Judgments of 2013

Nano Kishore Mishra was selected for a Short Service Commission in the Army Medical Corps but was denied because he was placed in Medical Category SHAPE‑II due to the amputation of his left ring finger. He contended that the injury occurred while he was on duty and therefore fell under the "active service" exception in…

The respondents purchased a plot and applied to the Rajasthan Municipal Corporation for conversion of land use from residential to commercial under the Rajasthan Municipalities (Change of Land Use) Rules, 2000. The corporation approved the conversion and issued a demand notice for conversion charges of Rs.5,70,300. The…

The State of Bihar settled a group of excise shops for retail sale of country liquor in favour of Nirmal Kumar Gupta on 5 June 2006. Under the Bihar Excise (Settlement of Licences for Retail Sale of Country/Spiced Country Liquor) Rules, 2004, Gupta was required to deposit one‑fourth of the annual licence fee as advance…

The appellant Venkatesha (A‑2) and co‑accused G. Venkatesh Murthy (A‑1) were convicted under IPC sections 302, 307, 427 read with s.34 and under the Explosive Substances Act, s.3 read with s.34 for planting a bomb in a hair‑salon to kill Muniraju (PW‑14). The bomb, placed by approver Hanif (A‑3) on their instructions, …

The appellants, a partnership firm, sued the defendant for recovery of advances allegedly given to him, relying on entries and the defendant's signatures in their cash book. The defendant denied ever borrowing and contested the signatures, but offered no specific denial in the pleadings and produced no documentary evid…

Rishipal was convicted by the trial court of murder (Sec. 302 IPC) and several offences under Sections 171, 201, 364, 420 IPC based largely on circumstantial evidence, with the victim's body never recovered. The High Court acquitted him of the murder charge while upholding the other convictions and altered the 364 conv…

The appellant, Harsha, claimed ownership of 14 cents of land in Attavar village and argued that his mother had leased the land to Bhagirathi Bai in 1953. Bhagirathi, the respondent, sought registration as an occupant under Section 45 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, asserting that she was a tenant‑agriculturist…

G.L. Batra, then Additional Secretary of the Lok Sabha, was appointed Chairman of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) under Article 316 of the Constitution. The State Government initially relaxed Regulation 6 of the HPSC (Conditions of Service) Regulations, 1972, fixing his remuneration at Rs.7,500 per month, …

The daughter of the complainant was married to Girdhari Lal and died of severe burn injuries within seven years of marriage. The prosecution alleged that she was subjected to cruelty and harassment by her husband and in‑laws in connection with dowry demands, leading to her death. The trial court convicted the husband u…

The appellant, proprietor of a hotel and restaurant, applied in 1992 for a foreign liquor bar licence, which remained pending for years and was finally granted a temporary licence in 2006. Respondents filed a public‑interest writ seeking cancellation of the licence, arguing that Rule 8 of the West Bengal Excise (Select…

The appellant, ONGC Ltd., challenged a High Court order that allowed the respondent, M/s Modern Construction, to claim interest on a decree from the date the suit was originally filed in 1986 before a court that lacked territorial jurisdiction. The Supreme Court held that when a plaint is returned under Order VII Rule …

The appellants, Gulam Sarbar and Dhiren Mahto, were convicted of murder under s.302 IPC and criminal conspiracy under s.120‑B IPC for the killing of Sant Kumar Sinha. The prosecution relied primarily on the testimony of a single eye‑witness (Dr. Gopal Prasad Sinha) and corroborative ocular and medical evidence to estab…

Surya Baksh Singh, a convicted offender, appealed his conviction before the High Court, which affirmed the conviction ex parte without his presence or counsel and rejected his request for remand. The Supreme Court examined the growing misuse of the appellate process whereby convicts obtain bail or exemption from surren…

The Supreme Court examined whether cooperative societies registered under the Kerala Co-operative Societies Act, 1969 are "public authorities" under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and thus bound to disclose information. The Court distinguished statutory bodies from bodies merely governed by statutes…

The plaintiffs filed a suit for specific performance, possession and injunction based on an agreement to sell dated 27 December 2000, which recited that physical possession of the land had been handed over to them. The defendants denied the execution of the agreement and the delivery of possession. The trial court held…

The appellant issued a cheque of Rs.69,500 that was dishonoured and was convicted under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, receiving a sentence of six months imprisonment and a compensation order of Rs.80,000 under Section 357(3) of the CrPC. The Calcutta High Court, on revision, set aside the imprisonment …

The father, a Class III employee of MGB Gramin Bank, died while in service on 19 April 2006 and his son applied for a compassionate appointment on 12 May 2006 under the 1983 scheme. While the application was pending, a new compassionate appointment scheme came into force on 12 June 2006, with clause 14 providing that a…

During the 1980s, amid terrorism in Punjab, the State recruited ex‑servicemen as Special Police Officers (SPOs) under Section 17 of the Police Act, 1861 to guard public‑sector banks, with their wages paid by the banks. The SPOs served for decades and sought regularisation as permanent police personnel, but the Senior S…

The complainant, Nasiruddin, alleged that he was shot in the legs by respondents 2‑4 during a family dispute, leading to a FIR under Section 326 IPC. The respondents sought anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the CrPC, and the Additional Sessions Judge granted it, stating that the injury was simple and the elements …

The plaintiffs filed a suit for a declaration that they were entitled to commissions and incentives from the defendant company. The defendants filed a written statement in 1994 and, in 1998, sought to amend it to claim a decree of Rs 4,19,509.43 and interest, essentially raising a set‑off claim. A single High Court jud…

The respondent, a re‑employed male nurse, claimed a special incentive increment for his wife's prior sterilisation, relying on a government policy that rewards small‑family norms. The Central Administrative Tribunal rejected his claim, citing a 2002 government policy that disallows the incentive for re‑employed persons…

The case concerned the integration of Leprosy Inspectors into the Tamil Nadu Health Department as Health Inspectors Grade I. The State issued G.O. No. 320 (1997) re-designating Leprosy Inspectors as Health Inspector Grade IB and later G.O. No. 382 (2007) attempted to grant them seniority and pay but placed them at the …

The appellants challenged the validity of Section 32‑A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which bars suspension, remission or commutation of any sentence awarded under the Act. The High Court had upheld the provision, denying the appellants any remission. The Supreme Court examined whether the…

The Bank of Maharashtra obtained a recovery certificate against Paper and Pulp Conversions Ltd. and, through the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), sold the company's movable assets, retaining a portion of the proceeds. The company was subsequently ordered to be wound up and an official liquidator was appointed. The workmen…

