Created by Fuzzy Cloud

Companies Act, 1956

702 judgments · newest first · showing 401–600

DEVINDER SINGH AND ORSversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS

2007 INSC 1083Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, owners of agricultural land in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, challenged the State's acquisition of their land for a project of International Tractors Ltd. The State issued a notification under Section 4 and a declaration under Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, entered into an …

MOHAMMAD SADIQ AND ORS.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ORS.

2007 INSC 962Dismissed

The Institute of Engineering and Rural Technology (IERT), a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, decided to close one of its centres, retrenching 105 employees. The employees filed a writ petition seeking their absorption under the Uttar Pradesh Absorption of Retrenched …

SYNDICATE BANKversusESTATE OFFICER & MANAGER, A.P.I.I.C. LTD. & ORS.

2007 INSC 885Matter referred to larger bench

Syndicate Bank advanced a loan to United Auto Tractor Ltd. secured by a mortgage on 51 acres of land allotted by the Andhra Pradesh Government, relying on an allotment letter and a consent letter from the Director of Industries. The land was later partially cancelled and the allotment rescinded by …

M/S MEGHAL HOMES PVT. LTD.versusSHREE NIWAS GIRNI K.K. SAMITI AND ORS.

2007 INSC 862Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a scheme proposed under Section 391 of the Companies Act, 1956 for Shreeniwas Cotton Mills Ltd., a company already under liquidation since 1984. The scheme, as modified, involved the sale of the mill’s land to Lodha Builders Private Ltd. (LBPL) and did not constitute a …

M/S GOA SHIPYARD LTD.versusBABU THOMAS

2007 INSC 670Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether the amendment to Goa Shipyard Officers' Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1979—made by a circular board resolution—was valid despite lacking an explicit effective date, and whether the Board could retrospectively ratify the amendment to validate the dismissal …

M/S. AMBICA INDUSTRIESversusCOMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE

2007 INSC 655Dismissed

Ambica Industries, carrying on business in Lucknow, was assessed to central excise there and appealed to the Central Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Delhi, which has jurisdiction over Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra. The appellant filed a further appeal under Section 35G …

G.L. SULTANIA AND ANR.versusTHE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA AND ORS.

2007 INSC 607Dismissed

The appellants challenged the price approved by SEBI for a public offer to acquire the minority shares of Hindustan National Glass and Industries Ltd., alleging that the valuation by the independent valuer did not comply with Regulation 20(5) of the Takeover Code. SEBI appointed an independent …

ARUNIMA BARUAHversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2007 INSC 490Dismissed

The appellant, a confirmed employee of the Indian Council for Child Welfare, challenged her termination by filing a suit in the District Court and seeking an interim injunction. She subsequently filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution without disclosing the pending suit, later …

HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LTD.versusDAN BAHADUR SINGH AND ORS.

2007 INSC 492Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioners, a union of daily‑rated gardeners employed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., a government company, sought regularisation, continuance of service and equal pay, alleging that they had worked more than 240 days a year for several years and that artificial breaks were created to deny them …

N. RANGACHARIversusBHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD.

2007 INSC 438Dismissed

Data Access (India) Ltd issued two cheques to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd which were dishonoured for insufficiency of funds. A complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act was filed against the company and its directors, including the appellant N. Rangachari. The appellant claimed he …

NARESH KUMAR MADANversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2007 INSC 395Dismissed

Naresh Kumar Madan, a civil engineer employed by the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board, was caught accepting a bribe of Rs.1,000 for granting an electrical connection and was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. He contended that he was not a "public servant" within the meaning of …

EVEREST ADVERTISING PVT. LTD.versusSTATE, GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI AND ORS.

2007 INSC 397Appeal(s) allowed

Everest Advertising Pvt. Ltd. filed a complaint under the Negotiable Instruments Act against Dalmia Industries Ltd. and its Chairman and Managing Director for dishonour of post‑dated cheques. A Metropolitan Magistrate issued summons against the respondents under CrPC s.204, but later recalled the …

RAGHU LAKSHMINARAYANANversusM/S. FINE TUBES

2007 INSC 379Appeal(s) allowed

The complainant, a registered partnership firm, filed a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act alleging that a cheque issued by a business concern named Fine Tubes was dishonoured. The complaint named several persons, including the appellant who was described as "in charge, …

STAR INDIA PVT. LTD.versusSEA T.V. NETWORK LTD. AND ANR.

2007 INSC 363Dismissed

Star India Pvt. Ltd., a broadcaster, entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Moon Network Pvt. Ltd., a multi‑system operator (MSO), for the Agra territory. Sea TV Network Ltd., another MSO, sought direct signals from Star India but was directed to obtain them from Moon Network, its …

MADHUMILAN SYNTEX LTD. AND ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

2007 INSC 335Dismissed

Madhumilan Syntex Ltd., a public limited company, failed to deposit Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) within the statutory period for AY 1989-90, though it later paid the amount with interest. The Income Tax Officer issued a show‑cause notice under Section 276B read with Section 278B, treating the …

BHARAT CO-OPERATIVE BANK (MUMBAI) LTD.versusCO-OPERATIVE BANK EMPLOYEES UNION

2007 INSC 331Dismissed

Bharat Co-operative Bank (Mumbai) Ltd., a multi‑state co‑operative bank, challenged the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Trade Union Act, arguing that under Section 2(a) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 the "appropriate Government" for a "Banking Company" with branches in more than one state is …

ASH OK KUMAR KAPUR AND ORSversusASHOK KHANNA AND ORS

2007 INSC 284Matter referred to larger bench

The case concerned a pension fund set up as a trust by Mis Dunlop India Ltd. After the beneficiaries had been paid, the trustees applied to the Calcutta High Court under Section 34 of the Indian Trusts Act seeking a direction on the surplus fund. The High Court refused to entertain the application, …

LALSAI KHUNTEversusNIRMAL SINHA AND ORS.

2007 INSC 220Dismissed

Lal Saij Khunte was elected to the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly but his election was challenged on the ground that he had been convicted under IPC sections 420, 34 and 468 and sentenced to two years' rigorous imprisonment, which under Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 …

PEERLESS GENERAL FINANCE & INVESTMENT CO. LTD.versusPODDAR PROJECTS LTD. & ANR.

2007 INSC 138Disposed off

Peerless General Finance & Investment Co. Ltd. (appellant) held shares of Poddar Udyog Ltd. Under a court‑sanctioned scheme of arrangement, a portion of the business was transferred to Poddar Projects Ltd. (respondent No.1), which subsequently sold the shares to Vijaya Finance Corp. Ltd. (respondent …

MORGAN SECURITIES AND CREDIT PVT.LTDversusMODI RUBBER LTD.

2006 INSC 1006Dismissed

Morgan Securities advanced an inter‑corporate deposit to Modi Rubber, which defaulted, leading to an arbitral award in favour of Morgan and a winding‑up petition. The High Court restrained Modi Rubber from dealing with its assets, but the company made a reference to the Board for Industrial and …

RAGHUNATH RAI BAREJA AND ANR.versusPUNJAB NATIONAL BANK AND ORS.

2006 INSC 965Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a guarantor and director of a liquidated company, challenged the Punjab National Bank's attempt to recover a debt by filing execution petitions. The High Court transferred the third execution petition, filed in 1999, to the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) invoking inherent powers. The …

KRISHI UTPADAN MANDI PARISHAD AND ANR.versusI.T.C. LTD.

2006 INSC 854Disposed off

The appellant Mandi Parishad sought market fee on cut tobacco processed by ITC Ltd in Saharanpur and sent to its own factory in Calcutta and to contract manufacturers. The Mandi Samiti’s President exempted the consignment to Calcutta but referred the contract‑manufacturer case to the Director, who …

JASWANT SINGH GILLversusM/S. BHARAT COKING COAL LTD. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 821Appeal(s) allowed

Jaswant Singh Gill, a chief general manager of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd., faced departmental proceedings for alleged shortage of coal. While the disciplinary inquiry was pending, he retired and applied for gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, which was denied on the ground that his …

BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LTD.versusANIL AND ORS.

