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Adoni, India
Kolkata, India
Issue: Current case questions the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court judgment whereby the Appellant was convicted under Section-302 read with Section-34 and Section-201 read with Section-34 of the Indian Penal read more
Issue:
Current case questions the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court judgment whereby the
Appellant was convicted under Section-302 read with Section-34
and Section-201
read with Section-34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
Background/Facts: A
phone call was received by Rajarhat Police Station, stating that a dead body
has been found inside a well. The body
was taken out the next morning as when the officers reached the site, it was
dark. After the post-mortem of the dead body, it was concluded that the
deceased died because of strangulation as the larynx
and trachea were highly congested and the body was also partially decomposed.
As the investigation started, the apparels/clothes on the body
were seized, photographs were taken of the body and the subsequently the body
was cremated shortly as it was in a decomposed state. It was later identified
that the body was of Becharam Dhara who was reported missing by his mother.
On information received in the investigation process the Appellant
was arrested. Pursuant to the confession made by the Appellant, an Anglo-Swiss
watch was seized from A.C. Watch Company.
Prosecution contends that the watch belongs to the brother of the deceased
i.e. Kenaram Dhara. He stated that he gave his watch to the deceased when he
left the house.
As the investigation completed, the Appellant along with three
others were charged with committing the murder of Becharam Dhara and concealing
the body.
Various submissions were given in the trial court (hereinafter referred to as “the court”),
the sister of the deceased submitted that the deceased left the house by
telling her that he was going to visit the Appellant. Similarly, a
relative of the deceased deposed that the deceased visited her house in the
morning and left around afternoon informing her that he was going to meet the
Appellant. It was also contended that the deceased and the Appellant were
friends. On the basis of the evidence on record, the court concluded that there
was sufficient evidence to show the Appellant's guilt.
According to the proprietor of the A.C. Watch Company, the
Appellant gave a watch for repair one day before the body of the deceased was
found. Recovery of the watch which belonged to the deceased’s brother and which
was eventually given to the deceased while he was leaving home was taken as a
circumstance to prove the involvement of the Appellant in the crime. The
Appellant gave the watch to be repaired. The Appellant did not deny
that the signature on the counterfoil of the receipt taken from
the owner of the shop was his. He merely stated that the police had taken the
signature illegally during the investigation. On the basis of that evidence,
the Court concluded that the Appellant was guilty of the murder of
Becharam Dhara. Upon reassessing the facts on record, the High Court upheld the
conviction.
Furthermore, during the trial, the deceased’s brother told the
court that one day before the body was discovered he saw the Appellant in a
bus. When the Appellant saw him, he started trembling and alighted the bus one
stop ahead of Baguihati (the original destination).
The
Appellant's conviction is mainly based on the recovery of the watch which had
been handed down to the deceased pursuant to the Appellant's confessional
statement. The receipt given by the owner of the shop was confiscated
from the appellant during the course of the investigation, according to
the prosecution. His confessional statement was recorded on the basis of which
the receipt was taken from his house. The watch was subsequently confiscated
from the shop along with the counterfoil of the receipt on which the
applicant's signature was found. The defense contends that the Appellant was
compelled by the police to sign the counterfoil. It was also claimed that the
receipt had not been taken from the Appellant's house. Also, the evidences on
which the conviction is based are circumstantial and not direct.
Observations by the Supreme Court:
On
an overall analysis of the recorded evidence, in particular the evidence
provided by the family of the deceased would not lead us to believe that the
appellant and the deceased were last seen together. That evidence only shows
that the deceased had informed them that he would visit the Appellant. There is
no recorded evidence to show that the last time the Appellant was seen was with
the deceased. The facts of the case do not conform to section-106 of the Indian
Evidence Act, 1872. The Appellant cannot be said to have failed to
explain what happened after they were last seen together, especially when there
is no evidence to show that they were last seen together.
A
close examination of the recorded material would show that the circumstances on
which the prosecution relied to prove the Appellant's guilt were not complete,
and would not lead to the conclusion that the Appellant must have committed the
murder in all likelihood. Therefore, setting the conviction aside and acquitting
the Appellant from all charges.
What does Brexit mean? British exit- refers to UK leaving the EU.What is European Union means?The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union that comprises 28 read more
What does
Brexit mean?
British exit- refers to UK leaving the EU.
What is European Union means?
The European Union (EU)
is a political and economic union that comprises 28 European countries. This
allows free trade, meaning goods can travel between member countries without
any checks or additional fees. The EU also enables free movement of people,
wherever they choose to live and work in.
The United Kingdom
joined in 1973 (when it became known as the European Economic Community) and
will be the first to leave.
The United Kingdom (UK)
officially left the EU on 31 January 2020. While it has settled on the terms of
its exit from the EU, both parties still have to discuss how their future
relationship will look.
This will have to be
sorted out during the transition period (which some prefer to call the
implementation period), which started immediately after the day of Brexit and
is due to end on 31 December 2020. The UK will continue to follow all of the
EU's regulations during this 11-month period and its trade relationship will
remain the same.
The transition period
is meant to give some breathing space to both sides while negotiating a new
free trade agreement. This is important because at the end of the transition,
Britain will be leaving the Single Market and Customs Union. A free trade
agreement would allow goods to travel around the EU with no checks or
additional fees. If a new one cannot be negotiated in time, then the UK will
face the prospect of having trade with no deal in place. That would mean
tariffs (taxes) on UK goods travelling to the EU and other trade barriers.
What
is the Brexit deal?
Apart from trade, many
other aspects of the future relationship between the UK and the EU will need to
be discussed as well. For example:
§
Law enforcement, data sharing and
security
§
Aviation standards and safety
§
Access to fishing waters
§
Supplies of electricity and gas
§
Licensing and regulation of
medicines
Prime Minister Boris
Johnson maintains that the transition period will not be prolonged, but the
European Commission has warned that the timeline would prove to be extremely
difficult.
The transition period
and other aspects of UK leaving were decided upon in an agreement called the
withdrawal agreement. Most of that has been decided by the Government of
Theresa May. Yet he made some changes to it after Mr Johnson replaced her in
July 2019.
The key change is that
a customs border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will be effectively
created under Mr Johnson's proposal. Some goods from Great Britain which enter
Northern Ireland will be subject to checks and will have to pay EU import taxes
(called tariffs). When goods stay in Northern Ireland (i.e. are not transported
to the Republic of Ireland), these would be refunded.
Conclusion
Brexit gives the United
Kingdom’s economy the golden opportunity to revive on the back of a
re-balancing away from the EU and export its way round the world. This means
the United Kingdom will be able to take advantage of the grand horizons to
broaden its export markets while developing new supply chains and production
networks, particularly within the Commonwealth context.
Post-Brexit, in an
increasingly unpredictable and turbulent world, the UK can be a regional and
Commonwealth member as well as a powerful and loyal partner of the EU.
The essence of a trademark is that, it can be uniquely identified by a purchaser in the market. Also, a trademark carries a whole lot of attributes, most important being the goodwill it has earned over read more
The
essence of a trademark is that, it can be uniquely identified by a purchaser in
the market. Also, a trademark carries a whole lot of attributes, most important
being the goodwill it has earned over a period of time. When can it be said that
a trademark is deceptively similar to another and what effect does it has on
the party whose trademark is violated.
Issue:
Whether the Sardarbuksh trademark is deceptively similar to the Starbucks
trademark phonetically or visually.
A Suit
was brought in by Starbucks alleging Sardarbuksh of copying their
company name as well as their logo, which is too close to their famous 2-tailed
mermaid, and for illegal use in the promotion of their product.
Sardarbuksh
has opened five coffee shops in Delhi, offering a wide menu of coffee, shakes
and snacks. They were accused of copying a similar name as well as a very
similar logo to that of the US global Starbucks coffee chain.
Background: Starbucks
registered their trademark which consisted of a word mark i.e. STARBUCKS and a logo
depicting “crowned maiden with long
hair” in India in 2001. The defendants began their business in 2015 by
calling their enterprise "Sardarbuksh
Coffee & Co" where "Sardar"
is a Hindi word meaning "Commander"
and "Buksh" is a Hindi
word meaning "Pardon." In
May 2018, the defendants formed a private limited company with the name
"Sardar Buksh Private Limited" and have been operating under that
name since. The goods and services rendered by both the plaintiff and the
defendant are the same. The defendants used a logo consisting of a circular
black band with the words 'SARDARBUKSH
COFFEE & CO.' and a turban Commander along with wavy lines
extending from the edges.
In 2017, Starbucks asked the defendants to change
their logo by way of a letter of demand. Further, it was modified to a color
scheme of black and yellow and operations were commenced with the newly
modified logo.
Eventually, Starbucks filed a suit against Sardarbuksh
in the Hon’ble Delhi High Court (hereinafter
referred to as “the Court”). The legal perspective was the deceptively
similar analogy which is derived from Section 2(1)(h) read in Section
11 of The Trademarks Act, 1999 that states that, when two marks are
put next to each other, if they cause confusion or mislead the viewers, they
would be deceptively similar and therefore cannot be registered.
