THE ROLE OF THE POLICE IN INVESTIGATING SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN: LEGAL REFORMS AND PRACTICAL CHALLENGES

AUTHOR – HARSHIT PATEL* & DR. SHOVA DEVI**

* LL.M (CRIMINAL LAW) SCHOLAT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW

BEST CITATION – HARSHIT PATEL & DR. SHOVA DEVI, EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NDPS ACT IN COMBATING DRUG TRAFFICKING IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 1032-1046, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

This research paper delves into the complex and often contentious role of the police in investigating sexual offences against women in India, focusing particularly on the legal reforms that have been implemented to enhance law enforcement and improve the handling of such cases. The study primarily concentrates on the significant amendments made through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which was introduced after the tragic 2012 Nirbhaya case to address the growing concerns surrounding sexual violence and the justice system’s failure to respond effectively. These reforms have brought about a re-evaluation of police protocols, procedures for victim handling, and the legal framework surrounding the prosecution of perpetrators.

The paper examines the practical effects of these legislative changes, considering how they have influenced the police’s investigative approach and their relationship with victims of sexual violence. While the amendments have brought about a more victim-centric approach, the paper identifies and critiques persistent challenges that undermine the effectiveness of police investigations. These include inadequacies in police training, the prevalence of deep-rooted societal biases, gender stereotypes, and insufficient resources or infrastructure that hinder timely and efficient investigations. Furthermore, the paper discusses the gap between legal provisions and their practical implementation, emphasizing how these challenges continue to obstruct the swift delivery of justice in sexual offence cases.

Through a thorough analysis of legal texts, case law, and practical experiences, this paper highlights the need for continuous reforms to address systemic issues within law enforcement agencies. The paper also proposes a set of actionable recommendations to address the gaps in police training, improve victim support services, enhance coordination between various stakeholders in the criminal justice system, and eliminate the biases that often result in delayed or failed investigations. By doing so, the research aims to contribute to the broader discussion on ensuring a more equitable, just, and effective response to sexual offences in India, thereby safeguarding the rights of women and holding offenders accountable.

Keywords – Sexual Offences, Police Role, Legal Reforms, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, Police Investigations, Women’s Rights, Justice System, Victim Handling, Social Biases, Law Enforcement Challenges

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NDPS ACT IN COMBATING DRUG TRAFFICKING IN INDIA

AUTHOR – RAHUL KASAUDHAN* & DR. AXITA SHRIVASTAVA**

* LL.M (CRIMINAL LAW) SCHOLAT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW

BEST CITATION – RAHUL KASAUDHAN & DR. AXITA SHRIVASTAVA, EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NDPS ACT IN COMBATING DRUG TRAFFICKING IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 1021-1031, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) was enacted as a stringent legal framework to combat the menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse in India. Over time, however, the Act has been subject to intense legal and public scrutiny for its procedural rigidity, strict liability provisions, and perceived inadequacies in balancing criminal justice with the need for rehabilitation and reform. This dissertation critically analyzes the NDPS Act with a focus on its implementation, procedural safeguards, judicial interpretation, and overall effectiveness in curbing narcotics-related crimes. It delves into the challenges faced by investigating agencies, procedural hurdles such as the reversal of the burden of proof, issues around bail provisions under Section 37, and the effectiveness of sentencing policies. The research also considers the socio-legal impact of the Act on undertrial prisoners, especially marginalized and economically weaker sections who often bear the brunt of its harsh provisions. It further examines how courts have interpreted the provisions of the Act in significant cases, and whether such interpretations strike a balance between deterrence and due process.

The dissertation concludes by suggesting reforms to align the NDPS Act with human rights standards and international best practices, while strengthening the mechanisms to combat drug abuse through a more humane, rehabilitation-centered approach.

KEYWORDS – NDPS Act, drug trafficking, substance abuse, procedural safeguards, burden of proof, Section 37, bail provisions, sentencing policy, undertrial prisoners, marginalized communities, judicial interpretation, criminal justice, rehabilitation, human rights, legal reform, India, narcotics law, socio-legal impact, international best practices.

