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FROM COURTROOM PROMISES TO GROUND REALITY:HOW FAR THE COURTS GO TO UPHOLD THE JUSTICE FOR PERSON WITH MENTAL ILLNESS:

“Far too many people come into contact with the legal system due to underlying mental health needs. Traditional responses within our justice system often leave these issues unaddressed.” 1 INTRODUCTION: Mental health is no joke in the 21 st century, and in today’s world, how do the people who have mental illness get justice? Are they really getting justice? Or are they being ignored? Does the Indian judiciary system really care about the justice of the mentally ill per

ANAMIKA K

Dec 26, 20253 min read

LEGAL TRAUMA AND DOUBLE HARM IN CASES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

This blog explores the emotional burden of experiencing gender violence, in which legal proceedings may lead to the experience of retraumatization or "double harm." It considers the urgent need for trauma-informed reform in India’s justice system to enhance survivor-centered approach, provide dignity for survivors and deliver justice effectively. Understanding Double Harm alias Legal Harm Gender-based violence (GBV) in India is a widespread crisis. More than 445,000 incidents

AGNES KEREN

Dec 26, 20256 min read

THE PLIGHT OF MENTALLY ILL PRISONERS: LEGAL AND SYSTEMIC GAPS

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, recognises the right to mental health, yet implementation remains uneven across India’s prison system. Mentally ill prisoners face systemic neglect, prolonged incarceration, and inadequate rehabilitation, highlighting the urgent need for judicial and governmental action to translate statutory rights into real-world care. Introduction The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India recently recognised the right to mental health as an integral component of

SURIYAKALA

Dec 26, 20254 min read

JUSTICE IN A LABYRINTH: THE PARADOX OF LEGAL TRAUMA IN GENDER VIOLENCE ADJUDICATION

Introduction Double Harm refers to a second-injury. Where the criminal justice system, which was established to serve victims of gender-based violence, ends up causing more harm than before, it becomes a second injury. This is the effect of a phenomenon known as double harm where law does not cure but recreates trauma. The re-evaluation of the judicial practice, evidentiary norms, and the protection of the procedure is crucial in order to make the courtroom a more trauma-resp

DEEPTI

Dec 26, 20254 min read

FROM COERCION TO COMPASSION: RETHINKING MENTAL HEALTH LAW

Mental health involves much more than just a medical question; it is also a human right. Mental health and human rights are inextricably linked; the protection of a person's human rights will protect their mental health, whilst the abuse of these rights increases risks of stigma and discrimination for the person involved. The right to mental health is recognized in international law and instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Conv

SUPRIYA KUMAR

Dec 26, 20255 min read

THE FORGOTTEN VOICE: VICTIMS IN CASES OFMENTAL HEALTH DEFENCE

When a person gets acquitted by reason of mental illness, there is a tendency in the judicial system to look into the accused's state of mind without considering the victims and their families. This blog explores the tug of war between compassion for the accused and recognition to the harmed and explores the ways in which reforms like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 seeks to restore the balance and give voice to the survivors. Introduction Justice, at its heart, is meant to

KHUSHI BHASIN

Dec 26, 20254 min read

IMPACT OF CYBER BULLYING AND BODY SHAMING ON THEMENTAL HEALTH OF WOMEN

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, the growth of social media and the Internet has played an essential role in people’s lives in their career, education, communication and all the other activities of their life, starting from morning till they go to bed. Social media has played a significant role in empowering women, providing them with unique career opportunities, such as becoming social media influencers, fashion designers, and online shop owners. While engaging in these online career

KEERTHANA

Dec 26, 20255 min read

ANALYSIS OF THE MENTAL HEALTHCARE ACT, 2017, AND ITS CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS

INTRODUCTION The core concept behind the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, shifts the perspective from mental illness as just a condition of a patient who needs medical treatment to an individual who possesses dignity, autonomy, and constitutional rights. The core principles which can be highlighted are as follows - Right to Medical care (u/s 18), Right to Dignity and Autonomy, Decriminalization on attempt to suicide (u/s 115), Equality & Non-Discrimination, integrated with Articl

