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328 judgments · newest first · showing 1–200

PREMIER FABRICATORS, ALLAHABADversusHEAVY ENGINEERING CORPN. LTD., RANCHI

1997 INSC 304Appeal(s) allowed

Premier Fabricators entered into a contract with Heavy Engineering Corp. that contained an arbitration clause. Disputes over items 2‑5 of the claim were referred to two arbitrators, who agreed the items were arbitrable but could not agree on the merits, so they appointed an umpire. The umpire issued …

SHRI DIGVIJAY CEMENT CO. ETC.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS. ETC.

1997 INSC 305Leave Granted & Allowed

The appellants, Gujarat cement manufacturers, challenged three Rajasthan notifications that reduced the Central Sales Tax on inter‑state cement sales to 7% and later 4% and dispensed with the mandatory Form C declaration. They argued that the notifications were not issued in public interest, …

NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.versusSUJIR GANESH NAYAK AND CO. AND ANR.

1997 INSC 306Leave Granted & Allowed

The appellant National Insurance Co. Ltd. issued two fire policies with a Riot and Strike endorsement to the respondent Sujir Ganesh Nayak & Co. When a strike halted production and caused damage, the insurer denied liability, invoking Special Condition 5(i)(b) which excludes loss from cessation of …

K. GOPINATHAN NAIR ETC.versusSTATE OF KERALA

1997 INSC 307

The appellants, processors of cashew nuts in Kerala and Karnataka, purchased raw cashew nuts imported by the Cashew Corporation of India (CCI), a canalising agency, and argued that these purchases were "in the course of import" and thus exempt from state sales tax under Section 5(2) of the Central …

COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, MADRASversusM/S. ARESON AND COMPANY

1997 INSC 295Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a manufacturer of trailers and steel furniture, sought a refund of excise duty on the ground that the aggregate value of clearances of both items in the preceding financial year was below Rs 20 lakhs, invoking paragraph 2(ii) of Notification No. 80/80. The Assistant Collector …

SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI, M.P. AND ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 303Disposed off

A writ petition filed by MP Dinesh Trivedi and NGOs under Article 32 sought full disclosure of the Vohra Committee Report, its supporting annexures, and the names of officials implicated, and challenged the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The Court held that the …

KADRA PAHADIYA AND ORS. ETC.versusSTATE OF BIHAR ETC.

1997 INSC 293Disposed off

The petitioners filed writ petitions seeking a Supreme Court direction that all States appoint sufficient Special Judicial Magistrates (SJM) and Special Metropolitan Magistrates (SMM) under Sections 13(1) and 18(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, to clear the massive backlog of petty criminal …

B.O.I. FINANCE LIMITED ETC.versusTHE CUSTODIAN AND ORS. ETC.

1997 INSC 292Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant banks entered into ready‑forward (buy‑back) contracts with brokers before June 1992, consisting of a completed ready leg (purchase of securities) and a future forward leg. The Custodian, under the Special Court Act, claimed the contracts were void for violating RBI circulars issued …

JAI PARKASH AND ORS. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA

1997 INSC 294Leave Granted & Dismissed

The appellants, Jai Parkash and others, challenged the compensation awarded for land acquired by the Union of India in village Keshopur under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Land Acquisition Collector had divided the land into blocks with varying rates, which were later raised by the Additional …

L. CHANDRA KUMAR ETC. ETC.versusTHE UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1997 INSC 288Disposed off

The seven‑Judge Constitution Bench examined the constitutional validity of sub‑clause (d) of Article 323A and Article 323B, which sought to exclude the jurisdiction of all courts except the Supreme Court under Article 136, and Section 28 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, which attempted a …

ALLIED MOTORS (P) LTD.versusCOMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, DELHI

1997 INSC 237Appeal(s) allowed

Allied Motors (P) Ltd. claimed a deduction for sales‑tax collected in the last quarter of its accounting year 1983‑84, which was paid to the treasury in the next year but before the filing deadline. The Income‑Tax Officer disallowed the deduction under Section 43B of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The …

SUWALAL ANANDILAL JAINversusCOMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, BIHAR, RANCHI

1997 INSC 238

The assessee firm, whose partners were Karta of their respective Hindu Undivided Families, advanced personal funds to the firm and received interest on those deposits. The firm claimed a deduction for this interest under Explanation 2 to Section 40(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, but the Income Tax …

PROCESS TECHNICIANS AND ANALYSTS' UNIONversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 240Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional validity of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (Determination of Conditions of Service of Employees) Act, 1988 and the schemes framed under it in 1989 and 1996. The appellant union argued that Section 3 of the Act gave the Central Government unguided …

COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, HYDERABADversusBAKELITE HYLAM LTD.