2006 INSC 802Disposed off

Fourteen garden workers employed by a contractor for Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) had their services terminated by the contractor on 1 December 1988 without complying with Section 6‑N of the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. They filed an individual dispute under Section 2‑A, …

ALL INDIA ITDC WORKERS UNION AND ORS.versusITDC & ORS.

2006 INSC 752Disposed off

The petitioners, employees of ITDC's Hotel Agra Ashok, challenged the Government of India's decision to disinvest the hotel by selling it to a private party, alleging the sale price was too low, the transfer of their services without consent violated Articles 14, 21 and 311, and that the Voluntary …

SANDEEP KUMAR AND ORS.versusMASTER RITESH AND ORS.

2006 INSC 760Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, shareholders of Dev Papers Ltd., filed a suit against several defendants. An arbitration agreement existed between the appellants and some, but not all, of the defendants. The appellants amended the plaint to delete the names of those defendants who were parties to the arbitration …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, MUMBAIversusM/S. GENERAL INSURANCE CORPORATION

2006 INSC 651Dismissed

The assessee, a general insurance company, incurred Rs. 1,04,28,500 as stamp duty and registration fees in connection with the increase of its authorized share capital and the issuance of bonus shares. The Assessing Officer disallowed the amount as capital expenditure, but the Commissioner of Income …

SABITHA RAMAMURTHY AND ANR.versusR.B.S. CHANNABASAVARADHA

2006 INSC 601Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants were alleged to have issued two cheques on behalf of Karnataka News Net (Bangalore) Ltd. which were later dishonoured. A complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act was filed, invoking Section 141 to hold the directors vicariously liable. The complaint, however, …

RAMDEV FOOD PRODUCTS PVT. LTD.versusARVINDBHAI RAMBHAI PATEL AND ORS.

2006 INSC 563Appeal(s) allowed

Ramdev Food Products Pvt. Ltd., the registered proprietor of the trademark "Ramdev", sued its former family partners who were operating under the name "Ramdev Masala" for infringing its mark by manufacturing and selling spices under that name. The parties had earlier entered into a user agreement …

JAI NARAIN PARASRAMPURIA (DEAD) AND ORS.versusPUSHPA DEVI SARAF AND ORS.

2006 INSC 552Appeal(s) allowed

The promoters of a proposed company purchased a house and land before incorporation and later transferred the title to the incorporated company, which was declared the owner by a decree. The promoters, acting as directors, subsequently entered into a sale agreement with the appellants and also …

DANKHA DEVI AGARWAL (DEAD) THROUGH LRS.versusTARA PROPERTIES PVT. LIMITED AND ORS.

2006 INSC 514Disposed off

Dankha Devi Agarwal, a majority shareholder, alleged that her elder son Bhagirath forged her signature to transfer 1,650 of her shares to himself and his wife in order to wrest control of Tara Properties Pvt. Ltd. The transfer was challenged in a suit which was later withdrawn on a petition filed by …

KAMAL KUMAR DUTTA AND ANR.versusRUBY GENERAL HOSPITAL LTD. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 506Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved Dr. Kamal Kumar Dutta, a major shareholder of Ruby General Hospital Ltd., who alleged that the company’s board, led by his younger brother, fabricated board resolutions, denied him shares for equipment supplied, and ousted him as managing director, constituting oppression and …

RAMESH B. DESAI AND ORS.versusBIPIN VADILAL MEHTA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 415Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioners, nine shareholders of Sayaji Industries Ltd., filed a Company Petition under Section 155 of the Companies Act seeking rectification of the register on the ground that the managing director, Bipin Mehta, had fraudulently used company funds to purchase its own shares, violating Section …

RADHESHYAM AJITSARLA AND ANR.versusBENGAL CHATKAL MAZDOOR UNION AND ORS.

2006 INSC 359Disposed off

The Baranagore Jute Factory was ordered to be wound up in 1987 but a scheme of arrangement was later approved, allowing the mill to operate as a going concern under a committee of management. The scheme earmarked a fund with the High Court registrar for payment to pre‑scheme unsecured creditors, …

PANCHANAN OHARA AND ORS.versusMONMATHA NATH MAITY (DEAD) TH. LRS. & ANR.

2006 INSC 328Dismissed

The appellant, a subsequent purchaser of a suit property, challenged a decree granting specific performance of an agreement for sale entered into between the original buyer (Respondent No.1) and a private limited company (Respondent No.2). The company had promised to execute and register a sale deed …

STANDARD CHARTERED BANKversusANDHRA BANK FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD. & ORS

2006 INSC 291Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerns the ownership of Rs. 50 crore 9% tax‑free bonds (the "suit bonds") issued by Nuclear Power Corporation Ltd. (NPCL). Andhra Bank Financial Services Ltd. (ABFSL) sold the bonds to Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) on 26‑27 February 1992, and SCB paid consideration and received a Banker's …

ICICI BANK LTD.versusSIDCO LEATHERS LTD. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 268Appeal(s) allowed

ICICI Bank and two other banks (first charge holders) and Punjab National Bank (second charge holder) had secured loans to Sidco Leathers Ltd., which was wound up and an Official Liquidator appointed. The first charge holders filed a suit in the Debt Recovery Tribunal and lodged a claim with the …

STATE OF U.P. AND. ANR.versusUPTRON EMPLOYEES UNION CMD-I AND ORS.

2006 INSC 257Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) could, under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (SICA), direct the State of Uttar Pradesh to pay the wages of workmen employed by M/s. UPTRON, a sick company that is a subsidiary …

PUNJAB STATE INDUSTRIAL DEV. CORPN. LTD.versusP.N.F.C. KARAMCHARI SANGH AND ANR.

2006 INSC 198Appeal(s) allowed

The Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (PSIDC) promoted Punjab National Fertiliser & Chemical Ltd (PNFC), which was wound up under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985. PNFC failed to pay wages to its workers, who approached the Punjab Chief Minister, who …

HARIHAR NATH AND ORS.versusSTATE BANK OF INDIA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 200Dismissed

The appellants, directors of Nalanda Ceramic & Industries Ltd., had secured a loan from State Bank of India by mortgaging the company's assets and providing personal guarantees. The bank filed a title mortgage suit against the company and the directors, but the High Court later ordered the winding …

NAVEEN KOHLIversusNEELU KOHLI

2006 INSC 157Appeal(s) allowed

The husband, Naveen Kohli, filed a petition for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 on the ground of cruelty, alleging that his wife, Neelu Kohli, was bad‑tempered, engaged in indecent conduct, transferred property to herself, and repeatedly harassed him through criminal and civil complaints. …

MANISH MOHAN SHARMA AND CO.versusRAM BAHADUR THAKUR LTD. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 160Appeal(s) allowed

Two groups of family shareholders in Ram Bahadur Thakur Ltd. filed a petition under Sections 397 and 398 of the Companies Act, 1956, alleging ouster from management. The Company Law Board (CLB) removed the directors, facilitated a family settlement and, on 19 August 1999, passed an order under …

M/S. MAHARASHTRA STATE SEEDS CORPN. LTD.versusHARIDAS AND ANR.

2006 INSC 118Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Ltd., dismissed its assistant field officer, Haridas, after a departmental enquiry found him guilty of several misconducts and the Managing Director issued a second show‑cause notice changing the proposed penalty from freezing two increments to …

AVINASH HANSRAJ GAJBHIYEversusOFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR, M/S. V. PHARMA. P. LTD.

