Indian Evidence Act, 1872

The case involved a dacoity and murder where five accused were committed to the Sessions Court; one accused, MR, was granted pardon by the Chief Judicial Magistrate after commitment and examined as an approver. The Supreme Court held that after a case is committed to a Sessions Court, only that Court can grant pardon u…

The case concerned the kidnapping and murder of 15‑year‑old Ajit Pal, for which three relatives – Rajesh Yadav, Raja Yadav and Om Prakash Yadav – were convicted and sentenced to death (two of them) and life imprisonment based largely on circumstantial evidence and confessions recorded before they were formally accused.…

The original landholders, whose holdings exceeded the ceiling under the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976, were assessed as surplus and transferred a major portion of the land to Mayur Sahkari Awas Samiti in 1982. The Act deemed such surplus land vested in the State, but the authorities never took physical …

The appellants, Rammi alias Rameshwar and Bhura alias Sajjan Kumar, were charged with murder of Sardar Singh Thakur inside a moving bus, allegedly as revenge for a prior killing. The prosecution relied on the testimony of the bus driver, the conductor, and a passenger, as well as weapons recovered under Section 27 of t…

Seven persons were tried for a series of murders allegedly committed as part of a criminal conspiracy under s.302 read with s.120B IPC, and for murder under s.302 read with s.34 IPC. The trial court acquitted all of them of the conspiracy charge but convicted two of them (accused 1 and 6) for the murder of Malan. The H…

Syed Basheer Ahmed filed a suit for specific performance of a sale agreement concerning two parcels of land. The trial court found the plaintiff ready to pay the balance consideration and decreed specific performance. The High Court reversed this decision, holding that the agreement showed a material alteration—differe…

The dispute concerned two ancestral lands in Goa, "M" and "B", originally owned by the grandfather of brothers Suriaji and Gones. A 1915 sale deed conveyed portions of the lands to Suriaji, with an accompanying 1919 settlement deed stating that Suriaji had paid half the price on behalf of Gones and would transfer Gones…

The Supreme Court examined the case of Ram Badan Sharma and his father-in‑law, who were accused of killing their daughter‑in‑law Sanju Kumari by poisoning her after persistent demands for a colour TV, a motorcycle and cash. The prosecution proved that the accused repeatedly demanded dowry, harassed and beat the victim,…

V. R. Vora, a tenant of a room owned by the Bombay Port Trust, was served a quit notice under Section 106 read with Section 111(h) of the Transfer of Property Act, terminating his lease effective 28 February 1975. While the notice period was running, the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (a Central Act) was applied to the Po…

During a joint operation in January 1999, Nirmal Singh was apprehended and offered a choice to be searched before a magistrate or a gazetted officer under Section 50 of the ND PS Act. He chose a gazetted officer, and a search uncovered two kilograms of heroin; he also made a confession to a customs officer under Sectio…

The appellants, members of the managing committee of Shastri Memorial School, obtained a civil decree for possession of a plot of land and later sold a portion of it, after which a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged alleging cheating and offences under Sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120B of the IPC. The ap…

The case involved the murder of Mayurani, a Sri Lankan student, and the conviction of Balaprasanna under Section 302 IPC based primarily on circumstantial evidence and confessional statements that led to the recovery of various items. The prosecution relied on statements made by the accused while in custody, invoking S…

The appellant Chittar Lal was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for killing Lattor Lal. The sole surviving eyewitness, PW3, was not named in the FIR, and two other eyewitnesses turned hostile during trial. The appellant argued that conviction could not rest on a single witness whose name was omitted from the FI…

The Supreme Court examined a batch of appeals concerning searches under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. It held that an empowered officer must inform a suspect of his right to be searched before a Gazetted Officer or Magistrate, and that this duty is imperative, not merely directory. Failure t…

The State of Punjab appealed the High Court's acquittal of Kewal Krishan, who had been convicted for murder under Section 302 IPC. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence: the deceased was last seen with the accused on 10‑12‑1998, the body was discovered on 12‑12‑1998, an alleged extra‑judicial confession to …

The deceased Rubina, a married woman, died from severe burn injuries allegedly caused by her husband, sister‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law who were charged under IPC s.302 read with s.34 and s.498‑A. The trial court and the Bombay High Court convicted the accused primarily on two dying declarations recorded within a short i…

Krishna, Kaira and Sumera borrowed money from Chunua Chamar and later denied the debt. When the deceased went to lodge a police complaint, the accused assaulted him with lathis, causing his death. The trial court convicted them of murder, attempt to murder and assault under Sections 302, 307 and 323 IPC, and the High C…

The testator B. Sheena Nairi executed a Will on 15 May 1983 bequeathing all his immovable properties to his sister Laxmi Nairthy, cancelling an earlier Power of Attorney in favour of his brother‑in‑law. After his death, his wife applied for mutation of the properties in her name, but the sister filed a suit seeking dec…

The case concerns a pre‑planned terrorist attack on the police guarding the American Centre in Calcutta on 22 January 2002, which resulted in five police deaths and multiple injuries. The accused, including Md. Jamiludin Nasir and Aftab Ahmed Ansari, were convicted under the waging‑war provisions of the IPC and various…

The case concerned the alleged murder of Kusum Rani, who was burnt alive by her parents‑in‑law. The prosecution relied primarily on the victim’s dying declaration recorded by an executive magistrate and a thumb impression on the FIR, along with medical evidence of 100 % burns. The High Court acquitted the accused, hold…

The State of Rajasthan convicted Darshan Singh for murder under Section 302 IPC based on the testimony of Geeta, a deaf‑and‑dumb eyewitness, whose statement was recorded in sign language through her father who acted as interpreter. The High Court set aside the conviction, holding that the witness and the interpreter we…

The appellants, Dakkata Balaram Reddy and Chinapana Gopi, were convicted for the murder of Vetcha Kesava Rao's son and wife and for robbery of gold ornaments and cash, based largely on circumstantial evidence and the recovery of stolen property from their possession. The prosecution presented testimony of three indepen…

The deceased Sushila, married to Devender Singh, went missing six months after her marriage and her body was later recovered from a river. The prosecution alleged that she was subjected to dowry harassment, including a demand for Rs.2 lakh or a house, and that she died from injuries before falling into the river, const…

The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed a High Court order acquitting Lakhhan, who had been convicted by a trial court for the murder of a nine‑month‑old child under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the IPC. The trial court relied on the testimony of an informant (PW‑1), deeming it cogent and credible. The High Court s…

Mukhtiar Ahmed Ansari was convicted under TADA (Sec. 5) and the Arms Act (Sec. 25(IB)) for allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition in a notified area after being arrested near Delhi's Bahai Temple in 1993. He had earlier been acquitted of the related kidnapping charge. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined whether…

