Solutions to Change

                      Prepared by Sidharth. S. Kumar, intern at Centre for Public Policy Research Street food vendors have been a part of Kochi’s food culture since time immemorial. These vendors run street eateries which are popularly known among the inhabitants as ‘thattukada’. Thattukadas serve palatable indigenous flavours. They daily feed several thousands of customers belonging to various segments of the society and age groups. Street food is a treasure house of local culinary traditions and is increasingly playing an important role as an enhancer and force multiplier of tourism sector. [1] These vendors operate, mostly, at evenings or nights. They cater to the needs of night travellers, labourers and immigrant bachelors and were even successful in promoting the fast food culture in the city. The youth of the city also choose to eat out at a street eatery due to the night ambience available there. They provide easy a...

Recent developments in Kerala owing to killing of Indian fishermen by armed marines boarded on Italian Vessel Enrica Lexie, has left open multiple legal questions, keeping lawyers awake for the past two weeks. The primary question was whether the marines accused of murder, be tried in Indian Courts as per Indian law, or whether Italian law be applicable being the law of flag state..? As of now, this question seems to be settled as the incident happened in the contiguous zone wherein Indian law is partially applicable so as to cover incidents of crimes, giving Indian Courts jurisdiction over the matter. Further, the vessel is currently berthed at Indian port and is cooperating with the investigation process. However, it was visible that the domestic legal system was unprepared for such an event. True that this incident is first of its kind in India, but having a closer look at the existing laws concerning maritime (admiralty) law in India, we have reasons to be concerned. A secti...