Anti-rape law passed Rajya Sabha in only two hours with promises to remove loopholes later: Rape remains gender specific crime, age of consent remains 18, death sentences in some cases & more [Hindu on bill’s passage / TOI on substance of law]

Italy has promised to return its two marines, who were accused of killing two Indian fishermen but absconded despite the Italian ambassador’s contrary promise to the Supreme Court of India. Indian law minister Ashwani Kumar claimed that the Italians’ decision “vindicated India's diplomacy” and promised that the “the Indian judiciary will render justice according to law to all, including the marines” [ZeeNews].

Lawyers react to Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt five year prison sentence for arms position reactions [TOI]; The lawyers involved: Farhana Shah, the “only female lawyer who represented many for free”, Majeed Memon, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam and now Bombay high court judge Pramod Kode [TOI]

Andhra Pradesh government will challenge Supreme Court’s order that allowed SKS microfinance operating in the state [Livemint]