WORKING HOURS IN INDIA: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES

AUTHOR – DEEPIKA, STUDEN AT TAMILNADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW

BEST CITATION – DEEPIKA, WORKING HOURS IN INDIA: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 1012-1020, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The majority of developed nations have seen a significant change in working hours in recent decades. In the majority of nations, there has been a general trend toward fewer hours spent working. The amount of weekly working hours and the trend in working hours over time, however, differ significantly between nations. This research paper examines the regulation of working hours in India, focusing on the legal framework, challenges, and implications for workers and employers. The paper traces the evolution of working hour laws, beginning with the Factories Act of 1948, which established the first significant limits on working hours in industrial settings. Today, working hours are regulated by various laws, including the Factories Act, Shops and Establishments Act, and sector-specific regulations, such as the Mines Act,1952. Despite these legal provisions, the paper highlights persistent issues such as overwork, non-compliance, and inadequate enforcement, particularly in the informal sector. The research further explores the impact of long working hours on workers’ health, work-life balance, and productivity. It also delves into the evolving nature of work in India, with increasing gig and contract-based employment, which challenges traditional labor laws. In response, recent labor law reforms, including the Labor Codes, aim to address these issues by introducing flexibility while ensuring workers’ rights. The paper concludes by advocating for more robust enforcement mechanisms, greater awareness among workers and employers, and continuous updates to labor laws to adapt to the changing economic landscape and ensure fair working conditions for all.

Keywords: Working Hours, Factories, Work Life Balance, Employees, Working Conditions

A STUDY ON CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA

AUTHOR – AATHIRAJAN M, STUDENT AT TAMILNADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW

BEST CITATION – AATHIRAJAN M, A STUDY ON CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 1003-1011, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

      Child labour is a serious problem from numerous decades and a challenge for numerous developing countries. It has was over the centuries not only in the impoverished areas of developing countries but also in developed countries until the morning of the 20th century. numerous countries have legislated colorful laws and have taken serious action to annihilate child labour, yet still the problem is veritably wide throughout the world. The problem of child labour appears in severe form and colorful factors are involved with it. The causes for the prevalence of child labour in India are complex and deeply embedded into the society. Poverty seems to be the main cause. Child labour can be set up in both civic and pastoral areas. still the vast maturity of child labour occurs in pastoral areas since poverty is more rampant. Although numerous poor pastoral families struggle for a better life in civic areas, this pushes families to force their children to work in order to increase the family income and insure survival. This paper analysis the colorful responsible factors for child labour and attempts to find out those areas where there’s demarcation in child labour. In addition the ideal of this paper is to make a critical analysis of child labour in India. The findings reveal that child labour was a serious wrong for the developing country- India. But now as per tale report 2011, The total number of working children in the country has declined from 1.26 crore as per the tale 2001 to 43.53 lakh as per tale 2011 which shows 65 percent reduction. Keywords: child labour, forms, factors, discrimination,            

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

AUTHORS – K. RANJITH* & DR. S. MARUTHAVIJAYAN**

* STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY. EMAIL – RANJITH.BA.BL.2004@GMAIL.COM

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY. EMAIL: MARUDHU.LAWYER@GMAIL.COM

BEST CITATION – K. RANJITH & DR. S. MARUTHAVIJAYAN, WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 995-1002, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract:

The quantity of waste production is raising daily due to industrial activities, economic development, and population growth. In India, rapid urbanization and growing population have led to a significant increase in waste generation, posing severe environmental and health concerns. Moreover, improper disposal and the accumulation of hazardous waste pose serious environmental and health risks. This paper examines the current state of waste management in India, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for improvement. This research paper also explores the best solutions, such as implementing effective waste segregation and recycling practices, leveraging technology for efficient waste management, and promoting public-private partnerships for infrastructure development. By addressing these issues with integrated approaches, waste management can evolve from a burden to an opportunity for environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being. Effective waste management strategies are essential for the country’s environmental sustainability and public health.

Keywords: waste management, urbanization, environmental sustainability, public health.

