ARE GIG WORKERS REALLY ‘FREE’? THE HIDDEN REALITY BEHIND FLEXIBLE WORK IN INDIA

AUTHOR – TEESHA, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – TEESHA, ARE GIG WORKERS REALLY ‘FREE’? THE HIDDEN REALITY BEHIND FLEXIBLE WORK IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 285-289, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

India’s gig economy has expanded rapidly, with the workforce growing from 2.5 million in 2011-12 to nearly 7.7 million by 2023, projected to exceed 23 million by 2030. Platform companies market gig work as flexible, autonomous, and empowering a narrative embraced by workers seeking alternatives to rigid formal employment. This paper interrogates that promise of freedom by examining the structural realities of platform-based work in India. Drawing on secondary data, government reports, labour law frameworks, and international fairwork assessments, the study finds that algorithmic management, income volatility, classification as independent contractors, and the absence of enforceable social protections systematically undermine worker autonomy. The flexibility marketed to gig workers operates largely on terms dictated by platforms, locking workers into precarious conditions while shielding companies from statutory employer obligations. The paper concludes that meaningful freedom for gig workers requires regulatory intervention including reclassification frameworks, mandated social security contributions, and collective bargaining rights to rebalance the asymmetry between platform power and worker vulnerability.

Keywords: gig economy, platform work, labour rights, algorithmic control, precarious employment, India

DISTINCTION BETWEEN TORT AND CONTRACT: A FUNCTIONAL AND JURISPRUDENTIAL STUDY

AUTHOR – BHUMIKA BATRA, ADVOCATE, AMITY UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – BHUMIKA BATRA, DISTINCTION BETWEEN TORT AND CONTRACT: A FUNCTIONAL AND JURISPRUDENTIAL STUDY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 278-284, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Tort law and contract law constitute two essential pillars of civil law, governing private relationships and defining the rights and duties of individuals. While both legal frameworks provide remedies for civil injury or loss, they operate on distinct principles and differ in terms of their source of obligation, scope of application, and legal outcomes. In contemporary legal practice, the lines between tortious liability and contractual liability have at times intersected, giving rise to interpretative challenges and scholarly debate. This research paper presents a functional and jurisprudential examination of the distinction between tort and contract by analysing their conceptual foundations, core elements, available remedies, and judicial treatment. The study underscores the importance of preserving a clear doctrinal separation between these two branches of law to promote consistency, fairness, and certainty in the resolution of civil disputes.

Keywords: Tort, Contract, Civil Responsibility, Negligence, Breach of Agreement, Jurisprudence

AN ANALYSIS ON UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND THEIR LEGAL REMEDIES IN COMMERCIAL LAW

AUTHOR – PRATHEKSHA S* & MUHAMMED AMEEN**

* STUDENT AT VELS SCHOOL OF LAW

** PROFESSOR AT VELS SCHOOL OF LAW

BEST CITATION – PRATHEKSHA S & MUHAMMED AMEEN, AN ANALYSIS ON UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND THEIR LEGAL REMEDIES IN COMMERCIAL LAW, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 273-277, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/V6I525

Introduction

In today’s business world, unfair trade practices have grown to be a serious problem that impacts companies, consumers, and market competition. These tactics include predatory pricing schemes, misleading product descriptions, deceptive pricing, fraudulent advertising, and unethical commercial activities. In addition to misleading customers, such practices skew fair competition and provide unethical companies an unfair edge over moral rivals. Over time, the idea of unfair trade practices has changed as many legal systems have created rules to stop dishonest and exploitative corporate practices. To keep an eye on and punish unfair trade practices, nations all over the world have put in place specialized legislation and regulatory agencies. For example, mechanisms to control these acts and safeguard consumer rights are provided by the Consumer Protection Act in India, the Unfair Commercial acts Directive in the European Union, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. Notwithstanding these legislative actions, difficulties still exist, particularly in light of the growth of digital commerce, marketing powered by AI, and the complexity of cross-border trade. By examining unfair trade practices’ history, legal frameworks, judicial interpretations, enforcement strategies, and difficulties, this research piece seeks to present a thorough overview of these practices. Along with evaluating the efficacy of the existing legal remedies, it will also look at how courts have influenced our understanding of unfair commercial practices through seminal case laws. Additionally, it will draw attention to new problems in international trade and e-commerce, where dishonest business practices are becoming more prevalent and frequently outside the purview of established legal systems.

In order to improve consumer protection and guarantee fair competition in an increasingly digitized and international economy, the study will conclude with recommendations for bolstering law enforcement and policy reforms. In addition to being required by law, addressing unfair trade practices is an essential first step in promoting openness, moral corporate practices, and long-term economic success.