Observations:
According to previous judgments there were
various tests that were determined by courts to prove the deceptively similar
analogy, such as test of likelihood and confusion, goodwill etc. In the case of National Sewing Thread Co. Ltd.
vs. James Chadwick and Bros AIR 1953 SC 357 it was held that “the controversy of deceptively similar can
only be decided by stepping in the shoes of purchaser, who is considered to be
a man with ordinary intelligence. If the identification of two brands causes
confusion to the purchaser then it would be right to say they are deceptively
similar”.
Further, the fact that both the parties are
dealing in same kind of trade and offering same services to its customers, also
plays an important role. In the case of M/s Nandhini Delux v. M/s Karnataka
Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Ltd. CIVIL APPEAL NO. 2943-2944 OF 2018 it was held that, due to difference in the
variety of products traded and difference in visuals of both companies the trademarks
‘NANDINI and NANDHINI’ will be
considered to be non-infringing.
Besides the legal aspect of the present case, the
marks being deceptively similar would also have certain economic complications on
the plaintiff. Starbucks is a global brand having goodwill that has been
amassed over a long period of time. Here, it can be said that the defendant had
the knowledge of the global reputation that Starbucks has and further wanted to
exploit that image to get market attention rapidly.
On 1st August, 2018 the decision was
given by the Court in favor of Starbucks and further it ordered the defendants
to modify their store name from “Sardarbuksh
Coffee & Co.” to “Sardarji-Bakhsh
Coffee & Co.”. The order for modification was given to the 20 stores
that have not yet opened. The court also permitted to use the name “Sardarbuksh Coffee & Co.” for the
previously operating two stores.
On 27th September 2018, it was also
agreed that the defendant would change the name of all its outlets to "Sardarji-Bakhsh Coffee & Co."
In addition, it was explained and decided that, if a third party uses the term
"Bakhsh", then the
defendant would have the right to bring an action against such a violator. The
suit was settled on those terms.
IntroductionIndian roads are known to be one of the worlds most dangerous. Uncertain road conditions including sharp curves, potholes and steep grades have proved to be very deadly. During 2017, according read more
Introduction
Indian roads are known to be one of the worlds most dangerous. Uncertain road conditions including sharp curves, potholes and steep grades have proved to be very deadly. During 2017, according to data of the Ministry of Transport and Roads (MTR), potholes cost 3,597 lives. This is an increase of 55% compared to 2016. Almost 10 people per day die in the country due to faulty roads or poor maintenance. The need to make road designers and engineering agencies increasingly accountable is long overdue.
Now,
under section-198A of the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019
(hereinafter referred to as “the Act”),
this crucial issue has been genuinely addressed. This section ensures that
mistakes shall be punished legally for failure to meet road design,
construction and maintenance requirements.
Objective of the
Amendment
On
September 1, 2019, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 came into force with
an aim to curb road accidents in India and improve road safety. This major
change to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 has resulted in the implementation of
fresh fines and vehicle licensing requirements along with revised operating
standards for both personal and commercial vehicles.
The
new Motor Vehicles Bill is causing a jaw-dropping increase in fines for
violators of traffic rules. The Bill also seeks to spread information
about road safety and to prevent drivers from flouting traffic rules and
regulations.
The
increased fines levied by the Act have been a subject of widespread concern.
Several people have expressed disappointment at updated sanctions, deemed them
a move that could allow for more corruption. It is however necessary noting, human intervention is to be effectively reduced by strategic technology
incorporation with enforced compliance, thereby reducing the impact of such
practice.
Some
states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka have also started installing
high-resolution cameras at traffic junctions to automatically monitor and send
violation feeds to control centre's.
Changes
in the Act
Under
the Act, traffic violations such as drunken driving draw a fine of Rs.
10,000/-and/or 6 months to 2 years imprisonment. Penalties for driving without
a license have been raised from "fine to Rs.500/- and/or imprisonment that
may stretch to 3 months" to "fine of Rs. 5,000/- and/or imprisonment
for up to 3 months". Not wearing a helmet while riding a
two-wheeler can now cause you to pay Rs 1,000/- fine and 3-month
banning of license.
Violations
such as speeding, not using a helmet, not using a seat belt, not using a child
safety device and distracted driving are established killers on our roadways.
The act multiplies the fines by 10 times for speeding (section
189), non usage of helmets (section 194D), and the non usage of
seat belts and/or child protection devices (section 194B), among other clauses
such as stricter penalties for drunken driving (section 185) and dangerous
driving (section 184) with possible imprisonment. Through these provisions, not
only does the Act aims to protect road users from risk factors, but also aims
to deter the practice of negligence by road users in order to avoid further
loss of life.
IntroductionAdoption has always been considered as a sacred act. As per Merriam-Webster, legal adoption means “to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) as one’s own child especially read more
Introduction
Adoption has always been considered
as a sacred act. As per Merriam-Webster, legal adoption means “to take
voluntarily (a child of other parents) as one’s own child especially in
compliance with formal legal procedures”.
Adoption
can be both legal or illegal. According to Indian law, adoption is a legal
partnership between the party willing to adopt and the child who is to be
adopted. It is the subject of 'personal law' where Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or
Sikhs may make a legal adoption by religious faith. In India, Hindus,
Christians and Parsis do not have separate adoption laws, so they are required
to file a petition in court for legal adoption under the Guardians
and Wards Act, 1890 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”).
According
to Section 2(aa) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Child Protection of
Children) Amendment Act, 2006, "adoption means the process by
which the adopted child is permanently separated from its biological parent and
becomes the legitimate child of its adoptive parents with all the rights,
privileges and responsibilities attached to the relationship".
Who
can adopt?
In
India, an Indian who is married or is single, a non-resident Indian (NRI), or a
person of any kind of nationality (foreigner) may adopt the child. For each
group of adoptive parents, guidelines and documentation process can differ.
ELIGIBILITY
TO ADOPT A CHILD IN INDIA
According
to The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 following
category of people can make adoptions:
Adoption
criterias:
i.
When a Hindu man or woman adopts a son, no
living son (whether by legitimate blood relationship or adoption) shall be in
the following three generations at the time of its adoption. There must be no
living son.
ii.
When any Hindu male or female adopts a
daughter, they should not have a daughter of any child at the time of
adoption.
iii.
Where a male adopts a daughter then the
adoptive father should be at least 21 years older than the child.
iv.
Where a female adopts a son than the
adoptive mother should be at least 21 years older than the child.
v.
Muslim, Christian, Parsis and Jewish
personal laws do not accept complete adoption, so if a person belonging to such
a religion and wishes to adopt a child, he or she may take
adoption in accordance with Section 8 of Act,.
vi.
This statute only makes a child a ward
but not an adopted child. The movement child turns to the age of 21
according to this law, he is no longer considered as a ward and regarded as an individual identity.
vii.
It was held in "Muhammad Allahdad
Khan and Anr. vs Muhammad Ismail Khan And Ors"(1886) ILR 8
All 234 that there is nothing comparable to adoption in the
Muslim Law as known in the Hindu tradition. Under Muslim law recognition
of paternity is the nearest approach to adoption.
viii.
An adoption can take place from an
orphanage, however, by obtaining court approval under the Guardians and Wards
Act. Under the Act, Christians can take a child for adoption only under foster
care. Once a child is major in foster care, he is free to break all of his
links from his adoptive parents.
Inter-country Adoption
In
India there is no separate act governing adoption by foreign citizens or NRIs
but it is covered by Children's Adoption Guidelines, 2015. Under these
guidelines, children are prevented from being abused or illegally used through
adoption. According to the Intercountry Adoption Guidelines of the Supreme
Court a foreign parent may adopt an Indian child before he/she is 3 years
old. The laws of Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 will be observed for adoption in
the absence of any substantive act on intercountry adoption.
In
the case of the adoption of abandoned, abused and surrendered children, all
intercountry adoptions shall be made only in accordance with the provisions
of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and
the adoption regulations framed by the Authority.
The
Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, remains silent about
orphans being adopted, lost, and surrendered. Chapter VIII of The
Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Child Protection) Act, 2015 deals with
the adoption of children in such a group. Section 58 of this Act
provides that, irrespective of their religion, any Indian citizen if
interested in adopting an orphan or abandoned or surrendered child, may apply
to a Specialized Adoption Agency in the same manner as provided for in the
Authority's adoption regulations.
Section
57 of The Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Child
Protection) Act, 2015 deals with Prospective Adoptive Parent
Eligibility. According to this clause, the adoptive parents should be
physically fit, financially sound, psychologically aware and highly motivated
to adopt a child in order to provide him with a good education, and both
partners must agree to the adoption. In accordance with the provisions of the
adoption regulations established by the Authority, a single or divorced person
may also adopt but a single male is not allowed to adopt a girl child.
WHO
CAN BE ADOPTED?
As
per the Hindu law following child may be adopted namely-
As
per the Guardianship law and The Juvenile Justice (Care and protection of
children) ACT, 2015 following child may be adopted namely-
PROCEDURE
FOR A VALID ADOPTION
Under
the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, the party that is willing to adopt will
apply to the Child Welfare Agency in 1956. Registration can be done either by
an Adoption Coordinating Agency (ACA) located in the capital city of each
state, or by a Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) accredited agency in
New Delhi.
After
that, the agency performs a preliminary interview with the adopting couple to
understand their purpose behind adoption and motivation.
Once
the party decides the child they are going to adopt, they send the petition to
the court of appropriate jurisdiction, where there is a court hearing on
adoption (the court is required to hand down the adoption case within 2
months).