2006 INSC 93Dismissed

The appellant, a legal representative of an ex‑director of a company that had been liquidated, challenged a Company Judge's order that held all former directors jointly and severally liable for a sum with interest in a misfeasance proceeding. The Company Judge dismissed the appellant's application …

N.K. SHARMAversusABHIMANYU

2005 INSC 496Dismissed

N.K. Sharma, a Class‑I officer of the Haryana Government, was deputed as Managing Director of the Haryana State Cooperative Land Development Bank Ltd. A criminal complaint for defamation (IPC s.500) was filed against him after he sent a letter alleging false implication of a colleague. Sharma was …

RAJASTHAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND ANR.versusTHE OFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR AND ANR.

2005 INSC 481Disposed off

The Rajasthan Financial Corporation and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation, as secured creditors of Vikas Woolen Mills Ltd., sought to sell the company's assets outside the winding‑up proceeding under Section 29 of the State Financial Corporations Act and to …

COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NEW DELHIversusM/S. HARI CHAND SHRI GOPAL ETC.

2005 INSC 465Matter referred to larger bench

The Supreme Court examined whether manufacturers of chewing tobacco could claim input relief under exemption Notification No.121/94‑CE when they had not complied with the Chapter X procedure of the Central Excise Rules, 1944. The assessees argued that the intended use of the intermediate product …

M/S. NGEF LTD.versusM/S. CHANDRA DEVELOPERS PVT. LTD. AND ANR.

2005 INSC 459Appeal(s) allowed

NGEF Ltd., a joint‑venture sick industrial company, was referred to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (SICA). BIFR recommended winding up and observed that any sale of the company's assets should be sought …

P.C. AGGARWALAversusPAYMENT OF WAGES INSPECTOR, M.P. AND ORS.

2005 INSC 445Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether directors of Jiyajirao Cotton Mills Ltd., a company that owned factories, could be held personally liable for unpaid wages under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 as amended by the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Relations Act, 1960. The Court held that the Act does not …

S.M.S. PHARMACEUTICALS LTDversusNEETA BHALLA AND ANR.

2005 INSC 432Reference answered

The Supreme Court examined a reference concerning prosecutions under Sections 138 and 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, focusing on the necessity of specific averments in a complaint to hold company officers liable for a dishonoured cheque. It held that a complaint must expressly state …

UNIT TRUST OF INDIAversusRAVINDER KUMAR SHUKLA, ETC. ETC.

2005 INSC 427Dismissed

The Unit Trust of India (UTI), a statutory corporation, issued account‑payee cheques to its unit holders and sent them by registered post. Approximately 1,600 unit holders claimed non‑receipt of cheques worth about Rs 3.35 crore, alleging interception and fraud. The unit holders filed complaints …

CENTRAL COALFIELDS LTD.versusSTATE OF JHARKHAND AND ORS.

2005 INSC 397Disposed off

Central Coalfields Ltd., a government company engaged in coal mining, was directed by the Certificate Officer to pay surface rent for coal‑bearing areas under the Bihar & Orissa Public Demands Recovery Act, 1914. The company contended that, pursuant to the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and …

BHAGWATI DEVELOPERSversusPEERLESS GENERAL FINANCE & INVESTMENT CO. LTD. AND ORS.

2005 INSC 349Dismissed

The appellant, a shareholder of Peerless General Finance & Investment Co. Ltd., challenged the company's resolution to issue bonus shares out of its revaluation reserve. The dispute centered on whether Section 205 of the Companies Act, 1956 and Article 182 of the company's Articles of Association …

SHUBH SHANTI SERVICES LTD.versusMANJULA S. AGARWALLA AND ORS

2005 INSC 275Case Partly allowed

The managing director of Shubh Shanti Services Ltd. was allotted a company flat during his employment; after his death his widow and daughter continued to occupy it. The company served notice to vacate, but the respondents claimed they were allowed to stay until another flat was provided, based on …

DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYversusSKIPPER CONSTRUCTION AND ANR.

2005 INSC 188Directions issued

The Supreme Court examined the findings of the Justice Bahri Commission on alleged diversion of funds by Skipper Construction in the Barakhamba Road project and on the claims of purchasers in the Technology Parks Ltd. schemes. The Court held that the Commission’s detailed valuation and accounting …

ASSOCIATED CEMENT COMPANIES LTD.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANR.

2005 INSC 181Dismissed

Associated Cement Companies Ltd. manufactures cement at Kymore and was levied a terminal export tax of 0.50% on cement by the Kymore Municipal Council under a 1991 notification. The State Government later issued a circular on 15 December 1995 prescribing a uniform rate of 0.20% for cement across …

SMT. CLAUDE-LILA PARULEKARversusM/S. SAKAL PAPERS PVT. LTD. AND ORS.

2005 INSC 159Disposed off

The appellant, a beneficiary of a trust, claimed a pre‑emptive right under Article 57‑A of the company's Articles of Association to purchase 3,417 and 93 shares held by joint executors, but the executors sold those shares to a third‑party group without complying with the Articles or Section 108 of …

MEDIQUIP SYSTEMS PVT. LTD.versusPROXIMA MEDICAL SYSTEM G.M.B.H.

2005 INSC 154Appeal(s) allowed

Medi Quip Systems Pvt Ltd filed an appeal against a winding‑up petition filed by Proxima Medical System GmbH under Section 433(e) of the Companies Act, 1956, alleging that the appellant had failed to refund US$5,000 and US$11,000 received as bid security. The appellant contended that the US$11,000 …

ANDHRA BANKversusOFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR AND ANR.

2005 INSC 137Appeal(s) allowed

Andhra Bank, a secured creditor, appealed against a Calcutta High Court order that directed it to pay Rs 38 lakhs on an ad‑hoc basis to the official liquidator for disbursing workmen’s salaries. The Supreme Court examined whether the High Court had jurisdiction to issue such an order, the priority …

PROF. YASHPAL AND ANR.versusSTATE OF CHHATTISGARH AND ORS.

2005 INSC 72Dismissed

Prof. Yashpal and other petitioners filed writ petitions under Article 32 challenging the Chhattisgarh Niji Kshetra Vishwavidyalaya (Sthapana Aur Viniyaman) Act, 2002 and its 2004 amendment, alleging that Sections 5 and 6, which allow the State to create private universities by Gazette notification …

M. JANARDHANA RAOversusJOINT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX

2005 INSC 52Disposed off

The appellants, former partners of a dissolved firm, challenged the taxability of proceeds from the sale of the firm's assets, arguing that the transaction did not constitute a slump sale and that no capital‑gain tax could be levied before the 1999 amendment. They filed appeals under Section 260A of …

M/S. MARUTI UDYOG LTD.versusRAM LAL AND ORS.

2005 INSC 50Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents were workmen of Maruti Ltd whose employment ended in 1977 due to the closure of the factory. After the Maruti Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980 transferred the company's assets to the Central Government and then to the appellant company, the workmen claimed …

SANGRAMSINH P. GAEKWAD AND ORS.versusSHANTADEVI P. GAEKWAD (I) THR. LRS. AND ORS.

2005 INSC 45Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined a family‑run private company where the board had broadened capital by issuing 15,000 new equity shares, allocating 6,475 to the appellants and reserving 8,000 for the late chairman. The petitioner, a class‑I heir, claimed entitlement to the 8,000 shares and alleged …

GOVERNMENT OF ORISSAversusM/S. ASHOK TRANSPORT AGENCY AND ORS.

2004 INSC 645Appeal(s) allowed

Ashok Transport Agency filed a money suit against Mis OMC Alloys Ltd, a government company, which was dismissed for default. While the suit was pending restoration, the Government of India issued an amalgamation order under Section 396 of the Companies Act, 1956, merging the company with Orissa …

U.P. STATE SUGAR CORPORATION AND ANR.versusM/S. MAHALCHAND M. MOTHARI AND ORS.