The case involved a violent land dispute in which twenty‑four accused, including the appellants, attacked a group working on disputed land, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. The trial court convicted twenty‑one accused under Sections 302, 149, 148 and 323 of the IPC, a decision affirmed by the High Court. O…

The accused were tried for murder, conspiracy and related offences arising from a property dispute. The trial court acquitted them, finding the conduct of two key witnesses – the deceased's mother‑in‑law and the deceased’s eleven‑year‑old daughter – to be unnaturally silent and therefore unreliable. The High Court reve…

The petitioners challenged the applicability of the Orissa Municipal Act, 1950 to Sundargarh district, a Scheduled Area, after the commencement of Part IX‑A of the Constitution. The Court held that Part IX‑A does not apply to Scheduled Areas unless extended by Parliament, which it has not been, and therefore the Act re…

The petitioners, two cousins, claimed membership in the Thakar Scheduled Tribe and sought a caste certificate, which was rejected by the Scheduled Tribe Certificate Scrutiny Committee. The Committee, after examining documentary evidence and a vigilance enquiry, found that the family’s historical records listed castes s…

The Delhi High Court, in a public‑interest writ, ordered manufacturers of drugs and cosmetics (other than life‑saving drugs) to display symbols indicating whether the product contained vegetarian or non‑vegetarian ingredients. The petitioners challenged this order, arguing that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules do …

The appellants Gurvail Singh and Jaj Singh were convicted under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the IPC for the murder of four members of a family during a property dispute. The trial court and the High Court sentenced them to death, holding the case to be "rarest of rare". On appeal, the Supreme Court examined whe…

The plaintiffs claimed ownership of a property purchased from the defendant, although the sale deed was unregistered, and filed a suit for permanent injunction together with an application under Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the CPC for interim relief. The trial court granted an interim injunction protecting the plaintiff …

The plaintiff, Sudish Prasad, filed a title suit claiming the entire property left by her father Sukai Mahto. The property had been managed by Bal Kishun Mahto, appointed guardian of the minor Sukai, who allegedly executed deeds and claimed an oral gift of a portion of the land. The trial court awarded the plaintiff on…

M/s Kalinga Mining Corporation (appellant) challenged the grant of a mining lease to the legal heirs of the deceased Dr. Sarojini Pradhan (respondent No.10). The High Court had earlier allowed the substitution of the legal heirs, dismissed an SLP against that order, and later upheld the lease grant. The appellant argue…

The appellant Vijay lodged a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act alleging that respondent Laxman had issued a cheque to repay a personal loan of Rs.1,15,000, which was later dishonoured for insufficient funds. Laxman contended that the cheque was a security deposit taken as part of a customary…

The appellants Parbin Ali and another were convicted under IPC sections 302 and 34 for the murder of Sakat Ali, based primarily on an oral dying declaration made by the deceased to his wife, father‑in‑law and relatives. The trial court and the Gauhati High Court upheld the conviction, finding the declaration credible d…

The appellant Raj Pal was convicted of murder under IPC s.302 read with s.34 for the killing of his rival's brother. The prosecution relied on eyewitness testimony of the deceased's brother and sister, medical reports indicating fatal injuries that could not be self‑inflicted, and the recovery of weapons. The appellant…

Sarabjit Singh filed a suit challenging a will, claiming co‑share in ancestral joint Hindu family property. The trial court declared the will void and decreed in his favour. On appeal by defendants 1‑4, the appellate court set aside that decree and dismissed the suit. Defendant No. 5, the brother of the plaintiff, file…

The respondents, who were initially appointed as apprentices/ITI trainees, claimed that the two‑year apprenticeship period should be counted as regular satisfactory service for the purpose of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, seeking a second ACP scale after twenty years of service. The employer argued that …

The appellant, a clerk in a travel agency, was convicted under sections 120B, 420, 511, 465 and 471 of the IPC for conspiring to obtain 42 passports using forged applications and documents. The prosecution alleged that the travel agency, run by a co‑accused, submitted ante‑dated applications with duplicate file numbers…

The State of Madhya Pradesh charged Pradeep Sharma and co‑accused with murder and conspiracy (IPC ss.302, 120B, 34) for allegedly poisoning the deceased. Both accused were declared absconders and proclaimed offenders under CrPC s.82, and the High Court granted them anticipatory bail under s.438. The Supreme Court exami…

The Supreme Court examined whether the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) could entertain challenges to regulations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) under Section 36 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. It held that the power conferred on TRAI by Sectio…

The appellant, Alsia Pardhi, filed a writ petition under Article 226 seeking the production of his 14‑year‑old niece, Rajnandani, alleging that forest officials had abducted her from a fish market. The State police, acting on the High Court's direction, recorded statements only of the forest officials and ignored eyewi…

The State of Rajasthan issued a notification on 23 January 2009 amending a 2008 notification that levied an environment and health cess on mineral rights, increasing the rate for rock phosphate and applying it retrospectively from 1 April 2008. Mining lease‑holders challenged the constitutional validity of the amendmen…

The appellant challenged the rejection of Jaswant Singh's nomination, arguing that despite being disqualified, he should be treated as a 'candidate' under Section 79(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and thus be joined as a respondent under Section 82(b) of the same Act in an election petition alleging c…

The respondent, B. Banerjee, a diesel driver medically decategorised in 2005, was posted as a Crew Controller performing permanent stationary duties. He claimed entitlement to the allowance in lieu of kilometreage (ALK) under the Railway Running Allowance Rules, 1981, arguing that his prior status as running staff prot…

The petitioner, a senior pilot with Indian Airlines, applied for voluntary retirement under the company's Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) on 7 November 1994, seeking to retire effective 12 November 1994. Regulation 12(b) of the Service Regulations required a three‑month notice and approval by the competent authority,…

The case arose from a complaint alleging that a senior police officer, V. Dinesh Reddy, had amassed disproportionate assets, which was later claimed to be forged and signed by a fictitious MP. An investigation led to a charge sheet against Umesh Kumar under IPC sections 468, 471, 120‑B and 201, and the appellant sought…

The Kurwai Nagar Panchayat constructed a bus stand on its own land and, invoking powers under the Madhya Pradesh Municipalities Act, imposed a parking fee of Rs 20 per day or Rs 600 per month on vehicle owners. The fee was challenged through a writ petition, which the High Court dismissed, but a Division Bench later se…