Once
the decision is issued by the Court, approval is finalized.
CONCLUSION
An
adoption is a noble act so it should be carried out on a large scale by the
people because India is a country where there is too much population and there
are a huge number of unwanted children.
Over
the past few years, agencies and adoptive parents in India's adoption system
have noted a growing preference for the girl child over boys. Adoption is one
way of controlling and preventing the raging problem of female foeticides and
crimes against women in India. And what better way of giving a nice so normal
life to a kid who really needs it.
“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”- Mark Twain Defamation and Social MediaWhen individuals feel their credibility is hurt by a careless comment read more
“A lie can travel
halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”
- Mark Twain
Defamation and Social Media
When
individuals feel their credibility is hurt by a careless comment made on social
media like Facebook, Twitter or other online channels, they can consider
pursuing a complaint against the offending party for defamation. We may be able
to recoup money for the losses we have suffered through a libel lawsuit.
Online Defamation
During
the 21st century social media grew exponentially with the emergence of
different social media channels. In addition, online comment platforms like
Yelp and review sites have allowed individuals to leave feedback that encourage
thousands of people to read their comments. Many social media sites exist on
the idea that information needs to be shared between users. This sharing often
occurs without thinking about the truth of the information, or without
regulatory oversight. Furthermore, anonymous profiles and websites allowed
individuals to post instantly what they really thought. Some users assume a
completely different FIND MORE LEGAL ARTICLES personality type any word(s) than
they show in the real world. Commentators online may be rewarded with attention
and public support when they blast other people. Most sites may check for
inappropriate or pornographic content, but many do not screen for potentially
defamatory content.
Potential Defamation
While some plaintiffs may intend to prosecute
Internet service providers or website servers in the hope of going after deep
pockets, a federal law called the Communications Decency Act forbids defamation
suits against those organizations.
Elements of Defamation
Although
the laws of each state can differ, the central elements of a defamation suit
are explained below. Generally speaking, defamation is a false statement that
is made public and injurious to the reputation of the victim.
False Statement
A
survivor has to be able to prove the statement was false. The reality is that a
defamation lawsuit is a complete defense. The burden of proof for defamation
lawsuits rests on the plaintiff party.
Fact
It
must present the alleged defamatory statement as a fact and not as an opinion.
Nonetheless, an opinion may be considered a statement of fact if it would have
been viewed as such by a reasonable person.
Published
Published can mean literally in print,
for instance in a newspaper or on a website. Proving that a message has been released is
typically not difficult for a case involving social media, provided the
claimant can prove by writing it out that the material was on the website.
Similarly, the content is considered published whether it is read by three
people on an obscure website, or read by 300,000 people on a popular social
media account.
Damage
In order for a plaintiff to prevail in a
defamation lawsuit, he or she must be able to demonstrate that the defamatory
statement has in some way damaged him or her. This can be interpreted as
proving the harm was substantial, quantifiable and recorded. This is usually
achieved by showing the damage to the victim's image. If the individual being
attacked online was running a business, the loss of business or income will
show damage. Many comments are so inherently harmful that a victim may not have
to demonstrate any actual harm, such as statements accusing the person of
committing a crime, being incompetent in his or her occupation, having some
sexual behavior or possessing an infectious disease. A common test to determine
whether a person's credibility has been harmed is whether that statement will
cause the peers of the individual to think less about him or her.
Example
of Online Defamation
Not every statement which is untrue or
unkind is actionable. Yet there are many statements. For example, if you accused
a person of abusing his or her spouse or children on social media, that
statement would probably be considered defamatory if it were not true. Even if
an individual posts partially true and partially false information, he or she
may be held liable for defamation. For example, a person can claim to have been
fired for assault on an individual. The person could have been fired for
harassment but not. Despite any truth to the assertion the court may found
defamation still existed.
Let's say you've got a blog and you
wrote that, two weeks ago, ‘A’ hit his wife. If that statement isn't true
(remember, truth is one of defamation's absolute defenses), it's defamatory.
There's no way this statement isn't defamatory if it's false.
Are
Opinions Protected?
But let's get this statement qualified.
Let's say you wrote, "I think ‘A’ hit his wife two weeks ago."
Opinion statements are not statements of fact, and thus are theoretically
protected from libel suits. But, is this really an opinion statement? Sometimes
statements of opinion are really seen as factual statements, depending on the
circumstances. The average person may very well look at your statement as a
statement of fact in this case, depending on how well you know ‘A’ and his
wife, and why you think ‘A’ hit his
wife.
The bottom line: Just because you're
phrasing something as an opinion statement — "I think" or "I
believe" — doesn't automatically protect you from a claim for defamation.
What
if the statement is only in part true?
Let's take one more example. Let's say
you wrote on someone else's Facebook page that ‘X’ had been fired from her job
because she made a serious mistake and her company lost a significant client as
a result. Again, it's almost certainly defamatory when this is a false
statement. But what if it's true she made the mistake but the company didn't lose
the customer? What if its company actually fired her to appease the customer?
You certainly wrote something that was false (at least in part), but it may not
have been defamatory overall.
The bottom line on this type of
situation: if you're blogging or writing on your Facebook page, or submitting
comments on someone else's blog or Facebook page, make sure you've got all the
facts right before posting your statement on the internet. When you click on
"submit," you will not be able to take it back.
If it's a close call, or, better, why
mention it at all? To use our example, why do you need to write about ‘X’ being
shot on someone else's Facebook page? You don't know all of the facts unless
you are the one who fired her. It is a good idea to exercise utmost caution
when posting posts or comments online or on social media, and avoid making any
"gray area" claims that might be construed as defamation.
Problems
of Online Defamation
The
internet and social media are definitely a great thing for people and society
at large, but they are also a fascinating breeding ground for potentially
libelous comments.
Most
people have learned (to their dismay) that the internet makes it almost too
easy for people to speak out. The internet is chock-full of interesting websites
where somebody could leave a potentially defamatory comment or post
intentionally or accidentally.
Few of these locations are :
·
Letters to local newspaper publisher
·
Public comments on media websites (i.e.,
newspapers or magazines)
·
Blogs and comments concerning blog posts
·
Social media like Facebook, Twitter,
Linkedin
·
Chat rooms or mailing lists
While
some websites screen posts for inflammatory or illegal content, screening
systems aren't geared to examining every post for defamatory content, and so
many defamatory posts end up online.
What State’s Law Applies?
This
is a complicated issue that depends on the state in which you live, the state
in which the suspected defamer resides, and if any, the interactions the
defamer has had with your State. When you believe you have been defamed online,
you can contact a professional lawyer to discuss your legal options and best
course of action as soon as possible.
Can You Sue The Service Provide?
One
reason that you may want to sue the website's host or internet service provider
(ISP) who posted a defamatory statement is the "deep pockets"
argument.
ISPs
or website hosts could have more money— and hence more ability to pay a
judgment— than some blogger posting a defamatory statement about you. However,
for better or worse, a federal law called the Communications Decency Act
specifically exempted website hosts and ISPs from most claims of defamation.
The primary function of filing FIR is to record all the minute details and put the case into motion as was held in State of U.P Vs Krishna Mater & Ors, 2010 (2) L.S 42 (SC). The clause concerning read more
The
primary function of filing FIR is to record all the minute details and put the
case into motion as was held in State
of U.P Vs Krishna Mater & Ors, 2010 (2) L.S 42 (SC). The
clause concerning FIR in Indian law is Section-154 of the CrPC, 1973. The
report you file under Section-154 is known as FIR. One point to consider when
filing an FIR is that it must be filed in conjunction with identifiable crimes.
The plaintiff or anyone on his behalf usually files this, but in some cases it
may be filled by the defendant too. An FIR must be in writing and a complaint
must be entered in a book which will be kept at the police station.
Though
the FIR is an important document in the initiation stage of a case but it is
also provided that it cannot be used as evidence against the accused but it
can be used to corroborate or contradict the informant under Section-157 and Section-145 of the Evidence Act 1872, if he/she is listed as a witness of a case.
Unless
the maker gives a satisfactory explanation, a delay in filing FIR will not be
permissible. Where the maker offers adequate explanation such as the
complainant's physical condition, natural calamities, the complainant's law
ignorance, or any compensation he has provided for FIR filing. Though it is
advised to file an FIR immediately as any delay may arouse suspicion on the
complainant’s part.
Usually,
an FIR is filed at a police station but in special circumstances it can be
filed at the residence of a person as mentioned in Section-154.
With
the introduction of internet services, in some states a person can also file an
online FIR, but the traditional method mentioned in CrPC in Section-154 and is
stated below:
·
The police must write down the information
on the commission of a known crime told orally by the complainant.
·
As a person who provides or reports, it
is your right to request that the information submitted by you to the police be
read to you.
·
Upon recording the information by
police, the individual providing the information must sign the report.
·
A complainant must verify that the
information the police has recorded is according to the information that he/she
provided and subsequently sign the report.
·
Those unable to read or write, after
being sure that it is an accurate record, need to make their left thumbprint on
the paper.
·
Always ask the police officials
to handle you a copy of the FIR, unless you are provided by the
officials. You are allowed to have it free of charge.