2004 INSC 626Dismissed

M/s Mahalchand M. Mothari filed two suits in 1982 seeking damages for non‑supply of sugar that it had ordered from the statutory receiver managing Maheshwari Khetan Sugar Mill. The receiver, appointed by the Collector under the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, entered …

J.P. SRIVASTAVA AND SONS PVT. LTD. AND ORS.versusM/S GWALIOR SUGAR CO. LTD. AND ORS.

2004 INSC 620Leave Granted & Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a petition filed by a group of minority shareholders, including a family trust, under Sections 397 and 398 of the Companies Act alleging oppression and mismanagement by Gwalior Sugar Co. The Court had to decide whether the petitioners satisfied the 10% shareholding …

ALLAHABAD BANK ETC. ETC.versusBENGAL PAPER MILLS CO. LTD. AND ORS. ETC.

2004 INSC 584

The Supreme Court considered applications filed by the purchaser of Bengal Paper Mills' assets seeking clarification of its earlier judgment that ordered a refund of the Rs.2 crore purchase price but denied interest. The Court examined whether interest could be awarded under Order XXI Rule 93 of the …

M/S. DALE AND CARRINGTON INVT. P. LTD. AND ANOTHERversusP.K. PRATHAPAN AND OTHERS

2004 INSC 515Dismissed

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeals of M/s. Dale & Carrington Investments Pvt. Ltd. and its Managing Director P.K. Ramanujam, upholding the Kerala High Court’s order that the allotment of 6,865 equity shares to Ramanujam was invalid. The Court held that no valid Board meeting had taken place, …

SWEDISH MATCH AB AND ANR.versusSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD, INDIA AND ANR.

2004 INSC 470Case Partly allowed

Swedish Match AB and its associated companies acquired a 74% shareholding in Wimco Ltd., a listed Indian company, by purchasing shares from Indian promoters at a price well above market value. The acquisition was done without making a public announcement as required under Regulation 10/11 of the …

CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND ANR.versusSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA

2004 INSC 471Disposed off

The Supreme Court considered a dispute arising from SEBI’s direction that the acquirer of Colour‑Chem Ltd. pay interest to shareholders for the delay in making a public offer under the 1997 Takeover Regulations, as amended in 2002. The Board had directed a 15% per‑annum interest on the offer price …

SINGER INDIA LTD.versusCHANDER MOHAN CHADHA AND ORS.

2004 INSC 447Dismissed

The landlord sued Singer India Ltd for eviction under Section 14(1)(b) of the Delhi Rent Control Act, alleging that the American tenant had transferred possession to the Indian company without the landlord's written consent. The transfer resulted from a court‑sanctioned amalgamation compelled by a …

GAJRAJ JAINversusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

2004 INSC 380Leave Granted & Allowed

The appellant, Gajraj Jain, a director of Mis Katihar Flour Mills, challenged the sale of the company's flour mill assets by Bihar State Credit and Investment Corporation Ltd (BICICO) to Stichworth Exports Pvt Ltd. BICICO, as the first charge holder under the State Financial Corporation Act, 1951, …

TEXTILE LABOUR ASSOCIATION AND ANR.versusTHE OFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR AND ANR.

2004 INSC 250Case Allowed

The Official Liquidator of Ambica Mills Ltd., a company under liquidation, sought the court’s permission to sell the company’s immovable assets and to distribute the proceeds, directing that the dues of ONGC Ltd. be paid first. The Textile Labour Association and another workers' union, representing …

MARDIA CHEMICALS LTD. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

2004 INSC 244Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined the constitutionality of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, enacted to facilitate speedy recovery of non‑performing assets. The Court held that the Act is valid and serves a public‑interest goal of …

M/S. BHARAT COKING COAL LTD.versusNEW GOVINDPUR COAL CO. PVT. LTD.

2004 INSC 195Dismissed

Mis. Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (BCCL), a Central Government company appointed as custodian of coking coal mines, claimed recovery of excess payments made to New Govindpur Coal Co. for the management period (17 Oct 1971 to 30 Apr 1972) under Section 25 of the Coking Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, …

AHMEDABAD ELECTRICITY CO. LTD.versusGUJARAT INNS. PVT. LTD. AND ORS.

2004 INSC 172Dismissed

The respondents, who purchased urban properties at auction under Section 29 of the State Financial Corporations Act, 1951 and under the Official Liquidator in winding‑up proceedings under the Companies Act, 1956, sought fresh electricity connections for those premises. The appellant, Gujarat …

T.N. ALLOY FOUNDRY CO. LTD.versusT.N. ELECTRICITY BOARD AND ORS.

2004 INSC 102Dismissed

T.N. Alloy Foundry Co. Ltd., a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, sued the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and others for damages arising from non‑supply of electricity between 28 March 1983 and 16 October 1992. The suit was filed in March 1993, and in July 1998 the company sought to …

BHARAT HYDRO POWER CORPN. LTD. AND ORS.versusSTATE OF ASSAM AND ANR.

2004 INSC 24Dismissed

The Assam State Legislature enacted the Bharat Hydro Power Corporation Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertaking) Act, 1996 to acquire a stalled hydro‑electric project and vest it in the State Electricity Board. The appellants, Bharat Hydro Power Corporation Ltd. and its partner, challenged …

R. SAI BHARATHIversusJ. JAYALALITHA AND ORS.

2003 INSC 668Dismissed

The State alleged that the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation (TANSI) sold land at a price below market value to a firm in which the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and her associate were partners, thereby causing wrongful loss to the corporation and wrongful gain to the accused. The trial court …

HINDUSTAN LEVER AND ANR.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANR.

2003 INSC 644Dismissed

Hindustan Lever Ltd. challenged the levy of stamp duty by the State of Maharashtra on the High Court order sanctioning its amalgamation with Tata Oil Mills Ltd. The appellants argued that the order was a judicial decree, not an "instrument" under the Bombay Stamp Act, and that the State lacked …

DR. MRS. RENUKA DATLAversusSOLVAY PHARMACEUTICAL B.V. AND ORS.

2003 INSC 583Disposed off

The petitioners, shareholders of two pharmaceutical companies, filed three suits seeking to restrain the transfer of their 4.91% shareholdings and obtained interim injunctions, which were later vacated by the trial and High Courts. The parties subsequently entered into a written settlement whereby …

FEDERAL BANK LTD.versusSAGAR THOMAS AND OTHERS

2003 INSC 515Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, Sagar Thomas, a branch manager of Federal Bank, was dismissed after a disciplinary enquiry and challenged the dismissal by filing a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. The High Court held the petition maintainable, deeming the bank a public authority performing a …

CENTRE FOR PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATIONversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

2003 INSC 482Appeal(s) allowed

The Centre for Public Interest Litigation challenged the Government of India's decision to sell majority shares of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to private parties without amending the ESSO (Acquisition of Undertaking in India) Act, 1974, the …

M.S. MADHUSOODHANAN AND ANR.versusKERALA KAUMUDI PVT. LTD. AND ORS.

2003 INSC 361Disposed off

The case involved a family dispute over the control of Kerala Kaumudi Pvt. Ltd., focusing on the validity of share transfers from Mani and his children to M.S. Madhusoodhanan, the removal of Madhusoodhanan as Managing Director and the deletion of Article 74, the allotment of additional shares to …

AIR INDIA CABIN CREW ASSOCIATIONversusYESHAWINEE MERCHANT AND ORS.

2003 INSC 309Appeal(s) allowed

The dispute concerned the retirement age and service conditions of air hostesses employed by Air India and Indian Airlines, who under various agreements were required to retire from flying duties at age 50 (later 45/50) with the option of ground duties up to age 58, while male cabin crew could serve …

DWARKA PRASAD AGARWAL (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ANR.versusRAMESH CHANDRA AGARWAL AND ORS.

