Legal Talks by Desikanoon

Suyash Verma, Saurabh Kumar

This show talks about the general legal news and affairs taking place in India as well as the world, analysis of interesting case-laws and upcoming fields of law. The aim is to make legal aspects as simple as possible so that everybody could understand. read less
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What is the Meaning of Opinio Juris in International Law?
23-06-2023
What is the Meaning of Opinio Juris in International Law?
Latin Term – Meaning – “Opinion that an act is necessary by rule of law” or opinion of law. It is considered to be a belief that the practice is obligatory. This belief in the mandatory nature the conduct or practice may be termed Opinio Juris.  Importance and Relevance – To decide whether a custom has become a source of International Law or not. What is Custom?  ‘Custom’ is one of the many sources of International Law. It means a long established and commonly adopted practice that has acquired the force of law.  Also finds mention in Article 38 (b) of the ICJ Statute that states that International Courts must apply international customs in their decisions, wherever possible and wherever it is a general practice accepted as law either in domestic laws or treaties or international agreements.  Three types – general, regional and local.  General Customs are followed in most of the places and jurisdictions.  Regional Customs are followed in a particular region. North America may have its own Regional Customs distinct from South America or Asia.  Local Customs have limited influence in a geographical area. India Pakistan and Sri Lanka may have a local custom that may not be followed anywhere else.  The existence of a custom can be deduced from the practice and behaviour of states. Such custom becomes part of International Law when it is a State Practice and opinio juris.  State Practice + Opinio Juris = New Customary Rule of International Law   Four Steps  1. Establish existence usage of a practice or conduct. 2. Existence of State Practice 3. Existence of Opinio Juris 4. 1 +2 + 3 = New Custom If all three are present, the practice or conduct becomes a new customary rule of International Law.  1. Step 1 - How to establish existence of usage of a practice or conduct? When a country contends existence of a practice or conduct, it usually gives evidence in form of newspaper reports, statements by government leaders, mentions particular provisions in some law. 2. Step 2 - If such an existence is established, then the next step is to look into State Practice. State Practice simply means how states behave in practice. This practice can be found in their legislation, judicial decisions, administrative acts, official publications, treaties etc. Basically, it covers any act or statements by a state from which its existence as a customary law may be inferred. 3. Step 3 - Once State Practice is established, then the presence of opinio juris is to be seen. To ascertain such presence of Opinio Juris, the behaviour of the state towards that conduct or practice is seen. If the states make that practice or conduct legally obligatory or codify it or make it a legal right, then that conduct, or practice can be said to satisfy the ingredients of ‘Opinio Juris’  4. Step 4 - If existence of usage of a practice or conduct satisfies the dual requirements of State Practice and Opinio Juris, it becomes a valid ‘custom’ in International Law and the Court may decide accordingly.  Issues faced by the Court in deciding presence of Opinio Juris  1. Countries may exert pressure to make a practice a custom but views of countries with greater power does carry greater weight as politics or power cannot be divorced from law. 2. Unsubstantiated and unilateral claim by a state regarding existence of a custom cannot be accepted. It is the international context that plays a vital role in the creation of custom.  3. Unsubstantiated and unilateral claim by a state regarding the existence of a custom are not accepted. It is the international context that plays a vital role in the creation of custom. 4. In new areas of law, Opinio Juris may be quickly or even instantaneously established because of the newness of the situation involved and lack of contrary rules. However, in traditional areas of law, it is more difficult to establish a custom as it has to be done through series of usages. Custom should mirror the perception of the majority of states. Important Case Laws 1. Lotus Case2. North Sea Continental Shelf Cases3. Nicaragua v. United States 4. Germany v. Italy5. Asylum Case (Peru v. Colombia)
Important International Organizations and Treaties of 20th Century
23-06-2023
Important International Organizations and Treaties of 20th Century