Punjab and Sind Bank introduced a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) in December 2000. Respondent No.1, Ranveer Singh Bawa, opted for the scheme on 6‑12‑2000 but requested to withdraw his option on 22‑12‑2000. The bank, relying on clause 10.4, refused the withdrawal and relieved him of service on 29‑01‑2001. The respond…

The appellant, a police officer, was convicted under IPC s.302 for allegedly setting his wife on fire and under s.377 for sodomy. The sole evidence of his guilt was the victim's dying declaration recorded by a Judicial Magistrate, which the defence argued was inadmissible because it was not in question‑answer form, lac…

K.M. Singh, a finance officer of the Association of Indian Universities, sued to declare that his resignation was obtained by fraud, coercion and duress. He offered that if two officials of the respondent took a special oath in a Gurudwara and a temple stating the resignation was not extracted under duress, the relevan…

The petitioner, Sundar, was convicted of kidnapping and murdering a seven‑year‑old child and sentenced to death by the trial court, a decision affirmed by the High Court and the Supreme Court. He filed a review petition alleging errors in the evidence, especially the admissibility of call‑detail records (CDRs) without …

Om Prakash and another, joint owners of a property, filed an eviction suit under the U.P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972 against Mishri Lal (deceased) represented by his legal heirs. The tenants admitted tenancy under the appellants' grandmother but denied the appellants as landlor…

The Supreme Court reviewed a series of criminal appeals arising from the 1993 Bombay serial blasts, all tried under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA). The appeals concerned convictions for offences such as unauthorised possession of arms and explosives (s.3(3), s.5, s.6 TADA), conspi…

The Supreme Court examined a series of appeals arising from the Designated Court's judgments in the 1993 Bombay bomb blast case under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA). The Court held that confessional statements recorded under Section 15 of TADA are substantive evidence admissible a…

The respondent‑plaintiff sought possession of a math (public trust) claiming to be the valid Padadayya, challenging the installation of earlier Padadayyas. An earlier proceeding before the Privy Council had held that Shivalingayya was validly nominated and installed, a decision the plaintiff was not a party to. The Sup…

The case involved three Yadav appellants convicted for rioting, arson and murder during communal violence in Bihar in 1985. The appellants challenged the High Court’s transfer of the trial from the 10th to the 5th Sessions Court, arguing that the transfer was beyond its jurisdiction and amounted to a de novo trial viol…

The Supreme Court examined the murder trial of three inter‑related accused (two sisters, A‑1 and A‑2, and the husband of a younger sister, A‑3) who were convicted for killing a devotee, Ramakoti Reddy, based largely on the testimony of a single maid‑servant (PW‑1) and a disputed letter. The Court found PW‑1’s evidence …

The appellants, a Tehsildar and a Village Assistant, were convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC for demanding a bribe in a land‑patta case. The main issue was whether the testimony of the bribe‑giver, who was an accomplice, required corroboration before a conviction could be sustained. The Supreme Co…

The Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a truck carrying a large quantity of hashish and, during the investigation, obtained confessional statements from Raj Kumar Karwal and Kirpal Mohan Virmani. The appellants argued that these statements should be excluded under Section 25 of the Evidence Act becaus…

The appellant, M. Vijayakumar, was convicted under IPC sections 306, 342 and 365 for allegedly kidnapping and wrongfully confining the deceased, leading to the latter's suicide. The prosecution argued that the appellant’s abduction and confinement forced the victim to commit suicide, thereby satisfying the elements of …

In March 1994 a group of caste Hindus attacked the hut of Murugaiyan, the father‑in‑law of PW1, setting it alight and assaulting him with sickles, resulting in his death. The prosecution relied on the testimony of PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW5, along with medical evidence, to identify twenty‑four accused; the trial court convi…

The State of Andhra Pradesh (appellant) challenged a civil suit filed by Mis. Star Bone Mill & Fertiliser Co. (respondent) seeking declaration of title over a 3.525‑acre land. The respondent relied on a registered sale deed dated 11‑Nov‑1959 executed by M/s A. Allauddin & Sons, who were merely lessees of the State sinc…

The Supreme Court considered a Special Leave Petition filed by Rekha Sengar seeking bail under Section 439 of the CrPC after being charged in a non‑bailable offence under the PC&PNDT Act for alleged prenatal sex determination and sex‑selective abortion. A sting operation led to the seizure of an unregistered ultrasound…

Paul was married to Jessy and was accused of cruelty and of causing her death. The trial court initially acquitted him, but the Kerala High Court set aside the acquittal, remanded the case for further examination under Section 313 Cr.PC, and the trial court subsequently convicted him under Section 302 IPC, sentencing h…

Vinod Kumar, an octroi inspector, was convicted under Sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.500. The prosecution relied on the recovery of the tainted notes, the testimony of an independent clerk (PW‑6), a shadow witness (PW‑7) who was later declared ho…

The case concerns the 1999 arson and murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons by a mob in Orissa. The trial court convicted fourteen accused, sentencing Dara Singh (A‑1) to death and the others to life imprisonment; the High Court modified Dara Singh's sentence to life imprisonment and acquitted …

Samitiri Devi (appellant) purchased a house in 1985 with her own funds, but the sale deed was executed in the names of her son and brother‑in‑law. They later sold half of the property to Sampuran Singh (respondent No.1) on 13‑April‑1987 without her consent, despite a notice she had posted on 8‑April‑1987 informing him …

Shiva Karam Payaswami Tewari, employed at Hotel Premier, got into a sudden quarrel with the manager Muttukumar and struck him with a wooden log, causing Muttukumar's death. The accused made an extra‑judicial confession to a friend, admitting the incident. The trial court convicted him under IPC sections 302, 321 and 20…

The appellant, Ranveer Singh, and his son Munnu were involved in a violent incident where the son shot and killed Lalita, the sister of the complainant, after the father allegedly instructed him to fetch a revolver. The trial court convicted the father under Section 302 IPC read with Section 109 (or Section 34) and sen…

The appellant Vikas and others were convicted for murder and conspiracy under Sections 302, 342 and 34 of the IPC based primarily on two dying declarations of the victim, Rekha, recorded by a Special Judicial Magistrate and a Police Sub‑Inspector. The victim's father and a Panch witness, who turned hostile, were disreg…

Four accused assaulted Kuttappan with the handles of an axe, spade and an iron rod at night, causing injuries mainly on non‑vital parts and a single fatal head wound. The trial court convicted them of murder under Section 302 read with Section 34, a decision affirmed by the Kerala High Court. On appeal, the Supreme Cou…

