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Indian Penal Code

17481 judgments · newest first · showing 12201–12400

MS. PversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANOTHER

2022 INSC 514Appeal(s) allowed

Ms. P filed a criminal appeal against the State of Madhya Pradesh and the accused (respondent No.2) challenging the High Court's order granting regular bail under Section 439 of the CrPC in a case involving offences of rape (IPC s.376(2)(n)) and criminal intimidation (IPC s.506). The High Court had …

RAVINDER SINGH @ KAKUversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2022 INSC 505Disposed off

The case involved the kidnapping and murder of two minor children, for which three persons – Anita (A-1), Ravinder Singh alias Kaku (A-2) and Ranjit Kumar Gupta (A-3) – were charged. The trial court convicted all three, sentencing A-2 to death; the High Court later acquitted A-1 and A-3 and reduced …

NARSINGH ISPAT LTDversusORIENTAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD. & ANR.

2022 INSC 502Appeal(s) allowed

Narsingh Ispat Ltd. had a Standard Fire and Special Perils policy with Oriental Insurance. After a violent intrusion on 23 March 2010 caused extensive damage to its factory, the insurer denied the claim invoking an exclusion clause that barred loss caused by "acts of terrorism". The Consumer …

PAWAN KUMARversusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

2022 INSC 499Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Pawan Kumar, was selected as a constable in the Railway Protection Force (RPF) but was discharged during training for allegedly suppressing information about a criminal case in his attestation form. The FIR registered against him was later found to be false and he was acquitted, yet …

RAMJHAN GANI PALANIversusNATIONAL INVESTIGATING AGENCY AND ANR

2022 INSC 482Dismissed

The petitioner was arrested after a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and DRI seized over 236 kg of heroin from a Pakistani vessel near Jakhau Port, Gujarat. The prosecution alleged that the petitioner, aboard an Indian fishing boat, responded to a VHF call intended for the drug handover, …

SHRADDHA GUPTAversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND OTHERS

2022 INSC 481Dismissed

The appellant, Shraddha Gupta, was added as an accused in a murder case after call recordings linked her to the crime. A gang chart was prepared and she was charged under Sections 2 and 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986. She filed a writ petition …

IMRANversusMR. MOHAMMED BHAVA & ANR

2022 INSC 467Appeal(s) allowed

The case involves a murder and related offences under the IPC where ten persons were charged, including Accused No.6 (Mohammed Bhava) and Accused No.8 (Mohammed Musthafa). Both had been granted anticipatory bail and regular bail respectively by the Karnataka High Court, orders which were later …

ANUJ SINGH @ RAMANUJ SINGH @ SETH SINGHversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR

2022 INSC 463Dismissed

The appellants, Anuj Singh and Manoj Singh, were involved in a land dispute with Kumar Nandan Singh, who was repairing a wall. During an altercation, the appellants approached the scene armed with firearms and fired at the informant, causing injuries to his left foot and right arm; other accused …

RAM CHANDERversusTHE STATE OF CHHATTISGARH & ANR.

2022 INSC 468Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioner, convicted of murder and related offences, served 16 years of a life sentence and applied for premature release under Chhattisgarh Prison Rule 358. The appropriate government sought the opinion of the Special Judge who, without providing detailed reasons or considering the factors …

JAFARUDHEEN & ORS.versusSTATE OF KERALA

2022 INSC 464Disposed off

The case involved a violent clash between members of two political parties in Kerala, resulting in the murder of a CPI(M) member. Sixteen accused were charged, but the trial court acquitted A-10 to A-16 while convicting five others. The High Court upheld the convictions but reversed the acquittals …

DEVENDER SINGH & ORS.versusTHE STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

2022 INSC 457Case Partly allowed

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 …

M/S INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LTD.versusSHRI RAJENDRA D. HARMALKAR

2022 INSC 459Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, Rajendra D. Harmalkar, was appointed as a casual employee of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and later secured a regular position by submitting a forged Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC). After a vigilance complaint and verification by the Karnataka Secondary Education Board …

RAMVEER UPADHYAY & ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P. & ANR.

2022 INSC 455Dismissed

Ramveer Upadhyay and others filed a Special Leave Petition challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order dismissing their application under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code to quash criminal proceedings (Complaint No.19/2018) filed under IPC sections 365/511 and the SC/ST (Prevention of …

MOHD. FIROZversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2022 INSC 429Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Mohd. Firoz, was convicted for the rape, sexual assault and murder of a four‑year‑old girl, under Sections 302, 376(2)(i), 376(2)(m), 363, 366 IPC and Sections 5(i), 5(m), 6 POCSO. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, the "last seen together" theory, DNA evidence and the …

MS.YversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ANR.

2022 INSC 431Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant State of Rajasthan challenged a High Court order that granted regular bail to respondent No.2, who was accused of repeatedly raping his 19‑year‑old niece and was a habitual offender with nearly twenty pending cases. The High Court’s bail order was found to be cryptic, lacking any …

INDRAJEET YADAVversusSANTOSH SINGH AND ANR.

2022 INSC 440Appeal(s) allowed

The Allahabad High Court allowed the appeals of the accused in a murder case, acquitting them and ordering their release, but it pronounced only the operative part of its order on the same day and delivered a reasoned judgment five months later. The original complainant filed a petition before the …

VENKATESH @ CHANDRA & ANR. ETCversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2022 INSC 1302Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court considered appeals by four members of the Dandupalya gang convicted of murder and robbery. The trial court had relied on the accused’s voluntary statements recorded by police, shown on DVD, and a chart of gang activities to uphold death sentences under Section 396 IPC. The Court …

JAGJEET SINGH & ORSversusASHISH MISHRA @ MONU & ANR.

2022 INSC 427Disposed off

The case arose from the Lakhimpur Kheri incident on 3 October 2021, where the accused, Ashish Mishra, allegedly drove vehicles into a crowd of protesting farmers, resulting in multiple deaths. The accused was charged under several IPC sections (147, 148, 149, 302, 307, 326 r/w 34 and 120B) and Arms …

JEETU KHATIKversusSTATE OF CHHATTISGARH

2022 INSC 414Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Jeetu Khatik, was convicted by a trial court for kidnapping a nine‑year‑old girl and outraging her modesty, under IPC sections 363 and 354 and POCSO Act section 8, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment to run concurrently. He applied for suspension of the execution of his …

STATE OF RAJASTHANversusBANWARI LAL AND ANOTHER

2022 INSC 410Case Partly allowed

The State of Rajasthan appealed a High Court order that reduced the three‑year rigorous imprisonment awarded to Banwari Lal, convicted under Section 307 IPC for causing grievous injury to the head of the victim, to merely the 44 days he had already spent in custody. Banwari Lal had not contested his …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusDILIP KUMAR MALLICK

2022 INSC 1301Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a CRPF employee, was removed from service for concealing a pending criminal case while filling a verification roll. The disciplinary and appellate authorities upheld the removal, but the High Court Division Bench later directed the employer to impose a lesser punishment, deeming …

SOM DUTT & ORS.versusTHE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

2022 INSC 385Case Partly allowed

The appellants, Som Dutt and others, were convicted by three successive courts for theft under Section 379 read with Section 34 of the IPC and sentenced to three months' simple imprisonment and a fine. They challenged the High Court's dismissal of their revision petition, seeking release on …

MALLADA K SRI RAMversusTHE STATE OF TELANGANA & ORS.

2022 INSC 386Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Mallada K Sri Ram, was detained under Section 3(2) of the Telangana Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1986 on the ground that he, as a "white‑collar offender", had cheated job aspirants and was likely to disturb public order. The detention order was issued in May 2021, more than …

THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESHversusSUBHASH @ PAPPU

2022 INSC 382Case Partly allowed

The State of Uttar Pradesh appealed against the High Court's acquittal of Subhash @ Pappu for offences under Sections 302 and 148 of the IPC. The facts involved six to seven persons attacking a shop servant, Bengali, with a knife and a hockey stick, resulting in a stab wound; the victim died thirty …

TARLOCHAN SINGH @ RANAversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2022 INSC 356Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Tarlochan Singh, was the licensed holder of a double‑barrel 12‑bore rifle that was used to murder Gurdeep Singh. The prosecution alleged that the appellant had delivered the firearm to co‑accused Gurpreet Singh, who then used it in the killing, leading to convictions under Sections 29 …

VIJAY KUMAR GHAI & ORS.versusTHE STATE OF WEST BENGAL & ORS.

