Indian Penal Code

ANAND PRAKASHversusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

SAHELI, A WOMEN'S RESOURCES CENTRE, THROUGH MS. NALINI BHANOT AND ORS.versusCOMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELHI POLICE HEAD QUARTERS AND ORS.

The Women's Resources Centre SAHELI filed writ petitions under Article 32 on behalf of two tenants, Kamlesh Kumari and Maya Devi, alleging that police officers colluded with a landlord to evict them and brutally beat Kumari and her nine‑year‑old son Naresh, leading to the child's death. The petition …

STATE OF HARYANAversusPREM CHAND AND ORS.

The State of Haryana sought review of a Supreme Court judgment that confirmed the conviction of Prem Chand and others for rape under IPC Section 376 but reduced their sentences from ten to five years by invoking the proviso to Section 376(2) on the basis of the victim's conduct. The Court examined …

MRS. DHANALAKSHMIversusR. PRASANNA KUMAR AND ORS.

Mrs. Dhanalakshmi filed a criminal complaint before a Metropolitan Magistrate alleging that her husband, R. Pra. Anna Kumar, had committed bigamy and other offences by marrying another woman while divorce proceedings were pending. The High Court, invoking its inherent powers under Section 482 of the …

FOOD CORPORATION OF INDIAversusPROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER AND ANR.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was directed by the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Commissioner to deposit contributions for workers employed by contractors at its depots in Rajasthan. FCI contended that it was denied a reasonable opportunity to produce evidence identifying those workers …

GURBACHAN SINGHversusSATPAL SINGH & ORS.

Gurbachan Singh filed a special leave appeal after the Punjab & Haryana High Court acquitted Satpal Singh and others of abetment to suicide under Section 306 IPC. The deceased, Ravinder Kaur, had allegedly committed suicide by self‑immolation after severe dowry‑related harassment and taunts by her …

SMT. BIMLA RANIversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

The petition challenged a detention order issued under Section 3(2) read with 3(3) of the National Security Act, 1980 against Praveen Kumar Gupta, who was already in jail for an IPC 307 offence. The order was based on a solitary incident in which he shot a person, causing communal tension and an …

SMT. BHAGWANTI AND ANR.versusUNION OF INDIA

The widows of two retired government servants—Smt. Bhagwanti (ex‑Subedar) and Smt. Sharda Swamy (retired railway employee)—filed writ petitions under Article 32 seeking family pension after their husbands' deaths. The Union of India denied the pensions, relying on Rule 54(14)(b) of the Central Civil …

STATE OF U.P. THROUGH C.B.I. S.P.E. LUCKNOWversusR.K. SRIVASTAVA AND ANOTHER.

Two employees of a nationalised bank and two account‑holders were charged with conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption for allegedly withdrawing Rs.54,600 on the basis of false credit entries. The High Court quashed the proceedings against one employee, holding that the FIR, taken at face …

MADHU MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA

The petition under Article 32 sought relief for Gyasi Ram, a death‑row inmate whose mercy petitions had remained pending for about eight years due to administrative delays, including the pending petition of his accomplice Daya Ram. The Supreme Court examined whether such inordinate delay in …

ABDUL RAZAK NANNEKHAN PATHANversusPOLICE COMMISSIONER, AHMEDABAD & ANR.

Abdul Razak challenged a detention order issued under Section 3(1) of the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act, 1985, claiming the grounds were vague, irrelevant and violated Article 22(5) of the Constitution. The petitioner's grounds listed seven criminal cases and alleged use of deadly …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESHversusNARAYAN SINGH & ORS.

The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed the acquittal of lorry drivers, cleaners and a coolie who were intercepted while transporting fertiliser bags from Indore to Maharashtra without the permit required under the Fertiliser (Movement Control) Order, 1973. The trial court held that the prosecution had …

SHIVAJI DAYANU PATILversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Shivaji Patil was charged under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of Tulashiram Sutar. The prosecution's case rested solely on the testimony of the deceased's wife, Parvatibai, who claimed to have seen Patil strike her husband with a stick but did not disclose his identity to the …

A.S. MITTAL & ORS.versusSTATE OF U.P. & ORS.

The Lions Club organized an eye‑camp in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, inviting Dr. R.M. Sahay to perform cataract surgeries. Post‑operative intra‑ocular infections rendered many operated eyes permanently blind. Two social activists filed a public‑interest writ petition under Article 32 seeking compensation …

RASHIDMIYA @ CHHAVA AHMEDMIYA SHAIKversusPOLICE COMMISSIONER, AHMEDABAD & ANR.

The petitioner was detained under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti‑social Activities Act, 1985 on the grounds that he was a 'bootlegger' and a 'dangerous person' whose activities threatened public order. The detaining authority relied on four liquor‑related cases under the Bombay Prohibition Act and a …

BRIJ LALversusPREM CHAND & ANR.

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 …

ALLAUDDIN MIAN & ORS. SHARIF MIAN & ANR.versusSTATE OF BIHAR

The appellants, six members of an unlawful assembly, were convicted for the murder of two infant girls while attempting to kill the father, Baharan Mian. The trial court sentenced the two principal assailants (Accused Nos. 1 and 2) to death and the others to life imprisonment, later altering some …

MOHINDER SINGHversusSTATE OF HARYANA & ORS.

The Haryana Public Service Commission advertised recruitment for District Food and Supplies Officers, requiring five/three years of experience as an executive officer. Inspectors and Sub‑Inspectors of the Food and Supplies Department applied, but the Commission demanded a certificate from the State …

DHARAMDAS SHAMLAL AGARWALversusPOLICE COMMISSIONER & ANR.

The petitioner, D.S. Agarwal, was detained under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti‑Social Activities Act, 1985 on 17 September 1988 on the ground that he was a dangerous person likely to disturb public order. The grounds of detention listed five criminal cases, two of which (serial Nos. 2 and 3) were …

SURINDER KUMARversusUNION TERRITORY, CHANDIGARH

Surinder Kumar was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for stabbing PW 2 and his brother Nitya Nand, who died. He appealed, claiming the incident was a sudden quarrel and that Exception 4 to Section 300 IPC applied, reducing the offence to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The Supreme …

INDIA CARAT. PVT. LTD.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA & ANR.

India Carat Pvt Ltd filed a complaint alleging cheating and criminal breach of trust by its Divisional Manager, who misappropriated Rs 13.69 lakh. The police investigated and sent a ‘B’ report stating the matter was civil and no offence was made out. The Second Additional Chief Metropolitan …

STREE ATYACHAR VIRODHI PARISHAD ETC. ETC.versusDILIP NATHUMAL CHORDIA & ANR.

Chanda, a newly married woman, died from severe burns after a fire broke out in her in-laws' house; neighbours rescued her but she later succumbed to her injuries. Her parents alleged dowry harassment and filed a police report; the investigation led to a charge sheet under s.306 IPC read with s.34 …

SMT. TRIVENIBEN & -ORS.versusSTATE OF GUJARAT & ORS.

The petitioners, convicted of murder and sentenced to death, sought commutation to life imprisonment on the ground of an inordinate delay in execution. The Supreme Court examined conflicting precedents on whether a two‑year rule or any fixed period of delay makes a death sentence inexecutable. It …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS.versusSURINDER PAL SINGH

Surinder Pal Singh, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was accused of misappropriating twenty gold bricks recovered during an investigation and was charged under several IPC sections, the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Treasure‑Trove Act. The investigation was carried out by an Inspector of …

PRITHI CHANDversusSTATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Prithi Chand, an 18‑year‑old, was convicted of raping a girl aged 11‑12 years. The prosecution relied on the victim’s testimony, a medical certificate showing a torn hymen and profuse bleeding, and forensic analysis that found blood but no spermatozoa. The defence challenged the admissibility of a …

LALJI & ORS.versusSTATE OF U.P.