The appellants Rizan and Duda were convicted for assaulting Jhanguram (PW‑2) and his wife (PW‑4) under IPC sections 326 and 323. They appealed, claiming the acts were in private defence, that related witnesses should be disbelieved, that the conviction was unsafe because four co‑accused were acquitted, and that the sen…

The returned candidate Quamarul Islam contested the 1989 Karnataka Assembly election and was challenged by his rival S.K. Kanta on alleged corrupt practices under Sections 123(2), (3), (3A) and (4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, including religious appeals and false statements. The High Court set aside …

Pradumansinh Kalubha was accused of stabbing Harijan painter Keshav Uka after a collision at Piplawala Chowk, leading to Uka's death. The trial court acquitted Kalubha, finding the prosecution story implausible, but the Gujarat High Court reversed the acquittal, convicting him under IPC Section 304 Part II and sentenci…

The State of Gujarat appealed the acquittal of Ganpatram Vishnoi and another accused under Sections 17(b) and 22(b) of the NDPS Act, arguing that the trial court failed to appreciate the prosecution's oral and documentary evidence. The police had intercepted the accused, seized 500 g of opium, and recorded the seizure …

The petitioner (defendant) challenged a Family Court order directing him to undergo a DNA test to establish paternity of a now‑adult daughter, arguing that the order was illegal, unnecessary and violated privacy. The suit, originally filed in 1994 under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, sought maintenance for the…

The State of Gujarat appealed against the acquittal of twelve accused in a murder‑related case, alleging that the trial court had ignored substantial oral and documentary evidence. The incident involved the death of Siddharajsing after a midnight assault allegedly orchestrated by the accused over a land dispute. The pr…

The plaintiff, Hirji Jadva Varsani, entered into a subcontract with Pindoriya & Co. for constructing police quarters and later sued for Rs 5,06,029 including interest, alleging unpaid security deposit, outstanding bills and interest. The trial court, after hearing evidence, decreed only Rs 35,096 with 6% interest, find…

The Gujarat High Court examined a protracted dispute over the Narsinhji Temple Trust, determining whether the temple and its surrounding lands constitute a public trust or private property of the Mahants. The court considered the validity of multiple First Appeals (77/1979, 478/1979, and 4206/2024) and civil applicatio…

The plaintiffs, Bharatbhai Magjibhai Patel and others, filed a suit seeking a declaration and permanent injunction against Chunilal Mervanbhai Patel and others, claiming ownership of a 3‑acre‑36‑guntha land in Panikhadak and alleging the defendants were attempting to trespass. The trial court dismissed the suit, holdin…

The applicant, Rushabh Dharmshi Gada, filed an anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, fearing arrest in connection with FIR C.R. No. I-11191011260065/2026. The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences. The court examined factors s…

The appellant, Tarjubhai Vehlabhai Naika, appealed his conviction for murder (IPC Sec. 302) and assault (IPC Sec. 504) sentenced to life imprisonment. He argued that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, that the key eyewitnesses were relatives of the deceased and thus unreliable, that the a…

The appellant, Dhanji Bhimji Ahir (accused No.2), filed a criminal revision under Sections 397 and 401 of the CrPC seeking to quash the order of the Additional Sessions Judge that rejected his discharge application under Section 227. The case arose from the alleged murder and arson of Pratapbhai Bhimjibhai Damor in 200…

The appellant, Baldevbhai Budhaji Dhulaji Chauhan, was convicted of double murder under Sections 302 and 201 IPC and sentenced to death. The trial court relied on circumstantial evidence, including a disputed reconstruction panchnama, a hostile witness statement that the accused was last seen with a bag, alleged discov…

The appellant, Baldevbhai Budhaji Dhulaji Chauhan, was convicted of double murder under Sections 302 and 201 IPC and sentenced to death. The trial court relied on circumstantial evidence, including a disputed reconstruction panchnama, a hostile witness statement that the accused was last seen with a bag, alleged discov…

The State of Gujarat filed a criminal revision against the Principal Sessions Judge, Navsari, who had allowed a copy of a dying declaration (Exhibit Mark 8/12) to be admitted only for the purpose of verifying signatures, not its contents, because the original document was unavailable. The State argued that the Sessions…

The appellant Sandeepkumar Patel was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for stabbing Mazharkhan Pathan in a hotel room. The prosecution presented a chain of circumstantial evidence, including the hotel register, eyewitness testimony, and detailed medical findings of multiple fatal injuries. The defence argued th…

The appellant Khorban was convicted by the Additional Sessions Judge for murder under Section 302 IPC based largely on the testimony of hostile witnesses and statements recorded by the investigating officer under Sections 161 and 162 CrPC. The High Court examined the post‑mortem report confirming homicidal death but fo…

The State appealed the acquittal of four accused who were charged with murder under Sections 302 read with 34 IPC and Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act. The Sessions Court had acquitted them on the ground that the sole eye‑witness, a close friend of the victim, was unreliable, there was no independent corroboration,…

The State appealed the acquittal of four accused who were charged with murder under Sections 302 read with 34 IPC and Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act. The Sessions Court had acquitted them on the ground that the sole eye‑witness, a close friend of the victim, was unreliable, there was no independent corroboration,…

Mukeshbhai Gorchandbhai Chamka was convicted by the Sessions Court for raping and murdering a 13‑year‑old girl during a village marriage ceremony. The prosecution presented a chain of circumstantial evidence including eyewitness testimony of the victim being forcibly taken, forensic reports linking the appellant’s bloo…

The appellant Bhartiben was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for allegedly strangling her husband with a nylon string and inflicting abdominal injuries. The conviction rested primarily on an extrajudicial confession she allegedly made before the village sarpanch and the recovery of the nylon string, which the …

The case concerns the murder of Sureshbhai Raval, who was attacked with swords by accused Chhaganbhai Bhojabhai Parmar and Dashrathbhai Ambalal Raval, leading to his death; a third accused, Gangaben, was also present and assaulted the complainant. The trial court convicted the first two under Section 302 read with Sect…

The case concerns the murder of Sureshbhai Raval, who was attacked with swords by accused Chhaganbhai Bhojabhai Parmar and Dashrathbhai Ambalal Raval, leading to his death; a third accused, Gangaben, was also present and assaulted the complainant. The trial court convicted the first two under Section 302 read with Sect…

The accused, Guddu Kumar Madhesh Yadav, was convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering a two‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old girl, offences punishable under Sections 302, 363, 366, 342, 376(A), 376(AB) and related provisions of the IPC and the POCSO Act. The Special POCSO Court sentenced him to death for the rape‑murder and to …

The State of Gujarat sought confirmation of a death sentence imposed on Guddu Kumar Madhesh Yadav for the rape and murder of a two‑and‑half‑year‑old girl. The Special POCSO Court had convicted the accused under multiple sections of the IPC and the POCSO Act, imposing death for offences under Sections 302, 376(A) and 37…