The respondent, Dalip Chand, worked in the Punjab Department of Education from 1965 to 1979 and then joined the Punjab School Education Board as Superintendent, serving there until his retirement in 2000. Upon superannuation he claimed pension under Regulation 6 of the Punjab School Education Board (Employees Pension, …

Rohilkhand Medical College, established in 2005, sought renewal of its MBBS intake for the 2008‑09 batch, but the Medical Council of India (MCI) repeatedly recommended non‑renewal due to deficiencies. Despite this, the Central Government granted permission after a central inspection team, which was later found by the C…

The State of Rajasthan prosecuted Santosh Savita under Section 302 IPC for allegedly burning his sister-in-law by pouring kerosene and igniting her saree. The deceased gave two dying declarations naming the accused, which were recorded by a police officer and a doctor without a magistrate’s presence. The High Court acq…

The petitioner, Nikhil Himthani, who completed his MBBS in a Uttarakhand medical college without entering through the State PMT, secured the 60th rank in the NEET‑PG for Uttarakhand and sought admission to a postgraduate medical seat. The State of Uttarakhand issued an Information Bulletin prescribing eligibility claus…

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Bakhshish Singh, his nephew Satbir Singh and Rachhpal Singh for the murder of Gurcharan Singh, who was stabbed while taking a morning walk in a park. The prosecution proved that Satbir and Rachhpal, identified by the victim's wife Kulwinder Kaur, carried out the stabbing, whil…

The petitioners, owners of residential houses in Mukundur village, claimed that seepage from a canal had caused damage to their homes and sought a mandamus directing the Land Acquisition Collector to complete acquisition proceedings as per a government letter. The High Court had ordered the Collector to pass awards, bu…

Rangi International Ltd appealed against orders of the Competition Commission and the Competition Appellate Tribunal that dismissed its claim of unfair trade practice under the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969. The Supreme Court observed that both the Commission and the Tribunal perform important qu…

The appellants had entered into two agreements in July 1999 and deposited earnest money with the respondents, who later offered to return the money. The appellants rejected the offer and sued for specific performance; the trial court granted it, but the Patna High Court denied specific performance and ordered a refund …

The appellant, a 36‑year‑old woman, suffered grievous injuries to her left leg and forearm when a motorcycle driven by the first respondent collided with her. She claimed compensation of Rs.3,50,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, citing loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses for a femora…

The appellant was convicted of murder, rape and kidnapping of a 4‑year‑old girl based solely on circumstantial evidence, including the testimony of four family members and forensic findings. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined the credibility of the witnesses, noting material contradictions, embellishments and incons…

The Supreme Court examined the legality of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) amid public opposition, focusing on whether the plant complied with environmental, coastal‑zone, and safety regulations. It held that the project was undertaken under the national nuclear policy reflected in the Atomic Energy Act, 1…

The appellant, a religious Mutt, held land that had been mortgaged in 1955 and 1967. After the Karnataka Certain Inams Abolition Act, 1977 abolished the inams, the Mutt was granted occupancy rights over the entire land on 11‑02‑1993. The mortgagees (respondents) claimed occupancy rights based on the old mortgages and r…

The State of Orissa granted a mining lease to MESCO Steels Ltd. for iron ore, but later a Director of Mines issued an intra‑departmental communication recommending reduction of the lease area due to overlapping claims and forest land. The State then issued a show‑cause notice to MESCO, which the company challenged in a…

The Department of AYUSH refused permission to several Indian‑medicine colleges to admit students for the 2011‑12 academic year, citing deficiencies in infrastructure and teaching staff. The colleges challenged the refusal in the High Court, which dismissed their petitions, leading to Special Leave Petitions before the …

The appellant, Rajamani, a professional driver, was caught transporting a large consignment of illicit liquor and was convicted under Section 55(a) of the Kerala Abkari Act. The trial court sentenced him to seven years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.1 lakh; the High Court reduced the term to five years but inc…

Madhabi Patra died after a ceremonial function and the prosecution alleged she was poisoned by her husband Joydeb Patra and his relatives. The trial court and the Calcutta High Court convicted the accused under IPC s.302 read with s.34, relying solely on the ocular testimony of the doctor who performed the post‑mortem …

The respondents, who were promoted to Scientific Officer in 1985, claimed eligibility for promotion to Assistant Director under the 25% promotion quota of the Uttar Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratories Technical Officers' Service Rules, 1987, having completed five years of service. The State of U.P. argued that the 19…

The State of Kerala challenged a Kerala High Court order that directed the Secretary of the General Education Department to verify the actual strength of students in all aided schools through police assistance, after a school was found to have obtained staff fixation orders through bogus admissions. The High Court had …

The respondent alleged that the appellant borrowed Rs.1,50,000 and issued a cheque which later bounced, invoking Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The trial court acquitted the appellant, finding the complainant's evidence riddled with contradictions and gaps, particularly regarding the loan amount, date, …

The appellant applied for the post of District and Sessions Judge (Entry Level) under the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service Rules, 2007 and was placed on the select list, but was not appointed because he was under 35 years of age. He challenged the decision before the High Court, which held that the 35‑year minimum…

Sister Mina Lalita Baruwa, a Catholic nun, alleged assault, molestation and gang rape during communal violence in Kandhamal. During the trial, PW‑18, a Sub‑Divisional Judicial Magistrate who conducted the test identification parade, gave a statement that conflicted with the official parade record (Exhibit‑8). The victi…

The Union of India challenged the quashing of charge sheets issued to senior income‑tax officers under Rule 14(3) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1965, arguing that the Finance Minister's approval for initiating disciplinary proceedings under Rule 14(2) also sufficed for the char…

The appellants, four accused, were charged with murder (s.302), voluntarily causing grievous hurt (s.324) and simple hurt (s.323) read with s.34 IPC for assaulting several witnesses and killing the deceased Rajinder Kumar. The trial court and High Court convicted all four under s.302 read with s.34, as well as under s.…

The appellant, Shridhar Namdeo Lawand, was convicted under Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and appealed to the High Court. The High Court disposed of the appeal without the appellant being present and without examining the evidence, relying solely on the State’s counsel. The Supreme Court he…

Abu Salem, an accused in the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts, was extradited from Portugal to India in 2005 on the assurance that he would not face the death penalty or imprisonment beyond 25 years. After his return, the Designated Court framed additional charges beyond those covered by the extradition, which Abu Salem argued …

The appellant, Sadananda Mondal, was charged along with 13 others for the murder of Bharat Mondal, who died from a gunshot wound during a picnic dispute. The trial court convicted eight accused, including the appellant, under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC, while the High Court acquitted all but the appellant. On appea…