Now filing of an FIR is also done digitally. It is done to provide convenience to the aggrieved people. The procedure for the same is mentioned below:
FIR (online or offline), must be filed
immediately after an offence has been committed and in case of any delay in
filing, it must be duly mentioned in the report. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in the case of Lalita
Kumari v Govt of U.P [W.P. (Crl) No; 68/2008] gave certain guidelines
and
held that, according to Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
registration of the first information report is compulsory where it discloses
commission of an offence that is cognizable and no preliminary inquiry is
required in this situation. In the case of a cognizable crime and the need of
investigation, the information received may only be reviewed in advance in
order to see if a cognizable offence is or is not revealed.
"A WOMAN CANNOT BE TERMINATED FROM WORK WHILE BEING PREGNANT" RIGHTS OF A PREGNANT WOMAN AT WORK : · Safety at work and restoration- Employers read more
"A WOMAN CANNOT BE TERMINATED FROM WORK WHILE BEING PREGNANT"
RIGHTS OF A PREGNANT WOMAN AT WORK
:
·
Safety
at work and restoration- Employers have to keep your job
open when you're out for a pregnancy-related absence, and they have to keep
your place open at least as long as they would for any workers on maternity
leave. Furthermore, you are entitled to any rights of reinstatement enjoyed by
other employees when they are out for medical reasons. For example, if your
employer offers paid leave to an employee recovering from a heart attack, you
deserve the same benefits while away from your job due to pregnancy and related
medical issues.
·
Unpaid leave from work
benefits- Under
FMLA, you are permitted to take 12 weeks of leave each year for the birth and care
of your newborn child; you are also permitted to take time off to adopt a
foster care child. The PLA allows employers with six or more workers to give at
least eight weeks for giving birth or having an adopted child under 18.
Remember
that neither law specifically mandates the employer to pay you for time off;
instead, they protect your job security and re-establishment rights under the
same terms that other workers receive while taking leave. Hence, if you pay
other workers when away from work, you qualify for the same benefits.
·
Split
Leave as needed- Most pregnant women experience
different medical conditions before and after giving birth, and as members of
the family transition into their new reality adoptive parents go through various
issues. State and federal legislation understand the need for flexibility, so
there are provisions that encourage qualified workers to divide the weeks of
leave they are entitled to receive.
·
Marriage
is NOT Definition- You do not need to be married at both
the federal and state levels to take advantage of pregnancy-related leave and
benefits. The Massachusetts law, in addition, acknowledges numerous differences
in family dynamics, so the laws are gender neutral. Fathers are entitled to the
same rights as mothers when they take leave to have a child born or adopted.
·
Safe
and secure Pump- Pregnancy discrimination laws require
employers to give reasonable break time for a nursing mother to express breast
milk for up to one year after birth. The same statutes make it mandatory for
employers to provide a place that is sheltered from view, other than a
restroom, and relatively private for pumping.
·
Stay
with the Job- While many discrimination laws
concentrate on requiring leave if required to resolve pregnancy-related medical
problems, many women experience the opposite treatment: an employer wants them
to take time off to take care of their own and the child's health needs. However,
if you are able to perform the routine tasks required by your position, you
cannot be forced to take some time off.
·
Abortion
and Endurance- Under federal and Massachusetts law,
it is illegal for an employer to fire you for the abortion option. In addition,
you are entitled to benefit from an abortion-related physical or mental
disability to the same degree that your employer offers these benefits to other
workers. Again, employers are not
required to provide benefits; they are only required to apply such policies in
the same way to all workers.
·
Discrimination
is unlawful- If you think you have been
discriminated against because of a condition associated with pregnancy, you
have rights. You can file a claim of discrimination.
·
Rights
on pre-maternity leave- Before the baby is born, it may
be necessary to be away from your job and during this time, the law protects
your rights. The pre-maternity leave is subject to the same rules as other
pregnancy-related absences.
·
Benefits
To all employees- If there is one lesson linked to
discrimination in pregnancy, it is because a qualified employee is entitled to
the same benefits other workers with medical conditions receive. Employers may
not be required to pay maternity leave or provide other benefits related to
pregnancy, but they must extend appropriate policies to all staff.
EARNINGS AND LEAVES :
The
Maternity Benefit Act provides that in the three months preceding their
maternity leave, a woman will be paid maternity benefit at the rate of her
average daily salary. The woman also needs to have worked for the employer in
the 12 months preceding the date of her expected delivery for at least 80 days.
The
Maternity Benefit Act originally provided 12-week maternity benefit, of which
up to six weeks before delivery could be claimed. The law was amended in 2017,
in order to extend the period to 26 weeks. Up to eight weeks may be claimed
from the 26 weeks prior to delivery. However, you don't need to structure your
leaves this way — instead you can take the whole 26 weeks of leave after
delivery. These are also overall compensation periods and you can demand the
value for a lesser amount of time as well.
If
the mother has more than two surviving children, then the maternity benefit is
only available for 12 weeks. The legislation has also been changed to expand
maternity benefits to commissioning and adoptive mothers now entitled to 12
weeks ' leave from the day the child is adopted by the mother.
Women
undergoing tubectomy (a medical procedure to stop future pregnancies) also get
two weeks ' paid leave after surgery. In the case of abortion or surgical termination
of pregnancy, the law allows women to leave for six weeks after the procedure.
In the case of a post delivery disease, abortion, termination of pregnancy or
tubectomy. A woman may demand a pay leave for a further duration of one month,
more than what is allowed.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS :
In
addition to the maternity bonus period, the legislation also allows employers
to require women employees to work from home if the nature of the work permits
that.
In
2017 the law was further amended to make the establishment of creches mandatory
for establishments with more than 50 workers. Mom's allowed to visit the
creches up to four times a day and in addition to any other breaks available as
a matter of course, two breastfeeding breaks per day until the infant reaches
the age of 15 months.
EMPLOYER'S COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
:
·
Review and update maternity leave
policies for workers to reflect the benefits extended under the 2017 Amendment
Act
·
Update and include relevant references
in employment contracts about maternity benefits – representing the current
maternity benefit entitlements and responsibilities under the law
·
Developing structures, processes and
policies that allow working mothers to work at home
·
Developing the framework for mandatory
child care facilities for working mothers
·
Create a non-discriminatory performance
management framework that acknowledges the absence of female employees
Taking
into account new mothers ' health and safety initiatives, the Act also requires
employers to ensure that no woman works immediately after the day of birth or
miscarriage during the six weeks that follow. It is also illegal for an
employer to fire or refuse a woman employee because of such absence.
In
addition, the employer shall not hire a pregnant woman employee to perform any
job of an arduous nature or work requiring long standing hours.
Where
an employer contravenes the provisions or regulations of the Act, the Act
provides for penalties either for one year's imprisonment or for a fine that
may amount to Rs 5000, or for both.
EMPLOYER'S CHALLENGES :
One
of the main challenges for employers in India who provide maternity benefits is
that they have to bear the cost of it on their own. Whereas in most other
countries, both the employer and the state government share the cost of
maternity benefits.
Under
the amended Act, the introduction of full payment of maternity leave salaries
and the construction of mandatory care facilities further raises employers '
costs – increasing employers ' preference for recruiting male workers.
India's
labor ministry recently proposed a proposal to help employers with the extra
financial burden and ensure equal participation of women at work.
While
the proposal is yet to be finalized, it seeks to reimburse employers for the
wages charged for seven of the additional 14 weeks of maternity leave to female
workers in the Rs 15,000 pay class who have been 12-month subscribers to the
Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
ALTERNATIVE LAWS IN INDIA WHICH
PROVIDE MATERNITY BENEFITS :
In
addition to the Maternity Benefit Act, several other laws exist in India which
provide for maternity benefits in India.
The
Employees ' State Insurance (ESI), a self-financing program for employees '
social security and health insurance, offers maternity benefits for women in
low-income jobs. This refers to workers who earn Rs 15,000 or less per month,
with the employer contributing 4.75%, and the employee contributing 1.75%..
Instead
of the Maternity Benefits Act, those who qualify can receive maternity benefits
under the ESI scheme.
Certain
regulations that provide maternity benefits include the Working Journalists
(Conditions of Service) and the 1955 Miscellaneous Provisions Act, which grants
12 weeks of maternity benefits; and the 1948 Factories Act, which grants 12
weeks of full-time maternity leave.
Cognizance under Code of Criminal ProcedureThe Code of Criminal Procedure has not specified what cognizance is. Literally, it means 'to be aware of' but when used in respect to a trial or a magistrate read more
Cognizance under Code of Criminal Procedure
The Code of Criminal Procedure has not specified what cognizance is. Literally, it means 'to be aware of' but when used in respect to a trial or a magistrate it means 'Judicial notice of an offence' Actually, taking cognizance does not require any formal action by the judge or magistrate, because as long as a magistrate turns his mind to the alleged crime of an offence for the purpose of taking further actions under the Code of Criminal Procedure, such as summoning an accused on the basis of the information available for prosecution or trial, cognizance can be said to have been taken.
In simple terms, cognizance can be interpreted as looking through a narrow keyhole and evaluating whether or not an offence has been committed, and if it has been committed at all, then whether certain parts of the IPC or any other special statute are attracted or not. The underlying principle in law or aim of cognizance is to maintain a 'judicial check' on the police, as a judicial officer by taking cognizance examines whether or not the crimes have actually been committed. Thus, in the Code, the word cognizance is used to denote the points when the Magistrate or Judge first takes legal notice of an offence. It is an infinite term of import, which may not always be used in precisely the same context.