The appellant was convicted of murder (Section 302 IPC) for stabbing his relative during a sudden quarrel, based on medical evidence, post‑mortem report, and dying declarations linking him to the injuries. He appealed, arguing the incident was a heat‑of‑passion assault without pre‑meditation, invoking Exception 4 to Se…

The appellant, Amarat @ Kevabhai Aahaji, was convicted of murdering his wife Tinaben after she was stabbed multiple times in the night of 5 January 2015. The prosecution’s case rested primarily on the testimony of the 9‑year‑old son, Nilesh, who identified his father as the assailant, and on medical evidence showing fa…

The appellants, heirs of a deceased scooterist, appealed a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal award that held the scooterist 20% contributory negligent and the driver of a Maruti Eeco 80% negligent, awarding Rs 12,40,532 after deduction. The High Court examined the evidentiary basis, noting the panchnama showed front‑end d…

The appellants, Ajaybhai and Pintubhai Vasava, were convicted of murder (Sec. 302 r/w 114 IPC) and a police act offence (Sec. 135 Gujarat Police Act) for the killing of Parvatiben, based solely on circumstantial evidence. The prosecution relied on the "last seen together" testimony of two villagers, recovery of a blood…

The appellants, Ajaybhai and Pintubhai Vasava, were convicted of murder (Sec. 302 r/w 114 IPC) and a police act offence (Sec. 135 Gujarat Police Act) for the killing of Parvatiben, based solely on circumstantial evidence. The prosecution relied on the "last seen together" testimony of two villagers, recovery of a blood…

The appellant, Ramesh Bachubhai Vadhukiya, was convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a three‑year‑old girl. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, a pan‑shop owner’s testimony, CCTV footage, and DNA analysis linking the accused’s clothing to the victim. The defence argued that the iden…

The appellant, Ramesh Bachubhai Vadhukiya, was convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a three‑year‑old girl. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, a pan‑shop owner’s testimony, CCTV footage, and DNA analysis linking the accused’s clothing to the victim. The defence argued that the iden…

The appellants challenged a judgment that had set aside a trial court decree declaring a 1986 Will executed by their grandfather Reshiabhai void on grounds of lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence. The trial court had found the Will fraudulent but dismissed the suit for jurisdictional reasons; the appellate…

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 44,89,530 to the heirs of a deceased motorcyclist, holding the driver of the other motorcycle solely negligent. United India Insurance Company, insurer of the negligent driver, appealed, contending that the deceased motorcyclist also contributed to the accident and that the…

The appellant, Imtiyazhusen alias Bhaylu, was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for allegedly pouring kerosene on Habibunnisha and setting her ablaze, resulting in her death. The conviction was based primarily on three dying declarations made by the deceased at different stages—first to the police, then to the …

The appellant Siddik Ismail Kumbhar was convicted for murder (Sec. 302 IPC) and attempt to conceal dead body (Sec. 201 IPC) based largely on circumstantial evidence, a police‑recorded confession, and recovered items. The prosecution's case rested on motive, a "last seen together" theory, and alleged recovery of the wea…

Vihabhai Panchabhai Patel appealed against his conviction for murder, robbery, and related offences under Sections 302, 392, 397 and 449 of the IPC. The trial court relied on circumstantial evidence, including the appellant’s alleged presence with the victims, recovery of stolen ornaments at his instance, and blood‑sta…

The case concerns an armed dacoity on a State Transport bus on 20 August 2010, during which four assailants fired at the driver and a passenger, looted valuables and escaped in an Indica car, also firing at a police checkpost. The accused were charged under IPC Sections 395, 396 and 120B, and various provisions of the …

The State appealed the acquittal of Yusufbhai Hasanbhai Qureshi and others by the Sessions Judge, who had found insufficient evidence to prove charges of murder, dowry death, and cruelty. The deceased, Nurjaha, and her infant daughter died from burns allegedly caused by kerosene, with the prosecution alleging dowry har…

The appellant, Parulben Mahendrabhai Godani, was convicted by the Additional Sessions Judge, Surat, for murder, grievous hurt, robbery, and criminal conspiracy based on Sections 302, 326, 394, 201, 120(B) IPC and Section 135 Gujarat Police Act. She appealed under Section 374 CrPC, contending that the prosecution’s case…

Kedar Rathod was convicted for kidnapping (IPC s.363), assault (s.365) and rape (s.376) of a girl aged about four years. The trial court relied primarily on the child’s testimony, supported by medical findings of genital injuries, and sentenced him to seven years for kidnapping and assault and life imprisonment for rap…

The State of Gujarat filed a criminal revision against the order dated 07‑10‑2024 in which the Additional Special Judge, Gondal, marked a Pen Drive and an audio transcript as Mark‑A to be kept with the victim's deposition in a POCSO case. The State contended that the trial court failed to follow the procedural requirem…

The Gujarat High Court heard appeals challenging the conviction and death sentence of three accused for gang rape and murder of a married woman. The trial court had sentenced them to death, imprisonment and fines under IPC sections 302, 201, 366 and 376(d). The appellants argued that the prosecution’s case rested on we…

The Gujarat High Court heard appeals challenging the conviction and death sentence of three accused for gang rape and murder of a married woman. The trial court had sentenced them to death, imprisonment and fines under IPC sections 302, 201, 366 and 376(d). The appellants argued that the prosecution’s case rested on we…

The Gujarat High Court heard appeals challenging the conviction and death sentence of three accused for gang rape and murder of a married woman. The trial court had sentenced them to death, imprisonment and fines under IPC sections 302, 201, 366 and 376(d). The appellants argued that the prosecution’s case rested on we…

The State appealed the acquittal of Chandubhai Sendabhai Patani under Section 378 of the Cr.P.C., challenging his discharge from charges of kidnapping, kidnapping for ransom, rape (IPC ss. 363, 366, 376) and offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The trial court had found that the prosecution failed t…

The appellants filed a First Appeal under Section 30 of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 challenging the Workmen’s Compensation Commissioner’s order rejecting their claim for compensation after the death of Bhagojirao Uttekar, who fell while painting an advertisement board. The deceased was engaged by opponent No.1…

On 3 August 2018 a Maruti Eeco, being used for hire and reward, was involved in a collision caused by a heavy vehicle, resulting in the car crashing into a tree. The claimant, a fare‑paying passenger, sued HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company for indemnity, but the insurer contended that the vehicle’s use for hire and r…

The State appealed the acquittal of Meraman Kara Mer and others for alleged cruelty, abetment of suicide and dowry death. The deceased, Puriben, was found dead in a well after alleged harassment by her husband for dowry. The prosecution presented oral testimonies of family members and extensive documentary evidence, bu…