2022 INSC 326Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, directors of Priknit Apparel Ltd, received an investment of Rs 2.5 crore from Respondent No. 2 (SMC Global Securities) in exchange for 2,50,000 equity shares, but failed to launch an IPO as per the memorandum of understanding. The complainant filed a police complaint in Delhi which …

GANGADHAR NARAYAN NAYAK @ GANGADHAR HIREGUTTIversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS.

2022 INSC 318Matter referred to larger bench

The appellant, an editor, published a news report disclosing the name of a 16‑year‑old girl who was a victim of sexual harassment, leading to a complaint under Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The police investigated, filed a charge‑sheet and the Special …

NAHAR SINGHversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2022 INSC 314Dismissed

The victim of a rape alleged that, besides the two persons named in the FIR, a third individual, Nahar Singh, participated in the offence; his name appeared only in the victim's statement recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC. The Chief Judicial Magistrate, taking cognizance of the offence under …

THE SECRETARY, LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT & ORS. ETC.versusK. CHANDRAN ETC.

2022 INSC 310Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether a government employee convicted of corruption, with a criminal appeal pending, is entitled to his death‑cum‑retirement gratuity (DCRG) under the Kerala Service Rules. The Court held that Rule 3A cannot be read in isolation; it must be read together with Rule 3, …

SRI NARENDRA KUMAR A. BALDOTAversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA

2022 INSC 301Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Chairman and Managing Director of M/s MSPL Ltd, imported an Aston Martin, paid customs duty and road tax, and later paid a differential motor vehicle tax after a demand notice. A FIR alleged that he conspired with a Regional Transport Officer to evade road tax, leading to criminal …

PURAN MALversusSTATE OF HARYANA & ANR.

2022 INSC 297Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, the State of Haryana, challenged the High Court's order granting bail to Mahesh Kumar, accused of murder under Section 302 IPC, on the ground that the High Court failed to provide cogent reasons despite two prior bail rejections by the Trial Court. The Supreme Court examined the …

STATE OF M.P.versusRAMJI LAL SHARMA & ANR.

2022 INSC 285Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Madhya Pradesh prosecuted four accused for the murder of Munshilal, alleging they acted with a common intention to kill. The trial court convicted all under IPC s.302 read with s.34, but the High Court acquitted two accused (Ramjilal Sharma and Brijesh Sharma) on the ground that ocular …

DESH DEEPAK KUMAR VIHANGAM@ DEEPAK KUMARversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR

2022 INSC 278Dismissed

The case concerned the kidnapping for ransom of Dr. Shashi Kumar Sinha and his driver in February 2006. Six persons were convicted under IPC sections 364A (kidnapping for ransom) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court examined whether the prosecution had …

YERUVA SAYIREDDYversusTHE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH & ANR.

2022 INSC 1297Disposed off

The appellant, convicted of murder under IPC s.302, appealed his conviction and sentence. While the appeal was pending, he died in prison after about twelve years. Section 394 of the Cr.P.C. provides that an appeal abates on the death of the appellant unless a near relative applies within thirty …

M. NAGESWARA REDDYversusTHE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND OTHERS

2022 INSC 266Disposed off

On 18 January 2007, eleven accused formed an unlawful assembly and attacked a vehicle, resulting in the death of Rajasekhar Reddy and injuries to several others. The trial court convicted accused Nos. 1‑3 under Sections 148 and 302 of the IPC and acquitted accused Nos. 4‑11. The High Court reversed …

SUKHDARSHAN SINGHversusTHE STATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.

2022 INSC 257Disposed off

Sukhdarshan Singh, a clerk in the Punjab State Transport Department, was suspended in 1986 following an FIR and later removed from service in 2003 after a criminal conviction under Sections 324 and 506 of the IPC. The appellate authority set aside the termination but ordered that he receive no …

KARAN SINGHversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS

2022 INSC 253Dismissed

The appellant Karan Singh was convicted along with five others for murder, attempted murder and criminal conspiracy arising from a dispute over a buffalo price that led to a shooting on 8 April 1980. The prosecution alleged that all six accused, armed with rifles and guns, opened fire, killing …

AMRITLALversusSHANTILAL SONI & ORS.

2022 INSC 243Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant filed a written complaint on 10 July 2012 alleging that the respondents had failed to return silver entrusted to them, with the alleged offence dated 4 October 2009. An FIR was registered and a charge‑sheet filed, after which the Judicial Magistrate took cognizance on 4 December 2012. …

WAHEED-UR-REHMAN PARRAversusUNION TERRITORY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

2022 INSC 240Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant was charged under the UAPA and related statutes, and the trial court declared five prosecution witnesses as protected under Section 44 of the UAPA and Section 173(6) of the CrPC, sealing their statements. The appellant later sought, under Section 207 of the CrPC, redacted copies of …

AZGAR BARID (D) BY LRS.versusMAZAMBI @ PYAREMABI AND OTHERS

2022 INSC 210Dismissed

The case arose from a partition suit (O.S. No. 388/77) where the trial court decreed shares only to plaintiffs 2 and 3, rejecting plaintiffs 4‑8. The appellant‑defendant appealed and the First Appellate Court set aside the trial decree, but the High Court restored it and, on remand, divided the …

HOTEL PRIYA, A PROPRIETORSHIPversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS.

2022 INSC 206Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, owners of orchestra bars, challenged licence conditions imposed by the Maharashtra Police Commissioner that limited the number of performers to eight, with a gender cap of four women and four men on stage. The High Court upheld the conditions, but the Supreme Court held that the …

KRISHNAMURTHY @ GUNODU AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2022 INSC 190Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined the murder of Venkatarama, where Krishnamurthy, Gopala and Thimmappa were convicted under Section 302 read with Section 34 IPC. Evidence showed Krishnamurthy brutally assaulted the victim after he fell, causing fatal injuries, establishing his liability for murder. The …

SATYE SINGH & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF UTTARAKHAND

2022 INSC 185Appeal(s) allowed

The deceased Shashi Devi, a married woman, was found burnt in the hut of her husband Satye Singh; her father filed a complaint implicating the husband, his mother and sister‑in‑law. The Sessions Court convicted the husband and his mother under Sections 302, 34 and 201 of the IPC based solely on …

UMESH KUMAR PAHWAversusTHE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UTTARAKHAND GRAMIN BANK & ORS.

2022 INSC 178Case Partly allowed

Umesh Kumar Pahwa, a branch officer of Uttarakhand Gramin Bank, was accused of demanding a bribe from a borrower and reducing the loan amount from Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.75,000. A departmental inquiry found him guilty of ten charges and ordered his removal from service, which was upheld by the High …

JAINA CONSTRUCTION COMPANYversusTHE ORIENTAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED & ANR.

2022 INSC 177Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Jaina Construction Company insured a Tata Aiwa truck with Oriental Insurance Company, which was stolen on 04‑11‑2007. The appellant lodged an FIR the next day, but informed the insurer of the theft only after five months, prompting the insurer to repudiate the claim on the ground of …

SHARAFAT ALIversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANOTHER

2022 INSC 173Disposed off

Sharafat Ali, convicted under IPC sections 302 and 34 and sentenced to life imprisonment, applied for premature release after serving 17 years, 9 months and 26 days. The Uttar Pradesh government rejected his application on vague grounds of possible victim resentment and alleged extremist nature, …

OMKAR SINGHversusJAIPRAKASH NARAIN SINGH & ANR.