1. 1958 – The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is an office of the U.N. Secretariat that promotes and facilitates peaceful international cooperation in outer space. It is part of the UN that was established in the year 1945. If aliens actually visit the Earth, this will be the competent organization to deal with the same. Visionary approach of United Nations.   2. 1960 – Establishment of Latin American Free Trade Association (LAFTA) by the Treaty of Montevideo. This treaty provided for new foreign investment rules and restrictions on operations of foreign firms in Latin American countries. It was later transformed into Latin American Integration Association. Currently, it has 13 member states.   3. 1967 – Establishment of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) initially as a security association since at that point of time, entire Southeast Asia was beset with conflicts. It is currently a political and economic union of 10 member states including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Singapore.   4. 1967 – Signing of the Outer Space Treaty or the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Currently, there are 113 parties to this convention. Key provisions of the Outer Space Treaty include prohibiting nuclear weapons in space; limiting the use of the Moon and all other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes; establishing that space shall be freely explored and used by all nations; and precluding any country from claiming sovereignty over outer space or any celestial body. 5. 1969 – Adoption of Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) that introduced the concept of ‘jus cogens’ in International Law. VCLT is one of the most important treaties in International Law. Currently, there are 116 parties to this convention.   6. 1972 – United Nations Conference on the Human Environment at Stockholm, Sweden. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was created as a result of this conference. Around 122 countries attended it. Its success lies in the fact that in 1972, environmental governance was not seen as an international priority and still it was able to bring on board so many countries.   7. 1979 – Signing of the Moon Treaty or the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Currently, 18 states are parties to the treaty. Its primary objective of is to provide the necessary legal principles for governing the behavior of states, international organizations, and individuals who explore celestial bodies other than Earth, as well as administration of the resources that exploration may yield.   8. 1985 – Establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It is a regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia aiming to accelerate the process of economic and social development in its member states through increased intra-regional cooperation. Its member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.   9. 1991 – Birth of Mercosur, a South American trade bloc established by the Treaty of Asunción. Mercosur's purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency. Its members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. 10. 1995 – Birth of World Trade Organization (WTO) through the Marrakesh Agreement. It replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that was established in 1948. It is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade. Currently, it has 164 member states.   11. 1996 – Formation of Shanghai Five that later on succeeded as Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the year 2001. It is a political, economic and security organization. Its member states are China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 12. 1998 – The International Criminal Court (ICC) is established under the Rome Statute, adopted by 120 States on 17 July 1998 during the United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court in Rome and enters into force on 1 July 2002.
History of Modern International Law in 19th and 20th Centuries
21-06-2023
History of Modern International Law in 19th and 20th Centuries
1.  1815 – Congress of Vienna – Series of international diplomatic meetings to discuss a new European order post the downfall of Napoleon that led to agreements on national boundaries within Europe, Neutrality Pacts, freedom of navigation.  2.  1823 – Monroe Doctrine by James Monroe, then President of US - Any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas is a potentially hostile act against the US.  3.  1824 – Calvo Doctrine –  Jurisdiction in international investment disputes lies with the country in which the investment is located. (Carlos Calvo, Argentine Jurist). Used mostly in International Investment Law.  4.  1842 – Treaty of Nanking – Ended the First Opium War between Britain and Qing Dynasty – Its provisions involved cession of Hong Kong to the crown. Was considered an unequal treaty.  5.  1864 – First Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field.  6.  1865 – Establishment of International Telegraph Union to deal with international interconnection, standardization of equipment, tariffs etc.  7.  1871 – Sino-Japanese Friendship and Trade Treaty – Mutual pledge for friendship and cooperation, exchange of ambassadors, trade related provisions.  8.  1899 – First Hague Peace Conference – Establishment of Permanent Court of Arbitration.  9.  1914-1918 – First World War10.  1919 – Treaty of Versailles – Disarmament of Germany, payment of reparations by Germany, territorial concessions etc.  11.  1920 – Paris Peace Conference – Establishment of League of Nations – a worldwide intergovernmental organization to maintain world peace.  12.  1920 - Establishment of Permanent Court of International Justice.  13.  1923 - Establishment of the Hague Academy of International Law  14.  1928 – Kellogg-Briand Pact – International Agreement on peace – was aimed at preventing the second world war.  15.  1939-1945 – Second World War16.  26.06.1945 – Signing of Charter of United Nations  17.  18.04.1946 – Replacement of Permanent Court of International Justice by International Court of Justice.  18.  10.12.1948 – Adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by UN GA.