BALANCING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL IN INDIA IN LIGHT OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

AUTHORS – AKHIL SHARMA* & DR. AVANTIKA MADHESIYA**

* FINAL YEAR LAW STUDENT, AMITY UNIVERSITY NODIA, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

** LAW FACULTY SUPERVISOR, AMITY UNIVERSITY NOIDA, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

BEST CITATION – AKHIL SHARMA & DR. AVANTIKA MADHESIYA, BALANCING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL IN INDIA IN LIGHT OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 980-994, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the evolution of environmental jurisprudence in India as a response to rapid industrialisation and its concomitant ecological challenges. India’s expansive economic growth has brought with it significant environmental degradation including air and water pollution, deforestation and depletion of natural resources which has necessitated a robust legal framework to safeguard public health and natural heritage.^[1] The establishment of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, marked a paradigm shift in environmental governance by creating a specialised forum dedicated to the expeditious resolution of environmental disputes.^[2]

Central to the paper is an analysis of landmark judgments such as M.C. Mehta v Union of India and Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v Union of India, which have reinterpreted Article 21 of the Indian Constitution to include the right to a healthy environment.^{[3] [4]}These cases underpin critical principles like the polluter pays doctrine and the precautionary principal cornerstones that now guide the enforcement of environmental norms in industrial projects. Through these judicial interventions, the NGT has compelled industries to internalise the costs of environmental damage, thereby fostering more sustainable practices.

The paper further explores the operational and practical challenges faced by the NGT, such as bureaucratic delays, resource constraints and political interference. These impediments often dilute the effectiveness of judicial orders and highlight the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination and modernisation of regulatory infrastructure. To address these issues, the study proposes a series of policy recommendations aimed at streamlining administrative processes, increasing funding for technical monitoring and bolstering public participation in environmental governance.

Moreover, the analysis integrates quantitative assessments that demonstrate a correlation between the enforcement of NGT directives and improvements in key environmental indicators, such as reduced pollutant levels in affected regions. It also underscores the importance of adopting an interdisciplinary approach merging legal, economic, and environmental perspectives to address the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development in a rapidly industrialising nation.

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[1] S N Mishra, Industrialisation in Colonial India: A Historical Perspective (Central Publications, Mumbai 2015) 45.

[2] National Green Tribunal Act 2010, Act No 19 of 2010.

[3] M.C. Mehta v Union of India [1987] AIR 1086, 1987 SCC (1) 395.

[4] Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v Union of India [1996] 3 SCC 401.

“THE LEGAL FRONTIER: NAVIGATING THE INTERSECTION OF AI INNOVATION AND IPR PROTECTION”

AUTHOR – SRISHTI CHAUDHRY* & DR. BHAVNA BATRA**

LLM STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL NOIDA, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH

** ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL NOIDA

BEST CITATION – SRISHTI CHAUDHRY, “THE LEGAL FRONTIER: NAVIGATING THE INTERSECTION OF AI INNOVATION AND IPR PROTECTION”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 971-979, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

The expanding influence of Artificial Intelligence in the domains of medical science, transportation, aviation, space exploration, education, entertainment—including music, art, gaming, and film production—industry, and numerous other sectors has significantly altered our quotidian existence. The domain of Intellectual Property Rights is similarly affected. The contribution of AI to creativity and innovation has garnered international acknowledgment. AI possesses a substantial role, particularly in the realms of copyright, patents, designs, and trade secrets among the various categories of Intellectual Property Rights. AI is capable, inter alia, of composing music, authoring blogs, novels, and poetry, as well as generating paintings and drawings. Nonetheless, it is imperative to differentiate between creations produced by an individual with the aid of AI and those generated solely by AI without human intervention. AI has engendered profound challenges and raised critical issues within the sphere of intellectual property rights, particularly concerning copyright law. The present discourse elucidates the significance of AI in the generation of creative outputs such as art, music, poetry, and novels, among other forms. Furthermore, the paper examines the complexities of authorship and ownership concerning works autonomously generated by AI.

EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK: LEGAL CHALLENGES IN CLOSING THE GENDER PAY GAP IN INDIA

AUTHOR – BRINDHA J, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TNDALU

BEST CITATION – BRINDHA J, EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK: LEGAL CHALLENGES IN CLOSING THE GENDER PAY GAP IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 965-970, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract:

This article critically examines the persistent gender pay gap in India, analyzing the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks and identifying systemic barriers to wage equality. It explores constitutional mandates, legislative measures, enforcement challenges, and judicial precedents. Comparative analysis with international practices and a set of policy recommendations are also included to guide future reforms. Bridging the pay gap is essential for inclusive development and economic justice.

