center for scientific research.

    Contributions of C.V. Raman

    • Raman Effect (1928): Proved that light changes wavelength when scattered by molecules.
      • Inspired by the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea, disproving the earlier sky-reflection theory.
    • Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming India’s first Nobel laureate in science.
    • Conducted research on vibrations of musical instruments like the veena, tabla, and mridangam.
    • Raman Spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry, physics, medicine, and space exploration.
      • Used by NASA in Mars Rover missions for mineral analysis.
    • He established the Raman Research Institute to promote advanced scientific research in India.
    • He contributed to strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure and mentored future physicists.

    PYQ:

    [2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

    (a) S. Ramanujan

    (b) S. Chandrasekhar

    (c) S. N. Bose

    (d) C. V. Raman

     

  • Species in news: Doomsday Fish

    Why in the News?

    Recent sightings of the rare oarfish, also known as the “Doomsday Fish,” near the shores of Baja California Sur, Mexico, have sparked speculation and social media frenzy.

    About the ‘Doomsday Fish’

    • Japanese Folklore calls the oarfish “Ryugu no tsukai” or “Sea God’s Palace Messenger” and believes its rare appearance signals an impending natural calamity.
    • The belief gained strength in 2011 when multiple oarfish washed ashore in Japan just before the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (9.0 magnitude).
    • Some cultures also consider the oarfish a messenger of the deep, warning humans of major disturbances in the ocean.

    Popular Legends

    • Some scientists suggest that deep-sea fishlike oarfish may be sensitive to underwater vibrations from fault lines and could surface before an earthquake.
      • However, no conclusive scientific evidence supports this theory.
    • Powerful ocean currents, storms, or underwater disturbances may push weakened or dying oarfish toward the surface.
    • The El Niño phenomenon or changes in water temperature might also affect their movements.
    • A 2019 study in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America found no relationship between oarfish sightings and earthquakes in Japan.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?

    1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.

    2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.

    3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • [28th February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A process where free and fair elections will be a casualty

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q)To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (UPSC CSE 2017)

     

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Election Commission of India (2017) and role of the Election Commission of India (2022).

    The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, is the first law made under Article 324(5) of the Constitution for appointing the CEC and ECs. It was introduced after the Supreme Court’s March 2023 order, which aimed to ensure fair appointments through a high-power committee.

    Today’s editorial discusses about the selection process of Election commissioners which is currently in news. This content would help in GS Paper2 mains.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill is flawed because it favors the candidate chosen by the government.

    What are the key provisions of the 2023 Bill for appointing?

    • Selection Committee Composition: A three-member committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and a Cabinet Minister (nominated by the Prime Minister) as members.
    • Search Committee: Headed by the Law Minister, along with two senior bureaucrats, to prepare a list of five eligible candidates for consideration.
    • Appointment Procedure: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) based on the recommendations of the selection committee.
    • Seniority Principle: The senior-most Election Commissioner is to be appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner.
    • Binding Nature of Recommendations: It is mandatory for the President to appoint candidates recommended by the selection committee.

    Why has the new law been challenged?

    • Deviation from Supreme Court’s Directive: In March 2023, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice K.M. Joseph, directed that appointments should be made by a high-powered committee comprising the Prime Minister, LoP, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The new law replaces the CJI with a Cabinet Minister, weakening the independence of the selection process.
    • Lack of Transparency: The search committee’s list of eligible candidates is not made public, reducing accountability.
    • Government’s Dominance: The composition ensures a built-in majority for the government’s preferred candidate, undermining free and fair selection.

    What constitutional infirmities have been identified in the selection process?

    • Government-Controlled Majority in the Selection Committee: The selection committee consists of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
      • This structure inherently creates a 2:1 majority in favor of the government, allowing the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Minister to dominate the decision-making process, undermining an independent and impartial selection.
    • Lack of Independent Oversight: Replacing the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Cabinet Minister weakens judicial oversight. This reduces checks and balances, as a Cabinet Minister is subordinate to the Prime Minister and unlikely to challenge the government’s preferences.
    • Violation of Fair and Objective Assessment: The process does not ensure objective evaluation of candidates due to the predetermined government majority. This may violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) as it denies a fair chance to qualified candidates outside the government’s favor and threatens the basic structure doctrine by compromising the independence of the Election Commission.