2022 INSC 166Appeal(s) allowed

The case involves the murder of Parasnath Singh, who was shot by his son Udaibhan Singh (A‑1) after being urged to do so by his father Jaiprakash Narain Singh (A‑2). Three eye‑witnesses (PW‑1, PW‑2, PW‑4) testified that both accused were present at the pumping set, that A‑2 exhorted his son, and …

PAPPUversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2022 INSC 164Case Partly allowed

The appellant, Pappu, lured a seven‑year‑old girl under the pretext of picking lychees, raped and murdered her, and later disclosed the location of her body to the police. He was convicted by the trial court and the High Court of offences under IPC sections 376, 302 and 201 and POCSO sections 5 and …

NAWABUDDINversusSTATE OF UTTARAKHAND

2022 INSC 162Case Partly allowed

The appellant, Nawabuddin, a neighbour, abducted a four‑year‑old girl, removed both their clothes, fondled her private parts and inserted his finger into her vagina; he was caught red‑handed and the victim later reported pain, irritation and swelling, corroborated by a medical examination. He was …

KAHKASHAN KAUSAR @ SONAM & ORS.versusSTATE OF BIHAR & ORS.

2022 INSC 163Appeal(s) allowed

The wife, Tarannum Akhtar, alleged dowry harassment and threatened termination of her pregnancy, filing an FIR on 1 April 2019 against her husband Md. Ikram and his in‑laws under Sections 341, 323, 379, 354, 498A read with Section 34 IPC. The in‑laws contended that the allegations against them were …

SERIOUS FRAUD INVESTIGATION OFFICEversusRAHUL MODI & ORS.

2022 INSC 158Appeal(s) allowed

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) appealed against the Delhi High Court's order granting statutory bail to Rahul Modi and others, who had been arrested in connection with alleged offences under the Companies Act and the Indian Penal Code. The charge‑sheet was filed within the 60‑day …

THE STATE OF UTTARAKHANDversusSACHENDRA SINGH RAWAT

2022 INSC 153Appeal(s) allowed

The deceased and the accused had an initial altercation at a mehendi ceremony which was broken up by villagers. Later, around midnight, the accused pursued the deceased to his house and repeatedly struck him on the head and other parts with a wooden stick (phakadiyat), causing severe skull fractures …

RAJESH YADAV & ANRversusSTATE OF U.P.

2022 INSC 148Dismissed

The appellants Rajesh Yadav and others were convicted for murder and for violating the Arms Act, with the High Court acquitting them of the attempt to murder charge under Section 307 IPC but confirming life imprisonment under Section 25 of the Arms Act. The Supreme Court examined whether the …

NEW OKHLA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NOIDA)versusYUNUS & ORS.

2022 INSC 142Appeal(s) allowed

The dispute arose from a land acquisition notification where the original compensation award was Rs.24,033 per bigha. The respondents did not file an application under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, but later a reference was made and a Lok Adalat, under Section 20 of the Legal Services …

SMT. REKHA JAIN AND ANR.versusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ORS.

2022 INSC 141Appeal(s) allowed

An FIR was lodged under Sections 406, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120‑B IPC against six persons, including Smt. Rekha Jain and Smt. Minakshi Jain, alleging misappropriation of deposits and the sale of an attached property. The FIR primarily implicated a co‑accused, Arun Kumar Maheshwari, while the only …

SURYAVIRversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2022 INSC 139Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Suryavir was convicted along with Devender for the murder of Rajinder (Raju) under Sections 302/34 IPC and Section 25 of the Arms Act. The prosecution’s case rested on the testimony of the victim’s parents (PW‑12 and PW‑15) and a box identification made in court, without any prior test …

STATE OF U.P.versusVEERPAL & ANR.

2022 INSC 133Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Uttar Pradesh appealed the acquittal of Veerpal and another accused who were charged under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the IPC for allegedly burning the deceased after a money dispute. The deceased had given two dying declarations: one to a police officer on 20‑12‑2011 and …

VASUDEVversusSTATE OF M.P.

2022 INSC 135Case Partly allowed

The police, acting on information that an absconding accused Rajesh Shukla was hiding in a village house, confronted him and his associate Vasudev Shukla. After Rajesh opened fire, the police retaliated and both accused eventually surrendered, surrendering a rifle and a 12‑bore double‑barrel gun. …

SUBHASHversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2022 INSC 127Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned a murder under IPC sections 302, 149 and 148, where six accused were convicted based largely on the testimonies of two eyewitnesses, PW‑1 Vedram and PW‑2 Jagdish. The post‑mortem report showed only one firearm injury and a single neck injury, contradicting the prosecution’s claim …

THE STATE OF SIKKIMversusJASBIR SINGH & ANR.

2022 INSC 128Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Sikkim appealed against a High Court order that directed the accused army personnel, Jasbir Singh and another, to be tried by a court‑martial for a murder under IPC sections 302 and 308. The Supreme Court examined whether the offence fell within the exclusive jurisdiction of a …

PAPPU TIWARYversusSTATE OF JHARKHAND

2022 INSC 118Dismissed

On 7 March 2000 Vikas Kumar Singh was shot by Pappu Tiwari and subsequently stabbed by five others, resulting in his death. All six accused were convicted under IPC sections 302 and 34 and, in Pappu Tiwari's case, also under Section 27 of the Arms Act. The appellants challenged the convictions on …

CENTRUM FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITEDversusSTATE OF NCT OF DELHI AND ANR.

2022 INSC 115Appeal(s) allowed

Centrum Financial Services Ltd., a non‑banking financial company, filed a criminal appeal against the Delhi High Court’s order granting bail to Jayant Kumar Jain (Respondent No.2) in a case involving alleged siphoning of Rs 25 crore through shell companies and offences under IPC sections 409, 420, …

MANNO LAL JAISWALversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2022 INSC 97Appeal(s) allowed

The complainant, Manno Lal Jaiswal, filed an FIR alleging that his son was murdered by a group of accused who were named in the FIR and whose statements were recorded on the same day. The Sessions Court rejected the accused's bail applications, but the Allahabad High Court granted bail, erroneously …

MUSSTT REHANA BEGUMversusSTATE OF ASSAM & ANR.

2022 INSC 80Appeal(s) allowed

Mushtt Rehana Begum (appellant) sought to quash a criminal complaint filed by her husband (second respondent) under Sections 494 and 495 of the IPC, alleging that she married him while a prior marriage subsisted. The dispute over her matrimonial status had already been adjudicated by the Principal …

STATE OF U.P.versusJAI DUTT AND ANR.

2022 INSC 71Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Uttar Pradesh prosecuted Jai Dutt and another accused for beating the victim, Ram Autar, with weapons, leading to his death six days later due to a head injury. The trial court convicted them under Section 302 IPC (murder) and Section 34 IPC (common intention). The Allahabad High Court …

GEETA DEVIversusSTATE OF U.P. & ORS.

2022 INSC 54Appeal(s) allowed

The Special Court convicted the respondents under sections 452, 323/34 and 325/34 of the IPC but acquitted them of offences under sections 354, 504, 506 IPC and sections 3(1)(x) and 3(1)(xi) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The victim, Geeta Devi, appealed the acquittal. The Allahabad …

ISHWARJI NAGAJI MALIversusSTATE OF GUJARAT AND ANOTHER

2022 INSC 57Appeal(s) allowed

The case involves an alleged murder of Daxaben, where the husband (respondent No.2) was accused of conspiring with co‑accused to kill her for insurance money and stage it as an accident. The investigation produced extensive material, including call records and a charge‑sheet linking the accused to …

BHAGWANIversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2022 INSC 52Case Partly allowed

The appellant was convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering an 11‑year‑old girl after she disappeared from a village ceremony. Circumstantial and forensic evidence, including DNA matches to the co‑accused Satish and blood‑stained clothing recovered from the appellant's cowshed, linked the …

MEERAversusSTATE BY THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE THIRUVOTRIYUR POLICE STATION CHENNAI

2022 INSC 35Case Partly allowed

In 2006 a married woman self‑immolated after allegedly being subjected to cruelty by her mother‑in‑law over jewelry, while her husband was abroad. A complaint under Sections 498A and 306 IPC led to the conviction of the mother‑in‑law, her husband, sister‑in‑law and father‑in‑law, with the …

SMRUTI TUKARAM BADADEversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ANR

2022 INSC 39Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a miscellaneous application seeking implementation of guidelines for recording evidence of vulnerable witnesses in criminal matters, following earlier pronouncements in Sakshi and Bandu @ Daulat. The Court examined the need for special centres to provide a barrier‑free …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESHversusJOGENDRA & ANR.

