15 APRIL 2015: AG argues in support of NJAC @ bench headed by Justice Anil R Dave

Ø  The “Tourist Visa on Arrival-Electronic Travel Authorisation (TVoA-ETA)” scheme, which was launched last year to facilitate short-duration visits by travellers from as many as 44 countries, has now been renamed “e-Tourist Visa” to make it clear that it is not an on-arrival scheme. The government has issued 1.1 lakh visas under the new scheme that was launched on November 27 last year. According to the MHA, it will be extended to more countries and airports in a phased manner.

Ø  With the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) law notified, the government may argue before the Supreme Court on Wednesday that it is still too “premature” for the court to test the new law, and should wait to see whether it falters. A five-judge Bench, led by Justice Anil R. Dave, will start hearing a clutch of petitions demanding that the law be declared “unconstitutional and void.” The NJAC replaces the collegium system of judicial appointments with immediate effect. Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi said the law could be challenged only after the Act was implemented and its impact felt in a specific instance of judicial appointment. During the first round of arguments on the admissibility of petitions on the National Judicial Appointments Commission, the Attorney-General dissuaded the judiciary from making “disembodied” decisions on matters of policy and laws to come into force. on the ground.