The appellant-wife sought transfer of a divorce suit filed by her husband, pending in the Family Court, Hyderabad, to the Family Court, Kakinada where she is employed. The High Court rejected the transfer petition, reasoning that the wife was not indigent and could travel to Hyderabad. The Supreme Court held that the H…

The appellant, a civil servant of the State of Bihar, was granted a time‑bound promotion in 1998 effective from 1991, but the promotion was later deemed irregular because he had not passed the required promotional examination. In 2009 the government issued orders cancelling the promotion, prompting the appellant to fil…

The appellant challenged the Tamil Nadu government's distribution of free colour television sets, laptops, mixers, and other welfare items promised in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) election manifesto, alleging that the expenditure was unauthorized, violated Article 14 and amounted to a corrupt practice under Sect…

The appellant, an Assistant Wireless Operator in the Delhi Police, was charged with misconduct for refusing to open a locked cabin, shouting at an inspecting officer, not being in uniform, and snatching a log‑book. A disciplinary inquiry found him guilty and dismissed him; the dismissal was upheld by the appellate auth…

The case concerned two accused, Manoj and his father, charged with murder and criminal intimidation for the death of Sadashiv under Sections 302, 506 read with Section 34 of the IPC. The trial court convicted both of murder and intimidation; the High Court affirmed the murder conviction but set aside the intimidation c…

The appeal arose from the appellant, a driver of KSRTC, who failed to vacate a government quarter after being transferred and whose eviction order was upheld by the High Court but later set aside by the Supreme Court. The Court examined the effectiveness of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, …

The State of Karnataka appealed against the High Court's partial upholding of its 1994 Government Orders mandating mother‑tongue or Kannada as the medium of instruction in primary schools, which had been challenged by unaided English‑medium schools. The Supreme Court examined whether the State could compel the mother t…

V.K. Bansal, a director of several companies, was convicted under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for issuing cheques that were dishonoured while repaying loans from Haryana Financial Corporation. He received multiple imprisonment terms and fines and sought a direction under Sections 427 and 482 of the Co…

The State of Maharashtra acquired land for a polytechnic college and the Special Land Acquisition Officer awarded compensation of Rs 26.25 per square metre. The landowners sought a higher amount by invoking Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and the reference court enhanced the compensation to Rs 85 per squa…

Two traffic police officers intercepted a lorry on 4 January 1994, demanded Rs 100 to return the vehicle's documents and to refrain from filing a traffic case. The driver complained, a trap was set, and the co‑accused accepted the bribe, which was later recovered. Both were convicted under Sections 7 and 13(1)(d) read …

The appellant's son suffered convulsions and was treated by respondent No.1, an Ayurvedic practitioner, who advertised a total cure and allegedly prescribed allopathic medicines while claiming they were Ayurvedic. The treatment, conducted between 1994 and 1997, worsened the child's condition, leading the appellant to f…

The plaintiffs, owners of a building, filed three eviction suits against the same tenant. The first two suits (2004) sought eviction on the ground of non‑use for several years, while the third suit (2010) sought eviction on the ground of non‑use for a continuous period of at least six months immediately before the suit…

The husband of Dyamavva Yalgurdappa, a pump operator employed by Mormugao Port Trust, died in a road accident on 19 April 2003. The dependents filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 on 30 May 2003, while the employer later deposited compensation under Section 8 of the Workmen's Compensation Act…

The respondents were appointed as ad‑hoc Assistant Professors/Lecturers under section 3(3) of the Rajasthan Universities' Teachers and Officers (Selection for Appointment) Act, 1974, with their services renewed annually for more than two decades. After the University Pension Regulations, 1990 came into force, they opte…

Sat Pal, a Scheduled Caste candidate, appeared in the merit list for Junior Engineer (Civil) Grade‑II posts and sought appointment after a higher‑ranked candidate, Trilok Nath, declined the offer. The High Court directed the State to consider his claim, which the State rejected on the ground that the waiting list had e…

The appellant, Sunder @ Sundararajan, was convicted of kidnapping a seven‑year‑old boy for ransom and subsequently murdering him. The prosecution relied on eyewitness identification, phone‑call records, a confessional statement, and forensic evidence. The key issue was whether circumstantial evidence could establish th…

The deceased Basanti Devi died from severe burns allegedly inflicted by her in‑laws after a dowry demand for a cow and a gold ring. The prosecution's case rested on a dying declaration recorded by an ASI and the statements of the deceased's mother (PW‑13) and brother (PW‑14), who were interested witnesses. The trial co…

The appellant, a contractor, entered into five irrigation contracts with the State of Maharashtra in 1983. After abandoning the work in 1985, he sought damages and later invoked Clause 30 of the contracts, claiming it was an arbitration clause that made the Superintending Engineer’s decision binding as an arbitral awar…

The respondent, a physically handicapped employee of BSNL, had opted for the Telecom Operating Assistant (TOA) cadre after a 1992 restructuring and later applied for promotion under the physically handicapped reservation quota. His claim was rejected, and the Chief Commissioner, exercising powers under Section 59 of th…

The appellant, Kulja Industries Ltd., supplied telecom equipment to BSNL under two tenders. BSNL later alleged that the appellant, in collusion with BSNL officials, received excess payments of Rs 7.98 crore through duplicate bills and blacklisted the appellant permanently. The appellant challenged the blacklisting, arg…

The respondent, an Upper Division Clerk in a Kendriya Vidyalaya, was found to have entered the Principal's office while fully drunk during duty hours, an act admitted by him. A disciplinary authority, after his admission, imposed removal from service under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. The High Court late…

In 1995 Ajahar Ali forcibly grabbed the hair of 16‑year‑old Nasima Begum, kissed her and caused a cut on her lip. He was convicted under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to six months’ simple imprisonment and a fine. The appellant appealed, arguing that the 18‑year delay, his juvenile status at the ti…

The case involved thirteen accused charged under IPC sections 302, 148, 149 and the Explosive Substances Act for the murder of Y. Ramachandra Reddy. The trial court convicted six of them (A‑1 to A‑6) while acquitting the rest; the High Court later reversed this, acquitting all six. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined…

The case concerned the acquisition of land in Pune for the extension of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market yard, designated for a "Bamboo Trade and Flea Market". The land owners and Mutha Associates failed to object during the planning and acquisition stages and only challenged the award after poss…

The case arose from the alleged torture and rape of a woman (PW‑3) by police officials after she was taken for interrogation on 9 February 1989. PW‑3 filed a petition to the Governor, a criminal complaint before a magistrate, and later testified in trial, alleging that she was detained overnight and raped, with her hus…