2022 INSC 30Case Partly allowed

The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed the High Court's judgment that set aside the convictions of Jogendra (husband) and Badri Prasad (father‑in‑law) under Sections 304‑B and 498‑A of the IPC for the death of their wife/ daughter‑in‑law Geeta Bai, who immolated herself while five months pregnant. The …

UNION OF INDIA & ANR.versusSHAIKH ISTIYAQ AHMED & ORS.

2022 INSC 38Appeal(s) allowed

Shaikh Istiaq Ahmed was convicted in Mauritius for possession of heroin and sentenced to 26 years. He was transferred to India under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003 and sought to have his sentence reduced to 10 years, the maximum punishable term under Section 21(b) of the NDNDPS Act, …

JAYABENversusTEJAS KANUBHAI ZALA & ANR

2022 INSC 28Appeal(s) allowed

The case involves the murder of Mukeshbhai, the husband of complainant Jayaben, who was brutally beaten and tied to a gate by five accused persons. The accused were identified in a Test Identification Parade, and the incident was captured on CCTV and a mobile phone. The High Court had released the …

JASDEEP SINGH @ JASSUversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2022 INSC 23Disposed off

The case involved the murder of a man at a dhaba in Jalandhar, where four accused (A1‑A4) were convicted under Section 304 Part I IPC. The father of the deceased (PW6) initially did not allege that A3 and A4 instigated the shooting, but later, in a supplementary statement under Section 161 CrPC, …

RAJESH PRASADversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR AND ANR. ETC.

2022 INSC 19Case Partly allowed

The case concerned an appeal by Rajesh Prasad, the informant, against a High Court order that set aside the conviction and death sentences of three accused who had been found guilty under IPC s.302/34, 120B and the Explosive Substances Act s.3/4 for throwing bombs that killed his father and another …

MAHARASHTRA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATIONversusDILIP UTTAM JAYABHAY

2022 INSC 5Appeal(s) allowed

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) dismissed driver Dilip Uttam Jayabhay after a departmental enquiry found him guilty of rash and negligent driving that caused a 1992 accident killing four passengers. Although the driver was later acquitted in a criminal trial under IPC …

RAJENDRA BHAGATversusSTATE OF JHARKHAND & ANR.

2022 INSC 6Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a serving army Naik, was convicted under Section 498-A IPC for cruelty towards his wife and sentenced to three years' simple imprisonment. After his conviction, the parties entered into a genuine settlement, resumed cohabitation, and the wife was nominated as his service record …

GOVINDANversusSTATE REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE

2021 INSC 915Case Partly allowed

The appellant Govindan was convicted under Section 304(ii) IPC for causing the death of Kamsala during a land dispute over a pathway. The trial court found that the incident arose from a sudden quarrel, with the complainant's family acting as aggressors, and held that there was no pre‑meditation, …

BRIJMANI DEVIversusPAPPU KUMAR & ANR.

2021 INSC 919Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, mother of the deceased Rupesh Kumar, filed two FIRs alleging that the respondent, Pappu Kumar, attempted to murder her son in 2017 and murdered him in 2020, also violating the Arms Act. The respondent was arrested after absconding for seven months and was denied bail by the Sessions …

PARVATI DEVIversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR NOW STATE OF JHARKHAND & ORS.

2021 INSC 911Disposed off

The appellant husband, Ram Sahay Mahto, and his mother-in-law, Parvati Devi, were convicted under Sections 304B, 201 and 34 of the IPC for the death of the appellant's wife, Fulwa Devi, who disappeared from her matrimonial home and was later found dead in a river. The prosecution alleged that the …

ANITA RANIversusASHOK KUMAR & ORS

2021 INSC 905Appeal(s) allowed

Anita Rani filed two civil suits against her relatives Ashok Kumar and others to recover money. In the first suit, the respondents had taken a Rs 10.5 million loan, repaid Rs 5 million and claimed the repayment was a full and final settlement, but no written receipt or memorandum of compromise was …

JAIKAM KHANversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2021 INSC 896Disposed off

Six members of a family were murdered in a house on 23 January 2014. The prosecution relied primarily on the ocular testimony of two interested witnesses, PW‑1 (Ali Sher Khan) and PW‑2 (Jaan Mohammad), who were closely related to both the deceased and the accused. The Supreme Court held that because …

LOCHAN SHRIVASversusTHE STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

2021 INSC 882Case Partly allowed

The appellant, a 23‑year‑old resident of Chhattisgarh, was convicted of kidnapping, rape, murder and related offences after a missing‑child case led to his confession and the recovery of the victim’s body from a concealed sack. The trial court sentenced him to death for murder and to rigorous …

MIRZA IQBAL @ GOLU & ANR.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 890Appeal(s) allowed

The father of a married woman filed a complaint alleging that her husband, brother‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law demanded dowry, beat her and eventually hanged her. The FIR named all of them and the prosecution charged the husband, the brother‑in‑law (first appellant) and the mother‑in‑law (second …

N. RAGHAVENDERversusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, CBI

2021 INSC 876Disposed off

The appellant, a former branch manager of Sri Rama Grameena Bank, was convicted under Sections 409, 420 and 477A of the IPC and Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly allowing withdrawals from an account of the Nishita Educational Academy and prematurely …

MOHAN @SRINIVAS @SEENA @TAILOR SEENAversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA

2021 INSC 879Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerns the murder of a police officer for which two accused were acquitted by the trial court. The High Court reversed the acquittal and convicted them for life, relying on the testimony of police witnesses and a purported dying declaration. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined the scope …

STATE OF ODISHAversusPRATIMA MOHANTY ETC.

2021 INSC 872Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Odisha filed a criminal appeal against the High Court’s order that quashed FIR proceedings under Sections 420 r/w 120B IPC and Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act against public servants of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the Housing & Urban …

LAXMAN PRASAD PANDEYversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 874Disposed off

The case arose from a firearm clash on 8 May 2020 in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, leading to two FIRs: FIR No.406 filed by Laxman Prasad Pandey alleging his brother was killed by the rival group, and FIR No.407 filed by the rival group alleging Pandey's party were the aggressors. The High Court …

M/S SUVARNA COOPERATIVE BANK LTD.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND ANR.

2021 INSC 854Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Karnataka filed a criminal complaint against a private respondent (original accused No.1) and others for offences under Sections 120B, 408, 409, 420 and 149 of the IPC. A charge‑sheet was filed only against accused No.1 after a thorough investigation. The High Court of Karnataka quashed …

GULABversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2021 INSC 852Dismissed

Gulab was convicted of murder under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the IPC for allegedly exhorting his co‑accused Idrish to shoot the deceased. The prosecution relied on three eyewitnesses, all relatives of the victim, who consistently testified that Gulab arrived with a lathi, urged Idrish to …

BHAGCHANDRAversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2021 INSC 851Case Partly allowed

The appellant Bhagchandra was convicted of murdering his two brothers and a nephew during a property dispute, with the prosecution relying on the ocular testimony of several rustic village witnesses who identified him as the assailant wielding an axe. The trial court sentenced him to death under IPC …

THE STATE BY S.P. THROUGH THE SPE CBIversusUTTAMCHAND BOHRA

2021 INSC 855Dismissed

The CBI alleged that Uttamchand Bohra aided a senior income‑tax officer (A‑1) in acquiring a flat through a company, thereby helping the officer amass assets disproportionate to his known income. The prosecution’s case rested on Bohra’s custody of the sale deed and the fact that his employee …

K.S. RANGANATHAversusVITTAL SHETTY

2021 INSC 837Dismissed

The appellant, K.S. Ranganatha, was charged under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for the dishonour of a cheque issued to the respondent, Vittal Shetty, for a loan of Rs.3,75,000. The trial court acquitted the appellant, but the Karnataka High Court reversed the acquittal, finding that …

PARVEEN @ SONUversusTHE STATE OF HARYANA

2021 INSC 835Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Parveen @ Sonu, was convicted along with other accused for offences including criminal conspiracy (s.120‑B IPC) and murder (s.302 IPC) arising from an alleged attempt to rescue four prisoners being escorted by police on a train. The prosecution’s case relied mainly on the eye‑witness …

THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRAversusPANKAJ JAGSHI GANGAR

2021 INSC 824Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Maharashtra charged Pankaj Jagshi Gangar with offences under Sections 384, 386, 387 read with Section 34 of the IPC and under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for running a matka business, funding an international gangster and being an active member of an organised …

PHOOL SINGHversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2021 INSC 812Dismissed

The victim was alone at night when the accused entered her room and raped her. She reported the incident to her sister‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law, who did not believe her and even beat her, forcing her to go to her parental home where an FIR was lodged three days later. The trial court convicted the …

TAIJUDDINversusSTATE OF ASSAM & ORS.