The case arose from a violent incident on 24 June 1975 in which members of an unlawful assembly assaulted and killed Girdhari Lal and Siddhu, and Minister Lal was also killed. The appellants Lalji, Mansa, Milkhi and Bhagwati were convicted under Section 302 read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal …

KIRAN BEDI & ORS.versusCOMMITTEE OF INQUIRY & ANR.

The Supreme Court examined a petition by Kiran Bedi and Jinder Singh challenging orders of a Committee of Inquiry that compelled them to appear for cross‑examination at the outset of the inquiry and led to complaints against them under Section 178 of the IPC. The Committee had treated them …

KEHAR SINGH AND ANR. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

Kehar Singh was convicted and sentenced to death for his role in the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. After his appeals and a review petition were dismissed, his son petitioned the President under Article 72 for a pardon, claiming innocence and seeking an oral hearing. The President …

SMT. ANGOORI DEVI FOR RAM RATANversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

Two Delhi Police personnel, Ram Ratan (Head Constable) and Hawa Singh (Constable), were arrested for assaulting a rickshaw puller and seizing TV parts, offences under IPC sections 392 and 34. While the criminal case was pending, the Commissioner of Police detained them under Section 3(2) of the …

STATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.versusKAILASH NATH ETC.

Kailash Nath, a retired Executive Engineer, was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act for the purchase of sign boards in 1979; the FIR was filed in 1985, three years after his retirement and six years after the alleged misconduct. He challenged the FIR invoking the third proviso of Rule …

STATE OF BIHARversusMURAD ALI KHAN, FARUKH SALAUDDIN & VIKRAM SINGH

The State of Bihar filed a complaint under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 alleging that the accused killed an elephant and removed its tusks. A Judicial Magistrate took cognizance of the offence and issued summons, while a parallel police investigation under the Indian Penal Code was ongoing. …

RAKESH CHANDRA NARAYANversusSTATE OF BIHAR

A public‑interest writ under Article 32 of the Constitution was filed concerning the deplorable conditions at the Mental Hospital, Kanke, Ranchi. The Court ordered the State of Bihar to file a counter‑affidavit and directed a Chief Judicial Magistrate to inspect the hospital, whose report revealed …

SUBE SINGH & ORS. ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF HARYANA & ORS.

The petitioners, adolescents under twenty‑one, were convicted of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to life imprisonment. They sought relief under Section 5 of the Punjab Borstal Act, 1926, which allows detention in a Borstal Institution in lieu of transportation or …

STATE OF WEST BENGAL & ANR.versusLAISAL HAQUE & ORS. ETC.

The case arose from a violent riot in which Laisal Haque and others entered an oil mill, opened fire and caused the death of Gulam Rabbani and injuries to several others. The Additional Sessions Judge convicted sixteen of the forty‑two accused under sections 148, 302 and 324 of the IPC, while …

DR. BALIRAM WAMAN HIRAYversusJUSTICE B. LENTIN AND OTHERS

The State of Maharashtra appointed Justice B. Lentin as a one‑man Commission of Inquiry to investigate the death of 14 patients at J.J. Hospital. The Commission found the appellant, Dr. Baliram Waman Hiray, gave contradictory evidence and issued a show‑cause notice for perjury under s.193 IPC read …

MOHD. AKHTAR HUSSAIN ALIAS IBRAHIM AHMED BHATTIversusASSISTANT COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS (PREVENTION) AHMEDABAD & ORS.

Mohd. Akhtar Hussain was first convicted under the Gold (Control) Act, 1968 for possession of 7,000 tolas of foreign‑marked gold and sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment with a fine. While serving that sentence, he was later convicted under the Customs Act, 1962 for smuggling gold worth …

HARI KISHAN & ANR.versusSUKHBIR SINGH & ORS.

Seven accused were convicted of offences including attempt to murder (s.307/149 IPC) and assault (s.325/149, s.323/149, s.148 IPC). The High Court acquitted them of the attempt to murder charge, released them on probation under s.360 CrPC, and ordered each to pay Rs.2,500 compensation to the victim …

JHUMMAMAL ALIAS DEVANDASversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ORS.

The appellant, Jhummamal, was leased a shop by the mortgagee and took possession on 7 August 1982, which was contested by respondent No.2. The police initiated proceedings under Section 145 of the CrPC, and the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate eventually ordered that Jhummamal be entitled to possession. …

KIRAN BEDI & ORS.versusCOMMITIEE OF INQUIRY & ANR.

A Committee of Inquiry was constituted to investigate incidents involving lawyers and police officers. The Committee directed that the petitioners, Kiran Bedi (DCP) and Jinder Singh (SI), be cross‑examined at the beginning of the inquiry, while three other officers who had received notices under …

STATE OF U.P.versusKRISHNA GOPAL & ANR.

The State of Uttar Pradesh charged Krishna Gopal and an associate with murder under IPC sections 302 and 34. The trial court convicted them based on two eye‑witnesses and the deceased's statements recorded as dying declarations, accepting that the victim remained conscious long enough to make those …

SARDAR HUSSAIN & ANR.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

The appellants, Sardar Hussain and a co‑accused, were charged with murdering Islam, the younger brother of PW 1, to conceal a fraudulent sale deed that purportedly transferred Islam's land to the wife of appellant No. 1. The prosecution relied solely on circumstantial evidence: a motive derived from …

KEHAR SINGH & ORS.versusSTATE (DELHI ADMN.)

The case arises from the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her security guards Beant Singh and Satwant Singh. The trial was held in Tihar Jail pursuant to a High Court notification. The Supreme Court considered whether the trial in jail violated the right to open …

SRINIVASA GOPALversusUNION TERRITORY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH (NOW STATE)

The appellant, an executive engineer, was charged under IPC sections 279, 304A and 338 for a fatal jeep accident in Arunachal Pradesh in November 1976. The magistrate initially took cognizance on the date of the police report, but the High Court held that cognizance was only taken on 31 March 1986, …

MAKHAN SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

Makhan Singh was convicted under IPC sections 302 and 201 for the murder of his father Banta Singh and grandson Seva Singh, based on alleged motive over land, a claim that he was the last person seen with the victims, an extra‑judicial confession to Amrik Singh, a statement under Evidence Act s.27 …

ISHWAR CHAND JAINversusHIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AND ANOTHER

The appellant, an Additional District and Sessions Judge on a two‑year probation, was dismissed after the High Court, relying on a vigilance inquiry and several complaints—including a Bar Association resolution—concluded his work and conduct were unsatisfactory. The appellant argued that his …

MOORTHYversusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

The appellant, a leprosy inspector, had an illicit relationship with Jayasambal, the wife of a doctor, which was terminated after their daughter discovered it. Aggrieved, the appellant watched a violent film and later attacked Jayasambal's house, killing her and her 12‑year‑old son and grievously …

A.R. ANTULAYversusR.S. NAYAK & ANR.

The appellant, a former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was prosecuted for corruption offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Supreme Court, in an earlier order dated 16.2.1984, suo motu transferred the case from the Special Judge to the Bombay High Court for …

LAXMI RAJ SHETTY AND ANR.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

Appellant No.1, Laxmi Raj Shetty, was convicted of murder, robbery and house trespass and sentenced to death, while his father, Appellant No.2, Shivram Shetty, was convicted of harbouring and possessing stolen property. The prosecution relied entirely on circumstantial evidence, including the …

KASHMERI DEVIversusDELHI ADMINISTRATION & ANR.