The case arose from a violent clash over disputed agricultural land in Patiala, where a mob allegedly armed with firearms and sharp‑edged weapons fired on the complainant party, killing Amrik Singh and his son Vikramjit Singh. The trial court convicted eight accused under Sections 302 and 307 IPC and the Arms Act, and …

The Union of India challenged the Delhi High Court's order setting aside price‑fixation notifications for Doxofylline formulations, arguing that Doxofylline is a derivative of the scheduled bulk drug Theophylline. The respondents contended that Doxofylline is a new chemical entity not listed in the First Schedule of th…

The appellant Rajaram Prasad Yadav was convicted for offences under Sections 324, 307 and 34 IPC. After the trial, the second respondent (the informant PW‑9) sought re‑examination under Section 311 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, alleging coercion. The trial court dismissed the application, but the High Court allowe…

The appellant Ganga Singh was charged with rape under Section 376 IPC for allegedly assaulting PW‑5, the prosecutrix, in a field. The trial court acquitted him, holding that the sexual intercourse was consensual, but the High Court convicted him based on the prosecutrix's testimony, corroborated by her mother‑in‑law’s …

The appellant, a bank clerk promoted to assistant manager, was suspended in 1982 and charged with four misconduct allegations. An enquiry officer investigated and exonerated him on all charges, but the disciplinary authority disagreed on two charges and dismissed him without recording reasons or giving him a chance to …

The appellant, a husband, was charged with murdering his wife by smothering her in their rented house. Medical evidence established death by asphyxia, not suicide or rape. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence: the wife was found dead in a locked room, the husband was present in the house the previous night…

The appellant, Khachar Dipu, was accused of dashing his motor vehicle into the deceased's bicycle, throwing him off, tying him to the vehicle and dragging the body for several kilometres, resulting in fatal injuries. The trial court convicted him under Section 304 Part I IPC, sentencing him to five years' rigorous impr…

Bhagwati Developers Pvt. Ltd. (the appellant) sought to revive a winding‑up petition filed under Sections 397 and 398 of the Companies Act, 1956 by two shareholders with its consent after the original petitioners withdrew their appeals. The High Court dismissed the appellant's applications, holding that the withdrawal …

The workmen of Bajaj Auto Ltd. alleged that the company repeatedly employed them on temporary contracts for seven months each year from 1990 to 1999, terminating them before they could acquire permanent status, thereby violating Item 6 of Schedule IV of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Union and Prevention of Unfai…

The Voluntary Health Association of Punjab filed a writ petition seeking effective implementation of the Pre‑Conception and Pre‑Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex‑Selection) Act, 1994, alleging that many states had failed to enforce its provisions and that sex‑selective abortions continued unabated. The Co…

The petitioners, two advocates, sought a writ of quo warranto to quash the appointment of a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on the ground that a criminal case was pending against him and that the consultative process had failed to consider this. The Court examined the distinction between eligibility (objective) …

The appellant, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was convicted for the murder of Praveen (the deceased) and for criminal conspiracy under IPC s.302 r.w. s.1208. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, including DNA identification of the dismembered body parts, recovery of the weapon (a chopper) and a van at…

Vandana Tayade, a married woman, was allegedly burnt to death by her mother‑in‑law and two sisters‑in‑law after being harassed for being childless. The prosecution relied on four dying declarations made by the deceased, all implicating the mother‑in‑law and sisters‑in‑law, and on oral testimony of relatives and medical…

Cine Exhibition Pvt. Ltd. filed Interlocutory Applications No.5 and 6 under Order XVIII Rule 5 seeking clarification or modification of a Supreme Court judgment dated 11 January 2012. The applications aimed to alter specific paragraphs, obtain official records, and modify operative directions concerning the Gwalior Dev…

The petitioners, representing families of alleged victims of extra‑judicial killings in Manipur, claimed that between 1979 and 2012 over 1,500 people were unlawfully killed by police or security forces, violating the right to life under Article 21. The State of Manipur and the Union of India contended that the killings…

The appellants, A-1 and A-2, were charged with murder of Ramaiah under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC, alleged to have acted with a common intention motivated by personal enmity. The trial court acquitted them, but the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court reversed the acquittal, relying on eye‑witness testimony, medi…

The Supreme Court examined a suit for specific performance of a 1970 agreement to sell a Delhi bungalow. The plaintiffs argued they were ready to fulfil their obligations, while the defendant claimed the suit was time‑barred and that the plaintiffs breached clause 7 by not paying an additional Rs 1 lakh. The Court held…

The parents of a 24‑year‑old bachelor who died in a motor‑vehicle accident filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation. The Motor Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 24,65,668 after deducting one‑third of the deceased’s income for personal expenses and applying a multiplier of 17. The Ma…

The case concerned a disciplinary proceeding against the late Virendra Lal, an Assistant Engineer of the U.P. State Electricity Board (UPSEB), who was found guilty of misconduct and ordered to have 10% of his pension deducted. The petitioner, U.P. Power Corporation Ltd., challenged the order, arguing that the Chairman …

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission fixed electricity tariffs in 2001 and issued several directions to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board. The Board did not fully comply and the Commission imposed a Rs 5,000 penalty. The Board appealed to the High Court under Section 27 of the Electri…

The deceased Nazirbhai, a 25‑year‑old skilled polisher earning Rs 4,000‑5,000 per month, was killed by an Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service bus. His legal representatives filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 3,51,300 based on a notio…

The Supreme Court examined whether its own orders dated 11 April 2011 and 9 November 2012, issued under Articles 136 and 142 while monitoring the 2G spectrum scam investigation, could be recalled. The petitioners argued that the orders infringed their right to approach the High Courts under Articles 226, 227 and Sectio…

The Supreme Court reviewed its own September 2012 judgment that upheld Sections 12(5), 12(6), 15(5) and 15(6) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, on the ground that the earlier decision contained a manifest error of law. The Court held that the provisions merely require persons of eminence with wide knowledge and ex…

Harjit Kaur, a married woman, died on 6 April 1990 after alleged dowry harassment by her husband and father‑in‑law (the appellant). The prosecution charged both accused under IPC sections 498A (cruelty) and 3048 (dowry death). While the Sessions Court convicted them under both sections and the High Court reduced the 30…

The case arose from a land‑use dispute in Lagadwadi village where the accused assaulted the complainant (PW4) and his father with a cycle chain and stones, causing the father's death. The trial court convicted the accused under Sections 302 and 324 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, relying on the testimony…

