-The Times of India Mumbai: Crimes against women in Mumbai soared 59% during April 2013 to March 2014 compared with the previous financial year while convictions in serious offences stood at an abysmal 8%. Data compiled by the NGO Praja concludes that understaffing and multiplicity of tasks in the police force are compromising investigation and, in turn, affecting conviction. A third of Mumbai's population feels unsafe living in the city, according to...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: Muslims, dalits and adivasis - three of the most vulnerable sections of Indian society - make up more than half of India's prison population, according to an official report on prisons released this month. Although the proportion of these three communities in India adds up to about 39%, their share amongst prisoners is considerably higher at 53%. India had 4.2 lakh people in prison in 2013....

-The Indian Express The apex court has asked the two to make themselves available for trial and to remain present during the hearings. New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday granted regular bail to tribal teacher Soni Sori and journalist Lingaram Kodopi in connection with a case in which they are accused of acting as conduits to receive protection money from Essar Group on behalf of Maoists. A Bench of Justices S S...

-The Indian Express New Delhi: Days after the December 16 gangrape incident, hundreds of rape cases were sent to special fast track courts for a speedy trial. In fact, in January this year, six newly created special fast track courts for sexual offences received over 500 cases within three weeks of their creation. A year later, the trial in the December 16 case is complete. The case is midway through appeal...

-The Hindu     The practices concerned are most widespread in South Asia and in South Asian diasporas. The European Parliament's recent resolution circumvents India's contention that caste oppression does not constitute racial discrimination. On October 10, the 766 members of the European Parliament, who represent just over half-a-billion people in 28-member-states, passed a historic resolution recognising caste-based discrimination and discrimination based on work and descent as a violation of human rights and an...