Kashmeri Devi, the widow of a tonga driver who died in police custody, alleged that two sub‑inspectors and two constables beat her husband to death after arresting him. A complaint was filed and the case was initially registered under IPC Section 302, later converted to Section 304 and subsequently …

BHUPINDER SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

Bhupinder Singh, his father Sher Singh and mother Mukhtiar Kaur were convicted of murdering Bhupinder's wife Gian Kaur by administering an organophosphorus poison, motivated by dowry demands. The trial and High Courts upheld the conviction of Bhupinder and Sher, acquitting Mukhtiar. On appeal, the …

AWADHESH & ANR.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The deceased Ram Pratap Singh was shot at an Octroi toll barrier; the State charged Awadhesh and Brajendra under IPC 302 read with 34 (and 307) based largely on the testimony of two eye‑witnesses, Rajendra Singh and Chhotey Bhaiya. The trial court found the eye‑witness accounts unreliable, noted …

USMANBHAI DAWOODBHAI MENON & ORS. ETC.versusSTATE OF GUJARAT

The appellants, Usmanbhai Menon and others, were arrested after an armed clash and produced before a Designated Court under the Terrorist & Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA). Their bail applications were rejected by the Designated Court, and they sought bail from the Gujarat High …

V REVATHIversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The petitioner, a wife, filed a writ under Article 32 challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 198(1) and 198(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, arguing that the provision allowing only the husband of an adulteress to file a complaint under Section 497 of the IPC discriminates against …

HARE KRISHNA SINGH & ORS. ETC.versusSTATE OF BIHAR

The case involved a murder at Sadar Hospital where Hare Krishna Singh and six others were alleged to have fired upon the deceased Jitendra Choudhary, resulting in his death. The appellants challenged their convictions on several grounds, including the prosecution’s failure to explain injuries …

RAMESH S/O CHOTALAL DALALversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The petitioners sought a writ of prohibition to stop the further telecast of the TV serial "Tamas", alleging that its content would incite communal violence and violate Articles 21 and 25 of the Constitution as well as Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and IPC sections 153A/153B. The serial, …

STATE OF PUNJABversusRAJ KUMAR

The respondent, an Assistant Sub‑Inspector, was caught taking a bribe and was investigated and charge‑sheeted in a criminal trial. He challenged the framing of charges on the ground that the investigation violated Rule 16.38 of the Punjab Police Rules. The High Court held the rule to be mandatory …

MADHAVRAO JIWAJI RAO SCINDIA & ANR. ETC.versusSAMBHAJIRAO CHANDROJIRAO ANGRE & ORS. ETC.

A trust was created by Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia, including a large house. Two officers of the trust, together with a trustee (the settlor's son) and his wife, were alleged to have forged tenancy documents in favor of the wife, constituting a breach of trust. A complaint was filed and the accused …

DARSHAN SINGH &. ANOTHERversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

The appellants, Darshan Singh and Buggar Singh, were convicted of murdering Mukand Singh, his wife Pritam Kaur and daughter Harbans Kaur. The prosecution alleged a property‑dispute motive, asserting that the accused sought to eliminate heirs to a share of agricultural land. The defence challenged …

JAGTAR SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.

The deceased Kamail Singh was attacked by his neighbour Paul Singh, who struck him repeatedly on the head with the handle of a tractor, causing his death. Two eyewitnesses, Jagtar Singh and Kuldip Singh, were present and identified the accused, and the tractor handle recovered from the scene was …

CHANDAN & OM PRAKASHversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

The case involved the murder of Smt. Dhaka, a widow, for which five persons were tried. One accused, Mam Chand, turned approver, and the prosecution relied solely on his testimony and on the recovery of articles, with no direct evidence linking the accused to the crime. The trial court convicted all …

SUBHASH CHANDversusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

Subhash Chand, an adolescent convicted of murder under IPC s.302 and sentenced to life imprisonment, filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking detention under the Punjab Borstal Act, 1926, relying on Hava Singh v. State of Haryana. The State opposed, arguing that the Act does not apply to …

SUSHIL KUMAR AND ORS.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

Sushil Kumar filed a civil suit and obtained a temporary injunction based on a copy of a partnership deed. The respondent alleged the deed was forged and lodged a police report, leading the magistrate to frame charges under IPC sections 465, 468, 120B and 420 but not under 471 and 474, citing …

SHOBHA RANIversusMADHUKAR REDDI

Shobha Rani, a postgraduate, filed for divorce from her husband Madhukar Reddi on the ground of cruelty, alleging repeated dowry demands by the husband and his parents. The trial court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed her petition, holding that the demands did not amount to harassment and …

HARI NATH AND ANR. ETC.versusSTATE OF U.P.

In November 1973 a dacoity occurred at Gangaram Yadav's house, resulting in the death of two brothers. The accused were arrested on 9 November 1973, but a test identification parade was conducted only on 5 March 1974, nearly four months later. Three eye‑witnesses, who were relatives of the victims, …

SUBHASH BHANDARI & ANR. ETC.versusDISTRICT MAGISTRATE, LUCKNOW & ORS.

The appellants, contractors for supplying ballast to the Public Works Department, were detained under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980 on grounds that they had attacked a rival contractor with firearms and grenades, allegedly to intimidate him and influence tendering. They challenged …

MITHILESH KUMARversusSRI R. VENKATARAMAN & ORS.

In the 1987 Presidential election, R. Venkataraman was declared elected. Candidate Mithilesh Kumar filed an election petition under the Presidential and Vice‑Presidential Elections Act, 1952, alleging that a whip issued by the Congress (I) party amounted to undue influence and vitiated the election. …

BAKHSHISH SINGH BRARversusSMT. GURMEJ KAUR AND ANR.

The petitioner, a police officer, was charged with several offences including murder and grievous hurt arising from a raid. He argued that under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code the court could not take cognizance or proceed with trial without a sanction under Section 197, which protects …

GULAB MEHRAversusSTATE OF U.P. & ORS.

Gulab Mehra, an under‑trial prisoner, was served with a detention order under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act while already in jail. He challenged the order on grounds that the detention grounds were vague, the detaining authority had not applied its mind, and that a preventive detention …

A.K. SUBBAIAH & ORS.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS.

The State Government filed a criminal complaint under s.500 IPC, with sanction under s.199(2) CrPC, alleging defamation of the Director General of Police. The trial court took cognizance and issued process against the appellants. The appellants filed a revision petition under s.397 and s.401 CrPC …

JAI PRAKASH AND ORS.versusSTATE OF HARYANA & ORS.

The petitioners, life convicts for murder, were released on bail pending appeal and were granted a remission of 19 months and 12 days while on bail. The State, relying on a Governor's order and a subsequent letter, excluded prisoners on bail or with suspended sentences from remission under paragraph …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusNARSA REDDY

The State of Karnataka charged Narsa Reddy and three others with murder and related offences. During the trial, two police officers were added as accused for disposing of the body, but they claimed that prosecution required prior sanction under Section 197 of the CrPC. The Sessions Judge rejected …

FAZAL GHOSI, WAHID, AYAZ AHMAD AND RIAZ AHMADversusSTATE OF U.P. & ORS.

Following the opening of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, communal agitation erupted and the petitioners were alleged to have incited violence, leading to their arrest on several IPC charges. While their bail applications were pending, the District Magistrate issued preventive detention orders under …

E. S. REDDIversusCHIEF SECRETARY, GOVT. OF A.P. & ANR.

The case concerned the suspension of IAS officer E.S. Reddi under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services Rules, which he challenged on the ground of arbitrariness under Article 14 of the Constitution, alleging that similarly situated officers were merely transferred. The Division Bench of the Andhra …

KAILASH KAURversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

Amandeep Kaur was brutally murdered by being doused with kerosene and set alight by her mother-in‑law, Kailash Kaur, and sister‑in‑law Mahinder Kaur, allegedly to extract additional dowry. The deceased’s dying declaration, a letter to her father detailing dowry harassment, and medical and police …

VINOD KUMARversusSTATE OF U.P.

