InLegal

  Embarking on a legal career without family connections can feel daunting, but it also offers a unique opportunity to carve out an independent identity. A clear roadmap helps first‑generation lawyers navigate challenges and build credibility step by step. 1. Foundation Building: Start with mastering the basics of law through disciplined study. Focus on core subjects like constitutional law, contracts, and criminal law. Develop strong research and writing skills, as these are the backbone of legal practice. 2. Networking & Mentorship: Since family networks may be absent, actively seek mentors among professors, senior advocates, or alumni. Attend seminars, moot courts, and bar association events to build visibility. LinkedIn and professional forums can serve as digital networking platforms. 3. Practical Exposure: Internships are crucial. Aim for diverse experiences — litigation, corporate firms, NGOs, and government bodies. Each exposure builds perspective and helps identi...

Phone recordings are increasingly used in legal proceedings, but their admissibility depends on compliance with the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the Information Technology Act, 2000 . Courts recognize electronic records as valid evidence, provided authenticity and legality are established. Under Section 65B of the Evidence Act , electronic records such as audio files are admissible if accompanied by a certificate confirming the manner of production, device details, and assurance that the record has not been tampered with. This certificate is crucial; without it, courts often reject recordings. If a person records a conversation they are part of, it is generally legal in India, since the country follows a single‑party consent rule . However, secretly recording conversations of others without participation may violate privacy rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, as well as the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 . Courts balance privacy concerns with the need for justice, meaning admi...

New Delhi: Tobacco users across India may need to spend more from February 1 , as the government has announced fresh excise duty and cess on cigarettes, pan masala, and other related products. The move is aimed at increasing revenue and discouraging the consumption of harmful substances. New Tax Structure Explained Under the revised tax regime, pan masala, cigarettes, tobacco, and similar products will now attract a GST rate of 40% , while biris will be taxed at 18% GST . Importantly, these new excise duties and cess will be levied over and above the existing GST , making the final retail price significantly higher. Products Affected by the Price Hike The new excise duty and cess will apply to: Cigarettes Pan Masala Chewing Tobacco Gutkha and similar tobacco products Biris (at a lower GST rate of 18%) Retail prices of these items are likely to rise sharply in the coming weeks. Why Has the Government Taken This Step? The government has consistently stated that h...

 I ndore (Madhya Pradesh): At least nine people have lost their lives and more than 100 others were hospitalised in Indore after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water supplied through municipal pipelines in the Bhagirathpura area. The incident, reported between December 25 and December 30 , has triggered serious concerns over water safety and administrative negligence in the city. The health crisis began on December 25 when residents complained of a bitter taste and foul smell in the tap water supplied from the Narmada river. Soon after consuming the water, several people reported symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and severe weakness , forcing many to seek emergency medical care. Kailash Vijyabarya Being questioned Among the deceased were Nandlal Pal (80) , who died during treatment at a private hospital, Seema Prajapat (50) , who passed away while being taken to the hospital, and Urmila Yadav (70) , who died on December 28 while undergoing treatment....