LEGAL RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF INTER-STATE MIGRANT WORKERS UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH AND WORKING CONDITIONS CODE, 2020

AUTHOR – SHRI RAKSHA T S, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW THE TAMILNADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSIY, CHENNAI

BEST CITATION – SHRI RAKSHA T S, LEGAL RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF INTER-STATE MIGRANT WORKERS UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH AND WORKING CONDITIONS CODE, 2020, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 267-272, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

India is home to one of the largest internal migrant populations in the world, with millions of workers crossing state boundaries annually in search of their livelihoods. These workers have occupied a legal position. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 consolidated and replaced thirteen central labour statutes, including the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and introduced an expanded framework of rights and protections for inter-state migrant workers. This paper, analyses the specific entitlements it creates for migrant workers — including wage equality, journey fare, benefit portability, and grievance redressal — and situates these provisions within the broader constitutional framework established by landmark judicial pronouncements. This paper examines the evolution of the legal framework for inter-state migrant workers, critically analyses the rights and protections under the OSH Code, and evaluates its implementation challenges and implications for the welfare of migrant workers.

Keywords: Inter-State Migrant Workers, OSH Code 2020, Labour Law, Occupational Safety, Wage Portability, ISMA 1979,

“DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY AND LAW: A CRITICAL STUDY OF ITS LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL, AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS”

AUTHOR – P B AGASHVARMA* & T SAROJA DEVI**

* STUDENT AT VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES(VISTAS), SCHOOL OF LAW.

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES(VISTAS), SCHOOL OF LAW

BEST CITATION – P B AGASHVARMA & T SAROJA DEVI, “DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY AND LAW: A CRITICAL STUDY OF ITS LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL, AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 219-266, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/V6I524

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has given rise to deepfake technology, which enables the creation of highly realistic but fabricated audio-visual content. While deepfakes have legitimate applications, their misuse poses serious threats to individual rights, public trust, and democratic institutions. Deepfake technology has been increasingly used for impersonation, non-consensual pornography, defamation, fraud, and political misinformation. Existing legal frameworks, however, were not designed to address such sophisticated forms of digital manipulation.

This research undertakes a doctrinal and analytical study of deepfake technology from a legal perspective, with particular emphasis on its impact on privacy, reputation, criminal liability, and constitutional rights. The study critically examines the adequacy of existing legal frameworks in India, analyzes judicial responses, and compares international regulatory approaches. The research further explores the necessity of a comprehensive legal framework to regulate deepfake technology effectively.

COPYRIGHT LAW AND DIGITAL EDUCATION IN INDIA: A STUDY OF FAIR DEALING AND ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS

AUTHOR – NANDINI RANA, LL.M. SCHOLAR, AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH, NOIDA

BEST CITATION – NANDINI RANA, COPYRIGHT LAW AND DIGITAL EDUCATION IN INDIA: A STUDY OF FAIR DEALING AND ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 210-218, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The rapid proliferation of digital technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of education in India, giving rise to a burgeoning ecosystem of online learning platforms, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and government-sponsored digital educational infrastructure. This transformation has generated significant tensions between the proprietary rights of copyright holders and the public interest in ensuring wide and affordable access to educational content. The Copyright Act, 1957, through its fair dealing provisions under Section 52, attempts to balance these competing interests by creating exceptions for educational uses of copyrighted works. However, the adequacy of these provisions in the context of digital education remains seriously contested. This article undertakes a comprehensive legal analysis of the interface between copyright law and digital education in India, critically examining the doctrine of fair dealing under Section 52 and its application to online learning platforms. Through comparative analysis of frameworks in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the European Union, this article identifies international best practices and proposes targeted legislative, policy, and institutional reforms to create a technology-neutral, purpose-oriented fair dealing framework adequate for India’s rapidly expanding digital education sector.

Keywords: Copyright Act 1957, Fair Dealing, Section 52, Digital Education, Online Learning Platforms, EdTech, Technological Protection Measures, Open Educational Resources, SWAYAM, NPTEL, DU Photocopy Case

CONCEPT AND LEGAL VALUE OF ADMISSIONS UNDER THE BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023

AUTHOR – ABHINAV KASHYAP* & MAHALINGAM. V**

* STUDENT AT SRM SCHOOL OF LAW

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT SRM SCHOOL OF LAW

BEST CITATION – ABHINAV KASHYAP & MAHALINGAM. V, CONCEPT AND LEGAL VALUE OF ADMISSIONS UNDER THE BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 203-209, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA), that has replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, is a big step toward bringing India’s evidence law up to date. The idea of admissions is still very important among the ideas that have been kept and improved in this framework. Admissions, which are statements that suggest an inference about any fact in question or a relevant fact, are valuable as evidence because people do not usually say things that are bad for them unless they are true. This paper critically analyses the concepts, legal significance, and evidentiary relevance of admissions pursuant to the BSA, 2023. It also examines how courts have interpreted the law and the implications of including electronic records in admissions. The study says that the BSA keeps the doctrinal continuity of admissions, but in a wider scope, it means that judges need to be more careful and aware of the situation, especially in the digital age. This paper says that admissions are still one of the most powerful types of evidence, but there are rules to ensure they are fair.