MANIMARAN SARAVANAN

Dec 26, 20257 min read

THE DOUBLE WOUND: WHEN JUSTICE INFLICTS THE TRAUMA WHICH IT SEEKS TO HEAL

Every day, a horrible paradox plays out in Indian Courtrooms- the system set up to deliver justice adds an extra source of trauma for survivors, over and above the crime itself. This is what the Supreme Court recently highlighted in Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2025) as a double wound, indicating an important structural pathology in our legal ecosystem; wounding instead of healing; re-victimisation instead of justice. The Invisible Epidemic: When Courts become Se

DISHA CHOUDHARY

Dec 26, 20254 min read

DOUBLE HARM: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM’S ROLE IN RE-TRAUMATIZATION

INTRODUCTION The problem of gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe human rights issue in India, and its victims are subject to trauma in most cases. Secondary harm can be experienced through the justice system (police, courts, etc) through re-traumatization. To overturn post-colonial laws, in July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) were passed (to replace the colonial-era laws), to offer quicker and person-centered justice.

CHRISTSON R

Dec 26, 20254 min read

JUSTICE WITHOUT JUDGES: IS AI THE NEXT SUPREME AUTHORITY?

Introduction: When Machines Enter the Courtroom The image of justice has always been human: a robed judge, a silent courtroom, a gavel...

HARSHADHA ANISHKUMAR

Oct 8, 20253 min read

COURTGPT – CAN COURTROOMS BE REPLACED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

INTRODUCTION: Traditional courtrooms rely on human Judges while AI-enabled courtrooms are gaining traction for their speed and efficiency . This page will investigate whether AI is sufficiently advanced to take on roles traditionally performed by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals, or if such a complete replacement raises significant ethical and practical concerns. COURTROOMS WITHOUT AI: A Courtroom, without the involvement of AI, functions throug

ELAMATHI E

Oct 8, 20253 min read

CAN COURTROOMS BE REPLACED BY AI?

COURTROOMS vs. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A courtroom is the forum where justice is administered under the authority of a human judge....

DIKSHAYA VETTRY THILAGAME

Oct 8, 20252 min read

COURT 2.0: INSIDE THE WORLD OF AI-POWERED JUSTICE

“THE COURTROOM OF TOMORROW WILL NOT BE MAN VS MACHINE, BUT INSTEAD BE MAN WITH MACHINE, ENVISIONING A FASTER YET FAIRER JUSTICE” INTRODUCTION: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries all around the world, and the legal field is no exception. From routine research to assisting with management of cases, it is of no doubt that AI is increasing efficiency and paving way to speedy relief. But the real question is, can it truly replace human judges and conventional

JEEVITHA PRAVEENKUMAR

Oct 8, 20252 min read

CAN AI CONQUER THE COURTROOM?

“AI CAN ASSIST, BUT ONLY HUMANS CAN ENSURE JUSTICE” Prologue: We often wonder whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) can fully replace human roles in the justice system. Even the present AI acknowledges itself as an assistant, and not a substitute for judges or lawyers. Although AI is highly effective in research, drafting, and management, it can never replicate the moral and ethical reasoning, which is the core of justice. AI, a supporter and not a substitute: Courts are not

JESITHA J

Oct 8, 20252 min read

India in Focus- the blog page of ISUD hosts exclusive insights from distinguished judges, diplomats, advocates, and other thought leaders including students. We bring uniquely experienced voices to the legal, diplomatic, and societal landscape of India. Through these write-ups, we aim to offer expert analysis, thought-provoking opinions, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the nation today. Their efforts will make this an enriched study into India's cultural, political, and legal development, thereby providing readers with a holistic perspective of this vibrant nation through some of its most powerful and seasoned minds.