Keywords: Equal Pay, Gender Wage Gap, Indian Labour Law, Legal Reform, Gender Equality, Wage Discrimination

A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF MARITAL RAPE WITHIN LEGAL AND SOCIETAL CONTEXT

AUTHOR – AMAN SHARMA, RESEARCH SCHOLAR AT AMITY UNIVERSITY NOIDA

BEST CITATION – AMAN SHARMA, A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF MARITAL RAPE WITHIN LEGAL AND SOCIETAL CONTEXT, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 940-953, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Marital rape has traditionally been linked with the female experience of victimization, eclipsing the significant psychological and emotional damage to male victims. Because of the influence of rigid gender roles that emphasize men as strong, invincible, and emotionally stoic, the psychological experience of male victims of marital rape is repressed and largely ignored. Male victims of marital rape experience social isolation and stigma for not being able to express their suffering based on societal beliefs that men cannot be vulnerable or distressed. This denial of emotional suffering perpetuates the psychological trauma, significantly leading to poorer mental health outcomes including depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and, at the extreme end, potentially suicidal ideation. Male victims of marital rape may be further traumatized by the lack of a legal framework to protect them from ongoing victimization, violent crime, and more severe forms of trauma. The law rarely recognizes male victims of marital rape as needing protection or access to help and justice, assuming that men are less susceptible to publicly engaging in victimization. This research investigates how social stereotypes of masculinity and the legal context of male victims contribute to the underreporting of marital rape against men and to not recognizing their mental health needs, all through a close examination of real-world examples, personal accounts, and existing research. The paper investigates the emotional burden that men endure as a result of these stigmas, which compound their suffering in silence and increase their emotional pain. It also investigates the lack of services for male survivors, and advocates for systemic changes in the legal and societal context. The paper brings awareness about an issue that has been largely ignored, and advocates for an urgent shift away from societal structures that diminish or deny male victimhood in marital rape. The paper also urges systemic changes in laws, social perspective and mental health supports so that male victims obtain the same compassion, understanding, and legal protection as female victims. This issue is particularly timely due to the increasing number of male survivors that – because of the trauma they have faced – are denied recognition and an opportunity to heal. The purpose of this research is to further understanding of the complexities of male victimization while providing recommendations regarding legal reform, social education, and mental health treatments that are inclusive and compassionate.

KEYWORDS

Marital Rape, Male Victims, Mental Trauma, Gender Norms, Masculinity, Societal Perception, Psychological Impact, Legal Framework, Stigma, Mental Health Support

MEDICAL EXPERT WITNESS FRAUD: ETHICS IN THE COURTROOM – INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

AUTHOR-SUSMITA KUMARI* & NIKUNJ SINGH YADAV**

* STUDENT AT LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN, FACULTY OF UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY. EMAIL – SUSHMITA22KUMARI@GMAIL.COM

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN, FACULTY OF UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY. EMAIL – NIKUNJYADAV83@GMAIL.COM

BEST CITATION – SUSMITA KUMARI & NIKUNJ SINGH YADAV, MEDICAL EXPERT WITNESS FRAUD: ETHICS IN THE COURTROOM – INDIAN PERSPECTIVE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 954-964, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

“The purpose of this research study is to investigate the complicated problem of medical expert witness fraud in the Indian judicial system. It does so by investigating the ethical conundrums and difficulties that occur when medical practitioners serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings. When it comes to situations ranging from medical negligence to criminal investigations, the Indian court system places a significant amount of weight on the evidence of physicians and medical experts. On the other hand, this dependency produces vulnerabilities that might lead to instances of fraud, prejudice, and ethical violations. In this paper, the current regulatory framework that governs medical expert testimony in India is analysed, common forms of expert witness fraud are identified, the motivations behind such misconduct are investigated, and comprehensive reforms are proposed in order to improve the integrity of expert medical testimony in Indian courts. By conducting a study of case studies, pertinent laws, and comparable foreign practices, this research offers insights into ways in which the junction of medicine and law might be strengthened within the setting of India.”

Keywords: Medical expert witness, forensic testimony, professional ethics, medical jurisprudence, Indian legal system, perjury, judicial reform