2021 INSC 809Appeal(s) allowed

A land dispute led to a mob assault on Abdul Wahab, resulting in his death. Thirty‑two persons were convicted under sections 147, 148, 149, 302, 201 and related provisions of the IPC. The appellant, Taijuddin, was alleged to have merely pointed out the house where the victim was hiding; he was …

VINOD KUMARversusAMRITPAL @ CHHOTU & ORS.

2021 INSC 802Appeal(s) allowed

The accused five men were convicted by the Sessions Court for murder (Sec. 302 IPC) and related offences after violently assaulting the deceased Balveer Singh, causing multiple injuries to vital organs and ultimately his death. The High Court reduced the murder conviction to culpable homicide not …

PRADEEP S. WODEYARversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA

2021 INSC 798Dismissed

The appellants were accused of illegally purchasing, transporting and exporting iron ore without the requisite mining dispatch permits, violating the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and related environmental statutes. A Special Court, which is a Sessions Court, took …

HARI & ANR.versusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2021 INSC 792Disposed off

The case involved the brutal honour killing of a Jat girl, a Jatav boy and another Jatav youth who were tortured for twelve hours and murdered by a large group of villagers after the couple attempted an inter‑caste marriage. The trial court convicted 35 persons under IPC sections 147, 149, 302, 323, …

SURINDER SINGHversusSTATE (UNION TERRITORY OF CHANDIGARH)

2021 INSC 790Case Partly allowed

Head Constable Surinder Singh entered the complainant's residential office while intoxicated, drew his service pistol, aimed it at the complainant and fired a shot that struck the ceiling. The prosecution proved the bullet was fired from his pistol and that he intended to kill, despite no motive …

STATE OF RAJASTHANversusBABLU @ OM PRAKASH

2021 INSC 782Case Partly allowed

The case involved a violent assault on the house of an informant during Holi, resulting in the death of Dhanpal. Thirteen persons were charged under IPC sections 147, 148, 149, 450, 452, 302 and 307. The trial court convicted all of them, but the High Court upheld convictions only of two accused and …

ARVIND KUMAR @ NEMICHAND & ORS.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

2021 INSC 764Appeal(s) allowed

The case arose from a land‑dispute over a pathway between the prime accused Surjaram and the deceased Ladduram, which escalated into a violent clash on 18‑07‑1989 resulting in two deaths and several injuries. The trial courts and the High Court delivered mixed judgments, convicting some accused …

ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR INDIAversusSATISH AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 762Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined two convictions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act – one involving a 12‑year‑old girl (Satish) and another involving a 5‑year‑old girl (Libnus). The central issue was the interpretation of Section 7, specifically whether "touch" or "physical …

RISHIPAL SINGH SOLANKIversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS.

2021 INSC 752Dismissed

The appellant alleged that respondent No.2, Nishant Solanki, who was charged with serious offences including murder, was not a juvenile and challenged the Juvenile Justice Board's (JJ Board) declaration that he was a juvenile delinquent based on his matriculation certificate. The appellant argued …

JITUL JENTILAL KOTECHAversusSTATE OF GUJARAT AND ORS. ETC

2021 INSC 718Disposed off

The appellant filed a criminal complaint alleging fraud and extortion in a land‑title dispute, leading to an FIR under Sections 465, 467, 468 and 120B IPC. The respondents filed petitions under Section 482 of the CrPC seeking quashment of the FIR; the High Court allowed the petitions, quashing the …

SADAKAT KOTWAR AND ANR.versusTHE STATE OF JHARKHAND

2021 INSC 719Dismissed

The appellants, Sadakat Kotwar and another, were convicted for stabbing two victims, PW7 and PW8, with a dagger, causing grievous injuries to vital parts of the body. The prosecution presented ten witnesses, including the injured eye‑witnesses PW7 and PW8, whose testimonies were found reliable. The …

ALI AHMADversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR & ANR.

2021 INSC 723Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, who were convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC and sentenced to life imprisonment, were released on bail by the High Court under Section 389 of the CrPC while their appeals were pending. The complainant challenged this release, contending that the High Court failed to comply with …

IRAPPA SIDDAPPA MURGANNAVARversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2021 INSC 707Disposed off

The appellant, Irappa Siddappa Murgannavar, was convicted of raping and murdering a five‑year‑old girl, R, and disposing of her body in a stream. The prosecution relied on eyewitness accounts, the appellant’s own disclosure statement, and post‑mortem evidence to establish the crime. The Supreme …

BIJENDER @ MANDARversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2021 INSC 706Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Bijender @ Mandar was convicted under Sections 392 and 397 IPC for allegedly robbing a complainant and his nephew with pistols, based primarily on his own disclosure statement that led to the recovery of Rs.5,000, a red cloth and a passbook. The prosecution’s case lacked any …

BHOOPENDRA SINGHversusTHE STATE OF RAJASTHAN

2021 INSC 691Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, the son of a murdered village sarpanch, sought to overturn a High Court order that granted bail to the 60‑year‑old second respondent accused of conspiring in his father's murder. The prosecution alleged that the respondent used multiple SIM cards to communicate with a hired shooter, …

GANESANversusSTATE REP. BY STATION HOUSE OFFICER

2021 INSC 698Case Partly allowed

The case involved a robbery in which five accused, including Ganesan (A1) and Shanmugam (A3), allegedly used knives and iron rods to assault victims and steal cash and jewellery. The trial court convicted all accused under Section 397 IPC, imposing a minimum seven‑year term, and the conviction was …

MAHENDRA K CversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA & ANR.

2021 INSC 700Appeal(s) allowed

The case arose from the suicide of a driver who left a note alleging that his employer, a Special Land Acquisition Officer, had amassed wealth disproportionate to his known income and had threatened the driver, leading to his death. The driver’s brother filed a complaint, resulting in an FIR for …

THWAHA FASALversusUNION OF INDIA

2021 INSC 688Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined bail applications of two accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) for alleged offences under Sections 38, 39 and 13. The Court held that the charge‑sheet material did not show reasonable grounds to believe that the accusations under Sections 38 …

SHANTABEN BHURABHAI BHURIYAversusANAND ATHABHAI CHAUDHARI & ORS.

2021 INSC 674Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant filed a criminal complaint in 2013 alleging offences under the IPC and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. A magistrate took cognizance of the offences and committed the case to a Special Court constituted under Section 14 of the Atrocities …

MITESH KUMAR J. SHAversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS.

2021 INSC 675Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant-builder company entered into a Joint Development Agreement and a subsequent MoU with Respondent No.2 to develop a property and sell flats, but a dispute arose over the alleged sale of four excess flats beyond the agreed share. Respondent No.2 filed a criminal complaint alleging …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESHversusMAHENDRA ALIAS GOLU

2021 INSC 665Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed against the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order reducing Mahendra alias Golu’s conviction from attempt to commit rape under s.376(2)(f) read with s.511 IPC to a lesser offence of outraging modesty under s.354 IPC. The facts revealed that the accused lured two minor …

RAMAWATARversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2021 INSC 664Appeal(s) allowed

Ramawatar, a resident of a Madhya Pradesh village, was convicted under Section 3(1)(x) of the SC/ST Act for allegedly insulting his neighbour Prembai, a Scheduled Caste woman, during a property dispute. The parties later entered into a voluntary compromise and the complainant sought to withdraw the …

KAVITHA LANKESHversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS.