    What are the key observations of the Supreme Court? 

    • Independence of the Election Commission is Vital: The Supreme Court emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must be independent and impartial to ensure free and fair elections, which is a fundamental feature of democracy.
      • Example: In the Election Commission of India vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1993), the Court held that the ECI has plenary powers to conduct free and fair elections, reinforcing the need for independent appointments.
    • Need for a Neutral Selection Process: The Court highlighted that appointments to constitutional bodies like the ECI should be made through a neutral and independent process to prevent executive dominance.
      • Example: In March 2023, the Constitution Bench directed that, until a law is enacted, the Prime Minister, LoP, and the CJI should select the CEC and ECs to ensure balanced decision-making.
    • Concerns over Executive Overreach: The Court warned that allowing the executive to control appointments could undermine the institution’s autonomy and jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.
      • Example: The Court observed that the historical practice of Prime Minister-led appointments was unsatisfactory, as it compromised the Commission’s independence.
    • Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality): The Court observed that a selection process favoring the government could violate Article 14 by denying an equal opportunity to eligible candidates.
      • Example: The current law creates a government-majority panel, allowing political bias in appointments and limiting fair competition.
    • Upholding the Basic Structure Doctrine: The Court reiterated that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be compromised by biased appointment procedures.
      • Example: In S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994), the Court affirmed that any law threatening the democratic process would violate the basic structure doctrine and could be struck down.

    Way forward: 

    • Restore Judicial Oversight: Reintroduce the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection committee to ensure impartiality and independent oversight.
    • Enhance Transparency: Make the search committee’s candidate list public and adopt objective criteria for fair and unbiased selection.

  • The SEC and Hague Service Convention

    Why in the News?

    On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Secuirty and Exchange commission asked the Indian government under the Hague Service Convention, to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities and wire fraud case.

    What is the Hague Service Convention? 

    • The Hague Service Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), is a multilateral treaty that facilitates the service of legal documents across international borders in civil and commercial cases.

    How does it work? 

    • The Hague Service Convention standardizes the process for serving legal documents across borders in civil and commercial matters. It operates through Central Authorities in member countries, ensuring efficient service, protecting defendants’ rights, and allowing alternative methods like postal service if permitted. It excludes criminal cases and non-signatory nations.

    How is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attempting to serve summons on the Adanis? 

    • Invoking the Hague Service Convention: The SEC has requested assistance from India’s Ministry of Law and Justice under Article 5(a) of the Hague Service Convention to officially deliver the summons to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
    • Exploring Alternative Service Methods: The SEC is considering alternative methods under Rule 4(f) of the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows service through means like email or social media, if conventional methods face delays.
    • Proceeding Despite FCPA Suspension: Although the Trump administration has temporarily paused the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement for 180 days, the SEC argues that the pause does not apply retroactively, allowing their investigation into the Adanis to continue.

    What are India’s reservations under the Convention? 

    • Opposition to Alternative Service Methods: India rejects all alternative service methods under Article 10 of the Convention, including postal service, diplomatic channels, and direct service by foreign judicial officers.
      • Example: A U.S. court cannot serve legal documents in India via U.S. consular channels unless the recipient is a U.S. national residing in India.
    • Mandatory Use of Central Authority: All service requests must go through India’s Ministry of Law and Justice, which is the designated central authority for processing foreign summons. Requests must be in English or include an English translation.
      • Example: In Punjab National Bank (International) Ltd. v. Boris Shipping Ltd. (2019), a U.K. court ruled that service through alternative methods was invalid due to India’s reservations.

    How long does the service process typically take?

    • The service process under the Hague Service Convention in India typically takes six to eight months. After receiving a request, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice verifies and forwards it to the appropriate authority. Upon completion, an acknowledgement is issued to the requesting country, confirming successful service.

    Way forward: 

    • Expedite Processing Mechanisms: Implement digital tracking and streamlined workflows within the Ministry of Law and Justice to reduce delays in handling service requests.
    • Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation: Enhance legal cooperation with key countries through bilateral agreements to complement the Hague Service Convention and facilitate faster document service.