1997 INSC 241Case Partly allowed

The Collector of Central Excise appealed against the classification of three types of laminated sheets—decorative, industrial (paper‑based), and glass‑epoxy—manufactured by Bakelite Hylam Ltd. The issues concerned whether the sheets fell under Entry 15A(2) of the 1944 Excise Act, the residuary Entry …

ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENT LEGAL DEFENCE FUNDversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 231Disposed off

The Animal and Environment Legal Defence Fund challenged the Madhya Pradesh government's order granting 305 fishing permits to tribals residing in the Pench National Park area, arguing that such permits would damage the park's biodiversity and contravene the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and the …

MS. KAMINI JAISWAL, ADVOCATEversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 223Disposed off

Ms. Kamini Jaiswal filed a public interest writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking the closure of high‑pressure gas pipelines operated by GAIL and ONGC until an independent expert inquiry certified their safety. The petitioner alleged that the pipelines, particularly the …

THE STATE OF TAMIL NADUversusMC. DOWELL AND COMPANY LTD. MADRAS

1997 INSC 224Dismissed

The State of Tamil Nadu challenged the inclusion of bottle deposit amounts collected by Mc. Dowell & Co. Ltd., a liquor distributor, in its sales turnover for sales tax purposes. The distributor paid a deposit to its principal, United Breweries Ltd., for each bottle supplied and collected an equal …

UNITED BREWERIES LTD.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

1997 INSC 225Appeal(s) allowed

United Breweries Ltd. (the appellant) challenged the assessment of sales tax on the value of bottles and crates supplied with its beer, arguing that these were not sold but were returned against a refundable deposit. The Commercial Tax Officer, the Tribunal and the Andhra Pradesh High Court held …

B.V. RADHA KRISHNAversusSPONGE IRON INDIA LTD.

1997 INSC 230Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant contracted to transport waste and finished products for the respondent. A dispute arose and the appellant invoked Section 20 of the Arbitration Act, 1940, leading to a sole arbitrator’s award of Rs 5,29,864.55 with 18% interest from 1 April 1983. The City Civil Court confirmed the …

AHMEDABAD WOMEN ACTION GROUP AND ORS. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA

1997 INSC 185Dismissed

The Supreme Court dismissed three public‑interest writ petitions that sought to declare various provisions of Muslim, Hindu and Christian personal laws unconstitutional. The petitioners argued that polygamy, unilateral talaq, and discriminatory inheritance rules violated Articles 13, 14 and 15 of …

GOODYEAR INDIA LTD. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

1997 INSC 187Appeal(s) allowed

Goodyear India Ltd manufactured tyres of size 1800 mm and above for heavy moving vehicles such as dumpers and earth‑movers. Excise duty was levied on these tyres as "tyres for motor vehicles" at 60% ad valorem. The company claimed a refund, arguing that such tyres should be classified under the …

STATE OF U.P. AND ANR.versusGIRISH BIHARI AND ORS.

1997 INSC 141Appeal(s) allowed

Dr. Girish Bihari, an IPS officer, was due to retire on 31 March 1996. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh ordered, on 20 March 1996, an extension of his service for six months under Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death‑cum‑Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. On 23 March 1996, the Governor cancelled …

REFERENCE UNDER ARTICLE 317(1) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA REGARDING ENQUIRY AND REPORT ON ALLEGATION AGAINST SHRI SHER SINGH, MEMBER, HPSCversusREFERENCE CASE NO. 1 OF 1995

1997 INSC 78Reference answered

The President of India referred a matter under Article 317(1) of the Constitution to the Supreme Court, seeking an enquiry into whether Shri Sher Singh, a member of the Haryana Public Service Commission, should be removed for misbehaviour. The allegation was that Sher Singh repeatedly attempted to …

BHARAT RAM MEENAversusRAJASTHAN HIGH COURT AT JODHPUR AND ORS .

1997 INSC 79Dismissed

Bharat Ram Meena, a Munsiff/Judicial Magistrate, challenged adverse remarks recorded in his 1990 Annual Confidential Report (ACR) that questioned his integrity, impartiality, and conduct. The remarks were based on allegations of unauthorized absences during election duties and alleged manipulation …

STATE OF ORISSAversusB.N. AGARWALLA

1997 INSC 77Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined whether an arbitrator under the Arbitration Act, 1940 could award interest for three distinct periods – pre‑reference, pendente lite, and post‑award – in light of the Interest Act, 1978 and contractual terms. It held that an arbitrator may award pre‑reference interest only …

FOOD CORPORATION OF INDIAversusSTATE OF KERALA

1997 INSC 73Dismissed

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) purchased food grains from the State of Uttar Pradesh under levy orders issued pursuant to Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and also distributed fertilizers under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1957. The State sought to levy purchase tax and a 5% …

M/S JK SYNTHETICS AND ANR. ETC.versusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ANR