Vinod Kumar, a college student, was convicted for leading a pre‑planned triple murder in 1973 and sentenced to life imprisonment under IPC s.302 read with s.149. He appealed, the High Court affirmed the conviction, and later obtained special leave to raise a belated claim that he was a child (under …

STATE OF HARYANAversusUTTAM ALIAS CHEAKU

The State of Haryana prosecuted Uttam alias Cheaku and three others for a highway robbery on the Delhi‑Jaipur road, during which the victims Om Parkash and his wife Jai Rani were assaulted, robbed and injured. The trial court, after detailed consideration of victim testimony and identification …

STATE OF U.P.versusNIYAMAT & ORS.

The respondents, led by Niyamat, attempted to rescue a suspect, Dharampuri, who had been taken into police custody. When constable Gauri Shanker fired three shots, the respondents perceived a reasonable threat of death or grievous injury and assaulted the constables, snatching a gun and cartridges, …

SUBASH SHIV SHANKARversusSTATE OF U.P.

The Supreme Court examined the murder convictions of Subash and Shiv Shankar under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The prosecution alleged a dispute over repair charges that led to a joint attack on the deceased, with eye‑witnesses identifying the accused in identification …

KANSA BEHERAversusSTATE OF ORISSA

The appellant Kansa Behera was charged with the murder of Bhatal Majhi, who was found dead with his throat cut after a land dispute with another accused, Jitrai Majhi. The prosecution relied on three pieces of circumstantial evidence: the appellant was seen with the deceased on the evening before …

RAMESH LAXMAN PARDESHIversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Ramesh Laxman Pardeshi and others were convicted of murder (s.302 IPC) for stabbing Sheroo Lala after a heated verbal exchange near Badshah's hand‑cart. The appellant argued that the stabbing was done in the heat of passion, provoked by vulgar words, without pre‑meditation or intention to cause …

STATE OF ORISSAversusBHAGABAN BARIK

The State of Orissa appealed the acquittal of Bhagaban Barik, who had struck a man with a lathi on the head, causing death. Barik claimed he acted in private defence of his property, believing the deceased to be a thief, and invoked section 79 of the IPC as a defence of mistake of fact. The Supreme …

TOTA SINGH & ANR.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

Four men were tried for murder and attempt to cause hurt under Sections 302, 34 and 323, 34 of the IPC. The Sessions Court acquitted them, finding the delay in reporting, lack of motive, and the unreliability of two eyewitnesses (PW2 and PW6) sufficient to raise doubt. The Punjab and Haryana High …

ASHARFI LAL & SONSversusSTATE OF U.P.

Asharfi Lal and Babu, real brothers, along with their sons, entered the house of Smt. Bulakan on the night of 13-14 August 1984 to settle a property dispute. They brutally murdered her two daughters, Kumari Sumati (14) and Kumari Kalkanta (20), using a gandasa and a banka, and attempted to kill Smt. …

MAHESH S/O. RAM NARAIN ETC.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The appellants, Ram Narayan and his son Mahesh, were convicted of murdering five persons in Madhya Pradesh in 1984. The murders were allegedly motivated by the marriage of a higher‑caste woman to a Harijan man, leading the accused to commit a series of brutal axe killings, including a neighbour and …

S.K. VISWAMBARANversusE. KOYAKUNJU & ORS.

The Supreme Court examined an appeal by Deputy Superintendent of Police S.K. Viswambaran (appellant) who sought expunction of adverse remarks made against him by the Kerala High Court in an order relating to petitions filed by two police officers (respondents). The High Court, while considering the …

PARAM HANS YADAV & SADANAND TRIPATHIversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ORS.

Param Hans Yadav and Sadanand Tripathi were convicted for the murder of Collector Mahesh Narain Prasad, Yadav having thrown a bomb and later confessing that he acted on Tripathi's orders. Yadav's confession, both judicial and extra‑judicial, was obtained after he was assaulted and was therefore not …

DR. (MRS.) VIJAYA MANOHAR ARBATversusKASHI RAO RAJARAM SAWAI AND ANR.

Dr. (Mrs.) Vijaya Manohar Arbat, a married medical practitioner, was sued by her father, Kashirao Rajaram Sawai, for maintenance under Section 125(1)(d) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, on the ground that he could not maintain himself. The trial magistrate and the Bombay High Court held the …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusKUPPUSWAMY GOWNDER

The State of Karnataka appealed against the Karnataka High Court's order quashing the conviction of Kuppuswamy Gounder for murder and assault. The High Court had set aside the conviction on the ground that the case had been transferred among Sessions Judges without a formal order under s.407 CrPC …

BISWANATH GHOSHversusSTATE OF WEST BENGAL & ORS.

The respondents, convicted under IPC sections 148, 302 and 149, appealed to the Calcutta High Court. The High Court admitted the appeal but, without receiving the Sessions Court records or fixing a hearing date, acquitted the respondents based on an alleged concession by the public prosecutor. The …

K. CH. PRASADversusSMT. J.VANALATHA DEVI AND ORS.

A complaint was filed against K. Ch. Prasad, an officer of a nationalised bank, under IPC sections 120(b), 467 and 471. The appellant objected that the prosecution could not proceed without prior sanction under CrPC section 197, arguing that he was a public servant whose removal required government …

JAWAHAR LAL SINGHversusNARESH SINGH & ORS.

Twenty‑five accused were tried for dacoity and murder under Section 396 of the IPC. Eye‑witnesses claimed to have identified the accused in lantern light, and the prosecution evidence was attributed to different accused. The Sessions Judge discarded the prosecution evidence and acquitted all …

TARSEM LALversusSTATE OF HARYANA

The appellant, a patwari, demanded Rs.200 for supplying copies of revenue records to a landowner, receiving Rs.50 in advance and promising the balance of Rs.150 on the registration date. The landowner paid the Rs.150 to the patwari, after which the Sub‑Divisional Officer, suspecting misconduct, laid …

BANK OF INDIAversusYETURI MAREDI SHANKER RAO & ANR.

The respondent, an accounts clerk at Bank of India, obtained a withdrawal form bearing forged signatures of account holder V. Suryakantam, presented it to the bank, withdrew Rs.6,000 and pocketed the money, signing the acknowledgment on the reverse. The trial court convicted him under sections 420, …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusKRISHNA ALIAS RAJU

Krishna alias Raju, a bus driver, was convicted of rash and negligent driving under IPC sections 279, 337, 304-A and Motor Vehicles Act sections 89(a) and 89(b) after his bus struck a bullock cart, causing one death and one injury. The magistrate imposed only nominal fines totaling Rs.345. The State …

MOHD. MUMTAZversusNANDINI SATPATHY AND ORS.

The case concerned an alleged misappropriation of funds collected for party souvenirs by the former Chief Minister of Orissa, Nandini Satpathy. After a vigilance case was filed and charges under the IPC were framed, the state government decided to withdraw politically motivated prosecutions. The …

STATE OF KERALAversusMATHAI VERGHESE & ORS.

The State of Kerala prosecuted six accused for forging and counterfeiting US dollar notes, alleging offences under Sections 120B, 489A, 489B, 489C, 420, 511 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The accused argued that Sections 489A and 489C apply only to Indian currency notes, relying on the definition …

STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESHversusGOWTHU RANGHUNAYAKULU AND ORS.

The State of Andhra Pradesh prosecuted ten accused for forming an unlawful assembly and murdering a man returning from a canal, with several eye‑witnesses (PW‑1, 3, 4, 6, 7) testifying to the gruesome attack. The Sessions Court convicted the accused under IPC sections 147, 148, 149 and 302, imposing …

ANANT SAKHARAM RAUT & ORS.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANR. ETC.