COGNIZANCE OF OFFENCES BY MAGISTRATE
Any First class Magistrate and any Second Class Magistrate can acknowledge any offence. Section 190-199 of the code defines the procedures by which various criminal courts are entitled to take cognizance of offences, and the restrictions under which they are entitled.
(a) Section 190 of CrPC "Cognizance of offences by Magistrates"
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, any Magistrate of the first class, and any Magistrate of the second class specially empowered in this behalf under subsection (2), may take cognizance of any offence-
(a) upon receiving a complaint of facts which constitute such offence;
(b) upon a police report of such facts;
(c) upon information received from any person other than a police officer, or upon his own knowledge, that such offence has been committed.
(2) The Chief Judicial Magistrate may empower any Magistrate of the second class to take cognizance under subsection (1) of such offences as are within his competence to inquire into or try.
(b) Section 191 of CrPC "Transfer on application of the accused"
When a Magistrate takes cognizance of an offence under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 190, the accused shall, before any evidence is taken, be informed that he is entitled to have the case inquired into or tried by another Magistrate, and if the accused or any of the accused, if there be more than one, objects to further proceedings before the Magistrate taking cognizance, the case shall be transferred to such other Magistrate as may be specified by the Chief Judicial Magistrate in this behalf.
(c) Section 192 of CrPC "Making over of cases to Magistrates"
(1) Any Chief Judicial Magistrate may, after taking cognizance of an offence, makeover the case for enquiry or trial to any competent Magistrate subordinate to him.
(2) Any Magistrate of the first class empowered in this behalf by the Chief Judicial Magistrate may, after taking cognizance of an offence, makeover the case for enquiry or trial to such other competent Magistrate as the Chief Judicial Magistrate may, by general or special order, specify, and thereupon such Magistrate may hold the inquiry or trial.
Tula Ram & Ors vs Kishore Singh: 1977 AIR 2401, 1978 SCR (1) 615
Taking cognizance does not require any formal procedure, or indeed intervention of any kind, but happens as soon as a judge, as such turns his mind to the suspected crime of an offence for the purpose of continuing to take further steps towards damage or trial. Furthermore, when a Magistrate applies his mind not for the purpose of proceeding as mentioned above but for taking action of some other kind, such as directing an investigation or issuing a search warrant for the purpose of investigation, he cannot be said to have taken cognizance of the offence.
COGNIZANCE TAKEN BY A MAGISTRATE NOT EMPOWERED
If any magistrate were not allowed to recognize an offence under Section 190(1)(a) and 190(1)(b), if an offence is wrongly accepted in good faith, the proceedings shall not be set aside solely on the ground that it is not permitted to do so. On the other hand, if a magistrate who is not empowered to take cognizance of an offence takes cognizance by information received or his own knowledge pursuant to section 190(1)(c), his proceedings shall be null and void. In such a case it is immaterial whether he was acting erroneously in good faith or otherwise.
COGNIZANCE OF OFFENCES BY COURT OF SESSION
According to Section 193, "Courts of Session are not permitted to take note of any crime (as a court of original jurisdiction) unless the case is committed by a Magistrate." If it is specifically established by this code or by any other statute, then only Courts of Session are permitted.
LIMITATION ON THE POWER TO TAKE COGNIZANCE
Sections 195-199 are exceptions to the general rule that, even though he is not personally interested or impaired by the crime, any person with knowledge of the conduct of an offence that sets the law in motion by a complaint. The general rule is that any person with knowledge of an offence commission may put the law into motion through a complaint even though he is not personally interested in or affected by the offence. Sections 195 to 199 of the CrPC provide exceptions to this general rule because they prohibit cognizance of the offences referred to therein except where a complaint is lodged by the Court or the relevant public servant. The provisions of these sections are obligatory and a Court has no authority to recognize any of the offences listed therein unless there is a written complaint as provided by the section in question.
Prosecutions for contempt of the lawful authority of public servants
According to section 195(1)(a), "Court shall not take cognizance of those cases which are punishable under section 172 to section 188 of the Indian Penal Code unless a public servant makes a written complaint." Section 172 to 188 of the IPC deals with offences related to public servant contempt. In case of an attempt, conspiracy abetment of offence set out in IPC section 172 to 188, the court will not take cognizance.
According to Section 195(2), ' ' Court will not proceed further with the trial when a superior official of a public servant (who has complained) gives the order of withdrawal. '' Provided that no such withdrawal is ordered after a trial has been completed in court.
Prosecution for offences against public justice
According to Section 195(1)(b)(i),'' Court shall not take cognizance of offensive cases pursuant to Sections 193 to 196, 199, 200, 205 to 211 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code unless a formal complaint is filed by that court or by some other court to which that court is subordinate.' In the event of an attempt, conspiracy, abetment of offences against public justice, the court will not take cognizance.
Prosecution for offences relating to documents given in evidence
According to Section 195(1)(b)(ii),'' Court shall not accept those cases which are offensive according to Section 463 or punishable according to Section 471, 475 or 476 of the IPC unless a formal complaint is lodged by that court or by any other court to which it is subordinate.' In case of an attempt, conspiracy, abetment of offences relating to documents provided in evidence, the court will not take cognizance.
The definition of' court' in Section 195(1)(b) is addressed in paragraph 195(3). Court' means a Civil, Revenue or Criminal Court, which involves, for the purposes of this section, a tribunal created by or under a Central Provincial or State Act where that Act has been declared a Tribunal.
Section 195(4) deals with the definition in Section 195(1)(b) of the superior court and subordinate court. If Court ' A' has the authority to appeal the decision granted by Court' B' we will then presume Court' B' is subordinate to Court' A.'
Prosecution for offences against the state
According to Section 196(1), ‘‘Court will not take cognizance to those cases which punishable under Chapter VI (Of Offences against the State) or under Section 153A, Section 153B, Section 295A or Section 505 of Indian Penal Code except with the consent of the Central Government or of the State Government.”
The listed IPC sections deal with state offences. Chapter VI of IPC describes the state offence. Section 153A of the IPC deals with harmony 295A deals with the offence of comments leading to violations of religious belief. Section 505 deals with an offence related to public mischief.
Prosecution for the offence of criminal conspiracy
According to Section 196(2), “Court will not take cognizance to offences of any criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of Indian Penal Code (other than a criminal conspiracy to commit a cognizable offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for two a term of two years or upwards) unless consent in writing is given by the State Government or the District Magistrate to initiation of the proceedings.”
Conclusion
In the Code of Criminal Procedure, the term 'Cognizance' is not specified. This basically means adding the judicial mind to a suspected crime commission CrPC Chapter XIV deals with' Conditions Required to begin proceedings' and CrPC Chapter XV deals with 'Complaints to Magistrates'.
Name of the case : NAVTEJ SINGH JOHAR AND ORS. V UNION OF INDIA(section 377 of IPC,1860) Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code states- "Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against read more
Name of the case : NAVTEJ SINGH JOHAR AND ORS. V UNION OF INDIA(section 377 of IPC,1860)
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code states- "Unnatural
offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of
nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for
life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
ten years, and shall also be liable to fine"
Issues
raised :
·
The Section 377 of the IPC is in
violation of the equality right secured by Article 14 of the Constitution.
Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution on the
right to privacy and the right to live with dignity under Article 21.
·
Whether it is arbitrary to make
consensual relationship a crime contrary to the order of nature as per section
377 of the IPC?
·
Whether the fact that the law
discriminates against people on the basis of sexual orientation is in violation
of Article 15 of the Constitution?
Arguments
:
Side
Petitioner :
The plaintiff counsel relied on the ratio in Case K.
S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India which stipulated that "sexual orientation
is also an important privacy attribute. Protecting an individual's sexual
orientation and his or her right to privacy is therefore extremely important,
even without enjoying such personal and constitutional freedoms , individual
identity may lose meaning, a feeling of trepidation will take over, and their
life would be reduced to mere survival. "That the right to privacy often
applies to LGBTs who have the right to exercise their choice without any fear
of exposing themselves. No one has the power to direct how a person chooses to
go to bed as if.
In the case of the Naz Foundation, though
reaffirming the judgment of the Delhi HC, the counsel also put emphasis on the
case of Manoj Narula v. Union of India as an example of cases in which
constitutional morality had been averted. The Supreme Court is the protector of
the Constitution, and this SC is "the ultimate arbiter of constitutional
rights" and should uphold constitutional integrity and eradicate social
disregard.
The petitioner's counsel, Francis Coralie Mullin v.
Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi and others and Common Cause (A
Registered Society) v. Union of India and another, in which the bench held that
Article 21 guarantees the right to life and freedom, and liberty. And it is
useless if it can not impose on everyone, including the LGBT community, human
autonomy and positive self-expression.
The petitioners drew the Court's attention to the
Committee on Criminal Law Amendments, J.S. Verma, which had found that
"sex" arising in Article 15 includes sexual orientation and,
according to the petitioners, Section 377 was also in violation of Article 15
of the Constitution on that count.
It was also claimed that when the LGBT people
announced their identities, they feared punishment and persecution and
therefore never addressed the court. They seek help from parents, teachers,
non-governmental organizations, to speak on their behalf.