The State of Karnataka charged Panchakshari Gurupada Yya Hiramath under Section 302 IPC for the murder of DSP Shankaraiah Hiremath, alleging a fatal attack with a sickle following a land dispute. The prosecution’s case rested primarily on the eye‑witness testimony of PW3, who saw the accused assault the victim, and on …

The appellants were convicted of murder for a shooting that occurred on an open terrace on a moonless night, where the victims and neighbours identified them as the assailants. The defence argued that darkness made identification impossible and that there was no discernible motive. The Supreme Court held that despite l…

The appellant, Moturu Nalini Kanth, filed a suit as a minor claiming absolute title to the properties of the deceased Venkubayamma based on a registered will dated 03.05.1982 and a registered adoption deed dated 20.04.1982. The trial court upheld the suit, but the Andhra Pradesh High Court reversed the decision, holdin…

The appellant, a widow, sought to have her private counsel assist the prosecution in a murder trial by making oral arguments, examining and cross‑examining witnesses, invoking Section 301 read with the proviso to Section 24(8) of the CrPC. The trial court and the Calcutta High Court rejected the application, holding th…

The case concerned a violent assault on 23 May 1985 in which six accused, armed with a double‑barrel gun, gandhalis, kirpans and gandasas, attacked two men (Harbhajan Singh and Baldev Singh) and injured a third witness (Suba Singh). The trial court convicted four of the accused and acquitted two; the Punjab and Haryana…

Six accused were convicted under IPC sections 147, 148, 307 and 302 for a homicide. The Madras High Court set aside the convictions, acquitting them on the ground that the appellant's statement recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC (initially a dying declaration) materially contradicted the FIR report. The Supreme Cou…

The Depot Manager of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation initiated disciplinary proceedings against driver Mohd Yousuf Miya under Regulation 28(ix) of the Employees Conduct Rules, 1963 after a fatal accident caused by his alleged failure to anticipate the incident. Simultaneously, the driver faced criminal …

The Supreme Court examined the convictions of three accused (A1‑Pratham, A2‑Pancho and A3‑Gajraj) for murder and robbery of a tractor owner. The prosecution’s case hinged on an extra‑judicial confession made by A1, five months after the incident, to a villager with no close relationship, and on the belated recovery of …

Sansar Chand, a long‑time organiser of illegal wildlife trade, was convicted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for receiving leopard skins. The prosecution’s case rested on an extra‑judicial confession by a co‑accused, Balwan, which was corroborated by oral and documentary evidence, including recovered hunting …

Three Cheers Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and others produced a television programme alleging illegal acts by Calcutta Electricity Supply Company Ltd. (CESC), leading CESC to file a defamation suit and obtain an interim injunction restraining further telecasts. The High Court, while confirming the injunction, also appointed…

The case concerned the death of Bhagirathi Das, a mine employee of Steel Authority of India Ltd., who collapsed while on duty. His son sought a compassionate appointment under Para 8.9.4 of the 1989 Memorandum of Settlement, which provides such appointment only if death is due to an accident arising out of and in the c…

The appellant, S. Ramakrishna, was convicted of raping a 14‑year‑old girl and threatening her life under Sections 376 and 342 of the Indian Penal Code. The trial court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court upheld the conviction, relying on the victim’s testimony and medical evidence showing semen and protozoa. The appellan…

Ramti Devi filed a suit on 30 July 1966 seeking a declaration that she was the absolute owner of a house and that the sale deed dated 29 January 1947, by which the defendant had allegedly alienated the property, should be avoided or cancelled. The trial court dismissed the suit and the Delhi High Court affirmed the dis…

The State of Assam charged Muhim Barkataki and Oulu Dutta with murder and arson, alleging they set fire to the deceased Nagen Dey's shop and body after pouring kerosene. The prosecution relied on eye‑witnesses who saw the fire, a dying declaration made by the victim while in severe pain, and statements recorded under S…

The deceased, Neelam, died from extensive burn injuries within seven years of her marriage to the son of the appellants, who were her father‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law. The prosecution alleged that the accused demanded a motorcycle and Rs 50,000 as dowry and threatened her, invoking the presumption of dowry death under S…

The appellant purchased a two‑acre property in 1963 from Puliyankaladi, who had earlier acquired it through a registered sale deed (Exhibit A1) dated 27‑08‑1928. The trial court and the first appellate court held that the certified copy of Exhibit A1, a public document, was admissible as secondary evidence to prove the…

The appellants, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a constable, were convicted for abducting seven members of a family and for their alleged murder. The prosecution alleged that the victims were taken on 29 October 1991, later seen in various police stations, and never returned, leading to convictions under IPC sect…

M/S Payal Vision Ltd., the landlord, filed a suit for possession and mesne profits against Radhika Choudhary, the tenant, alleging a lease of Rs.50,000 per month and a notice under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act terminating the tenancy due to unauthorized structural changes. The tenant contested the nature…

The appellant, Haresh Mohandas Rajput, was accused of raping and murdering 10‑year‑old Pooja, whose body was discovered under a cot in his house with blood‑stained sheets and forensic evidence of sexual assault and strangulation. The prosecution relied solely on circumstantial evidence, including the location of the bo…

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence alleged that Suresh Kumar & Co. Impex Pvt. Ltd. and its directors under‑declared the retail selling price of imported branded food items, thereby evading customs duty. A show‑cause notice was issued, and the Adjudicating Authority confirmed the demand, interest and penalty. The C…

The plaintiff, Tilak Raj Bakshi, claimed that his brother (the first defendant) violated a family settlement by selling his one‑third share of a Chandigarh house to a stranger (the second defendant) without obtaining the written concurrence of the other brothers and without offering the share to the plaintiff as requir…

Satvir Singh, an Inspector Customs, was accused of demanding and accepting a bribe from complainant Ramesh Suri in 1989. The trial court acquitted him, finding that the prosecution had not proved the demand, acceptance, or recovery of illegal gratification and that the presumption under Section 20 of the Prevention of …

The accused, charged under IPC s.120‑B and the Prevention of Corruption Act, applied to the trial court for the production of eight documents. The CBI and Punjab National Bank (the appellant) claimed the documents were privileged communication under Evidence Act s.124. The trial court ordered production, but the High C…

The appellant, Nallabothu Venkaiah, was one of sixteen accused who allegedly formed an unlawful assembly, hurled bombs and used axes, knives and spears to kill R. Venkateswarlu on 13 October 1992. The trial court convicted him under Section 302 IPC (simpliciter) and sentenced him to life imprisonment, relying on the te…

