From Policy to Principle: Fundamental Right to Maternity Benefits
In a landmark judgment that marks a significant advance in the pursuit of gender justice and the protection of workers’ rights, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of K. Umadevi v. Government of Tamil Nadu & Ors.,[1] has unequivocally recognized maternity benefit as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This ruling transcends mere statutory interpretation to affirm the inherent dignity, bodily autonomy, and reproductive rights of working women, thereby embedding these principles within the core framework of constitutional protections. By doing so, the Court not only strengthens the legal safeguards for maternity benefits in the domestic context but also aligns India’s legal regime with its broader international obligations and commitments to uphold reproductive health and gender equality. This judgment is a transformative step towards ensuring that the right to maternity benefit is not viewed as a discretionary privilege but as an essential entitlement that safeguards the health and welfare of women workers, ultimately fostering a more equitable and just workplace environment.
Peeping in through CCTV Surveillance: A Threat to Right to Privacy
The Supreme Court through its division bench comprising of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipankar Datta and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manmohan dismissed a Special Leave Petition filed against the judgement of Calcutta High Court affirming that Closed-Circuit Television (hereinafter referred to as “CCTV”) cameras cannot be installed in a residential house without the consent of the co-trustee.
The case arose from the fact that the respondents had installed five CCTV cameras with motion detection features in the interior portion of the house where the appellant resided as per the trust deed, without his consent and for the purpose of protection of valuables preserved in the house. The contention of the appellant was that such an act caused a breach to his right to freely enjoying the property and thus violated his fundamental right of privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The pivotal issue in this case was whether the installation of CCTV cameras in the residential portion of a house without the consent of the co inhabitant / co-trustee would amount to violation of his right to privacy?
CERT-In cautions Users after 16 Billion login details leaked
On June 23, 2025, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (hereinafter referred to as ‘CERT-In’) issued an Advisory on the ‘Broad Credential Exposure involving Multiple Online Services’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘The Advisory’). The Advisory reported a significant exposure of approximately 16 Billion log in credentials across platforms including social media, email services and banking services. This leak is said to be the largest data breach in the history as per the Forbes Report dated June 18, 2025. Designated to serve as the national agency, under the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008, CERT-In plays a crucial role in raising security awareness among the Indian cyber community and to provide forecast and issue alerts of cyber security incidents.
TRAI Launches Pilot Project for Digital Consent Management in Partnership with RBI and Banks
Ever think a quick mix-up does not matter in the world of trademarks? Think again! Recently the Hon’ble
Delhi High Court just dropped a bombshell, ruling that even brief customer confusion is enough to prove infringement. This means brands can now strike back faster and harder against look-alikes.
The Silent Heroes: Understanding Whistleblowers in India
“Whistleblower- A catalyst for change; a person who triggers systemic reforms and societal improvements.”
A whistleblower is an individual who exposes illegal, unethical, or harmful activities within an organization. This person often works within the organization itself and has firsthand knowledge of the wrongdoing.
In today’s corporate world, integrity and transparency are essential. Every year on June 23, World Whistleblower Day recognizes the bravery of individuals who expose wrongdoing, even at great personal cost. These whistleblowers are crucial in maintaining accountability and ethical standards across industries. However, whistleblowers often face significant risks, including retaliation.