Side
Respondent :
The counsel argued that Article 15 of the
Constitution was not infringed as it only forbids discrimination on the grounds
of religion, ethnicity, caste, age, birthplace or any of them but not sexual
orientation.
He put emphasis on the case of Fazal Rab Choudhary
v. Bihar State, in which it was observed that the section indicated sexual
perversity, or sexual bestiality that was contrary to nature's order and that
it was very well within the power of the State to impose ' reasonable
restrictions ' on disruptive, perversive or immoral acts between a man and a
woman.
Placing emphasis on the decision in State of Gujarat
v. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat and others, the counsel contended that
the interest of the state, country or culture as a whole is primary to the
interest of an individual citizen despite how significant the citizen's
interests are.
Firstly, the Court has no power to modify, add or
delete language from a legislative clause. Traditionally thought to occur
between a male and a female, it will create a number of social issues that the
government is unable to address at this point in time, and these issues will
also pose a threat to existing laws.
Judgement:
( DATED 6TH SEPTEMBER 2018 )
The 5 judge bench unanimously ruled Section 377 to
be discriminatory to the degree that it criminalized, two people of the same
sexual orientation had consensual sexual intercourse, and that is a matter of
utmost privacy. In Suresh Koushal v Naz Foundation it overruled the bench's
verdict.
The Court relied on its own decision in National
Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, where it reiterated that “gender
identity is intrinsic to one’s personality and denying the same would be
violative of one’s dignity.” When we discriminate between the LGBT on the basis
that they represent a minority of the population, it would violate their
constitutional right to privacy.
The bench also touched on Shafin Jahan v. Asokan
K.M., saying that it is the right of an adult to choose his or her life partner
on their own.
Something that two members of the LGBT community
want to do secretly in no way damages "public decency or morality."
The Chief Justice
relied on the “principles of transformative constitutionalism and progressive
realization of rights and held that the constitution must guide society’s
transformation from an archaic to a pragmatic society where fundamental rights
are fiercely guarded.” He further stated, “constitutional morality would
prevail over social morality”. They also affirmed that homosexuality was “not
an aberration but a variation in the sexual orientation of an individual”.
Effect
of the judgement :
The judgment put
emphasis on the principle of democratic constitutionalism that has paved the
way for a plethora of very important legal changes and reforms. It was a
landmark decision in the country's history, since it acknowledges not only the
identity of individuals belonging to the LGBT community but it also confers
global social recognition on them. After this relief through a landmark ruling,
the next battle in the history of the legal arena would have the right to marry
a person of the same sex or any other of their choosing for the social and
economic arrangements for such individuals.
Noida, India
New Delhi, India
Secunderabad, India
Bengaluru, India
Bengaluru, India
Patiala, India
Patiala, India
Kolkata, India
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b. SoOLEGAL Consultant will be informed immediately on receipt of advance payment from Client which will be held by SoOLegal and will not be released to either Party and an email requesting the Registered Consultant will be sent to initiate the assignment.
c. The Registered Consultant will be asked on the timeline for completion of the assignment which will be intimated to Client.
d. Once the work is completed by the consultant the document/ advice note will be in SoOLEGAL repository and once Client makes rest of the payment, the full amount will be remitted to the consultant in the next payment cycle and the document access will be given to the client.
e. In the event where the Client fails to make payment of the balance amount within 30 days from the date of upload , the Registered Consultant shall receive the advance amount paid by the Client without any interest in the next time cycle after the lapse of 30 days.
S-1.4 Credit Card Fraud.
We will not bear the risk of credit card fraud (i.e. a fraudulent purchase arising from the theft and unauthorised use of a third party's credit card information) occurring in connection with Your Transactions. We may in our sole discretion withhold for investigation, refuse to process, restrict download for, stop and/or cancel any of Your Transactions. You will stop and/or cancel orders of Your Documents/ Advices if we ask you to do so. You will refund any customer (in accordance with Section S-2.2) that has been charged for an order that we stop or cancel.
S-2. Transaction and Fulfilment, Refunds and Returns
S-2.1 Transaction and Fulfilment:
Fulfilment – Fulfilment is categorised under the following heads:
1. Fulfilment by Registered User/ Consultant - In the event of Client seeking consultation, Registered User/ Consultant has to ensure the quality of the product and as per the requirement of the Client and if its not as per client, it will not be SoOLEGAL’s responsibility and it will be assumed that the Registered User/ Consultant and the Client have had correspondence before assigning the work to the Registered User/ Consultant.
2. Fulfilment by SoOLEGAL - If the Registered User/ Consultant has uploaded the Documents/ Advice in SoOLEGAL Site, SoOLEGAL Authorised personnel does not access such Documents/ Advice and privacy of the Client’s Documents/ Advice and information is confidential and will be encrypted and upon payment by Client, the Documents/ Advice is emailed by SoOLEGAL to them. Client’s information including email id will be furnished to SoOLEGAL by Registered User/ Consultant.
If Documents/ Advice is not sent to Client, SoOLEGAL will refund any amount paid to such Client’s account without interest within 60 days.
3. SoOLEGAL will charge 5% of the transaction value which is subject to change with time due to various economic and financial factors including inflation among other things, which will be as per SoOLEGAL’s discretion and will be informed to Registered Users about the same from time to time. Any tax applicable on Registered User/ Consultant is payable by such Registered User/ Consultant and not by SoOLEGAL.
4. SoOLEGAL will remit the fees (without any interest) to its Registered User/ Consultant every 15 (fifteen) days. If there is any discrepancy in such payment, it should be reported to Accounts Head of SoOLEGAL (accounts@soolegal.com) with all relevant account statement within fifteen days from receipt of that last cycle payment. Any discrepancy will be addressed in the next fifteen days cycle. If any discrepancy is not reported within 15 days of receipt of payment, such payment shall be deemed accepted and SoOLEGAL shall not entertain any such reports thereafter.
5. Any Registered User/ Consultant wishes to discontinue with this, such Registered User/ Consultant shall send email to SoOLEGAL and such account will be closed and all credits will be refunded to such Registered User/ Consultant after deducation of all taxes and applicable fees within 30 days. Other than as described in the Fulfilment by SoOLEGAL Terms & Conditions (if applicable to you), for the SoOLEGAL Site for which you register or use the Transacting on SoOLEGAL Service, you will: (a) source, fulfil and transact with your Documents/ Advices, in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable Order Information, these Transaction Terms & Conditions, and all terms provided by you and displayed on the SoOLEGAL Site at the time of the order and be solely responsible for and bear all risk for such activities; (a) not cancel any of Your Transactions except as may be permitted pursuant to your Terms & Conditions appearing on the SoOLEGAL Site at the time of the applicable order (which Terms & Conditions will be in accordance with Transaction Terms & Conditions) or as may be required Transaction Terms & Conditions per the terms laid in this Documents/ Advice; in each case as requested by us using the processes designated by us, and we may make any of this information publicly available notwithstanding any other provision of the Terms mentioned herein, ensure that you are the REGISTERED USER of all Documents/ Advices made available for listing for Transaction hereunder; identify yourself as the REGISTERED USER of the Documents/ Advices on all downloads or other information included with Your Documents/ Advices and as the Person to which a customer may return the applicable Documents/ Advices; and
S-2.2 Returns and Refunds. For all of Your Documents/ Advices that are not fulfilled using Fulfilment by SoOLEGAL, you will accept and process returns, refunds and adjustments in accordance with these Transaction Terms & Conditions and the SoOLEGAL Refund Policies published at the time of the applicable order, and we may inform customers that these policies apply to Your Documents/ Advices. You will determine and calculate the amount of all refunds and adjustments (including any taxes, shipping of any hard copy and handling or other charges) or other amounts to be paid by you to customers in connection with Your Transactions, using a functionality we enable for Your Account. This functionality may be modified or discontinued by us at any time without notice and is subject to the Program Policies and the terms of thisTransaction Terms & Conditions Documents/ Advice. You will route all such payments through SoOLEGAL We will provide any such payments to the customer (which may be in the same payment form originally used to purchase Your Documents/ Advices), and you will reimburse us for all amounts so paid. For all of Your Documents/ Advices that are fulfilled using Fulfilment by SoOLEGAL, the SoOLEGAL Refund Policies published at the time of the applicable order will apply and you will comply with them. You will promptly provide refunds and adjustments that you are obligated to provide under the applicable SoOLEGAL Refund Policies and as required by Law, and in no case later than thirty (30) calendar days following after the obligation arises. For the purposes of making payments to the customer (which may be in the same payment form originally used to purchase Your Documents/ Advices), you authorize us to make such payments or disbursements from your available balance in the Nodal Account (as defined in Section S-6). In the event your balance in the Nodal Account is insufficient to process the refund request, we will process such amounts due to the customer on your behalf, and you will reimburse us for all such amount so paid.