2003 INSC 301Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved a dispute between the heirs of the late Dwarka Prasad Agarwal and his partner Ramesh Chandra Agarwal over control of the printing press and newspaper business of Dainik Bhaskar. Ramesh Chandra Agarwal allegedly forged a lease, altered the partnership settlement, and took forcible …

KAPILA HINGORANIversusSTATE OF BIHAR

2003 INSC 293Directions issued

The Supreme Court entertained a public‑interest writ petition alleging that numerous Bihar‑owned public sector undertakings had failed to pay salaries for years, leading to starvation deaths and suicides of employees and their families. The petition sought directions for payment of arrears and held …

A.K. BINDAL AND ANR.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2003 INSC 258Directions issued

The petitioners, officers of the sick public sector undertakings Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) and Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation (HFC), challenged two Government memoranda that denied pay‑scale revision for employees of units referred to BIFR and that provided no budgetary support for …

LALITA JALAN AND ANR.versusBOMBAY GAS CO. LTD. AND ORS.

2003 INSC 233Dismissed

Bombay Gas Co. leased a flat to its director N.K. Jalan, who later died. The company later purchased the flat, but Jalan’s son Ashok Kumar Jalan, his wife Lalita Jalan and grandson Siddharth Jalan continued to occupy it and refused to vacate. The company filed a criminal complaint under Section 630 …

STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS,versusSRI PRONAB KR. SUR AND ORS.

2003 INSC 217Appeal(s) allowed

The State of West Bengal appealed against a Calcutta High Court order that granted exemption under Section 20 of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 and confirmed the sale of a sick company's excess land to a third party, despite pending winding‑up proceedings under the Companies Act, …

INTERNATIONAL COACH BUILDERS LTD.versusKARNATAKA STATE FINANCIAL CORPN.

2003 INSC 147Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether State Financial Corporations (SFCs) could exercise their statutory power under Section 29 of the State Financial Corporation Act, 1951 to sell mortgaged assets of a company that had been ordered to be wound up, without involving the Company Court. The Court held …

KAILASH NATH AGRAWAL AND ORS.versusPRADESHYA INDST. & INV. CORP. OF U.P. AND ANR.

2003 INSC 87Leave Granted & Dismissed

The Pradeshiya Industrial & Investment Corp. of U.P. (PICUP) advanced a loan to Shefali Papers Ltd., secured by mortgage and guarantee bonds executed by Kailash Nath Agrawal and others. After the company was declared sick under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (SICA), …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusM/S. CHOWGULE AND CO. LTD. AND ORS.

2003 INSC 34Dismissed

The Union of India appealed a High Court order that quashed the rejection of Chowgule & Co.'s claim for an additional export licence (Exim Scrip/REP) and directed payment of a 20% premium under Circular 11/93. Chowgule, a recognised trading house, had exported processed iron ore during April …

DIRECTOR OF INCOME TAXversusM/S. BHARAT DIAMOND BOURSE

2002 INSC 522Appeal(s) allowed

The Bharat Diamond Bourse, a company limited by guarantee, claimed exemption under Section 11 of the Income Tax Act for AY 1989‑90 and 1990‑91, asserting it was a charitable institution. The Assessing Officer denied the exemption, holding that the Bourse’s objects were not charitable and that it had …

R.D. GOYAL AND ANR.versusRELIANCE INDUSTRIES LTD.

2002 INSC 477Dismissed

The appellants R.D. Goyal and others challenged the MRTP Commission’s finding that the issue of equity shares linked with redeemable non‑convertible debentures, before allotment, did not constitute "goods" under Section 2(e) of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969. They argued …

GOVT. OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS. ETC. ETC.versusP. VENKU REDDY

2002 INSC 404Appeal(s) allowed

The Government of Andhra Pradesh and a District Co-operative Central Bank appealed a High Court order that had quashed a criminal case against P. Venku Reddy for alleged acceptance of a bribe under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The High Court had held that Reddy was not a "public servant" …

A.V. MOHAN RAO AND ANR.versusM. KISHAN RAO AND ANR.

2002 INSC 302Dismissed

The appellant‑accused filed a petition under Section 482 of the CrPC seeking to quash a criminal complaint that alleged violations of Sections 60, 63, 68 and 68‑A of the Companies Act, 1956, involving the alleged siphoning of funds from Non‑Resident Indians into offshore entities. The High Court …

UNION OF INDIAversusASSOCIATION FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS AND ANR.

2002 INSC 253Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether the Election Commission could be directed to require candidates to disclose criminal cases, assets, liabilities and educational qualifications, as ordered by the Delhi High Court, despite the absence of a specific provision in the Representation of the People Act, …

BALCO EMPLOYEES UNION (REGD.)versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2001 INSC 601Dismissed

The Union of India sold a 51% stake in Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO), a public sector undertaking, to Sterlite Industries, prompting challenges by the BALCO Employees Union, the State of Madhya Pradesh, and a public‑interest litigant. The petitioners argued that the disinvestment violated …

U.P. STATE ELECTRICITY BOARDversusBANARAS ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.

2001 INSC 376Dismissed

The Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board purchased the undertaking of Banaras Electric Light and Power Co. Ltd. under the Indian Electricity (U.P.) Amendment Act, 1975, causing the undertaking to vest in the Board on 5‑6 February 1975. Uncollected electricity dues owed to the company for …

M/S. UNIPLAS INDIA LTD. AND ORS.versusSTATE (GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI) AND ANR.

2001 INSC 297Dismissed

The appellants issued two cheques that were dishonoured. The respondent sent a notice under Section 434 of the Companies Act after the 15‑day period, and later presented the cheque again, issuing a second notice within 15 days. The Supreme Court examined whether a notice under Section 434 can …

HANUMAN PRASAD BAGRI AND ORS.versusBAGRESS CEREALS PVT. LTD. AND ORS.

2001 INSC 180Dismissed

A petition under Sections 397 and 398 of the Companies Act, 1956 was filed by several shareholders alleging oppression and mismanagement, including the illegal removal of a director and unfair share valuation. The Company Judge found the grievance legitimate, ordered the petitioners to sell their …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, COCHINversusMRS. GRACE COLLIS AND ORS.

2001 INSC 113Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents, shareholders of Ambassador Steamship Ltd., received 14 shares of Collis Line Ltd. for each share they held in the amalgamating company under a scheme of arrangement. They later sold 45,318 of these new shares at a profit, and the Income Tax Officer levied capital gains tax, treating …

INLAND STEAM NAVIGATION WORKS' UNIONversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2001 INSC 63Case Partly allowed

The River Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., operating a river service with about 8,000 employees, suffered heavy losses during the 1965 armed conflict with Pakistan and entered into a scheme of arrangement with the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation (CIWTC) that transferred assets but not the …

J.K. (BOMBAY) LTD.versusBHARTI MATHA MISHRA AND ORS.

2001 INSC 35Dismissed

The appellant J.K. (Bombay) Ltd employed M as a trainee supervisor and allotted him a company flat. After M resigned, he was directed to vacate but refused, claiming unpaid dues. The company filed a complaint under Section 630 of the Companies Act, 1956 against M and his wife and father. The lower …

AMINA AHMED DOSSA AND ORS.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2001 INSC 25Dismissed

The appellants, Amina Ahmed Dossa and others, claimed rights over properties attached under Section 8 of the Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA) and sought relief from the Designated Court under Section 84 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The Designated Court …

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. AND ANR.versusN.D.M.C.