History of Modern International Law - Part I
20-06-2023
History of Modern International Law - Part I
History of Modern International Law till the end of 18th century Authority of the Organized Church was beginning to be challenged as there were constant struggles between religious authorities and rulers known as Crusades (12th and 13th centuries). Introduction of Modern Printing in the 15th Century disseminated knowledge undermining feudalism. Renaissance – 15th Century Treaty of Tordesillas – 1493 – Between Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon and John II, King of Portugal establishing a new boundary or demarcation line. Development of Concept of ‘Sovereignty’ by scholars like Bodin, Machiavelli, Hobbes etc. (15th and 16th centuries).Increase in the number of independent states led to formation of customary rules of International Law involving diplomatic relations. Earlier, International Law was called ‘Law of Nations’. Treaty of Amasya establishing peace – 1555 – Between Ottomans and Safavids after their war. International Law was influenced by Natural Law (Inherent Law or Higher Law based on God, Nature and Reason) (15th and 16th centuries). Important scholars like Vittoria, Belli, Brunus, Suarez, Gentilis were present during this period. Formation of Dutch East India Company – 1602 – Colonial Expansion. Establishment of lex mercatoria by Britain as international trade was increasing at a frantic pace. The greatest of the early writers is Hugo Grotius and is often called the father of International Law (16th and 17th centuries). De Jure Belli ac Pacis (1625) by Grotius dealt with actual customs that were followed by the states of the day. The concept of Freedom of Seas was also explained and put forth by Grotius through his work Mare Liberum (1609). Peace of Westphalia – 1648 – Two treaties signed in the Westphalian cities of Osnabruck and Munster ending the thirty years war that brought peace to the Holy Roman empire. Peace of Utrecht – 1715 – Series of treaties – Between Great Britian, France, Portugal and Spain for end of War of the Spanish Succession. 1758 – Scholar Emer De Vattel published the famous work of ‘The Law of Nations’. 4th July 1776 – US Declaration of Independence – Brought the concept of ‘self-determination’ to the world stage.
Early History and Roots of International Law
19-06-2023
Early History and Roots of International Law
S. No.TimelineTreaty Between/ReignTreaty Regarding/Remarks1.2600 BCRulers of Ancient Sumerian Cities of Lagash and Umma (Modern Iraq) Border treaty defining boundary marks, found on a stone block.2.1200 BCEgyptian–Hittite Peace Treaty between Pharaoh Ramesses II of Egypt and King Ḫattušili III of the Hittites Establishment of Peace, Respect for Territorial Integrity, No State Aggression, Defensive Alliance3.800 BCProphet Isaiah of Ancient IsraelHe said that Agreements must be respected, even when made with the enemy. 4.Around same timeHellenistic/Greek CivilizationNumerous treaties linked the city-states together in a network of commercial and political associations5.Around 30 BC to 476 ADRoman EmpireJus civile – Early Law that applied only to Roman citizens.  Jus gentium – Simplified rules to govern the relations between foreigners and citizens. (Instrument – Preator Peregrinus)  Later on, jus gentium became the norm and jus civile took the backseat.  Natural Law was incorporated in the Roman Law to serve as the ultimate justification for jus gentium (rational principles common to all civilized nations). Legal Compilation – Corpus Juris Civilis – It contained the classical rules of Roman Law. 6.1000 ADEarly Islamic World Dar al-Islam – It is term used by Islamic Scholars that literally means house of Islam. It connotes all the countries that were under Muslim Sovereignty. Abu Hanifa is generally considered as the founder of this concept. In order to be a part of Dar al-Islam, certain requirements were laid down.  Aman – The law dealing with hospitality and safety of diplomats and foreigners.