S-5. Compensation
You will pay us: (a) the applicable Referral Fee; (b) any applicable Closing Fees; and (c) if applicable, the non-refundable Transacting on SoOLEGAL Subscription Fee in advance for each month (or for each transaction, if applicable) during the Term of this Transaction Terms & Conditions. "Transacting on SoOLEGAL Subscription Fee" means the fee specified as such on the Transacting on SoOLEGALSoOLEGAL Fee Schedule for the SoOLEGAL Site at the time such fee is payable. With respect to each of Your Transactions: (x) "Transactions Proceeds" has the meaning set out in the Transaction Terms & Conditions; (y) "Closing Fees" means the applicable fee, if any, as specified in the Transacting on SoOLEGAL Fee Schedule for the SoOLEGAL Site; and (z) "Referral Fee" means the applicable percentage of the Transactions Proceeds from Your Transaction through the SoOLEGAL Site specified on the Transacting on SoOLEGAL Fee Schedule for the SoOLEGAL Site at the time of Your Transaction, based on the categorization by SoOLEGAL of the type of Documents/ Advices that is the subject of Your Transaction; provided, however, that Transactions Proceeds will not include any shipping charge set by us in the case of Your Transactions that consist solely of SoOLEGAL-Fulfilled Documents/ Advices. Except as provided otherwise, all monetary amounts contemplated in these Service Terms will be expressed and provided in the Local Currency, and all payments contemplated by this Transaction Terms & Conditions will be made in the Local Currency.
All taxes or surcharges imposed on fees payable by you to SoOLEGAL will be your responsibility.
S-6 Transactions Proceeds & Refunds.
S-6.1.Nodal Account. Remittances to you for Your Transactions will be made through a nodal account (the "Nodal Account") in accordance with the directions issued by Reserve Bank of India for the opening and operation of accounts and settlement of payments for electronic payment transactions involving intermediaries vide its notification RBI/2009-10/231 DPSS.CO.PD.No.1102 / 02.14.08/ 2009-10 dated November 24, 2009. You hereby agree and authorize us to collect payments on your behalf from customers for any Transactions. You authorize and permit us to collect and disclose any information (which may include personal or sensitive information such as Your Bank Account information) made available to us in connection with the Transaction Terms & Conditions mentioned hereunder to a bank, auditor, processing agency, or third party contracted by us in connection with this Transaction Terms & Conditions.
Subject to and without limiting any of the rights described in Section 2 of the General Terms, we may hold back a portion or your Transaction Proceeds as a separate reserve ("Reserve"). The Reserve will be in an amount as determined by us and the Reserve will be used only for the purpose of settling the future claims of customers in the event of non-fulfillment of delivery to the customers of your Documents/ Advices keeping in mind the period for refunds and chargebacks.
S-6.2. Except as otherwise stated in this Transaction Terms & Conditions Documents/ Advice (including without limitation Section 2 of the General Terms), you authorize us and we will remit the Settlement Amount to Your Bank Account on the Payment Date in respect of an Eligible Transaction. When you either initially provide or later change Your Bank Account information, the Payment Date will be deferred for a period of up to 14 calendar days. You will not have the ability to initiate or cause payments to be made to you. If you refund money to a customer in connection with one of Your Transactions in accordance with Section S-2.2, on the next available Designated Day for SoOLEGAL Site, we will credit you with the amount to us attributable to the amount of the customer refund, less the Refund Administration Fee for each refund, which amount we may retain as an administrative fee.
"Eligible Transaction" means Your Transaction against which the actual shipment date has been confirmed by you.
"Designated Day" means any particular Day of the week designated by SoOLEGAL on a weekly basis, in its sole discretion, for making remittances to you.
"Payment Date" means the Designated Day falling immediately after 14 calendar days (or less in our sole discretion) of the Eligible Transaction.
"Settlement Amount" means Invoices raised through SoOLEGAL Platform (which you will accept as payment in full for the Transaction and shipping and handling of Your Documents/ Advices), less: (a) the Referral Fees due for such sums; (b) any Transacting on SoOLEGAL Subscription Fees due; (c) taxes required to be charged by us on our fees; (d) any refunds due to customers in connection with the SoOLEGAL Site; (e) Reserves, as may be applicable, as per this Transaction Terms & Conditions; (f) Closing Fees, if applicable; and (g) any other applicable fee prescribed under the Program Policies. SoOLEGAL shall not be responsible for
S-6.3. In the event that we elect not to recover from you a customer's chargeback, failed payment, or other payment reversal (a "Payment Failure"), you irrevocably assign to us all your rights, title and interest in and associated with that Payment Failure.
S-7. Control of Site
Notwithstanding any provision of this Transaction Terms & Conditions, we will have the right in our sole discretion to determine the content, appearance, design, functionality and all other aspects of the SoOLEGAL Site and the Transacting on SoOLEGAL Service (including the right to re-design, modify, remove and alter the content, appearance, design, functionality, and other aspects of, and prevent or restrict access to any of the SoOLEGAL Site and the Transacting on SoOLEGAL Service and any element, aspect, portion or feature thereof (including any listings), from time to time) and to delay or suspend listing of, or to refuse to list, or to de-list, or require you not to list any or all Documents/ Advices on the SoOLEGAL Site in our sole discretion.
S-8. Effect of Termination
Upon termination of this Contract, the Transaction Terms & Conditions automatiocally stands terminated and in connection with the SoOLEGAL Site, all rights and obligations of the parties under these Service Terms with regard to the SoOLEGAL Site will be extinguished, except that the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to Your Transactions occurring during the Term will survive the termination or expiration of the Term.
"SoOLEGAL Refund Policies" means the return and refund policies published on the SoOLEGAL Site.
"Required Documents/ Advices Information" means, with respect to each of Your Documents/ Advices in connection with the SoOLEGAL Site, the following (except to the extent expressly not required under the applicable Policies) categorization within each SoOLEGAL Documents/ Advices category and browse structure as prescribed by SoOLEGAL from time to time, Purchase Price; Documents/ Advice Usage, any text, disclaimers, warnings, notices, labels or other content required by applicable Law to be displayed in connection with the offer, merchandising, advertising or Transaction of Your Documents/ Advices, requirements, fees or other terms and conditions applicable to such Documents/ Advices that a customer should be aware of prior to purchasing the Documents/ Advices;
"Transacting on SoOLEGAL Launch Date" means the date on which we first list one of Your Documents/ Advices for Transaction on the SoOLEGAL Site.
"URL Marks" means any Trademark, or any other logo, name, phrase, identifier or character string, that contains or incorporates any top level domain (e.g., .com, co.in, co.uk, .in, .de, .es, .edu, .fr, .jp) or any variation thereof (e.g., dot com, dotcom, net, or com).
"Your Transaction" is defined in the Transaction Terms & Conditions; however, as used in Terms & Conditions, it shall mean any and all such transactions whereby you conduct Transacting of Documents/ Advices or advice sought from you by clients/ customers in writing or by any other mode which is in coherence with SoOLEGAL policy on SoOLEGAL site only.
Taxes on Fees Payable to SoOLEGAL. In regard to these Service Terms you can provide a PAN registration number or any other Registration/ Enrolment number that reflects your Professional capacity by virtue of various enactments in place. If you are PAN registered, or any professional Firm but not PAN registered, you give the following warranties and representations:
(a) all services provided by SoOLEGAL to you are being received by your establishment under your designated PAN registration number; and
SoOLEGAL reserves the right to request additional information and to confirm the validity of any your account information (including without limitation your PAN registration number) from you or government authorities and agencies as permitted by Law and you hereby irrevocably authorize SoOLEGAL to request and obtain such information from such government authorities and agencies. Further, you agree to provide any such information to SoOLEGAL upon request. SoOLEGAL reserves the right to charge you any applicable unbilled PAN if you provide a PAN registration number, or evidence of being in a Professional Firm, that is determined to be invalid. PAN registered REGISTERED USERs and REGISTERED USERs who provide evidence of being in Law Firm agree to accept electronic PAN invoices in a format and method of delivery as determined by SoOLEGAL.
All payments by SoOLEGAL to you shall be made subject to any applicable withholding taxes under the applicable Law. SoOLEGAL will retain, in addition to its net Fees, an amount equal to the legally applicable withholding taxes at the applicable rate. You are responsible for deducting and depositing the legally applicable taxes and deliver to SoOLEGAL sufficient Documents/ Advice evidencing the deposit of tax. Upon receipt of the evidence of deduction of tax, SoOLEGAL will remit the amount evidenced in the certificate to you. Upon your failure to duly deposit these taxes and providing evidence to that effect within 5 days from the end of the relevant month, SoOLEGAL shall have the right to utilize the retained amount for discharging its tax liability.
Where you have deposited the taxes, you will issue an appropriate tax withholding certificate for such amount to SoOLEGAL and SoOLEGAL shall provide necessary support and Documents/ Adviceation as may be required by you for discharging your obligations.
SoOLEGAL has the option to obtain an order for lower or NIL withholding tax from the Indian Revenue authorities. In case SoOLEGAL successfully procures such an order, it will communicate the same to you. In that case, the amounts retained, shall be in accordance with the directions contained in the order as in force at the point in time when tax is required to be deducted at source.
Any taxes applicable in addition to the fee payable to SoOLEGAL shall be added to the invoiced amount as per applicable Law at the invoicing date which shall be paid by you.F.11. Indemnity
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Category and Documents/ Advice RestrictionsCertain Documents/ Advices cannot be listed or sold on SoOLEGAL site as a matter of compliance with legal or regulatory restrictions (for example, prescription drugs) or in accordance with SoOLEGAL policy (for example, crime scene photos). SoOLEGAL's policies also prohibit specific types of Documents/ Advice content. For guidelines on prohibited content and copyright violations, see our Prohibited Content list. For some Documents/ Advice categories, REGISTERED USERS may not create Documents/ Advice listings without prior approval from SoOLEGAL. |
In addition to your obligations under Section 6 of the Transaction Terms & Conditions, you also agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless us, our Affiliates and their and our respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents against any Claim that arises out of or relates to: (a) the Units (whether or not title has transferred to us, and including any Unit that we identify as yours pursuant to Section F-4 regardless of whether such Unit is the actual item you originally sent to us), including any personal injury, death or property damage; and b) any of Your Taxes or the collection, payment or failure to collect or pay Your Taxes.