2001 INSC 24Appeal(s) allowed

The Delhi Golf Club Ltd., a limited company, held a 20‑year temporary lease of government land for operating a golf club, with the lease expressly stating that any continuance beyond the term would also be temporary and that construction required government permission. The New Delhi Municipal …

PRADYUT BORDOLOIversusSWAPAN ROY

2000 INSC 587Dismissed

Pradyut Bordoloi, a Clerk Grade‑I in Coal India Ltd., filed his nomination for the Margherita Legislative Assembly seat. A complaint alleged that his employment constituted an "office of profit" under the Government of India, invoking disqualification under Article 191(1)(a) of the Constitution and …

VST INDUSTRIES LTD.versusVST INDUSTRIES WORKERS UNION AND ANR. ETC.

2000 INSC 578Dismissed

VST Industries Ltd., a cigarette manufacturing company, operated a canteen for its workers under Section 46 of the Factories Act, 1948. After 1982 the canteen was managed by private contractors, but the workers continued to be employed and received wages, ESI and PF benefits through the contractors, …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, TRIVANDRUMversusM/S TRANVANCORE TITANIUM PRODUCTS LTD.

2000 INSC 576Appeal(s) allowed

M/s Tranvancore Titanium Products Ltd obtained a loan of Rs. 491 lakhs from the Kerala Government and created a "Loan Redemption Reserve" of Rs. 1 crore to meet the loan liability. The assessing authority treated the amount as a provision and excluded it from capital for the purpose of surtax under …

CANARA BANK AND ORS.versusNATIONAL THERMAL POWER CORPORATION AND ANR.

2000 INSC 571Appeal(s) allowed

Canara Bank, as the principal trustee of Canara Bank Mutual Fund, purchased NTPC bonds from a bank that later went into liquidation and sought registration of the bonds in the trustee's name and payment of redemption proceeds. NTPC refused registration without a no‑objection certificate from the …

NAVINCHANDRA N. MAJITHIAversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.

2000 INSC 431Appeal(s) allowed

Navinchandra N. Majithia entered into a share‑sale agreement that was later terminated, after which the buyer filed a false complaint in Shillong, Meghalaya. Majithia filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court under Article 226 seeking to quash the complaint or, alternatively, to direct the …

A.P. STATE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONversusOFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR

2000 INSC 389Dismissed

The appellant, A.P. State Financial Corporation, had granted loans to two companies that later went into liquidation. To recover its dues, it filed applications under Section 446(1) of the Companies Act read with Sections 29 and 46 of the State Financial Corporation Act, 1951, seeking to stay …

M/S. PATHEJA BROS. FORGING AND STAMPING AND ANR.versusI. C. I. C. I. LTD. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 349Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent filed a suit to recover loans granted to I.C.I.C.I. Ltd., impleading the company's guarantors. The company was subsequently declared a sick undertaking under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, and the High Court directed that the receiver not take possession …

NAZIR HOOSEIN AND ANR.versusDARAYUS BHATTENA AND ORS.

2000 INSC 324Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, directors of a motor‑sports club, challenged a series of board resolutions passed in a meeting on 8 November 1995 that removed the appellant as chairman, appointed a respondent as chairman and added twelve directors, alleging the meeting was held without notice. The High Court had …

REGISTRAR OF COMPANIESversusRAJSHREE SUGAR AND CHEMICALS LTD. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 316Appeal(s) allowed

The Registrar of Companies (appellant) filed a criminal complaint against Rajshree Sugar and Chemicals Ltd. and others (respondents) alleging default in transferring share certificates in violation of Section 113 of the Companies Act, 1956. The Chief Judicial Magistrate dismissed the complaint on …

RISHABH AGRO INDUSTRIES LTD.versusP.N.B. CAPITAL SERVICES LTD.

2000 INSC 309Appeal(s) allowed

Rishabh Agro Industries Ltd., ordered to be wound up by a High Court Single Judge for defaulting on a bank loan, obtained a stay of that order from the Division Bench. The company then filed a reference under Section 15(1) of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 before the …

UNION BANK OF INDIAversusOFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR H.C. OF CALCUTTA AND ORS .

2000 INSC 259Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the sale of assets of Kolay Biscuits Co. Ltd., a company under liquidation, where the Company Judge ordered an auction as a going concern based largely on oral statements about 1,200 workers and a valuation report that was not disclosed to the secured creditor, Union Bank …

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK AND ANR. ETC.versusCUSTODIAN AND ANOTHER ETC.

2000 INSC 226Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined a dispute arising under the Special Court (Trial of Offences Relating to Transactions in Securities) Act, 1992 where Standard Chartered Bank claimed that shares and securities pledged by broker Hiten Dalal were its security against a loss of Rs. 280.80 crore. The Court …

ALLAHABAD BANKversusCANARA BANK AND ANR.

2000 INSC 207Appeal(s) allowed

Allahabad Bank obtained a decree against M.S.Shoes (East) Co. Ltd. before the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993, and the Recovery Officer sold the company's assets. Canara Bank, whose claim was pending before the same DRT, …

M/S. BSI LTD. AND ANR.versusGIFT HOLDINGS PVT. LTD. AND ANR. ETC.

2000 INSC 72Dismissed

The appellants, companies whose cheques were dishonoured, were prosecuted under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. After the complaints were filed, they obtained a declaration from the Board for Industrial Finance and Reconstruction (BIFR) that they were "sick" companies under the Sick …

PANKAJ MEHRA AND ANR.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.

2000 INSC 73Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined whether a company that issued a cheque, which was later dishonoured, could avoid criminal liability under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act by invoking the provision of the Companies Act that makes any disposition of its property void after a winding‑up …

TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF INDIAversusEMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION AND ANR.

1999 INSC 518Dismissed

The Transport Corporation of India, a public carrier with its registered head office in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, was covered by a notification issued by the Andhra Pradesh Government under Section 1(5) of the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948. The corporation argued that this notification …

HINDUSTAN CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.versusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

1999 INSC 467

Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. (HCCL) entered into a dam construction contract with the State of Bihar and furnished two bank guarantees – a Performance Guarantee to the Chief Engineer and a Mobilisation Advance Guarantee to the Executive Engineer. The State invoked both guarantees, prompting HCCL …

GOVT. OF INDIA AND ORS.versusCOURT LIQUIDATORS EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION AND ORS.

1999 INSC 362Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the claim of Company Paid Staff employed in the offices of the Official Liquidator and Court Liquidator across several High Courts, who had served for 10‑25 years on low pay without permanent status or retirement benefits. They filed writ petitions seeking to be …

ALLAHABAD BANK ETC. ETC.versusBENGAL PAPER MILLS CO. LTD. AND ORS.

1999 INSC 194Appeal(s) allowed

Allahabad Bank and other banks appealed against the Calcutta High Court's confirmation of a sale of Bengal Paper Mills' assets by the Official Liquidator. The sale, valued at Rs. 1.5 crore and later raised to Rs. 2 crore, was conducted with limited newspaper advertisements, without disclosing the …

RAHUL SUBODH WINDOORS LTD.versusA.K. MENON AND ANR.

1999 INSC 159Dismissed

Rahul Subodh Windoor Ltd received a Rs 20 lakh cheque from A.K. Menon (respondent No. 2) for purchase of shares. The Custodian (respondent No. 1), appointed under the Special Court (Trial of Offences Relating to Transactions in Securities) Act, 1992, informed the company that the money was liable to …

SH. AKLU RAM MAHTOversusSH. RAJENDRA MAHTO

1999 INSC 152Dismissed

In the 1995 Bihar Legislative Assembly election for the Bokaro constituency, the Returning Officer rejected the nomination papers of two workers, a Khalasi and a Meter Reader employed by Bokaro Steel Plant, on the ground that they were "managing agents" of the plant and thus disqualified under …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAXversusG. NARSHIMHAN (DIED) BY HEIRS

1998 INSC 479Case Partly allowed

The assessee, a shareholder of Kasthuri Estates Pvt. Ltd., received cash and property when the company reduced its share capital from Rs 1,000 to Rs 210 per share. Earlier advances to shareholders had been treated as deemed dividends under Section 2(22)(e) of the Income‑Tax Act. The Tribunal held …

POLYCHEM LTD. AND ANOTHERversusSTATE OF MAHRASHTRA AND OTHER

1998 INSC 284Appeal(s) allowed

Polychem Ltd., a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, paid supervision charges in advance each quarter as required by Section 58-A of the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949. After the government raised the wages and dearness allowance of its supervising staff retrospectively, it demanded a differential …

BAJAJ AUTO LTD.versusCOMPANY LAW BOARD AND ORS.