Anant Sakharm Raut was detained under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980 based on three criminal incidents for which cases were pending. At the time the detention order was issued, Raut had applied for bail in all three cases and had been released on bail on successive days, but the …

A.R. ANTULAYversusR.S. NAIK & ORS.

The petition sought revocation of special leave that had been granted by the Supreme Court in the presence of the respondents' counsel after hearing. The Court examined whether it could set aside its own order of special leave, considering the procedural propriety of the original grant and the …

STATE OF ASSAMversusMUHIM BARKATAKI & ANR

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 …

RAJ KUMAR SINGHversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ORS.

R.K. Singh was detained under section 12(2) of the Bihar Control of Crimes Act, 1981 on the ground that he was an anti‑social element habitually committing offences under Chapters XVI and XVII of the Indian Penal Code. The detention order was based on several incidents, including a raid in which he …

RAGHUBIR SINGH & OTHERS ETC.versusSTATE OF BIHAR

The petitioners, five accused including Simranjit Singh Mann, were arrested near the Indo‑Nepal border and charged with offences under the Indian Penal Code, while being detained under the National Security Act. They were granted bail under the proviso to Section 167(2) of the Criminal Procedure …

SAWAI SINGHversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

Sawai Singh, a Superintendent in the Rajasthan Government, was removed from service after a departmental inquiry found him guilty of favouring a candidate, manipulating a dummy candidate's withdrawal, and forging a nomination paper by erasing the word "panch". The inquiry relied on vague charges and …

R.S. NAYAKversusA.R. ANTULAY & ANR.

The Supreme Court examined a criminal appeal by R.S. Nayak against former Maharashtra Chief Minister A.R. Antulay concerning the framing of charges under sections 120B, 161, 165, 384, and 420 of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The trial judge had framed 21 charges and discharged the …

NIRANJAN PATNAIKversusSASHIBHUSAN KAR & ANR.

N. Patnaik, a mine licensee, was a prosecution witness in a case where the senior mining officer was convicted for accepting a bribe under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The Orissa High Court set aside the conviction but harshly described Patnaik and the manager as bribe‑givers and …

J.P. SHARMAversusVINOD KUMAR JAIN

The case arose from a complaint filed by the Deputy Chief Controller of Imports and Exports alleging that several directors of Jain Sudh Vanaspati Ltd. conspired to illegally import beef tallow in violation of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1947 and Section 120B of the IPC. The Delhi High …

SUK DAS & ANR.versusUNION TERRITORY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Suk Das and others were charged under IPC sections 506 and 34 for threatening a public servant. The appellant, being impoverished, could not afford a lawyer and was not informed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner that he was entitled to free legal aid at State expense. He was convicted and …

STATE OF WEST BENGAL & ORS.versusCALCUTTA HARDWARE STORES AND ORS.

The State seized about 600 metric tonnes of tin plates worth Rs.60 lakh from Calcutta Hardware Stores alleging violations of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the West Bengal Declaration of Stocks and Prices of Essential Commodities Order, 1977, and also invoked sections 1208 and 420 of the …

GOPAL & ORS.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

The case arose from a violent clash between local Harijan labourers and migrant workers hired by mirasdars during a paddy harvest dispute. On 25 December 1968, the deceased Packiriswami Pillai was attacked and fatally cut on the head and neck by the accused Gopal (A‑1) and others, as witnessed by …

S. GUIN & OTHERSversusGRINDLAYS BANK LTD.

The appellants were charged under IPC s.341 (wrongful restraint) and Banking Regulation Act s.36AD for allegedly obstructing bank officers at a Grindlays Bank branch. The Metropolitan Magistrate acquitted them in 1978. Grindlays Bank appealed; after a six‑year delay, the Calcutta High Court set …

SAMARESH BOSE AND ANR.versusAMAL MITRA AND ANR.

Samaresh Bose authored the novel "Prajapati" which was published in the Bengali journal Desh and later as a book. Amal Mitra complained that the work was obscene under IPC s.292 read with s.109, leading to the conviction of the author and the publisher Sitangshu Kumar Dasgupta by a magistrate and …

STATE DELHI (ADMINISTRATION)versusLAXMAN KUMAR & ORS.

The case concerned the death of Sudha, who was found burnt in a Delhi flat; the prosecution alleged that her mother‑in‑law Shakuntala and husband Laxman Kumar deliberately set her on fire to avoid dowry demands, while the defence claimed an accidental fire from a kerosene stove. The trial court …

SALIMKHAN SARDARKHANversusSTARE OF GUJARAT

A police constable was charged under IPC s.161 and the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly accepting a Rs 50 bribe from a taxi driver. The prosecution had laid a trap by treating the money with phenolphthalein, which turned rosy when tested, and recovered the notes from the constable's left …

SATYAVIR SINGH AND OTHERSversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS. ETC. ETC.

The appellants, employees of the Research and Analysis Wing, were dismissed under clause (b) of the second proviso to Article 311(2) of the Constitution and Rule 19 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, without a charge‑sheet or inquiry, after a violent …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESHversusLALLOO & OTHERS.

The State of Uttar Pradesh charged Laloo and three others with the murder of Babu Jaleshwar Singh on 24 September 1974. The prosecution relied on the testimony of three eye‑witnesses (PW1‑3), corroborative statements of PW5 and PW6, medical evidence of a fatal neck wound, and a First Information …

RAM AVTARversusTHE STATE (DELHI ADMINISTRATION)

The appellant, Ram Avtar, was charged under Section 302 IPC for allegedly strangling his wife. The trial court acquitted him, finding the circumstantial evidence insufficient, but the Delhi High Court reversed that decision and convicted him. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined whether the chain …

RAMESH BALKRISHNA KULKARNIversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The appellant, a Municipal Councillor, was convicted under Section 161 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 5(1)(d) and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He appealed, contending that a Municipal Councillor is not a "public servant" within the meaning of Section 21 of the IPC and therefore …

M/S. KRISHNA BUS SERVICE PVT. LTD. ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF HARYANA & ORS.

The Supreme Court examined whether a 1973 notification that conferred the powers of a Deputy Superintendent of Police under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 on the General Manager of Haryana Roadways was valid. The petitioners, private motor transport operators, argued that the appointment violated …

NARAYAN SINGH & ORS.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The appellants were convicted for the murder of Bhojraj, arising from a long-standing land dispute. The prosecution relied on the testimony of PW 11, the deceased's guard, who identified the attackers after a short delay, and on extra‑judicial confessions reported by PW 5 and PW 9 that an accused …

UNION OF INDIA AND ANOTHERversusTULSIRAM PATEL AND OTHERS

This Constitution Bench judgment interprets the second proviso to Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India, which allows dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank of a civil servant without an inquiry in three exceptional circumstances: conviction on a criminal charge, when it is not reasonably …

SMT. SOWMITHRI VISHNUversusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

The petitioner, a wife, filed a divorce on the ground of desertion and later challenged a criminal complaint filed by her husband under IPC s.497 accusing Dharma Ebenezer of adultery with her. She argued that s.497 violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution by discriminating against women and …

MS. JORDAN DIENGDEHversusS.S, CHOPRA

The wife, a Christian from the Khasi tribe and an Indian Foreign Service officer, married a Sikh husband under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872. She filed a petition under the Indian Divorce Act, 1869 seeking a declaration of nullity or judicial separation on the ground of her husband's …

AMRIT NAHATAversusUNION OF INDIA

Amrit Nahata filed a writ petition challenging sections of the Cinematograph Act and Censorship Rules and seeking certification of his film ‘Kissa Kursee Ka’. The Supreme Court ordered the film’s negatives and prints to be preserved and screened before five judges, but the film was not made …