Registered Users must at all times adhere to the following rules for the Documents/ Advices they intend to put on Transaction:
The "Add a Documents/ Advice" feature allows REGISTERED USERS to create Documents/ Advice details pages for Documents/ Advices.
The following rules and restrictions apply to REGISTERED USERS who use the SoOLEGAL.in "Add a Documents/ Advice" feature.
Using this feature for any purpose other than creating Documents/ Advice details pages is prohibited.
Any Documents/ Advice already in the SoOLEGAL.in catalogue which is not novel and/ or unique or has already been provided by any other Registered User which may give rise to Intellectual Property infringement of any other Registered User is prohibited.
Detail pages may not feature or contain Prohibited Content or .
The inclusion of any of the following information in detail page titles, descriptions, bullet points, or images is prohibited:
Information which is grossly harmful, harassing, blasphemous, defamatory, pedophilic, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically objectionable, disparaging, relating or encouraging money laundering or gambling, pornographic, obscene or offensive content or otherwise unlawful in any manner whatever.
Availability, price, condition, alternative ordering information (such as links to other websites for placing orders).
Reviews, quotes or testimonials.
Solicitations for positive customer reviews.
Advertisements, promotional material, or watermarks on images, photos or videos.
Time-sensitive information
Information which belongs to another person and to which the REGISTERED USER does not have any right to.
Information which infringes any patent, trademark, copyright or other proprietary rights.
Information which deceives or misleads the addressee about the origin of the messages or communicates any information which is grossly offensive or menacing in nature.
Information which threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order or causes incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence or prevents investigation of any offence or is insulting any other nation.
Information containing software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer resource.
Information violating any law for the time being in force.
All Documents/ Advices should be appropriately and accurately classified to the most specific location available. Incorrectly classifying Documents/ Advices is prohibited.
Documents/ Advice titles, Documents/ Advice descriptions, and bullets must be clearly written and should assist the customer in understanding the Documents/ Advice. .
All Documents/ Advice images must meet SoOLEGAL general standards as well as any applicable category-specific image guidelines.
Using bad data (HTML, special characters */? etc.) in titles, descriptions, bullets and for any other attribute is prohibited.
Do not include HTML, DHTML, Java, scripts or other types of executables in your detail pages.
Prohibited REGISTERED USER Activities and Actions
SoOLEGAL.com REGISTERED USER Rules are established to maintain a transacting platform that is safe for buyers and fair for REGISTERED USERS. Failure to comply with the terms of the REGISTERED USER Rules can result in cancellation of listings, suspension from use of SoOLEGAL.in tools and reports, or the removal of transacting privileges.
Attempts to divert transactions or buyers: Any attempt to circumvent the established SoOLEGAL Transactions process or to divert SoOLEGAL users to another website or Transactions process is prohibited. Specifically, any advertisements, marketing messages (special offers) or "calls to action" that lead, prompt, or encourage SoOLEGALusers to leave the SoOLEGAL website are prohibited. Prohibited activities include the following:
The use of e-mail intended to divert customers away from the SoOLEGAL.com Transactions process.
Unauthorised & improper "Names": A REGISTERED USER's Name (identifying the REGISTERED USER's entity on SoOLEGAL.com) must be a name that: accurately identifies the REGISTERED USER; is not misleading: and the REGISTERED USER has the right to use (that is, the name cannot include the trademark of, or otherwise infringe on, any trademark or other intellectual property right of any person). Furthermore, a REGISTERED USER cannot use a name that contains an e-mail suffix such as .com, .net, .biz, and so on.
Unauthorised & improper invoicing: REGISTERED USERS must ensure that the tax invoice is raised in the name of the end customer who has placed an order with them through SoOLEGAL Payment Systems platform . The tax invoice should not mention SoOLEGAL as either a REGISTERED USER or a customer/buyer. Please note that all Documents/ Advices listed on SoOLEGAL.com are sold by the respective REGISTERED USERS to the end customers and SoOLEGAL is neither a buyer nor a REGISTERED USER in the transaction. REGISTERED USERS need to include the PAN/ Service Tax registration number in the invoice.
Inappropriate e-mail communications: All REGISTERED USER e-mail communications with buyers must be courteous, relevant and appropriate. Unsolicited e-mail communications with SoOLEGAL , e-mail communications other than as necessary and related customer service, and e-mails containing marketing communications of any kind (including within otherwise permitted communications) are prohibited.
Operating multiple REGISTERED USER accounts: Operating and maintaining multiple REGISTERED USER accounts is prohibited.
In your request, please provide an explanation of the legitimate business need for a second account.
Misuse of Search and Browse: When customers use SoOLEGAL's search engine and browse structure, they expect to find relevant and accurate results. To protect the customer experience, all Documents/ Advice-related information, including keywords and search terms, must comply with the guidelines provided under . Any attempt to manipulate the search and browse experience is prohibited.
Misuse
of the ratings, feedback or Documents/ Advice reviews: REGISTERED
USERS cannot submit abusive or inappropriate feedback entries,
coerce or threaten buyers into submitting feedback, submit
transaction feedback regarding them, or include personal information
about a transaction partner within a feedback entry. Furthermore,
any attempt to manipulate ratings of any REGISTERED USER is
prohibited. Any attempt to manipulate ratings, feedback, or
Documents/ Advice reviews is prohibited.
Reviews: Reviews
are important to the SoOLEGAL Platform, providing a forum for
feedback about Documents/ Advice and service details and reviewers'
experiences with Documents/ Advices and services –
positive
or negative. You may not write reviews for Documents/ Advices or
services that you have a financial interest in, including reviews
for Documents/ Advices or services that you or your competitors deal
with. Additionally, you may not provide compensation for a review
(including free or discounted Documents/ Advices). Review
solicitations that ask for only positive reviews or that offer
compensation are prohibited. You may not ask buyers to modify or
remove reviews.
Prohibited Content
REGISTERED USERS are expected to conduct proper research to ensure that the items posted to our website are in compliance with all applicable laws. If we determine that the content of a Documents/ Advice detail page or listing is prohibited, potentially illegal, or inappropriate, we may remove or alter it without prior notice. SoOLEGAL reserves the right to make judgments about whether or not content is appropriate.
The
following list of prohibited Documents/ Advices comprises two
sections: Prohibited Content and Intellectual Property
Violations.
Listing
prohibited content may result in the cancellation of your listings,
or the suspension or removal of your transacting privileges.
REGISTERED USERS are responsible for ensuring that the Documents/
Advices they offer are legal and authorised for Transaction or
re-Transaction.
If
we determine that the content of a Documents/ Advice detail page or
listing is prohibited, potentially illegal, or inappropriate, we may
remove or alter it without prior notice. SoOLEGAL reserves the right
to make judgments about whether or not content is appropriate.
Illegal and potentially illegal Documents/ Advices: Documents/ Advices sold on SoOLEGAL.in must adhere to all applicable laws. As REGISTERED USERS are legally liable for their actions and transactions, they must know the legal parameters surrounding any Documents/ Advice they display on our website.
Offensive material: SoOLEGAL reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of listings posted to our website.
Nudity: In general, images that portray nudity in a gratuitous or graphic manner are prohibited.
Items that infringe upon an individual's privacy. SoOLEGAL holds personal privacy in the highest regard. Therefore, items that infringe upon, or have potential to infringe upon, an individual's privacy are prohibited.
Intellectual Property Violations
Counterfeit merchandise: Documents/ Advices displayed on our website must be authentic. Any Documents/ Advice that has been illegally replicated, reproduced or manufactured is prohibited.
Books - Unauthorised copies of books are prohibited.
Movies - Unauthorised copies of movies in any format are prohibited. Unreleased/prereleased movies, screeners, trailers, unpublished and unauthorized film scripts (no ISBN number), electronic press kits, and unauthorised props are also prohibited.
Photos - Unauthorised copies of photos are prohibited.
Television Programs - Unauthorised copies of television Programs (including pay-per-view events), Programs never broadcast, unauthorised scripts, unauthorised props, and screeners are prohibited.
Transferred media. Media transferred from one format to another is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: films converted from NTSC to Pal and Pal to NTSC, laserdisc to video, television to video, CD-ROM to cassette tape, from the Internet to any digital format, etc.
Promotional media: Promotional versions of media Documents/ Advices, including books (advance reading copies and uncorrected proofs), music, and videos (screeners) are prohibited. These Documents/ Advices are distributed for promotional consideration and generally are not authorized for Transaction.
Rights of Publicity: Celebrity images and/or the use of celebrity names cannot be used for commercial purposes without permission of a celebrity or their management. This includes Documents/ Advice endorsements and use of a celebrity's likeness on merchandise such as posters, mouse pads, clocks, image collections in digital format, and so on.
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