2021 INSC 654Appeal(s) allowed

The case arose from the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, investigated under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act, 2000 (KCOCA). The Commissioner of Police granted prior approval under Section 24(1)(a) to invoke Section 3 of KCOCA against several accused, including Mohan Nayak, based on …

PREM SHANKAR PRASADversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR & ANR.

2021 INSC 658Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Prem Shankar Prasad filed an FIR against respondent No.2 for offences under sections 406, 407, 468 and 506 IPC. An arrest warrant was issued, the accused absconded and a proclamation under s.82 CrPC was made, followed by proceedings under s.82‑83. The trial court dismissed the …

JASWANT SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB & ANR.

2021 INSC 650Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Jaswant Singh was named in an FIR for alleged cheating and breach of trust under Sections 406 and 420 IPC, arising from a dispute over a promised job placement in Italy. The complainant later settled the matter with the main accused Gurmeet Singh, and the offence against him was …

PRASHANT SINGH RAJPUTversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANR.

2021 INSC 645Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved the murder of Vikas Singh, for which an FIR was lodged by his brother‑in‑law, Prashant Singh Rajput. The accused Jogendra Singh and Suryabhan Singh sought anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the CrPC, which the High Court granted on the basis of a police report stating they were …

M/S GIMPEX PRIVATE LIMITEDversusMANOJ GOEL

2021 INSC 637Case Partly allowed

M/S Gimpex Private Limited sued Manoj Goel for dishonour of cheques under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. After the first set of cheques bounced, the parties entered into a deed of compromise in March 2013, under which new cheques were issued; those too were dishonoured, leading to a …

MANOJ MISHRA @ CHHOTKAUversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2021 INSC 640Case Partly allowed

The appellant was convicted for kidnapping, rape, and related offences after the father of a minor girl filed a complaint alleging that the appellant and others had enticed and assaulted his daughter. The trial court and the Allahabad High Court upheld convictions under Sections 363, 366, 376-D IPC …

SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRAversusPERRY KANSAGRA

2021 INSC 632Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a dispute over the custody of a minor child, Aditya, between his mother Smriti and father Perry, who had obtained custody in India based on a judgment dated 28 Oct 2020 and a subsequent order on 8 Dec 2020. The Court found that Perry had concealed material facts, failed to …

UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERSversusMETHU MEDA

2021 INSC 623Leave Granted & Allowed

Methu Meda, who had been provisionally selected as a Constable in the CISF, was denied training after a screening committee found him ineligible because his acquittal in a kidnapping case was not "honourable" but based on benefit of doubt and hostile witnesses. The appellant Union of India …

GEO VARGHESEversusTHE STATE OF RAJASTHAN & ANR.

2021 INSC 618Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a Physical Training Teacher, was charged under Section 306 IPC for alleged abetment of his student’s suicide, based on an FIR alleging harassment and insult. The High Court dismissed the appellant’s petition under Section 482 CrPC to quash the FIR, holding that the FIR disclosed a …

VIPAN KUMAR DHIRversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 598Disposed off

The father of a deceased woman filed a complaint alleging dowry harassment and murder, leading to FIRs against seven family members, including the mother‑in‑law. The mother‑in‑law, after being declared a proclaimed offender and absconding for over two years, obtained anticipatory bail from the High …

RAMGOPAL & ANR.versusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2021 INSC 568Disposed off

The appellants were convicted of offences under the IPC and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention) Act for assaulting the complainants in separate incidents in 2000 and 1995. After the convictions, the parties entered into amicable settlements, and the appellants sought to have the …

RAVINDRANATHA BAJPEversusMANGALORE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE LTD. & OTHERS ETC.

2021 INSC 555Dismissed

The appellant, Ravindranatha Bajpe, filed a private complaint alleging that two companies and their senior officers conspired to lay a water pipeline beneath his property, demolish a stone wall and cut down about 100 trees, causing loss of over Rs.27 lakh. The Judicial Magistrate issued summons …

SHRI MAHADEV MEENAversusPRAVEEN RATHORE AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 548Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Mahadev Meena, filed a complaint after his son, an IB officer, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The FIR alleged that the first respondent, Praveen Rathore, an anti‑corruption bureau constable, had a close relationship with the deceased's wife and was involved in a …

KALA SINGH @ GURNAM SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2021 INSC 519Case Partly allowed

The appellant Kala Singh and co-accused were involved in a sudden fight with the deceased, Shamber Singh, after a quarrel over a stolen pigeon while intoxicated. The co-accused struck the deceased on the head with a rod, causing death, after which the body was disposed of in a canal. The trial court …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusDALBIR SINGH

2021 INSC 520Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved Dalbir Singh, a constable of the CRPF, who was convicted in a criminal trial for firing his service weapon, leading to his dismissal from service. He was later acquitted by the High Court, reinstated, and subsequently faced a fresh departmental charge sheet alleging misuse of his …

BHAGWAN NARAYAN GAIKWADversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.

2021 INSC 503Dismissed

The appellant, Bhagwan Narayan Gaikwad, was convicted under IPC s.326 read with s.149 for violently amputating the victim's right arm and leg in 1993. The High Court upheld the conviction and sentenced him to five years' rigorous imprisonment and a monetary compensation under CrPC s.357. After …

KANCHAN SHARMAversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 496Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Kanchan Sharma, was charged under Section 306 of the IPC for abetment of suicide and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after the deceased, her brother-in-law, consumed poison at her house. The High Court rejected her application under Section 482 of the CrPC …

RAJYA VIDYUT PRASARAN NIGAM LIMITED AND ANOTHERversusANIL KANWARIYA

2021 INSC 490Appeal(s) allowed

Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. appointed Anil Kanwariya as a Technical Helper on probation. The employee concealed a prior conviction under Sections 341 and 323 IPC and filed a false declaration stating no criminal case was pending or any conviction. After police verification revealed …

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT, JODHPURversusAKASHDEEP MORYA & ANR.

2021 INSC 485Appeal(s) allowed

Akashdeep Morya applied for appointment as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Rajasthan. Four FIRs were lodged against him, charging him with offences under sections 324, 323, 341, 148, 149, 504 and 34 of the IPC; he was acquitted in all cases, but the acquittals were based on compromise and hostile …

MOHD. RAFIQ @ KALLUversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2021 INSC 481Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a truck driver, was stopped by Sub‑Inspector D.K. Tiwari who attempted to board the vehicle; the appellant pushed the officer, causing him to fall off and be run over by the truck's rear wheels, resulting in the officer's death. The trial court convicted the appellant of murder under …

VELLADURAIversusSTATE REPRESENTED BY THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE

2021 INSC 477Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, married to the deceased for 25 years, had a quarrel with his wife on the day she later ingested pesticide and died; the appellant also consumed pesticide and survived. He was convicted under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code for abetment of suicide and under Section 4(b) of the …

SIVASANKARANversusSANTHIMEENAL

2021 INSC 467Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant and respondent were married in 2002 but the marriage was never consummated and the parties lived apart for almost two decades. The appellant filed for divorce on the ground of cruelty; the trial court granted a decree on the basis of irretrievable breakdown, which was later set aside …

SHAKUNTALA SHUKLAversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 458Appeal(s) allowed

The widowed appellant challenged the Allahabad High Court's order that released four accused murderers on bail pending appeal against their life‑sentence convictions under IPC sections 302, 149, 201 r/w 120B. The Supreme Court observed that the High Court's order lacked clarity on submissions, …

GUMANSINH @ LALO @ RAJU BHIKHABHAI CHAUHAN & ANR.versusTHE STATE OF GUJARAT

2021 INSC 443Dismissed

The appellant husband and his mother-in-law were convicted under Sections 498A (cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the IPC for the suicide of their wife within eight months of marriage. The prosecution proved that the husband repeatedly demanded Rs.25,000 from the deceased's father, and upon …

SALIMBHAI HAMIDBHAI MEMONversusNITESHKUMAR MAGANBHAI PATEL & ANR.