Theory of Consent/Auto-Limitation/Self-Limitation & Theory of Consensus in Public International Law
18-06-2023
Theory of Consent/Auto-Limitation/Self-Limitation & Theory of Consensus in Public International Law
Theory of Auto-Limitation/Self-Limitation or Consent Theory “The states could only be obliged to comply with international legal rules if they had first agreed to be so obliged.”this theory has been criticized on the ground that: -  a. It fails to explain why international law is regarded as binding.b. It also fails to take into account the growth that has taken place in international institutions, rules and regulations.c. “To accept consent as the basis for obligation in international law begs the question as to what happens when consent is withdrawn.” Breach of Agreement may lead to violation of International Law (violation of pacta sunt servanda).   Doctrine of Consensus Art. 161 of UNCLOS defines ‘consensus’ as “absence of any formal objection.” It may be of two types, active and passive.  This theory represents the current trend. It reflects the influence of the majority in creation of new norms of international law and acceptance of such new rules by other states.  Still consent plays an importance in International Law as States expressly agree to specific normative standards by entering into various treaties. “Each individual state, of course, has the right to seek to influence by word or deed the development of specific rules of international law, but the creation of new customary rules is not dependent upon the express consent of each particular state.”
Things to Remember before Purchasing Property through Power of Attorney [HINDI]
02-05-2022
Things to Remember before Purchasing Property through Power of Attorney [HINDI]
मेरा नाम सुयश वर्मा है, और आज मैं आपसे किसी एजेंट या पावर ऑफ अटर्नी holder के जरिए प्रॉपर्टी खरीदते या बेचते समय क्या-क्या ध्यान में रखना चाहिए, यह चर्चा करूंगा । इस सवाल का जवाब, सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कुछ दिन पहले, उमादेवी नांबियार विरुद्ध थामारसेरी एवं अन्य नामक केस में दिया था ।Today, I will talk about an interesting case in which a person sold a property that it did not own. I know that it is hard to believe this that how can a person sell a property that it does not own but imagine a situation where a person executes a power of attorney in favour of another person to rent out a property or mortgage it, but instead the power of attorney holder sells that property without the permission of the actual owner. Is such a sale of property valid?To know more about the present post, please visit https://www.desikanoon.co.in/2022/04/things-to-remember-before-purchasing-or.htmlTelegram: https://t.me/Legal_Talks_by_DesiKanoonYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmVCFV7-Kfo_6S42kPhz2wApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-talks-by-desikanoon/id1510617120Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KdnziPc4I73VfEcFJa59X?si=vYgrOEraQD-NjcoXA2a7Lg&dl_branch=1&nd=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS84ZTZTcGREcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuz4ifzpLxAhVklGMGHb4HAdwQ9sEGegQIARADAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4b89fb71-1836-414e-86f6-1116324dd7bc/Legal-Talks-by-Desikanoon Please subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord, Telegram and Facebook. Credits: Music by Wataboi from Pixabay Thank you for listening!
अदालतें जमानत या बेल कब देती है ? [HINDI]
25-04-2022
अदालतें जमानत या बेल कब देती है ? [HINDI]
आज मैं आपसे Y विरुद्ध स्टेट ऑफ राजस्थान नामक केस की चर्चा करूंगा जिसमें कि जमानत के आवेदन पर निर्णय लेते समय कौन से तत्व विचार किए जाने चाहिए, उन पर चर्चा करी है । Today, I will talk about the case of Y v. State of Rajasthan, 2022 SCC OnLine SC 458, wherein the Hon’ble Supreme Court discussed the important factors that ought to be considered while deciding an Application for Grant of Bail.To know more about the present post, please visit https://www.desikanoon.co.in/2022/04/how-are-bail-applications-decided-in.htmlTelegram: https://t.me/Legal_Talks_by_DesiKanoonYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmVCFV7-Kfo_6S42kPhz2wApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-talks-by-desikanoon/id1510617120Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KdnziPc4I73VfEcFJa59X?si=vYgrOEraQD-NjcoXA2a7Lg&dl_branch=1&nd=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS84ZTZTcGREcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuz4ifzpLxAhVklGMGHb4HAdwQ9sEGegQIARADAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4b89fb71-1836-414e-86f6-1116324dd7bc/Legal-Talks-by-Desikanoon Please subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord, Telegram and Facebook. Credits: Music by Wataboi from Pixabay Thank you for listening!