The plaintiffs (first purchasers) bought land from the vendors under a registered sale deed dated 30 April 1963 for Rs.15,000, part of which was to be kept in deposit for a mortgage. The vendors later cancelled this deed and executed a second sale deed in favour of other buyers, alleging that the plaintiffs had not pai…

The appellant Jagroop Singh was convicted of murder under IPC sections 302, 34 and 201 based on circumstantial evidence that the victim was last seen with the accused, voluntary extra‑judicial confessions, and the recovery of a blood‑stained spade. The appellant challenged the conviction, arguing that the time gap betw…

Varalakshmi, an upper‑caste woman, married a Scheduled‑Caste man against her family's wishes. Six years later she disappeared after being lured by her paternal uncle, the appellant, who claimed her grandmother was ill. Her body was later found, showing death by smothering, and jewellery allegedly taken from her was rec…

The State Bank of India sued Yumnam Gouramani Singh for recovery of a loan amount and the trial court decreed a partial sum of Rs.9,962.91 with interest. The High Court reversed this decision, holding that the bank's books of account were not corroborated by any other evidence and thus could not establish liability und…

The appellant, the second son of the former Raja of Bushahr, claimed ownership of about 1,720 acres of forest land based on a 1942 patta and subsequent grants by his father, the Raja. The State argued that the 1942 lease of the forests to the Punjab Government divested the Raja of any right to grant those lands and tha…

A long‑standing feud between two families in Punjab resulted in a series of five murders on the night of 12‑13 August 1977, killing seventeen people. Machhi Singh and eleven associates were tried in five separate sessions cases; four were sentenced to death and nine to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court examined (i) …

The deceased woman was stabbed to death in her matrimonial home, leading to an initial prosecution of four in‑law family members under Sections 498A and 306 IPC, which resulted in acquittal. Two years later, the deceased's brother filed a complaint alleging that six family members, including A‑1 and A‑2, murdered her, …

The appellants were convicted under Section 395 IPC for assaulting a complainant at a petrol pump and stealing cash. The trial court relied on eyewitness testimony and a test identification parade (TI parade) in which the accused were identified by two witnesses; the prosecution also recovered the stolen cash. On appea…

The dead body of a seven‑year‑old boy was recovered from a well; he had last been seen with the accused, Jai Prakash, who was alleged to have animosity towards the victim’s family and a motive to use the child to facilitate a sexual assault on a woman. The trial court convicted the accused under Sections 302, 364 and 2…

The Supreme Court examined a long‑standing dispute between the Patriarch of Antioch’s group (the petitioner) and the Catholicos of the East’s group (the respondent) over the nature, governance and authority of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. The Court held that the 1934 Constitution of the Malankara Association i…

The appellant Abhishek Singh was charged under several IPC offences, the Arms Act and MCOCA after a proclamation declared him an absconder. The Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police granted sanction for prosecution under MCOCA, which the appellant challenged before the High Court and then the…

The appellants, a husband and wife, were accused of strangling a man to death in their rented house and attempting to conceal the body by pouring acid over it. The trial court convicted them and their daughter under Sections 302, 201 and 34 IPC, sentencing the parents to life imprisonment; the High Court later acquitte…

The appellant Deepak Gulati was convicted under Sections 365 and 376 of the IPC for allegedly enticing a 19‑year‑old woman with a false promise of marriage, confining her and having sexual intercourse. The woman voluntarily left home to marry the appellant, accompanied him to several locations, and did not raise any ob…

Charan Singh, the husband of the deceased Chhilo Kaur, was convicted under Sections 304B, 498A and 201 of the IPC for allegedly killing his wife over dowry demands. The trial court sentenced him to ten years' rigorous imprisonment under 304B, two years each under 498A and 201, which the High Court later reduced the 304…

The Supreme Court, exercising suo motu jurisdiction under Article 32, examined widespread inadequacies and inconsistencies in criminal trials across India, such as poor documentation of witnesses, exhibits, and material objects, and procedural delays. After issuing notices to all High Courts, State Governments and Unio…

Apollo Zipper India Ltd., which became the absolute owner of a commercial premises after a series of statutory transfers, served a quit notice under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act to its tenant, W. Newman & Co. Ltd., demanding arrears and vacant possession. The tenant sought leave to defend the summary evi…

The appellant, Md. Mannan, a mason employed in the victim's grandfather's house, sent a seven‑year‑old girl to a betel shop and subsequently abducted her on his bicycle, raping and murdering her. He later confessed, leading police to the body. He was convicted under IPC sections 366, 376, 302 and 201 and sentenced to d…

The appellant, father of a woman who died unnaturally within seven years of marriage, challenged the Allahabad High Court's order granting bail to the accused husband, who was charged under IPC s.304B. The High Court had granted bail without providing any reasoning, merely stating that s.1138 of the Evidence Act was in…

Four accused were convicted by a trial court for murder and related offences based largely on the testimony of a nine‑year‑old child witness, the son of the deceased. The Karnataka High Court set aside the conviction, discarding the child’s evidence on the ground that he might have been tutored and because of a delay i…

The dispute concerned 53.95 acres of land in Bhubaneswar that vested in the State of Orissa under a 1954 notification of the Orissa Estate Abolition Act, 1951. The respondent, Harapriya Bisoi, claimed she was a "deemed tenant" because her predecessor had obtained a lease from the erstwhile intermediaries before vesting…

Atul Castings Ltd., the tenant, occupied a building leased for residential purposes and kept an office table and equipment in one room to dispose of office files, which the family also used for study. The landlord filed an eviction petition under Section 13(2)(ii)(b) of the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949,…

The appellant, P.K. Gupta, purchased a shop‑godown from Narain Prasad and sued the tenant, R. Nagdeo, for eviction under the Madhya Pradesh Accommodation Act for default in rent. The tenant contended that the sale deed was a benami transaction, alleging that the appellant was merely a name‑lender for his father, Pyarel…

The State of Uttar Pradesh appealed the acquittal of Harban Sahai and others, who had been convicted for murder under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the IPC. The High Court had set aside the trial court's findings on the basis of alleged inconsistencies between the FIR and eyewitness testimony, the weight given to…

Four accused (Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 6) were originally convicted of murder under Section 302 read with Section 149 IPC for the killing of Mahendra Singh and Virendra Singh. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined the scope of Section 105 of the Indian Evidence Act, holding that the prosecution must prove the offence beyond re…

Prem Chand married Veena Rani in 1973 and repeatedly tormented her, demanding money and physically abusing her. On 15 September 1975, after a quarrel in which Prem Chand told her she could relieve his financial woes by dying that very day, Veena Rani set herself on fire and died of severe burns. The trial court convict…