2021 INSC 430Disposed off

The appellant and the first respondent were partners in a firm and later fell into a dispute involving alleged forgery of partnership documents and non‑payment of dues, leading to an FIR under Sections 405, 420, 465, 467, 468 and 471 IPC. The first respondent moved the Gujarat High Court under …

COMMISSIONER OF POLICEversusRAJ KUMAR

2021 INSC 423Appeal(s) allowed

The Commissioner of Police, Delhi appealed against a Delhi High Court order that directed the consideration of four candidates (Raj Kumar, Shiv Singh, Prem Singh Choudhary and Deepa Tomar) for appointment as constables despite their involvement in criminal cases. The candidates had either been …

MANJEET SINGHversusSTATE OF HARYANA & ORS.

2021 INSC 419Appeal(s) allowed

An FIR (No.477) recorded the death of Amarjit Singh and injuries to his nephew Manjeet Singh, naming five persons as perpetrators. Only one accused, Sartaj Singh, was charge‑sheeted; the other four private respondents were placed in column‑2. During trial, the victim (PW1) reiterated the allegations …

HARJIT SINGHversusINDERPREET SINGH @ INDER AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 418Leave Granted & Allowed

Harjit Singh filed an FIR alleging that his father was murdered by a group of accused, including Inderpreet Singh (respondent No.1), who was alleged to have orchestrated the conspiracy from jail using a mobile phone. The High Court granted bail to Inderpreet Singh, reasoning that he was not …

LALA @ANURAG PRAKASH AASREversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2021 INSC 415Dismissed

The appellant, Lala @ Anurag Prakash Aasre, was convicted for murder, unlawful assembly and related offences after a group assault with sharp weapons that resulted in the death of Balu Mandpe and injuries to several witnesses. The key dispute was that the appellant’s name was absent from the FIR, …

SARANYAversusBHARATHI AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 416Appeal(s) allowed

Saranya appealed the Madras High Court's order that quashed the chargesheet against Bharathi (respondent No.1) for offences under Sections 420, 302 r/w 109 IPC. The High Court had examined the evidence and concluded that the accused was likely to be convicted, thereby exercising its power under …

MADHAVversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2021 INSC 413Leave Granted & Allowed

The case involved three accused (A‑1, A‑2 and A‑3) who were convicted under IPC s.302 read with s.34 for the murder of A‑1’s brother. The prosecution alleged that the trio attacked the victim with a knife and lathis and that A‑2, after the killing, sent a false police report naming two other persons …

KAPTAN SINGHversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND OTHERS

2021 INSC 402Appeal(s) allowed

Kaptan Singh, acting as power of attorney for Munni Devi, filed a complaint alleging assault and other offences arising from a disputed sale of a plot. An FIR was registered, investigated, and a charge‑sheet was filed for offences under Sections 147, 148, 149, 406, 329 and 386 IPC. The accused filed …

PARUBAIversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2021 INSC 393Appeal(s) allowed

Parubai, the second wife of Gulab, was convicted under Sections 302 and 436 of the IPC for allegedly setting fire to the house that killed her husband's first wife Mandabai and two children. The prosecution's case relied on the fact that Parubai emerged uninjured, kerosene residues on a child's …

SURAJDEO MAHTO AND ANR.versusTHE STATE OF BIHAR

2021 INSC 379Case Partly allowed

The State of Bihar prosecuted Surajdeo Mahto (Appellant No.1) and Prakash Mahto (Appellant No.2) for the murder of Arun under sections 302 r/w 34 and 120B IPC, with Appellant No.1 also charged under section 364 IPC. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, chiefly the "last seen" theory, …

N.S. NANDIESHA REDDYversusKAVITHA MAHESH

2021 INSC 374Disposed off

The Karnataka High Court had declared the election of N.S. Nandiesha Reddy void under Section 100(1)(c) of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, and ordered the Registrar General to lodge a criminal complaint against Returning Officer Ashok Mensinkai under Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code …

BANKA SNEHA SHEELAversusTHE STATE OF TELANGANA & ORS.

2021 INSC 371Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioners challenged a preventive detention order issued under the Telangana Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1986 against the detenu, who was accused in five FIRs for cheating amounting to over Rs. 50 lakh. The State argued that the detenu's alleged activities threatened public order …

THE STATE OF KERALAversusK. AJITH & ORS.

2021 INSC 366Dismissed

During the 2015 Kerala budget presentation, several opposition MLAs climbed onto the Speaker's dais and damaged furniture, leading to a criminal case under IPC sections 427, 447, 34 and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. The public prosecutor sought to withdraw the prosecution …

LAKSHMAN SINGHversusSTATE OF BIHAR (NOW JHARKHAND)

2021 INSC 352Dismissed

The case arose from a violent incident at a polling booth where the accused, belonging to another village, attacked a voter slip issuer and his brother, using lathis and pistols, causing injuries to several witnesses. The trial court convicted the accused of voluntarily causing hurt under Section …

INDRA DEVIversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN & ANR.

2021 INSC 356Dismissed

Indra Devi alleged that a fraudulent land transaction involving a forged lease was carried out in collusion with municipal officials, including a clerk (Respondent No.2) who was not named in the FIR. Respondent No.2 sought protection under Section 197 of the CrPC, claiming his actions were performed …

SOMESH CHAURASIAversusSTATE OF M.P. & ANR.

2021 INSC 349Disposed off

The appellant Somesh Chaurasia sought cancellation of bail granted to the second respondent, who had been convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC and whose sentence was suspended under Section 389(1) CrPC. While the suspension was in force, an FIR (No. 143 of 2019) alleged that the second …

BRIJESH SINGHversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND OTHERS

2021 INSC 341Appeal(s) allowed

The trial court acquitted five accused persons of offences under Sections 302 read with 149, 304B and 498A of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The informant filed a criminal miscellaneous application under Section 378 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking leave to …

KUMER SINGHversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN & ANR

2021 INSC 343Appeal(s) allowed

The complainant, brother of the deceased Sumer Singh, challenged the High Court's grant of bail to three accused (Kamlesh, Arif and Bhojraj Singh) who were alleged to have participated in an unlawful assembly that brutally murdered Sumer Singh and injured his brother Vikram Singh, causing 26 and 11 …

RAKESH AND ANOTHERversusSTATE OF U.P. AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 321Dismissed

The appellants Rakesh and another were convicted under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of Bhishampal Singh, based primarily on the eye‑witness testimony of PW1 and PW2 and medical evidence. The appellants challenged the conviction, arguing that the ballistic …

SURENDRANversusSUB-INSPECTOR OF POLICE

2021 INSC 317Case Partly allowed

Surendran, a bus driver, caused a road accident on 16 February 1995 and was charged under Sections 279, 337 and 338 of the Indian Penal Code. The trial magistrate convicted him and sentenced him to six months' imprisonment and a fine of Rs.500, with a default month’s imprisonment for the fine under …

SHAIK AHMEDversusSTATE OF TELANGANA

2021 INSC 308Case Partly allowed

The appellant kidnapped a 13‑year‑old schoolboy and demanded a ransom of Rs 2 lakhs, but the prosecution failed to prove that he threatened the victim’s death or hurt, nor that his conduct created a reasonable apprehension of such harm. The Sessions Court and High Court convicted him under IPC …

MASSIMILANO LATORRE AND OTHERSversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

2021 INSC 306Disposed off

In February 2012 two Indian fishermen were killed when Italian marines aboard the vessel M.V. Enrica Lexie opened fire. An FIR was lodged in Kerala and the marines were arrested, leading to criminal proceedings under sections 302, 307, 427 and 34 of the IPC and the 2002 Suppression of Unlawful Acts …