The appellant, Kashi Vishwanath, was convicted under Sections 498A and 302 read with 34 of the IPC for the death of his wife, who died from burn injuries. The prosecution's case rested on three dying declarations (Ex.P.12, Ex.P.22, Ex.P.29) that were recorded in Kannada despite the victim speaking only Telugu, and whic…

The State of Himachal Pradesh prosecuted Jai Chand and two others for the murder of his wife under Sections 302, 34 and 498‑A IPC. The trial court convicted Jai Chand, but the Himachal Pradesh High Court acquitted him, rejecting the post‑mortem doctor’s testimony and other material witnesses. On appeal, the Supreme Cou…

Swarn Kaur, the wife of the deceased Jeet Singh, appealed against the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s acquittal of five accused who were convicted by the trial court for the death of her husband. The prosecution proved that the accused, who had taken the deceased as a cook on a pilgrimage, beat him brutally, tied his han…

The Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, a university created under the 1995 Act to impart Vedic and other education, challenged the Amendment Act 5 of 2000 which altered Section 4(1) to restrict instruction to Vedic learning only, deleted the phrase “dissemination of knowledge”, and added a proviso requiring St…

The case concerned whether Supervisors in the Andhra Pradesh Engineering Service could be granted retrospective seniority when they were appointed as Junior Engineers under G.O.Ms No. 54 dated 15‑02‑1983. The Supreme Court held that while statutory rules may have retrospective effect, such retroactivity must satisfy Ar…

The petitioners sought an interim order declaring that the acquisition of a "cessed" building by MHADA under Chapter VIII‑A of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976 was no longer necessary, as the landlord and tenants had entered into a development agreement while the substantive constitutional challen…

Shri Lal Mahal Ltd., the seller, sought to resist enforcement of two foreign appeal awards (Nos. 3782 and 3783) passed by the Board of Appeal of the Grain and Feed Trade Association, London, on the ground that the awards contravened the contract and were contrary to public policy of India. The Delhi High Court had uphe…

Rajinder Singh and co‑accused were convicted under Sections 304‑B, 498‑A and 201/34 IPC for the death of the bride, Santosh Kaur, within nine months of marriage. The prosecution proved that the death occurred otherwise than under normal circumstances, that the bride had been subjected to dowry‑related harassment shortl…

The State of Maharashtra took possession of the appellant's land in 1998 for a flood protection wall and later issued acquisition notifications under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Special Land Acquisition Officer awarded compensation in 2000, and the State paid rental compensation based on that award. The referen…

The appellant, Ranjit Singh, was convicted for the dowry death of his wife Jaswinder Kaur, who was found dead within four months of marriage. The prosecution proved that the deceased had been subjected to repeated harassment and demands for dowry, including a Maruti car, by the appellant and his in‑laws, leading to her…

The appellant, Anil Kumar, was convicted by the Karnataka High Court for dowry harassment (Sec. 498-A IPC) and dowry death (Sec. 304-B IPC) based on the suicide of his wife, Meena Kumari, in their matrimonial home. The trial court had acquitted all accused, finding contradictions in witness statements and noting that t…

Swastik Gases Pvt. Ltd. entered into a consignment agency agreement with Indian Oil Corp. that contained a clause stating the agreement was subject to the jurisdiction of the courts at Kolkata. When a dispute arose, Swastik filed an application under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in the Rajas…

C.V. Francis, a manager of Bokaro Steel Ltd (later SAIL), applied for voluntary retirement under a scheme introduced by the employer on 7 April 1998. Before his application was accepted, he travelled to the United States, obtained another job and repeatedly sought leave, which was denied. The employer treated him as ab…

The appellants, a group of fifteen men, were convicted for firing on the complainant's family, causing two deaths and multiple injuries, under Sections 147, 148, 302, 307 read with Section 149 of the IPC. They challenged the convictions on grounds of alleged delay in lodging the FIR and forwarding the express report to…

The respondent applied for the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination 2007, claiming Scheduled Tribe status and attaching a certificate issued by the Director, Backward Class Welfare, West Bengal. The examination notification required a caste certificate from a "competent authority" as defined in the West Bengal Sche…

The Supreme Court heard an appeal by the wife, daughter and mother of a 28‑year‑old Assistant Engineer who died in a motor accident caused by the negligent driver of a jeep. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had reduced the deceased's salary, deducted amounts for provident fund, pension, insurance and income tax, and …

The Government of Maharashtra framed a scheme to purchase land and allocate it to Scheduled Castes and neo‑Buddhists below the poverty line. While implementing the scheme, the appellant officials executed sale deeds in favour of the Government. A social worker filed a criminal complaint alleging that the land had been …

The appellant, Bhaikon @ Bakul Borah, was convicted of rape (IPC s.376) and murder (IPC s.302) of Rupamoni Dutta based on the testimony of an eye‑witness (PW‑1) corroborated by the victim's father (PW‑2) and the post‑mortem doctor (PW‑9). The trial court sentenced him to death for murder and life imprisonment for rape;…

Three petitioners convicted in the Junior Basic Trained (JBT) teachers recruitment scam appealed their convictions before the Delhi High Court. While the appeal was pending, the respondent, a television producer, sought to broadcast a dramatized episode of "Crime Patrol Dastak" depicting the scam. The petitioners obtai…

The case concerned a mob assault on 5 July 1983 in Siktahar village, where 200‑250 persons, including the accused, forced people out of their houses and attacked them with sharp and blunt weapons, resulting in one death and serious injuries to three others. The trial court convicted the appellants under Section 302 IPC…

The respondents filed a suit claiming title to ancestral land based on a will dated 24‑10‑1943 executed by the testatrix, Smt. Nagammanni, and registered the next day. The trial court and the first appellate court dismissed the suit, holding that the will was not proved because it did not satisfy Section 63(c) of the S…

Ankush Shivaji Gaikwad and two others were convicted of murder for the death of Nilkanth Pawar after a sudden quarrel over a barking dog, during which Gaikwad struck the victim on the head with an iron pipe. The appellant argued that the incident was a sudden fight without pre‑meditation and that Exception 4 to Section…

The Karnataka State Financial Corporation (KSFC) sold the lease‑hold rights of the closed industrial concern Mysore Panel and Boards Pvt Ltd, whose 83 workmen had earlier been awarded statutory dues of Rs 29,17,062 by courts under Section 33‑C of the Industrial Disputes Act and the Payment of Gratuity Act. The workmen’…

The Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education advertised vacancies for Physiotherapist posts and conducted a written test under the 2008 General Rules for Group C recruitment. Successful candidates were appointed, while the unsuccessful private respondents filed a writ petition challenging the advertisement and selectio…

The police seized large quantities of gelatine sticks, electronic detonators and ammonium nitrate from containers at Port Blair, alleging that the consignments were clandestinely shipped and constituted "specific category explosive substances" under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. The accused, who are quarry operat…

The appellant, a husband, was charged with cruelty, dowry harassment and abetment of suicide after his wife, Girija, died by consuming poison in their matrimonial home within seven years of marriage. The trial court acquitted all accused, but the Karnataka High Court convicted the husband under Sections 498A and 306, r…

The appellants, long-time occupants of certain lands, challenged a 1980 notification under Section 6 of the Jammu and Kashmir State Evacuees' (Administration of Property) Act, 2006 that declared the lands evacuee property vested in the Custodian. They claimed to be protected tenants‑at‑will existing before the Act and …

The claimant, Saju P. Paul, a heavy‑vehicle driver employed by another company, was travelling as a "spare driver" in the cabin of a goods vehicle that met with an accident in 1993. The vehicle owner had taken a motor‑vehicle insurance policy covering only the driver and cleaner, not a spare driver. The Motor Accident …

The petitioners purchased land that had been subject to a Section 4 notification under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, while the de‑notification of that acquisition was under appeal before the Supreme Court. The Court held that a purchaser after such a notification cannot challenge the acquisition and, under the doctri…

The plaintiff filed a suit against the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and the Assistant City Planner challenging a notice issued under Section 452 of the GHMC Act, 1955. The plaintiff's neighbour (appellant) sought to be impleaded, claiming infringement of his right to light and air. The trial court allowed th…

Prem Singh and six others were charged under IPC sections 120‑B, 148, 302 read with 149 and under Section 25 of the Arms Act. The trial court acquitted all accused, citing the non‑examination of a key witness, inherent lacunae in the testimony of two eye‑witnesses, doubts about the recovery of firearms and lack of fore…

The plaintiff filed a suit against the State of Kerala without serving the statutory notice required under Section 80(1) of the CPC and sought leave to proceed under Section 80(2). The State filed applications under Order VII Rule 11 seeking rejection of the plaint, while the plaintiff’s Section 80(2) application remai…

The husband of Minu Rout, a 35‑year‑old car driver, died in a head‑on collision with a truck. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACA) held that both drivers were equally negligent and reduced the loss‑of‑dependency compensation by 50% on the basis of alleged contributory negligence by the deceased, awarding Rs.2,00,0…

The petitioner, a widow, sought a revised family pension after the Supreme Court directed its determination in 2008. She later filed contempt petitions alleging non‑compliance with that direction and with a subsequent order dated 1 September 2010 directing the Accountant General of Uttar Pradesh to calculate and report…

Ram Chandra, a cleaner injured in a motor accident while employed, claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. The insurer, United India Insurance Co., argued that liability was limited to the Workmen's Compensation Act and that any excess should be borne by the vehicle owner. The Supreme Court examined the stat…

The petitioner, Dharmendra Kirthal, challenged the constitutional validity of Section 12 of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, which mandates that trials before Special Courts have precedence over any other trial of the accused, keeping other proceedings in abeyance. He argue…

The Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, a state corporation, had two categories of engineers—those transferred from the former Local Self‑Government Engineering Department and those directly recruited. While the State amended its fundamental rules to raise the superannuation age from 58 to 60 years for government servants, the Ni…

Veer Pal Singh, an Army signalman, was discharged after the Invalidating Medical Board diagnosed him with "Schizophrenic Reaction" and denied his claim for disability pension on the ground that the condition was not attributable to military service. He challenged the discharge and pension denial through successive writ…

The Commissioner of Police, Delhi, cancelled the candidature of two applicants, Mehar Singh and Shani Kumar, for the post of constable after a Screening Committee found them unsuitable despite their acquittal in criminal cases involving serious offences and moral turpitude. Both candidates had disclosed their involveme…

The appellant, a primary school teacher, was dismissed in 2004 under Section 24 of the Gujarat Primary Education Act for alleged absenteeism and misconduct. She suffered a 40‑70% mental disability at the time of dismissal and filed a complaint under Section 62 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Prot…

The claimants, the wife, children and mother of Joy Kuruvila, who died in a road accident while employed in the US, filed a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, seeking a sum in Indian rupees. The key issues were the appropriate date for fixing the foreign exchange rate to convert the deceased's U…

The appellants were convicted for murder and related offences after an incident in which they allegedly entered the deceased's house and fired indiscriminately, killing Zahiruddin and injuring two others. The prosecution relied on the deceased's statement recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC (Ext.Ka‑9) as a dying dec…

A family of five members disputed the ownership of three houses. The mother, two sons and a daughter filed a partition suit against the eldest son, claiming a 4/5 share in the properties. The trial court, relying on the mother’s testimony and a letter (Ex.A‑17) written by the eldest son, held that all three houses were…

The appellants were charged under Sections 498A, 304B, 406 and 34 IPC for the death of Ms Chandni, the wife of Jasvinder Saini. The trial court initially framed charges under 498A, 304B and 34, but after the Supreme Court’s direction in Rajbir v. State of Haryana to add Section 302 IPC in dowry‑death cases, it mechanic…

The Association for Environment Protection challenged the construction of a restaurant on reclaimed land along the Periyar River in Aluva, Kerala, arguing that the project violated environmental safeguards. The State Government had sanctioned the project without referring it to the Environmental Planning and Coordinati…

The appellants, convicted of murder under Section 302 and kidnapping for ransom under Section 364A of the Indian Penal Code, were sentenced to death. They challenged the constitutional validity of Section 364A on the grounds that prescribing death for kidnapping for ransom violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitutio…

The case concerned the murder of Lorik, who was shot dead after his motorcycle was stopped by four accused who opened fire on him. The trial court convicted all four accused under Section 302 read with Section 34 IPC and sentenced them to life imprisonment, also convicting them under Section 379 IPC. On appeal, the acc…

The appellant, a Sepoy in the Indian Army, was discharged on grounds of 20% permanent disability due to epilepsy. The Army Medical Board held the disability was not service‑related and denied a disability pension. The High Court Single Judge granted the pension, but the Division Bench set aside that order. The Supreme …