The State of Bihar appealed against a Patna High Court judgment that upheld the title suit of Radha Krishna Singh, who claimed to be the nearest reversioner of the late Maharaja Harendra Kishore Singh's estate. The dispute centered on whether the plaintiffs could prove the genealogical links connecting them to the Maha…

The appellant, a school, appealed an order of the Director of Pre‑University Education granting promotion to an assistant teacher (respondent No.1). The respondent filed a contempt petition under Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, alleging wilful disobedience of the Director’s order. The Karnataka …

Khet Singh was apprehended while travelling in a truck that contained a polythene bag of opium. The contraband was seized and samples were taken at the Customs Office, but the seizure mahazar was not prepared at the spot of recovery as required by the NDPS Act and related standing instructions. The appellant contended …

The appellants, tenants, were ordered to vacate premises under the Bihar Buildings (Lease, Rent and Eviction) Control Act, 1982. After the trial decree and a dismissed first appeal, they filed a second appeal in the Patna High Court, but neither they nor their counsel appeared at the hearing. The High Court nonetheless…

The petitioners, transporters of goods across Uttar Pradesh, challenged Section 28-B of the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Act, 1948 and Rule 87 of the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Rules, 1948, arguing that the provisions were beyond the State's legislative competence, infringed Articles 301 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, and i…

The respondents claimed that a lease (patta) of a government grazing land was granted to them by the Gram Panchayat in 1959 and filed a suit for permanent injunction without seeking a declaration of title. The appellants argued that the Panchayat lacked authority to lease the land, the lease deed was unproved, and the …

The husband filed for divorce on the ground of adultery and sought a DNA test of their son, born during the marriage, to establish paternity. The Family Court and the High Court ordered the DNA test, but the Supreme Court set aside those orders, holding that the conclusive presumption of legitimacy under Section 112 of…

The plaintiffs, heirs of Shri Partap Singh, sued Shiv Ram alleging ownership of certain lands and seeking possession and injunctions, while the defendant claimed to be a tenant and that the suit should be tried in the revenue court. The trial court, relying on oral testimony, held that the presumption of truth in the J…

The Supreme Court examined whether Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) was subject to the 24‑April‑1990 notification issued under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, and whether the workmen who were engaged through contractors were direct employees of BHEL. The Court held that BHEL’s Haridwar ope…

The Supreme Court examined whether depositions taken by a magistrate under Chapter XV of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) before taking cognizance could be used as evidence for framing charges under Part B of Chapter XIX, and whether the accused is entitled to cross‑examine those witnesses before charges are framed. …

Karuna, the wife of Anand Kumar, died by suicide within seven years of marriage. Kumar, his parents and brother were charged under IPC s.306 (abetment of suicide), s.498A (cruelty) and the Dowry Prohibition Act s.4. The trial court acquitted the parents and brother but convicted Kumar based on a letter (Exhibit P‑20) a…

Kaliaperumal purchased immovable property from Rajagopal and others by a deed dated 26 June 1983, agreeing to pay Rs.43,000, of which Rs.40,000 was to be paid in the presence of the Sub‑Registrar at registration. The deed was registered on 26 October 1983, but the balance consideration was never tendered, and the vendo…

The appellant, Bhandari Construction Company, sold an office space to the respondent, Narayan Gopal Upadhye, for Rs.7,75,000 as per a written agreement dated 27‑7‑1997. The respondent paid Rs.5,00,000 by cheque but claimed to have paid the remaining balance, including Rs.4,00,000 in cash, for which no receipt or docume…

The State of U.P. alleged that the accused entered the house of Raghubir (PW3) at midnight, assaulted him with the butt of a pistol and, when his wife intervened, also struck her, leading to her death the next day. The trial court convicted the accused under Sections 302 r/w 34, 307 r/w 34 and 452 IPC. The Allahabad Hi…

In 1988 a terrorist attack on Dr. Harnam Singh's house in Kurukshetra resulted in four deaths and several injuries. Fourteen accused, including Daya Singh, were tried under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act and the IPC for murder and attempted murder. The trial court convicted Daya Singh on the b…

Neelam Rani died from burns in 1987. The husband (appellant) and his father were convicted by the Sessions Court of murder (Sec. 302 IPC), dowry death (Sec. 304B IPC) and cruelty for dowry (Sec. 498A IPC). The High Court upheld the murder conviction and acquitted the father. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that the e…

The landlord sued the tenant for eviction under the Rajasthan Premises (Control of Rent and Eviction) Act, 1950, alleging (i) parting with possession of the shop roof by installing an advertisement board, (ii) material alteration of the premises by fixing the board with iron angles, and (iii) default in rent. The trial…

Harcharan Singh, a tenant of a shop in a U.P. cantonment, failed to pay rent for 1965‑66. The landlord sent a combined notice of arrears and eviction by registered post on 9 November 1966, which the tenant refused to accept on 10 November. The landlord sued for eviction under the U.P. Cantonment (Control of Rent & Evic…

The petitioner filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking a direction that all State governments upload copies of chargesheets filed under Section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code on their websites, invoking the transparency principle established in Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India. The petition r…

The deceased woman was found dead with her jewellery missing; the appellant had been present in her house the night before the incident and was later arrested with the missing ornaments recovered from his possession. The prosecution relied solely on circumstantial evidence – the appellant’s presence, a "last seen" test…

Three Italian tourists were accused of murdering their fellow tourist in a hotel room in Varanasi. The trial and appellate courts convicted them under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC based on circumstantial evidence, including alleged motive, post‑mortem findings of strangulation, and the claim that they remained in the…

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of six accused, including the appellant Joshinder Yadav, for the dowry death of Bindula Devi under IPC sections 302 r/w 149, 498A and 201. The Court found that the father and brother of the deceased gave reliable testimony of continuous cruelty and harassment for dowry, and that …

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 oppression and mismanagemen…

The State of Madhya Pradesh, represented by the CBI, appealed against the High Court's acquittal of nine accused, including Paltan Mallah, for the murder of trade‑union leader Shankar Guha Niyogi. The trial court had convicted them under Section 302 read with Section 120B IPC based on circumstantial evidence, but the H…

The appellants Vidhya Devi and others were convicted under Section 304‑B IPC for the dowry death of Satyawati, who was set ablaze four months after a dowry demand and died within seven years of marriage. The trial court and High Court upheld the conviction, and the appellants appealed, challenging the applicability of …

The accused Jarnail Singh and his four sons were convicted of murder and rioting for killing Gurbux Singh and his brother Wasava Singh. The prosecution alleged a motive stemming from the suicide of the accused's son, who had been in love with the victims' daughter. The defence argued that there was no immediate motive …