VINOD DUAversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2021 INSC 304Case Partly allowed

Renowned journalist Vinod Dua was charged under sections 124A, 505(1)(b), 501, 268 of the IPC, sections 52 and 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and section 188 of the IPC for remarks made in a YouTube talk‑show about the COVID‑19 pandemic and alleged political use of the crisis. He filed a …

GURMEET SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2021 INSC 299Dismissed

Gurmeet Singh was convicted under Section 304‑B of the IPC for the dowry‑related death of his wife, who died after consuming poison within four years of marriage. The appellant challenged the conviction, arguing that the prosecution had not proved the "soon before" dowry demand, that the presumption …

SATBIR SINGH & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2021 INSC 301Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants were convicted for dowry death (Sec. 304B IPC) and abetment of suicide (Sec. 306 IPC) after the victim died from severe burns within a year of marriage, allegedly following dowry harassment. The Supreme Court examined whether the prosecution had proved the essential ingredients of …

SUNIL KUMAR @ SUDHIR KUMAR & ANR.versusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2021 INSC 298Case Partly allowed

The appellants Sunil Kumar and others were convicted under IPC sections 363, 366 and 376(1) and sentenced to separate terms of rigorous imprisonment without any indication whether the sentences should run concurrently or consecutively. Both the trial court and the High Court failed to specify the …

MALLAPPAversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2021 INSC 290Appeal(s) allowed

Mallappa was charged with murdering his brother Earappa by assault with a club. The trial court acquitted Mallappa and his son, but the Karnataka High Court reversed the acquittal and convicted Mallappa under Section 302 IPC. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined the reliability of the key …

JAYAMMA & ANRversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2021 INSC 287Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned the death of Jayamma, who suffered extensive burns and allegedly named four accused in a dying declaration. The trial court acquitted the accused, finding the prosecution failed to prove the homicide beyond reasonable doubt, especially given doubts about the victim’s fitness to …

ACHHAR SINGHversusSTATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

2021 INSC 289Dismissed

The appellants, Achhar Singh and Budhi Singh, were acquitted by the trial court of charges including murder, grievous hurt and rioting, but the Himachal Pradesh High Court set aside the acquittal and convicted them based on eye‑witness testimony and medical evidence. The Supreme Court examined …

SANJAY KUMAR RAIversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 292Directions issued

The appellant, Sanjay Kumar Rai, was charged under Sections 504 and 506 IPC for allegedly threatening a journalist and sought discharge under Section 239 CrPC, claiming the investigation was biased and the complainant’s testimony unreliable. The Chief Judicial Magistrate rejected the discharge …

CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER OF INDIAversusM.R VIJAYABHASKAR & ORS.

2021 INSC 286Disposed off

The Chief Election Commissioner (EC) sought an order restraining the media from reporting oral remarks made by the Madras High Court, which alleged that the EC was "singularly responsible for the second wave of COVID‑19" and should face murder charges. The High Court’s oral observations were not …

GURU DUTT PATHAKversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

2021 INSC 285Dismissed

The case concerns the murder of village Pradhan Ram Aasare Pathak, for which four accused were charged under IPC sections 302 and 34. The trial court acquitted all four, relying on alleged relationships among witnesses, lack of independent witnesses, disputed motive, and questions about the place of …

KALABHAI HAMIRBHAI KACHHOTversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

2021 INSC 274Dismissed

The appellants, three villagers, were convicted for the murder of Gokalbhai and the assault of two others after a quarrel over rent and animosity. The prosecution presented 32 witnesses, medical and post‑mortem reports, serological evidence and the testimony of injured witnesses who identified the …

PATAN JAMAL VALIversusTHE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

2021 INSC 272Disposed off

The appellant, a known acquaintance of the victim's family, entered the home of a blind Scheduled Caste woman and raped her, after which he was apprehended at the scene. The trial courts convicted him under Section 376(1) of the IPC and Section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes …

SUDHA SINGHversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 271Appeal(s) allowed

The accused, alleged to be a contract killer and member of an organized crime gang, was arrested under Section 3(1) of the U.P. Gangster and Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 for the murder of Rajnarain Singh. The Allahabad High Court granted him bail on liberal terms despite his prior …

RAMESH BHAVAN RATHODversusVISHANBHAI HIRABHAI MAKWANA MAKWANA (KOLI) & ANR.

2021 INSC 265Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined six bail orders granted by the Gujarat High Court to accused involved in a violent incident that resulted in five homicides. The Court held that the High Court failed to consider the seriousness and gravity of the offences, the role of each accused, and the material …

NEEHARIKA INFRASTRUCTURE PVT. LTD.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND OTHERS

2021 INSC 253Appeal(s) allowed

M/s Neeharika Infrastructure Pvt Ltd lodged an FIR alleging forgery and fraud against three respondents under several IPC sections. The respondents filed a petition under Article 226 and Section 482 of the CrPC seeking quashment of the FIR and obtained a blanket interim order from the Bombay High …

IFFCO TOKIO GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD.versusPEARL BEVERAGES LTD.

2021 INSC 247Appeal(s) allowed

Pearl Beverages' Porsche, insured with IFFCO Tokio, was destroyed in a high‑speed crash on 22 December 2007. The driver, Aman Bangia, was reported to have smelled of alcohol and was later convicted under IPC 279 for rash driving, but no breath or blood test was conducted. IFFCO Tokio denied the …

SONUversusSONU YADAV AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 225Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant filed a criminal appeal against the grant of bail to his brother-in-law, the first respondent, who was charged under Sections 498-A and 304-B of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for the unnatural death of his sister within a year of marriage. The Sessions Judge …

RAJENDRA @ RAJAPPA AND ORS.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2021 INSC 219Dismissed

The deceased was attacked with weapons by his relatives while returning from work, resulting in his death. The trial court acquitted accused A‑2 to A‑6, but the High Court convicted A‑2 to A‑5 under s.302 read with s.149 IPC, finding the witnesses’ testimony credible despite minor inconsistencies. …

PATRICIA MUKHIMversusSTATE OF MEGHALAYA & ORS.

2021 INSC 213Appeal(s) allowed

In July 2020, a group of tribal youths attacked non‑tribal youngsters playing basketball in Lawsohtun, Meghalaya. Journalist Patricia Mukhim posted a Facebook message condemning the attack and urging the state government and police to act, which was complained about as hate speech. An FIR was lodged …

THE STATE OF RAJASTHAN & ORS.versusLOVE KUSH MEENA

2021 INSC 208Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Rajasthan sought to appoint Love Kush Meena as a constable, but the recruitment advertisement disqualified candidates who were not honourably acquitted of offences involving moral turpitude or violence. Meena had been acquitted in a case under IPC sections 302, 323, 341 and 34 on the …

NETAJI ACHYUT SHINDE (PATIL) & ANR.versusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2021 INSC 200Dismissed

The case concerns the murder of Suhas on 5 July 2011, for which three accused—Netaji Achyut Shinde (A‑1), Samadhan Shinde (A‑2) and Balasaheb Shinde (A‑3)—were charged under Section 302 read with Section 34 IPC. A telephonic intimation at 17:45 was treated by the trial court as the FIR, leading to …

RAMESH ALIAS DAPINDER SINGHversusSTATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

2021 INSC 198Case Partly allowed

The appellant, Ramesh alias Dapinder Singh, was the driver of two maternal uncles (S and N) who assaulted the informant PW1 and his friends, resulting in the death of one friend. The trial court convicted all three accused under Sections 302, 323, and 324 read with Section 34 of the IPC, a …

THE STATE OF KERALAversusMAHESH

2021 INSC 195Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Kerala appealed against a Kerala High Court order that granted bail to Mahesh, who was accused of brutally murdering a young doctor in the presence of her father. The Sessions Court had denied bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, the risk of witness tampering, and the accused's …

APARNA BHAT & ORS.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 192Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a bail order that required the accused, who was charged with sexual harassment and related offences, to visit the complainant’s house, tie a rakhi, and give gifts as a condition of bail. The Court held that such conditions amount to judicial overreach, compel contact with …