Sensitive cases like the validity of the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, the Citizenship Act, and states challenging perceived assault on federalism were on the back burner. An analysis of the judgments delivered in the past months would show that it was acting more like a court of appeal rather than a Constitutional court, observes M J Antony.
'It is feared that AI can predict the outcome of a case once it is launched.' 'It knows the law, precedents and judicial thinking better.' 'If AI becomes too common, clients will start using the software to measure the chance of success of their cases,' says M J Antony.
The big question is whether the regulators will have the courage to prosecute the bigwigs in the cities.
The momentum created by the landslide victory of the ruling party should be utilised to carry forward reforms in the legal field, says M J Antony.
'After each election the losers troop to the court with various objections. The general election will not be different.' 'It could be worse if there is no clear majority and the President has to invite the party with the largest number to form the government,' points out M J Antony.
From Rafale relief to heat on realtors, 10 landmark Supreme Court judgments in 2018.
Since Justice D Y Chandrachud is one of the youngest on the bench and is slated to become the Chief Justice of India on the seniority principle, his views have special significance for the future, says M J Antony.
Having declared democracy in danger at a famous press conference in January, the newly sworn-in chief justice's stint of 1 year and 44 days will be keenly watched for what he does to defend this ideal
'Experience of administration may make a member of civil service a good administrator but not necessarily an able and impartial adjudicator,' observes the Supreme Court.
Who is the judge next in line to be Chief Justice of India? M J Antony tells us about Justice Gogoi who has put 'discharging a debt to the nation' above the prospect of being the next CJI.
The apex court, however, said foreign lawyers could not be barred from coming to India and conduct international commercial arbitration proceedings.
The 70-year-old is so unassuming that it is reported that he has not removed the name plate in his ancestral home in Jodhpur that reads, 'Judge, Supreme Court'.
Most of the leading vehicle manufacturers were before the court, though their stand was not identical and sometimes contradictory.
M J Antony reviews some of the most notable cases of the year.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of ACC Cement, ruling that if a product is manufactured by one firm and sold by another with the latter's brand name, that sale would attract sales tax, not the first transaction.
The CJs' conclave didn't touch core issues and remedies within their reach, says M J Antony.
The 1995 judgment in the Union of India vs Cricket Association of Bengal case emphasised that free speech is essential for a successful democracy and citizens must have a plurality of views and a range of opinions on all public issues, says M J Antony.
With a term ending in January 2017, he has to move fast to tackle the tough tasks cut out for him, says M J Antony.
The power of judicial review is being stretched to breaking point.
Bombay High Court view opposed to this was wrong.