Keywords:  Admissions; Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023; Evidence Law; Electronic Evidence; Substantive Evidence; Judicial Admissions; Extra-Judicial Admissions; Digital Communication; Relevancy of Facts; Evidentiary Value

A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF COURTS IN GRANTING INTERIM RELIEF UNDER ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION ACT, 1996

AUTHOR – R. RAKUL, STUDENT AT SAVEETHA SCHOOL OF LAW

BEST CITATION – R. RAKUL, A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF COURTS IN GRANTING INTERIM RELIEF UNDER ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION ACT, 1996, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 179-202, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 was enacted to promote speedy and effective dispute resolution with minimal judicial intervention. However, the role of courts in granting interim relief has remained a crucial aspect in safeguarding the interests of parties during the pendency of arbitral proceedings. Interim relief serves as a protective mechanism to preserve the subject matter of the dispute, prevent irreparable harm, and ensure the enforceability of arbitral awards. The aim is to understand how judicial intervention supports the arbitral process while maintaining a balance between court supervision and arbitral autonomy. The objectives of the study is to analyze the role and scope of Indian courts in granting interim relief under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 To study the limitations and challenges faced by courts and parties seeking interim relief, particularly in light of amendments and judicial precedents. The methodology adopts a doctrinal method of research. Primary sources include statutory provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and landmark judicial decisions of the Supreme Court and various High Courts. The findings reveal that Courts play a vital protective role by granting interim relief to prevent frustration of arbitral proceedings. Judicial interpretation has evolved to limit excessive court intervention and encourage tribunal-led interim measures under Section 17. In conclusion, The role of courts in granting interim relief under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 is both necessary and supportive in nature. While arbitration aims to reduce judicial interference, court intervention in interim matters remains crucial for safeguarding the interests of parties and ensuring the effectiveness of the arbitral process.

KEYWORDS: Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Interim Relief, Judicial Intervention, Arbitral Autonomy, Alternative Dispute Resolution.

DOCTRINE OF SEPARATION OF POWERS AND ITS MODERN RELEVANCE

AUTHOR – PRIYANSHI KAUSHIK, AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW

 BEST CITATION – PRIYANSHI KAUSHIK, DOCTRINE OF SEPARATION OF POWERS AND ITS MODERN RELEVANCE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 167-178, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

The doctrine of separation of powers represents one of the fundamental principles of constitutional governance. It aims to prevent the concentration of authority by distributing the powers of the state among the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Historically rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and systematically developed by Montesquieu, this doctrine has influenced both the American and Indian constitutional frameworks. In India, although the separation is not rigid, judicial interpretations and the doctrine of the basic structure ensure that the independence of each organ is maintained, safeguarding liberty and promoting accountability. This paper examines the theoretical foundations, historical evolution, and constitutional implementation of the doctrine in India. It also explores contemporary challenges, including the functioning of administrative agencies, judicial activism, and the interaction between branches during emergencies. The analysis concludes that, despite practical limitations, the doctrine remains essential for maintaining constitutional balance, protecting rights, and ensuring accountable governance.

Keywords: Separation of Powers, Judiciary, Legislature, Executive, Basic Structure Doctrine, Judicial Review, Administrative Law, Indian Constitution.

ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN ELECTION CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT

AUTHOR – SAMRIDDHI, STUDENT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA

BEST CITATION – SAMRIDDHI, ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN ELECTION CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 155-166, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Political campaigning has been transformed by the rise of social media platforms, especially in the context of Indian elections. This study investigates how social media campaigns affect the dynamics of elections and their wider effects on the democratic process in India. This study investigates how political parties and candidates use social media to interact with voters, spread campaign messages, and rally support via a thorough examination of current electoral patterns and case studies. Additionally, it explores how social media affects voter behavior, the sharing of information, and political debate, taking into account both the advantages and disadvantages of this new paradigm. The study also looks into how internet groups and influencers affect public opinion and election results. Additionally, it discusses how social media campaigns affect election integrity, transparency, accountability and election monitoring¹.

Social media makes it easier for political parties and candidates to quickly and efficiently contact a large number of people. Politicians differ from traditional media in that they may use social media to actively communicate with prospective voters. Voters are more engaged in a campaign when political parties and candidates use social media to communicate their objectives, successes, and points of view with the general public. Based on the uses and gratification theory, the current study examines the development and application of social media as a platform for political campaigning during election season.

Keywords: Social Media Platform, Election Campaigning, Uses and Gratification Theory, India, Election Integrity, Transparency, Accountability and Election Monitoring