1998 INSC 270Appeal(s) allowed

Bajaj Auto Ltd. and its subsidiary purchased 13,200 shares in Bajaj Tempo Ltd., a listed public company. The Board of Directors of Bajaj Tempo refused to register the transfer, citing four reasons: potential inter‑connection, lack of bona‑fide investment, competition, and the transferees being …

INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LTD.versusTHE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF FACTORIES AND ORS. ETC.

1998 INSC 253Appeal(s) allowed

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., a government‑owned company, applied for a factory licence for its Namkum storage unit. The Chief Inspector of Factories refused, deeming the depot manager not an occupier because, under clause (ii) of the first proviso to Section 2(n) of the Factories Act, only a …

INDIAN BANKversusTHE OFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR, CHEMMEENS EXPORTS (P) LTD. AND ORS.

1998 INSC 223Case Allowed

Indian Bank advanced money to Chemmeens Exports Pvt. Ltd. secured by an equitable mortgage and, after the company was wound up, obtained leave to sue the company in liquidation. A preliminary decree was passed ordering the company to pay the debt by a specified date, failing which the bank could …

REAL VALUE APPLIANCES LTD. ETC.versusCANARA BANK AND ORS. ETC.

1998 INSC 216Appeal(s) allowed

Real Value Appliances Ltd. faced a winding‑up petition and a suit for recovery of money filed by Canara Bank and Union Bank. The Bombay High Court appointed a provisional liquidator and later, in a separate proceeding, a receiver, holding that the mere registration of a reference under s.15 of the …

MOHD. HADI RAJA ETC.versusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ANR.

1998 INSC 203Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether officers of public sector undertakings and government companies, which may be deemed "State" under Article 12 because of deep governmental control, fall within the definition of "public servant" for the purposes of Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). …

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, PORT OF MUMBAIversusINDIAN OIL CORPORATION

1998 INSC 181Appeal(s) allowed

The Port of Mumbai, acting as Board of Trustees, arrested the vessel M.V. Varuna belonging to Thakur Shipping Co. Ltd for non‑payment of anchorage and other port charges under Section 64 of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 and issued a notice of auction. The company was wound up in a company petition …

M/S LARSEN AND TOUBRO LTD.versusSTATE OF GUJARAT AND ORS.

1998 INSC 145Appeal(s) allowed

The Gujarat High Court set aside the acquisition of land in Surat for Larsen & Toubro Ltd.'s employee housing scheme, holding that the State had not complied with Rules 3 and 4 of the Land Acquisition (Companies) Rules, 1963 and that no notice under Section 9 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 had …

CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONversusV.C. SHUKLA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 119Dismissed

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) relied on two spiral notebooks and related documents recovered from J.K. Jain's premises to charge politicians V.C. Shukla and L.K. Advani, alleging they received bribes through a hawala scheme. The Supreme Court examined whether the notebooks qualified as …

THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAXversusM/S. EXPRESS NEWS PAPERS LTD.

1998 INSC 35Appeal(s) allowed

Express News Papers Ltd., a public limited company, resolved on 6 December 1962 to pay an interim dividend, payable on 16 January 1963. The Income Tax Officer reduced the rebate available under the Finance Act, 1964 for assessment year 1964‑65, treating the dividend as a reduction trigger. The …

STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA LTD.versusSHRI AMBICA MILLS LTD. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 696Appeal(s) allowed

The Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) supplied hot rolled steel strips to Ambica Mills Ltd. under an Import‑Export Policy scheme that required the importer to hold a valid advance licence, duty exemption certificate, export bond and an irrevocable Letter of Credit. The importer submitted a …

KARTIKEYA V. SARABHAIversusCOMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX

1997 INSC 642Dismissed

The appellant bought 90 non‑cumulative preference shares of Rs 1,000 face value at Rs 420 each. The company reduced the share capital twice, first paying Rs 500 per share in 1965 and later reducing the face value to Rs 50 and paying Rs 450 per share in 1966. The Income Tax Officer treated the Rs 450 …

NATIONAL RAYON CORPORATION LTD.versusTHE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, MADRAS

1997 INSC 581Dismissed

The Supreme Court considered whether Rs. 79 lakh set aside by National Rayon Corporation Ltd. as a Debenture Redemption Reserve for the assessment year 1967‑68 should be treated as a provision or a reserve for the purpose of computing the company's capital under the Companies (Profits) Surtax Act, …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, BIHARversusBANKIPUR CLUB LTD.

1997 INSC 498Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined whether receipts received by several members' clubs, including Bankipur Club Ltd., for drinks, refreshments, rent, admission fees and subscriptions constitute taxable income under the Income‑Tax Act. The clubs, registered as non‑profit companies under Section 25 of the …

SRI RAMDAS MOTOR TRANSPORT LTD. AND ORS.versusTADI ADHINARAYANA REDDY AND ORS.

1997 INSC 463Appeal(s) allowed

The first appellant, a public limited company, and its senior directors were accused by minority shareholders of oppression and mismanagement. The shareholders filed petitions before the Company Law Board under Sections 397 and 398 of the Companies Act, 1956, seeking injunctions and the appointment …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, MADRASversusM/S. AMALGAMATION PVT. LTD.

1997 INSC 436Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined whether Amalgamation Pvt. Ltd., a bulk shareholder holding investments in numerous subsidiaries, could claim a capital loss on the forced sale of shares to a subsidiary of a subsidiary, whether a loss incurred while guaranteeing a subsidiary's loan qualified as a business …

HINDUSTAN STEEL WORKS CONSTRUCTION LTD.versusSTATE OF KERALA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 428Dismissed

Hindustan Steel Works Construction Ltd., a wholly‑owned Central Government company, entered into a contract to build a stadium for the Greater Cochin Development Authority. The Authority deducted 1% of the contract value as a contribution under the Kerala Construction Workers Welfare Funds Act, …

MIS INDIAN MAIZE AND CHEMICALS LTD.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 20Dismissed

Indian Maize and Chemicals Ltd obtained electricity supply from the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board under an agreement governed by the Indian Electricity Act, 1910. The company accrued arrears of Rs 49.95 lakh and, to avoid disconnection, agreed to pay the amount in twelve monthly instalments, …

M/S COX AND KINGS LTD. AND ANR.versusSMT. CHANDER MALHOTRA

1996 INSC 1475Dismissed

The premises were originally leased to Cox & Kings (Agents) Ltd., a foreign company incorporated in the United Kingdom. After the Reserve Bank of India denied permission for the foreign company to continue its business under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973, the leasehold interest was …

AIR INDIA STATUTORY CORPORATIONversusUNITED LABOUR UNION AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1442

The Air India Statutory Corporation, originally a statutory authority and later a company, employed union members as contract labour for cleaning and related services. The Central Government, as the appropriate Government under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, issued a 1976 …

MARSHALL SONS AND CO. (INDIA) LTD.versusINCOME TAX OFFICER

1996 INSC 1391Appeal(s) allowed

Marshall Sons and Co. (India) Ltd. (the holding company) and Marshall Sons and Manufacturing Ltd. (the subsidiary) entered into a scheme of amalgamation that specified a transfer date of 1 January 1982, but the scheme was only sanctioned by the Madras and Calcutta High Courts in late 1983 and early …

M/S. KILPEST PVT. LTD.versusSHEKHAR MEHRA

1996 INSC 1159Dismissed

Mehra and Dubey, the original promoters of Kilpest Pvt. Ltd., fell out and Mehra was removed as director and denied notice of meetings that led to share allotments favoring Dubey. Mehra filed a petition under Sections 397 and 398 of the Companies Act, 1956 alleging oppression and mismanagement, …

M/S. GUJARAT MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS LTD.versusCOLLECTOR, CENTRAL EXCISE, BARODA.