POKAR RAMversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ANR

On 23 August 1983 Bhanwaria, the son of Pokar Ram, was shot and later died, leading to an FIR under sections 307, 447, 149, 148, 379 and 827 IPC, and subsequently an offence under section 302 IPC was added. The accused, Chandan Singh, was not arrested until 29 September 1983, when he applied for …

STATE OF GUJARATversusRAGHUNATH VAMANRAO BAXI

The respondent, an Income Tax Officer, was tried and convicted by a Special Judge for accepting a bribe of Rs.12,500 under Section 161 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 5(2) read with Section 5(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The prosecution relied on the testimony of two panch …

BHAGIRATH & ORSversusDELHI ADMINISTRATION

The appellants, Bhagirath and others, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, sought to have the 14 years they had already spent in jail as under‑trial prisoners set off against their life sentences, invoking Section 428 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Delhi High Court had rejected …

KAPOOR CHAND MAGANLAL CHANDERIAversusDELHI STATE (ADMINISTRATION)

Kapoor Chand, a British citizen of Indian origin, entered India with a car under the Carnet de Passage convention and later sought an import licence, altering an affidavit by changing "for three years" to "permanently". He was prosecuted under IPC s.420 read with s.511 (cheating) and related forgery …

HENRY WESTMULLER ROBERTS, ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF ASSAM & ORS. ETC.

In 1975 a nine‑year‑old boy, Sanjay, was kidnapped and murdered during a Holi festival in Tinsukhia, Assam. Henry Westmuller Roberts, Sunil Chandra Biswas and two others were arrested; all four made confessional statements before a Judicial Magistrate after being given only three hours for …

SHRISHAIL NAGESHI PAREversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The first accused in State of Maharashtra v. Shrishail Nageshi Pare was convicted of murder under Section 302 of the IPC by the Sessions Judge, a decision affirmed by the High Court. He filed Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No. 372 of 1985, challenging the High Court's view that an eye‑witness …

PRATIBHA RANIversusSURAJ KUMAR & ANR.

Pratibha Rani, an estranged wife, filed a criminal complaint under s.406 IPC alleging that her husband Suraj Kumar, his father, brothers and brother‑in‑law had misappropriated her stridhan (dowry) worth Rs.60,000 that was entrusted to them at the time of marriage. The Punjab & Haryana High Court …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESHversusRAM SAGAR YADAV AND ORS

The Uttar Pradesh State prosecuted four police officers for the death of Brijlal, who was arrested on a spurious charge and died in police custody after being beaten. The prosecution relied heavily on Brijlal's dying declaration to the magistrate, which identified the Station House Officer and …

RAMESH CHANDversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

Ramesh Chand was convicted under sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of Om Prakash based on the prosecution's claim that he, along with two others, stabbed the victim at night near Hindon Bridge and was found with a blood‑stained knife. The defence argued that Chand was …

MOHINDER SINGH AND ORS. ETC.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ANR.

Four persons were tried before a Sessions Judge for murder and related offences; Mohinder Singh was convicted under Section 304 IPC and sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment, while the other three were acquitted. The State appealed the acquittals and also appealed Mohinder Singh's …

KHILLI RAMversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

Khilli Ram, a Head Constable, was convicted under IPC s.161 and the Prevention of Corruption Act (sections 5(1)(d) and 5(2)) for allegedly accepting a bribe in a police‑trap. The prosecution relied on a decoy witness, two panch witnesses and several police officers, but many of these witnesses …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRAversusNARSINGRAO GANGARAM PIMPLE

The respondent, an Inspector of Police, was accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.2000 from a complainant (Rege) to suppress a case under the Bombay Prohibition Act. The prosecution proved the transaction through eyewitnesses, an ultraviolet powder test on the money and the accused's …

C. ELUMALAIversusSTATE OE TAMIL NADU

The Supreme Court considered a writ petition under Article 32 filed by C. Elumalai, an adolescent offender convicted of a capital offence and sentenced to life imprisonment, who was detained in a Borstal School under section 10-A of the Tamil Nadu Borstal Schools Act, 1925. The issue was whether the …

TULSI RAMversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

Tulsi Ram, a vendor of edible oil, was charged under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act after a public analyst found cottonseed oil mixed in his soybean oil. The analyst's report was forwarded to him 18 days after the prosecution was instituted, contrary to Rule 9A which requires the report to …

BANWAR LALversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

Four persons, including the appellant Banwar Lal, were tried for the murder of Gyanchand under Sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The Sessions Judge acquitted three accused and convicted only Kanahiya Lal, but the Rajasthan High Court set aside the acquittal of Banwar Lal, relying on the …

AJAY DIXIT, N.S.A. DETENU, THROUGH HIS NEXT FRIEND AND FATHER SHRI RAM NARAIN DIXIT (LODGED IN DISTRICT JAIL AGRA)versusSTATE OF U.P. AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court examined a writ petition under Article 32 challenging the detention of Ajay Dixit under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980. The District Magistrate had listed six past criminal incidents as grounds, alleging that Dixit was likely to act prejudicially to public order. …

VINAYAK ETC.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

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 …

STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESHversusVALLABHAPURAM RAVI

Vallabhapuram Ravi was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. While serving the sentence he was transferred by the Andhra Pradesh Government to a Borstal School under section 10‑A of the Andhra Borstal Schools Act, 1925, to remain there until he turned 23. When he was not released …

RAGHBIR SINGHversusSTATE OF HARYANA

Raghbir Singh was convicted in a Sessions case on 1 February 1980 for offences under Sections 307 and 459 of the IPC and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. While serving this sentence, he remained in judicial custody from 11 January 1980 for a separate case that later resulted in a conviction on 16 …

P. JAYAPPANversusS.K. PERUMAL, FIRST INCOME-TAX OFFICER, TUTICORIN

The petitioner, a proprietor of a food business, filed income‑tax returns that were later found to contain false statements and suppressed transactions after a search of his premises. Complaints were lodged against him under sections 276C and 277 of the Income‑Tax Act and sections 193 and 196 of the …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusSURENDER KOTIANKAR

The State of Karnataka appealed to the Supreme Court under Article 136 for special leave to challenge the Karnataka High Court's dismissal of its appeals against the conviction of Surender Kotiankar under Sections 408 and 477A of the Indian Penal Code. The High Court had rejected the State's request …

NIRMAL SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

Nirmal Singh, a Branch Manager of a cooperative bank, was dismissed after an inquiry into a fraudulent draft encashment. He challenged his dismissal, and the Government of Punjab referred his grievance to the Conciliation Officer, who recommended that the dispute be referred to a Labour Court. The …

STATE OF U.P.versusP.A. MADHU

The respondent, a union secretary, allegedly fired a pistol at a company manager outside an industrial tribunal, killing him. Three eye‑witnesses (PWs 5, 6 and 7) testified that they saw the shooting and that the accused was seized by them and the police. A cryptic telephonic message about the …

SHARAD BIRDHI CHAND SARDAversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The appellant Sharad Birdhichand Sarda was convicted of murder under s.302 IPC for allegedly poisoning his wife Manju with potassium cyanide and sentenced to death. The prosecution's case rested entirely on circumstantial evidence, including the deceased's letters, oral statements to relatives, and …

STATEversusJASPAL SINGH GILL

The respondents, including Jaspal Singh Gill, were charged under sections 3, 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 read with section 120‑B of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly passing classified military information to a foreign agency. While the trial was pending, Gill applied for bail before …

STATE OF U. P.versusSURESH CHANDRA SRIVASTAVA & ORS

In 1967, court staff removed used court‑fee stamps from old High Court files and reused them in new cases, prompting an investigation that led to charge‑sheets under sections 262, 263, 467, 471, 380, 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code. The accused contended that the offences under sections 467, …

RAMESH KUMARversusRAM KUMAR & ORS.

