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LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Oct 03, 2026

Bimal N. Patel sworn in as ITLOS judge

Indian jurist and academician Dr. Bimal N. Patel was sworn in as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on 1 October 2026 at the Tribunal’s headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. Patel, an expert in international law and the law of the sea, began a nine-year term covering 2026–2035. He had been elected to the Tribunal at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. ITLOS is an international judicial body established under UNCLOS to adjudicate disputes concerning the interpretation and application of the law of the sea. Patel’s appointment continues India’s participation in maritime legal issues.

Date of oath: 1 October 2026 in Hamburg.
Patel begins a nine-year term (2026–2035).
Elected at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS.
ITLOS handles disputes under UNCLOS on maritime law.
This appointment indicates India’s active role in international maritime governance.

Sep 29, 2026

India signs UN Convention against Cybercrime in New York

India signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the agreement in New York. The convention is the first comprehensive global treaty on cybercrime adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and aims to strengthen international cooperation, information sharing, and joint action against cyber-enabled crimes. The move aligns with India's cyber security strategy and digital governance goals and is expected to facilitate cross-border investigations, enforce coordinated responses to cyber threats, and enhance international legal cooperation.

Event: UN General Assembly, 81st session
Country signing: India
Signatory: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Purpose: Global treaty on cybercrime
Expected outcome: Enhanced international cooperation

Sep 07, 2026

Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal Appointed Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice

Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal was appointed the 44th regular Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court on 5 September 2026. He previously served as a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court. His elevation is part of a broader Central Government decision to appoint eight new Chief Justices to different High Courts across India. The appointment underscores ongoing efforts to ensure judicial leadership across the system and to manage rising caseloads, with implications for case progression times and court administration in Rajasthan.

Sanjay Kumar Agrawal named 44th Rajasthan HC Chief Justice
Appointed on 5 September 2026
Previously judge at Chhattisgarh High Court
Part of eight new Chief Justices nationwide
Aims to improve court administration and efficiency

Aug 13, 2026

D. Y. Chandrachud appointed arbitrator in Ukraine dispute

Russia appointed former Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud as an arbitrator in a Ukraine–Russia investment dispute filed by Ukraine's state-owned bank, Oschadbank. The arbitration concerns claims over assets and operations affected during the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Chandrachud will serve on a three-member arbitral tribunal. The case is being heard under the 1998 Ukraine–Russia Bilateral Investment Treaty. The appointment marks another instance of Indian jurists participating in international commercial arbitration and reflects ongoing use of dispute resolution under bilateral investment treaties. The outcome could influence cross-border investments and energy projects in the region, depending on the tribunal's findings and rulings.

D. Y. Chandrachud appointed as arbitrator in Ukraine-Russia dispute.
Case under the 1998 Ukraine–Russia Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Chandrachud serves on a three-member arbitral tribunal.
Demonstrates Indian jurists' role in international arbitration.

Jul 08, 2026

India chairs IGE session on Consumer Protection in Geneva

India chaired the ninth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy in Geneva, Switzerland. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, represented India as the Session Chair. The delegation highlighted national initiatives, including the National Consumer Helpline and the AI-enabled e-Jagriti platform, to empower consumers and improve redressal mechanisms. The discussions focused on cross-border consumer rights, digital marketplaces, and enforcement challenges in global supply chains. The chair emphasized collaboration with other governments to strengthen consumer protection, promote fair trade, and foster digital inclusion while safeguarding privacy and data security for Indian consumers. globally acknowledged.

India chaired the ninth IGE session on Consumer Protection in Geneva.
Nidhi Khare, Secretary, DoCA, served as Session Chair.
Highlights included National Consumer Helpline and AI-enabled e-Jagriti.
Focus on cross-border rights, digital marketplaces, and enforcement.
Stresses international collaboration to strengthen protection and privacy.

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