Restitution या प्रत्यास्थापन का कानूनी सिद्धांत एवं धारा 144 CPC [HINDI]
17-04-2022
Restitution या प्रत्यास्थापन का कानूनी सिद्धांत एवं धारा 144 CPC [HINDI]
आज मैं आपसे मेखा राम एवं अन्य विरुद्ध स्टेट ऑफ राजस्थान एवं अन्य नामक केस की चर्चा करूंगा जिसमें कि restitution या प्रत्यास्थापन का कानूनी सिद्धांत समझाया गया है । प्रत्यास्थापन का सिद्धांत सिविल प्रक्रिया संहिता की धारा 144 में दिया गया है । धारा 144 द्वारा पक्षकारों को कोई भी मामला दायर करने के पहले की स्थिति में वापस लाने की शक्ति सिविल कोर्ट को दी गई है । Today, I will talk about the case of Mekha Ram and Others v. State of Rajasthan and Others, 2022 SCC OnLine SC 372, wherein the Hon’ble Supreme Court discussed the Doctrine or the Principle of Restitution in the context of Section 144 of the Code of Civil Procedure. To know more about the present post, please visit https://www.desikanoon.co.in/2022/04/principle-or-doctrine-of-restitution.htmlTelegram: https://t.me/Legal_Talks_by_DesiKanoonYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmVCFV7-Kfo_6S42kPhz2wApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-talks-by-desikanoon/id1510617120Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KdnziPc4I73VfEcFJa59X?si=vYgrOEraQD-NjcoXA2a7Lg&dl_branch=1&nd=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS84ZTZTcGREcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuz4ifzpLxAhVklGMGHb4HAdwQ9sEGegQIARADAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4b89fb71-1836-414e-86f6-1116324dd7bc/Legal-Talks-by-Desikanoon Please subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord, Telegram and Facebook. Credits: Music by Wataboi from Pixabay Thank you for listening!
One Rank One Pension/वन रैंक वन पेंशन (OROP) का अर्थ एवं उसकी संवैधानिकता [HINDI]
02-04-2022
One Rank One Pension/वन रैंक वन पेंशन (OROP) का अर्थ एवं उसकी संवैधानिकता [HINDI]
आज में आपसे इंडियन एक्स-सर्विसमेन मूवमेंट एवं अन्य विरुद्ध यूनियन ऑफ इंडिया एवं अन्य, नामक केस की चर्चा करूंगा । इस केस में माननीय सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने OROP (One Rank One Pension) का मतलब और इसकी कानूनी वैधता के बारे में चर्चा करी है ।Today, I will talk about the case of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement & Others v. Union of India & Others, 2022 SCC OnLine SC 333, wherein the Hon’ble Supreme Court discussed the concept of OROP (One Rank One Pension) and its legal validity.To know more about the present post, please visit https://www.desikanoon.co.in/2022/03/what-is-one-rank-one-pension-and-is-it.htmlTelegram: https://t.me/Legal_Talks_by_DesiKanoonYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmVCFV7-Kfo_6S42kPhz2wApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-talks-by-desikanoon/id1510617120Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KdnziPc4I73VfEcFJa59X?si=vYgrOEraQD-NjcoXA2a7Lg&dl_branch=1&nd=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS84ZTZTcGREcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuz4ifzpLxAhVklGMGHb4HAdwQ9sEGegQIARADAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4b89fb71-1836-414e-86f6-1116324dd7bc/Legal-Talks-by-Desikanoon Please subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord, Telegram and Facebook. Credits: Music by Wataboi from Pixabay Thank you for listening!