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized large quantities of Tramadol and Zolpidem tablets in multiple operations and arrested Kashif and co‑accused. Kashif applied for bail, which the Delhi High Court granted solely on the ground that the NCB had not complied with Section 52A of the NDPS Act within a reasonable time,…

The appellant, Ashok Verma, was convicted under Sections 302, 201 and 498A of the IPC for the death of his wife, Pushpa, which occurred in their matrimonial home. He claimed the death was a suicide, pleaded an alibi that he was in a nearby garden, and argued that the non‑rupture of the hyoid bone indicated strangulatio…

The appellant, a peon of Punjab National Bank, was accused of stealing a blank draft issue book. After a five‑year delay, a departmental enquiry found him guilty, relying mainly on a purported confession recorded by police, which the appellant claimed was obtained under duress. The disciplinary authority dismissed him …

The Supreme Court heard an appeal against a Gujarat High Court order that granted probate of a Will dated 18 June 1995 executed by the deceased Jayantilal Kataria. The appellant contended that the Will was not validly attested because Section 63(c) of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 requires two or more witnesses, and …

Mahila Bajrangi, through her legal representatives, filed a suit for declaration of title and possession of a house, claiming ownership based on a gift deed executed by her mother Gopali, who she alleged was the lawful wife of the deceased Gendilal. The defendants contended that Gopali's marriage to Gendilal was invali…

The appellant Netraj was arrested after a silver todal, allegedly stolen during a dacoity that also involved the murder of a woman, was recovered from him two days after the incident. He was convicted under Section 396 of the Indian Penal Code for dacoity with murder and sentenced to death, later reduced to life impris…

The case concerns refunds of excise and customs duties collected contrary to law. The Supreme Court examined the validity of Section 11-B of the Central Excises and Salt Act, 1944, as amended in 1991, which restricts refunds to claimants who have not passed on the burden of duty to others. The Court overruled its earli…

The appellant, Subhash Chandra, inherited a tenancy originally created by a lease deed (Ext. P.20) between Navinchand and his father Misri Lal. Navinchand later sold the property to the respondents, who terminated the tenancy and sued for eviction. The appellant defended by claiming that the original owner, Smt. Raj Ra…

The Supreme Court dismissed a Special Leave Petition filed by Vasant Narayan Pawar, who was convicted for allegedly burning his wife to death. The petitioner argued that the dying declaration of the victim, in which she said her husband should not be beaten even as she was dying, should exonerate him under Section 32 o…

The plaintiffs, heirs of Amin Lal, sued the State of Haryana and the Public Works Department for possession of land on the basis of revenue records, sale deeds and mutation entries. The trial court ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, holding that the State had not proved adverse possession. The State appealed and the fi…

The appellant, Jayantilal Verma, was convicted under Section 302 IPC for the strangulation death of his wife, Sahodara Bai, whose body was found in their matrimonial home. The prosecution's case rested primarily on the testimony of the step‑brother (PW‑1) and the post‑mortem report indicating homicidal asphyxia. Althou…

Baljinder Kaur, the sister‑in‑law of the deceased Sharanjit Kaur, was convicted under Section 304B IPC for dowry death based on a demand for a gold karra made two months after the marriage. The deceased died of poisoning, and the prosecution relied on a dying declaration that she was beaten and poisoned by the accused.…

The Supreme Court examined the custodial death of a kidnapping suspect who was arrested by three police officers and found dead in the lock‑up. The trial court had acquitted all accused, but the High Court convicted them under sections 302, 342, 218 and 193 IPC. The Court held that the arrest panchnama and register wer…

The appellant Vithal Pundalik Zendge and eight others were convicted of murder under IPC s.302 read with s.149 for the killing of the appellant's brother. The conviction was based primarily on the testimony of a single eyewitness, PW‑1, who was the sister of the deceased. The appellant challenged the conviction, arguin…

The Supreme Court examined the appeal of the accused who were convicted for dowry death after the victim, Kodimalar, was set on fire by her in‑laws. The victim gave a dying declaration identifying the accused, which was recorded by a Judicial Magistrate in the presence of a doctor who certified her consciousness. The a…

The State of Andhra Pradesh prosecuted Gangula Satya Murthy for raping and throttling to death a 16‑year‑old girl, Satya Vani, whose body was found on a cot in his house. The trial court convicted him under IPC sections 302 and 376, relying on medical evidence of ante‑mortem neck injuries, a fresh vaginal tear, and an …

The appellants, including Ashok Yadav, were convicted for kidnapping and murdering a school‑going child, Avadhesh Sharma, under sections 364 and 302 of the IPC. The Supreme Court examined the prosecution's circumstantial evidence – motive, recovery of the victim's articles, the fact that the victim was last seen with t…

Indrakunwar was convicted under Section 302 IPC for allegedly killing a newborn child she was said to have delivered and then thrown into a pond. The prosecution’s case rested on circumstantial evidence and the accused's statement under Section 313 CrPC, but failed to establish any relationship between the accused and …

The appellant, Naveen (alias Ajay), was convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a three‑month‑old girl under multiple provisions of the IPC and the POCSO Act. The trial was completed in fifteen days, during which a legal‑aid counsel was appointed only hours before the case began and was not given su…

The case involved the suicide by self‑immolation of Akkamahadevi, married to the accused, who was alleged to have subjected her to mental and physical cruelty for dowry. The trial court convicted the accused under IPC sections 498A, 304B (read with s.34), and sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, based largely…

The appellant, S. Ramachandra Rao, sought to have his wife—who held a General Power of Attorney (GPA) for him and was also an enrolled advocate—appear in several civil suits as his GPA holder. The Trial Court allowed her to act in that capacity, but the High Court later set aside those orders and permitted her to appea…

The State of Madhya Pradesh charged three reservation clerks with abetting Suresh Shah in the illegal procurement and sale of railway tickets under Sections 143(1) and 143(2) of the Railways Act, 1989. Shah was arrested with a large number of tickets and cash, but later absconded, and the clerks were convicted on the b…

The appellant, accused No.3, was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for the killing of Baban, based on eyewitness testimony of the deceased's mother (PW‑1) and other prosecution witnesses. The appellant claimed an alibi, asserting he was unable to walk due to a compound fracture and relied on a doctor's certific…

The case concerned the validity of an unregistered will executed by an unmarried woman, Akkayamma, bequeathing her property to one of the children of her paramour, Jai Singh. The trial court and a single High Court judge rejected the will, citing nine (later twelve) suspicious circumstances surrounding its execution, i…

Gulam Hussain Shaikh Chougule was convicted under Section 135 of the Customs Act for allegedly smuggling 207 silver ingots aboard a trawler intercepted by customs officers. During the investigation, his statement was recorded by a gazetted customs officer under Section 108 of the Customs Act, without the safeguards of …