The appellants' land in Shahibabad Daulatpur village was acquired under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The acquisition officer initially fixed compensation at Rs 13,000 per bigha (Block A) and Rs 6,000 per bigha (Block B). The Reference Court enhanced it to Rs 17,500–18,000 per bigha, and the Delhi High Court further …

The original mining lease granted to Rajendra Nath Bhaskar was revoked after 13 years. Bhaskar died during the pendency of his challenge, and no substitution petition was filed by his heirs. The Madhya Pradesh High Court set aside the revocation but the lease expired, and the heirs later sought to continue mining for t…

Mumbai Waste Management Ltd. (MWM) was allotted a western Maharashtra belt for hazardous waste collection under a 2005 letter of award. Later, SMS Infrastructure Ltd. received a consent for overlapping areas, prompting MWM to challenge the curtailment of its territory, arguing that the 2008 Hazardous Waste Rules stripp…

The appellant, the Executive Engineer, had taken possession of land belonging to the respondents on 3 June 2001, but the preliminary notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was issued only on 30 December 2006. The respondents claimed compensation, rent, and interest for the period before the n…

National Fertilizers Ltd. (NFL) paid $38 million for urea to a Turkish company, Karsan, but never received the product. The manager of Karsan, Tuncay Alankus, was extradited to India and faced criminal proceedings. The Supreme Court, on 4 September 2006 and again on 14 December 2006, restrained Alankus from withdrawing…

The Supreme Court examined whether the multiplier in the Second Schedule of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 should be applied to compensation claims under s.166 (fault liability). It approved the multiplier table and related guidelines formulated in Sarla Verma’s case for selecting the multiplier, adding future‑prospect i…

The case concerned promotions in Rushikulya Gramya Bank under seniority‑cum‑merit rules. The bank issued a circular fixing a 60% aggregate mark as a benchmark for promotion, which the Orissa High Court struck down as violative of the promotion policy. The respondents challenged the select list, while the bank appealed.…

The State prosecuted Basti Ram for gang rape, kidnapping, confinement and intimidation of a girl, H.L., who was below 16 years at the time. The trial court, relying on H.L.'s detailed statement under Section 164 CrPC and her testimony, convicted Basti Ram under IPC sections 376(2)(g), 366, 342 and 506. The High Court, …

The Supreme Court examined the death of Rachhpal Kaur, who died of aluminium phosphide poisoning within seven years of her marriage while staying at her in‑laws' house. The deceased had repeatedly complained of harassment and cruelty by her husband Kulwant Singh and his parents for allegedly insufficient dowry, includi…

The respondent, a serving army soldier, was tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) for six offences including absence without leave, theft of ammunition and possession of a counterfeit seal, receiving dismissal and seven years' rigorous imprisonment. He contended that some offences were committed while he was a juvenil…

The appellants, owners of a stud farm and agricultural land, challenged the re‑acquisition of their 52.74 acres by the State of Haryana, arguing that the land had already been released and that the State’s decision to re‑acquire it violated Sections 5‑A and 6(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and the constitutional …

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (the appellant) occupied land under a 1955 lease that granted a unilateral right to renew for another 25 years. After the Burmah Shell (Acquisition of Undertakings in India) Act, 1976 came into force, the appellant gave notice of renewal in October 1979 but no fresh lease deed was exec…

Sterlite Industries obtained environmental clearance and consent orders to set up a copper smelter in Tuticorin in 1995. The Madras High Court ordered its closure, citing lack of a mandatory public hearing, violation of a 25‑km distance condition from an ecologically sensitive area, and an inadequate green‑belt require…

Abdul Nasar Adam Ismail was detained under Section 3(1) of the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA) to prevent future smuggling. He challenged the detention on two grounds: that the detaining authority had not independently considered his representation and that t…

The Gujarat Lokayukta post remained vacant since 2003 and the State Government sought to appoint Justice R.A. Mehta under the Gujarat Lokayukta Act, 1986. The Act requires the Governor to appoint the Lokayukta after "consultation" with the Chief Justice of the High Court and, where applicable, the Leader of Opposition.…

Gurcharan Singh, a former Indian Army combatant clerk, was appointed as a clerk in the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking under the ex‑servicemen quota and his pay was fixed on 2 September 1992. After his retirement, an audit revealed that the fixation was erroneous because he had exercised the option to receive the mini…

The Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha (CESU) appointed its Chairman, a retired officer, to also discharge the functions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and paid him a consolidated honorarium. A public‑interest litigation sought a writ of quo warranto to quash this arrangement and directed recovery of the ho…

The petitioners, heirs of the deceased CG Kadam, entered into a 1992 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with developers, granting the developers rights to develop part of a 42,669.40 sq m plot while reserving a 37,865 sq ft floor‑space index (FSI) for the petitioners. The developers obtained a No‑Objection Certificate a…

The Uttarakhand Director of School Education advertised for Assistant Teachers (General) requiring a B.Ed. degree simplicitor. The respondents held B.Ed. degrees with Specialisation in Vocational Education, which the authorities deemed not to satisfy the qualification. The High Court set aside the rejection, but the St…

Gulbarga University advertised a Lecturer post in the MCA programme, stipulating that candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in the "relevant subject" with at least 55% marks. Ganpath Singh (appellant) held an M.Sc. in Mathematics, while respondent No.3, Shivanand, held an MCA degree. The University’s Board of A…

The case concerns the murder of Suresh Chandra, who was tied up and assaulted with lathis and dandas by five accused including Kishan Ram, Pani Ram, Dev Singh, Har Ram and Chandan Singh. The trial court and the High Court convicted the five under Section 302 read with Section 149 of the IPC and sentenced them to life i…

The CBI filed a criminal case against Jagjit Singh and others for cheating and forgery under Sections 420 and 471 IPC, alleging that they obtained bank loans through forged documents with the collusion of bank officials. The accused later settled the debt with Indian Overseas Bank by complying with an order of the Debt…

The appellants filed a private complaint under Section 200 of the CrPC alleging that the respondent, a public servant, committed offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The Special Judge referred the complaint for investigation by the Karnataka Lokayukta under Section 156(3) of the CrPC without obtaining…

Dr. Grace Jain, a government-employed doctor, died in a motor vehicle accident. Her daughter Rekha Jain and husband T.A. Sebastian claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.10,62,000 with interest, using a monthly income of Rs.12,000, a one‑third deduction f…

Rekha Jain, a 24‑year‑old film actress, was injured in a road accident caused by a negligent truck driver, sustaining grievous facial injuries and 30% permanent physical disability. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded her total compensation of Rs.23,51,726, including Rs.17,51,726 as pecuniary damages for …