Ramesh Kumar and Ram Kumar were convicted by a Sessions Judge under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. On appeal, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, relying on a claim that Ram Kumar had gifted three acres of land to the victim's …

VIJAY NARAIN SINGHversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ORS

Vijay Narain Singh, who had been granted bail in a criminal trial for murder and related offences, was detained under Section 12(2) of the Bihar Control of Crimes Act, 1981 on the ground that he was an "anti‑social element". The State relied on three incidents (1975, 1982 and the pending murder …

VINOD CHATURVEDI ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The case concerned the alleged kidnapping and murder of Brindaban, son of PW‑1. Five persons were tried in 1973 and acquitted; a fresh investigation in 1977 led to the prosecution of Vinod Chaturvedi and co‑accused. The trial court again acquitted them, finding the eye‑witness testimony unreliable …

R. S. NAYAKversusA.R. ANTULAY

The appellant R.S. Nayak filed a private complaint against the respondent A.R. Antulay, then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, alleging corruption under Sections 161, 164, 165 IPC and Section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The complaint was initially dismissed for lack of a sanction under …

A.R. ANTULAYversusRAMDAS SRINIWAS NAYAK AND ANOTHER

The appellant, A.R. Antulay, challenged the jurisdiction of a Special Judge who had taken cognizance of corruption offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, based on a private complaint filed by the respondent, R.S. Nayak. The issues were whether a Special Judge could entertain a …

SADHU SINGH RODA S/O BUTA SINGH ETC.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

The petitioners, all serving life sentences, claimed that having satisfied the detention periods prescribed in Paragraph 516‑B of the Punjab Jail Manual, they were entitled to have their cases considered for premature release. They argued that Paragraph 516‑B is a statutory rule and cannot be …

CHARAN LAL SAHU & OTHERSversusGIANI ZAIL SINGH & ANOTHER

The Supreme Court examined three election petitions challenging the election of Giani Zail Singh as President of India. The petitioners, who had not been duly nominated as candidates under the Presidential and Vice‑Presidential Elections Act, 1952, claimed the returned candidate exercised undue …

BHAGIRATH SINGH S/O MAHIPAT SINGH JUDEJAversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

The appellant was charged under Section 307 IPC for stabbing a victim and was granted bail by the Sessions Judge. The State appealed, and the Gujarat High Court cancelled the bail, citing the victim's status as a social and political worker and the seriousness of the offence. The Supreme Court held …

JAI SINGHversusSARWAN SINGH & OTHERS

The respondents, members of the Harijan community, were convicted of murder and related offences for the killing of Dhian Singh, a Rajput, amid a land dispute between the two factions. While hearing the criminal appeal, the Punjab and Haryana High Court attempted to settle the underlying civil land …

GOPI NATH GHOSHversusSTATE OF WEST BENGAL

Gopinath Ghosh was convicted by a Sessions Court and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder under IPC sections 302 and 34. He later contended before the Supreme Court that he was a "child" under the West Bengal Children Act, 1959, being only 16‑17 years old at the time of the offence. The Court …

JETHSUR SURANGBHAIversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

Jethsur Surangbhai, Chairman of the Jasdan Taluka Sahkari Kharid Vechan Sangh Ltd, was charged under IPC sections 120B, 109, 408, 467 and 471 for alleged conspiracy to commit criminal breach of trust and related misappropriations. The charge of conspiracy failed and the Sessions Court acquitted all …

VISHWA MITTERversusO. P. PODDAR AND OTHERS

Vishwa Mitter, a dealer and constituted attorney of the owners of a registered trademark for beedies, filed a criminal complaint before a Sub‑Divisional Magistrate alleging offences under Sections 78 and 79 of the Trade and Merchandise Marks Act, 1958 and Section 420 of the IPC against several …

DEENA@DEEN DAYAL ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

The petitioners, sentenced to death for murder, challenged the constitutionality of Section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which mandates execution by hanging, alleging it is cruel, barbarous and violative of Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court examined whether hanging constitutes a …

STATE OF U.P.versusDR. G. K. GHOSH

The respondent, Dr. G.K. Ghosh, a government orthopaedic surgeon, was convicted by a Special Judge for demanding and accepting illegal gratification from a patient’s father under Section 5(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 and for criminal intimidation under Section 161 IPC. The …

ALIJAN MIAN AND ANOTHERversusDISTRICT MAGISTRATE, DHANBAD

The Supreme Court examined two writ petitions challenging orders of preventive detention under the National Security Act, 1980 issued against Alijan Mian and Jadunandan Sah, who were already in jail and likely to be released on bail. The detaining authority justified the detention on the ground …

STATE OF U.P.versusHARI RAM AND OTHERS

The respondents were convicted under s.302 read with s.34 IPC for murdering Rajinder Kumar. The High Court acquitted them, holding that the eye‑witness statements were inconsistent with the post‑mortem report, that the FIR omitted details about the use of spears as lathis, and that the witnesses …

GOPALAKRISHNA MENON AND ANOTHERversusD. RAJA REDDY AND ANOTHER

The appellants, a father and son, entered into a printing‑press agreement with the first respondent and later filed a civil suit for recovery of a deposit and damages, producing the original contract and a money receipt. The respondent complained that the signature on the receipt was forged, …

L. V. JADHAVversusSHANKARRAO ABASAHEB PAWAR & OTHERS

L.V. Jadhav, the father of the bride, complained that during his daughter's marriage the groom's father and son demanded Rs. 50,000 as dowry, threatening to halt the ceremonies. The Judicial Magistrate issued summonses, but the Bombay High Court quashed the proceedings, holding that no offence under …

DR. V. K. SAXENAversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND VICE VERSA

Dr. V.K. Saxena and a nurse, Bhagwati Singh, were convicted for the murder of Sudha, Saxena's wife. The Sessions Judge sentenced Saxena to death and the nurse to life imprisonment. The Allahabad High Court reduced Saxena's death sentence to life imprisonment and acquitted the nurse, citing a split …

SHIVAJI NARAYAN BACHHAVversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Shivaji Narayan Bachhav was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Sessions Judge. He appealed to the Bombay High Court, which dismissed the appeal in limine with a one‑word order, "dismissed." The appellant filed a Special Leave Petition under Article 136 …

VIRBHAN SINGH AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P.

The deceased wife was alleged to have been repeatedly harassed by her husband Virbhan Singh and his parents for being childless, leading them to murder her. The prosecution proved that she was assaulted, suffered multiple ante‑mortem injuries, and was subsequently hung to simulate suicide. Medical …

ASSISTANT COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS (PREVENTIVE) BOMBAYversusBABU MIYA SHEIKH IMAM AND ORS. ETC.

The Assistant Collector of Customs intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 194 ingots of silver, suspecting smuggling. The accused were convicted under several statutes, including section 135(1)(a)(ii) of the Customs Act, 1962. The Bombay High Court set aside the conviction under the Customs Act, …

JHARIA S/O MANIYAversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ANOTHER

The petitioner Jharia was convicted under IPC s.302 read with s.34 and sentenced to life imprisonment, a conviction upheld by the Rajasthan High Court while his co‑accused were acquitted. He applied for special leave to appeal to the Supreme Court under Article 136, but the petition was dismissed, …

MACHHL SINGH AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

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 …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRAversusCHANDRABHAN TALE

The case concerned three Maharashtra civil servants who, while under suspension, were convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act and sentenced to imprisonment but remained on bail and were never actually incarcerated. Under Rule 151 of the Bombay Civil Service Rules, 1959, a second proviso …

STATE OF U.P.versusPUSSU @ RAM KISHORE

The incident involved Pussu (alias Ram Kishore) and his associate Sheo Rakhan firing on Bankey Lal and his companions, resulting in Bankey Lal's death and injuries to witnesses. The trial court convicted Pussu under Section 302 IPC (murder) and related offences, sentencing him to death, later …