1996 INSC 1039Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent transferee-company sought sanction of a scheme of amalgamation with the transferor-company. The appellant, a shareholder, objected on grounds of non-disclosure of director's interest, unfairness to minority, and unfair exchange ratio. The High Court sanctioned the scheme, and the …

MJHEER H. MAFATLALversusMAFATLAL INDUSTRIES LTD.

[1996] SUPP. 6 S.C.R. 1

Mafatlal Industries Ltd (the transferee) sought to amalgamate with Mafatlal Fine Spinning and Manufacturing Co Ltd (the transferor) under a scheme of arrangement approved by a meeting of equity shareholders. The appellant, Miheer H. Mafatlal, a 5% shareholder and director of the transferor, objected …

RASHTRIYA MILL MAZDOOR SANGHversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 988Dismissed

The appellant, a workers' union, challenged the constitutional validity of Sections 9(2), 10(2), 12(1) and 26 of the Central India Spinning, Weaving and Manufacturing Company Limited, the Empress Mills, Nagpur (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertaking) Act, 1986, alleging violations of Articles 14, …

TUSHAR KANTI BOSE AND ORS.versusSA VITRI DEVI AND ORS.

1996 INSC 784Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants purchased a property from a company under liquidation and sought demarcation of their plot, which led the respondents—owners of an adjoining plot—to claim encroachment and obtain an injunction. The Single Judge ordered the appellants to remove obstructions and appointed a Special …

U.P. STATE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT. CORPORATION AND ANR.versusK.C.P. SINHA

1996 INSC 579Appeal(s) allowed

K.C.P. Sinha, who had been employed by the U.P. State Mineral Development Corporation since 1977, was compulsorily retired in August 1988 under Rule 27(iv) of the corporation’s service rules, which permits retirement at age 50 with three months’ notice. He challenged the order, arguing that the rule …

COMMON CAUSE-A REGISTERED SOCIETYversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

1996 INSC 487Case Allowed

The Supreme Court entertained a public‑interest writ filed by Common Cause seeking enforcement of statutory provisions that require political parties to disclose their sources of funding and maintain audited accounts. The Court examined the obligations under Section 293A of the Companies Act, 1956, …

IMPERIAL CHIT FUNDS (P) LTD.versusINCOME TAX OFFICER, ERNAKULAM

1996 INSC 412Dismissed

Imperial Chit Funds Ltd., a company in liquidation, was served with a tax demand of Rs.1,027 by the Income Tax Officer after winding‑up proceedings had begun. The Official Liquidator argued that the tax claim could not be enforced until the claim was proved in the winding‑up process, invoking the …

DELHI SCIENCE FORUM AND ORS. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

1996 INSC 275Dismissed

The petitioners challenged the Central Government’s exercise of power under Section 4(1) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to grant licences to private companies for establishing and operating telecommunication services, arguing that the privilege was exclusive to the Government and that the …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, GUJARATversusJYOTI LTD.

1996 INSC 260Case Partly allowed

Jyoti Ltd., a Baroda‑based company, claimed that its reserves for doubtful debts (Rs 85,000) and gratuity (Rs 5,60,000) should be treated as part of its capital base for computing statutory deduction under the Companies (Profits) Surtax Act, 1964. The Surtax Officer excluded the amounts; the …

DR. K.R. LAKSHMANAN ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU AND ANR.

1996 INSC 57Appeal(s) allowed

The Madras Race Club, a company that conducts horse races, challenged the Tamil Nadu Horse Races (Abolition and Wagering or Betting) Act, 1974 and the Madras Race Club (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1986. The Court held that horse racing is a game of "mere skill" under Section 49 of …

M/S. RISHYASHRINGA JEWELLERY LTD. AND ANR.versusTHE STOCK EXCHANGE, BOMBAY AND ORS.

1995 INSC 652Dismissed

The appellant, Rishyashringa Jewellery Ltd., issued a prospectus stating that it had applied for listing its shares on the Coimbatore, Bombay and Madras Stock Exchanges. While Coimbatore granted permission within the ten‑week period prescribed under Section 73(1A) of the Companies Act, 1956, the …

V.M. SHAHversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANR.

1995 INSC 499Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a former employee of Rallis India Ltd., continued to occupy a residential flat after resigning, which the company claimed he held under its tenancy rights. The company prosecuted him under Section 408 of the IPC and Section 630 of the Companies Act for wrongful possession, and a …

M/S. GUJARAT BOTTLING COMPANY LTD. AND ORS.versusTHE COCA COLA CO. AND ORS.

1995 INSC 441Dismissed

Gujarat Bottling Co. Ltd (GBC) entered into a 1993 licence agreement with Coca Cola to bottle and distribute beverages under several trade marks, which included a negative covenant prohibiting GBC from dealing in competing products during the agreement's term. A subsequent 1994 agreement, intended …

AIR INDIAversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

1995 INSC 402Dismissed

Air India, created under the Air Corporations Act, 1953, had its employees' service conditions governed by the Air India Employees Service Regulations framed under Section 45 of that Act. After the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner certified the standing orders under the Industrial Employment …

THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, SIPCOT, A MADRAS - 8 AND ORS.versusCONTROMIX PVT. LTD. BY ITS DIRECTOR (FINANCE) SEETHARAMAN, MADRAS AND ANR

1995 INSC 373Appeal(s) allowed

Contromix Pvt. Ltd. (Respondent No.1) obtained a term loan of Rs 38 lakhs and a soft loan of Rs 6.8 lakhs from SIPCOT, a State Financial Corporation, and executed a mortgage. The company repeatedly defaulted despite several reschedulings, leading SIPCOT to foreclose, take possession of the mortgaged …

U.P. STATE SUGAR CORPN. LTDversusU.P. STATE SUGAR CORPN. KARAMCHARI ASSO. AND ORS

1995 INSC 326Appeal(s) allowed

The U.P. State Sugar Corporation Ltd., a government‑owned company, sought to sell eight loss‑making sugar units. Its net‑worth had fallen by more than 50%, making it a potentially sick industrial company under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985. The corporation sent a …

SMT. ABHILASH VINOD KUMAR JAIN ETC.versusCOX AND KINGS (INDIA) LTD. AND ORS. ETC.

1995 INSC 195Dismissed

The heirs of an employee who died while in service were prosecuted by the employer under Section 630 of the Companies Act, 1956 for refusing to vacate premises allotted to the deceased. The heirs filed petitions under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. seeking to quash the proceedings, arguing that the …

CANARA BANKversusNUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD. AND ORS.

1995 INSC 160Appeal(s) allowed

Canara Bank appealed a decision of the Company Law Board (CLB) that had refused to register bonds purchased from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. The CLB had been hearing the bank's application under Section 111 of the Companies Act when the Special Court (Trial of Offences Relating to …

H.M.T. HOUSE BUILIDNG CO-OP. SOCIETYversusSYED KHADER AND ORS.

1995 INSC 121Dismissed

The H.M.T. House Building Co‑operative Society, a housing society for HMT employees, submitted a scheme to the Karnataka Government and entered into an agreement with a construction firm (respondent No.11) to secure acquisition of land for its members. The State issued notifications under Sections …