SHEIKH ZAKIRversusSTATE OF BIHAR

Sheikh Zakir was convicted under Section 376 of the IPC for raping Barki Devi, a married tribal woman. The prosecution's case rested on the victim's testimony, corroborated by her husband and two eyewitnesses who saw the appellant on the victim's body and fleeing the scene. The defence argued that …

BHARWADA BHOGINBHAI HIRJIBHAIversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

The appellant, a government servant, was convicted by the Sessions Court of rape, outraging modesty and wrongful confinement of two minor girls aged about 10‑12, and the High Court affirmed the convictions for confinement and outraging modesty while reducing the rape conviction to an attempt. He …

RAMJI SURJYA & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The appellants Ramji Surjya Padvi and Bhikji Surjya Padvi were charged under sections 302 and 34 of the IPC for the murder of Prabhat Singh. The trial court acquitted them, finding the sole eye‑witness, the victim's wife (PW‑2), unreliable due to contradictions, lack of corroboration, a 24‑hour …

RAM CHANDER AND ORS.versusSTATE OF HARYANA

The accused police officers were tried for murder, assault and creating false evidence after Balwant Singh died while in police custody. The Sessions Judge acquitted them, finding the prosecution’s case implausible and the evidence unreliable. On appeal, the High Court reversed the acquittal, …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusADIMURTHY ALIAS B. MOORTHY

A supervisor of the Karnataka Electricity Board discovered that the respondent had tampered with the electric meter to avoid recording consumption and lodged a complaint with the police. The trial magistrate acquitted the respondent, holding that the supervisor was not authorized under section 50 of …

BHAGWANT SINGHversusCOMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELHI

Bhagwant Singh, a senior Indian Revenue Service officer, filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution alleging that his daughter Gurinder Kaur was murdered in a dowry‑related dispute and that the Delhi police investigation was irregular, delayed and failed to collect crucial evidence. …

NAIB SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.

Naib Singh, originally sentenced to death for murder, had his sentence commuted to "imprisonment for life" and had served 22 years (including remissions). He claimed that life imprisonment could not be executed in Indian jails and that, after serving 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, he should be …

MANOHAR NATH KAULversusSTATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

Manohar Nath Kaul, a Regional Officer of the Directorate of Field Publicity, obtained air tickets in lieu of exchange orders and, contrary to rules, included the ticket costs in his travel allowance bills, receiving payment. He was prosecuted for cheating under IPC s.420 and argued that prosecution …

MITHU, ETC., ETC.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB ETC. ETC.

The Supreme Court examined the constitutionality of Section 303 of the Indian Penal Code, which mandates death for a murder committed by a person already serving a life sentence. The petitioners argued that the provision was arbitrary, discriminatory and denied the accused a fair procedure under …

DARSHAN SINGH @ BHASURI & ORS.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court examined the murder case of five persons and injuries to three others in Kaila village, where ten accused were tried under sections 302, 120B and 149 of the IPC. The prosecution relied on three eye‑witnesses, a dying declaration of Sohan Singh, and firearms recovered from the …

SHER SINGH & OTHERSversusTHE STATE OF PUNJAB

Sher Singh and others were convicted of murder under IPC s.302/34 and sentenced to death in 1977. After the High Court upheld the sentence and the Supreme Court dismissed their Special Leave Petition, the petitioners filed writ petitions under Art.32 claiming that a delay of more than two years in …

STATE OF U.P.versusLAXMI BRAHMAN & ANR.

The respondents, Laxmi Brahman and Naval Garg, were arrested for murder (IPC s.302) and surrendered before a magistrate on 2 November 1974. The investigating officer failed to file the charge‑sheet within the 60‑day limit prescribed by the then Section 167(2) of the Cr.P.C., and the respondents did …

EARABHADRAPPA ALIAS KRISHNAPPAversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

Earabhadrappa, alias Krishnappa, was employed as a domestic servant in Karnataka and on the night of 21-22 March 1979 strangulated his employer's wife, Bachamma, and robbed her of gold ornaments and silk sarees. He absconded and was apprehended a year later, after which he made a statement that led …

OM PRAKASH AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

The case involved the murder and dacoity of village Pradhan Mauji Lal. The prosecution alleged that nine accused entered the house at night, assaulted the deceased and his family, and looted property. The key issues were whether the first information report (FIR) was ante‑timed and whether Section …

BABU RAM AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

The Supreme Court examined an appeal by Babu Ram and others against the Allahabad High Court, which had set aside a Sessions Court acquittal and convicted the accused of murder under sections 302 and 34 IPC. The Sessions Court had found the prosecution's evidence weak, the witnesses unreliable, and …

STATE OF ASSAMversusMAFIZUDDIN AHMED

The State of Assam charged Sub‑Inspector Mafizuddin Ahmed with murder for allegedly pouring kerosene on his wife and setting her on fire. The prosecution relied on the victim's dying declaration recorded by a magistrate, an oral statement to her uncle, and the testimony of her 7‑year‑old son. The …

STATE OF RAJASTHANversusSUKHPAL SINGH & OTHERS

In March 1971, a group of armed dacoits looted the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur branch at Bayana, escaped in a stolen Ambassador car, and were later intercepted after the car crashed. The police recovered a black box containing Rs. 6,800 of the stolen cash, along with other incriminating items, …

SHEONANDAN PASWANversusSTATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court examined the withdrawal of a criminal case against the former Chief Minister of Bihar and others under Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The State had appointed a new special public prosecutor, L.P. Sinha, who applied to the Special Judge for permission to …

MAQSOODAN & OTHERSversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH [AND VICE-VERSA]

The case concerned the murder of Jadoo and injuries to three others during a waylaying by twelve accused. The trial court convicted eleven of the accused, including Maqsoodan, under sections 302, 307 and related provisions, sentencing Maqsoodan to death. On appeal, the Allahabad High Court reduced …

SMT. KANWAL SOODversusNAWAL KISHORE AND ANOTHER

R.C. Sood gifted a house to Anand Mayee Sangh with a stipulation that he could occupy it during his lifetime and, after his death, his widow could remain. The appellant, the widow of Sood's brother, was invited by Sood to live in the house in 1967 and continued to reside there after his death in …

PREM THAKURversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

Prem Thakur was charged with the murder of five co‑labourers and was convicted by the trial court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, receiving a death sentence under IPC sections 302 and 201. The prosecution's case rested solely on circumstantial evidence – a motive of theft, the appellant being …

KISHAN CHAND MANGALversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

Kishan Chand Mangal, a factory inspector, demanded a Rs.150 bribe from factory owner Rajendra Dutt, who filed a complaint. The Anti‑Corruption Department set a trap, marking the money with phenolphthalein and having two witnesses, Ram Babu and Keshar Mal, observe the hand‑over. The accused’s hands …

KARTAR SINGH AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF HARYANA THROUGH INSPECTOR GENERAL OF PRISON, CHANDIGARH

The petitioners, three life convicts incarcerated in Haryana, claimed that under‑section 428 of the Criminal Procedure Code the period of their pre‑conviction detention should be set off against their sentences, making them eligible for premature release under Para 516‑B of the Punjab/Haryana Jail …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRAversusRAMDAS SHRINIVAS NAYAK & ANR.

The State of Maharashtra filed a Special Leave Petition under Article 136 challenging a Bombay High Court order that the Governor should exercise his own discretion, not the advice of the Council of Ministers, when deciding whether to grant sanction under Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption …

UMESH CHANDRAversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

Umesh Chandra was charged under sections 364 and 302 IPC for an offence committed on 12 March 1973. He claimed to be a child (under 16) at the time and sought trial under the Rajasthan Children Act, 1970, which mandates that delinquent children be tried in a Children’s Court. The High Court held the …