1997 INSC 69Disposed off

J.K. Synthtics Ltd., a manufacturer of tyre‑cord fabric, claimed exemption from sales tax under a 1957 notification issued under Section 8(5) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The State of Rajasthan later issued notifications in 1980 and 1981, the latter stating that "all the notifications" issued …

M/S GOODYEAR INDIA LTDversusCOLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS, BOMBAY

1997 INSC 62Appeal(s) allowed

M/s. Goodyear India Ltd. imported nylon woven dipped diffusion resistance fabric and paid the additional duty levied under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The importer claimed a refund, contending that the goods fell under the exemption Notification No. 55/78 as "textured yarn produced out of base …

VAM ORGANIC CHEMICALS LTD. AND ANR.versusU. P. EXCISE ACT 1910

1997 INSC 45Dismissed

Vam Organic Chemicals Ltd. and two other firms, licensed to produce industrial alcohol (rectified spirit) for chemical manufacturing, challenged Uttar Pradesh's Notification No. 25/Licence/Part‑3 dated 18‑May‑1990 which imposed a denaturation fee of 7 paise per litre under Section 41 of the U.P. …

PHOOIL CHAND GUPTAversusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

1997 INSC 46

M/s. Phool Chand Gupta, a dealer in oilseeds, claimed exemption under Section 6(2) of the Central Sales Tax Act for the sale of Mohwa seeds purchased in transit and sold to dealers outside Andhra Pradesh. The Deputy Commissioner withdrew the exemption because the dealer had not furnished Form C, a …

STATE OF ORISSA AND ORS.versusMIS. KRISHNA STORES

1997 INSC 47Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Orissa appealed against the High Court's order quashing the Commissioner of Sales Tax's revision of assessment orders for the assessment years 1969-70 and 1970-71 against Mis. Krishna Stores. The assessments had been reassessed under Sections 12(4) and 12(8) of the Orissa Sales Tax Act, …

MALKHAN SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 8Disposed off

The petitioner, a practising advocate belonging to a Scheduled Caste, applied for an Additional District & Sessions Judge vacancy in 1985, which was reserved for a Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidate. No suitable ST candidate was available, and the vacancy remained unfilled while three Scheduled Caste …

CHEMICAL AND FIBRES OF INDIA LTD.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 9Dismissed

The appellant, Chemical and Fibres of India Ltd., manufactured nylon yarn and, in the process, produced polymer chips (Nylon 6 chips) from caprolactam monomer. The issue was whether these polymer chips fell within Item 15A of Schedule I to the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, as it stood between …

MAHMOOD HASAN AND ORS. ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 6Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a massive promotion anomaly in the Uttar Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Department where numerous junior clerks were promoted to Supply Inspector posts in violation of seniority rules, depriving senior employees of their rightful promotions. The petitioners argued that …

SHRI JEE SALES CORPORATION AND ANOTHERversusUNION OF INDIA

1996 INSC 1525Dismissed

The appellants, Shri Jee Sales Corporation and another, imported PVC resin relying on Notification No. 66 dated 15 March 1979 which exempted customs duty on such imports up to 31 March 1981. After they had opened letters of credit and the goods arrived, the Government issued Notification No. 205 on …

LILY KURIANversusTHE UNIVERSITY APPELLATE TRIBUNAL AND OTHERS

1996 INSC 1518Disposed off

Lily Kurian, the founding principal of St. Joseph's Training College for Women, was dismissed after an ex‑parte disciplinary enquiry and later reinstated by the Vice‑Chancellor, but the reinstatement was set aside by the Kerala High Court. The Kerala University Act, 1974 introduced Sections 60(7) …

NEW DELHI MUNICIPAL COUNCILversusSTATE OF PUNJAB ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 1513Disposed off

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) levied property tax on immovable properties owned by several State governments within the Union Territory of Delhi. The States challenged the levy, arguing that Article 289(1) of the Constitution exempts State property …

MAFATLAL INDUSTRIES LTD. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 1514Disposed off

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

ASHWANI KUMAR AND ORS. ETC.versusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1487Dismissed

The Bihar government’s Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme, part of the 20‑Point Programme, required recruitment for 2,250 Class III and IV posts. Deputy Director Dr. A.A. Mallick, as Chairman of the Selection Committee, appointed about 6,000 persons without written orders, exceeding the sanctioned …

TUSHAR ARUN GANDHIversusSTATE OF ORISSA AND OTHER

1996 INSC 1384Disposed off

The petitioner, great‑grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, learned that an urn allegedly containing Gandhi's ashes was kept in a safe‑deposit locker of the State Bank of India, Cuttack, deposited in 1950 by the then Secretary to the Chief Minister of Orissa. After repeated requests to the Orissa government …

U.D. LAMA AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF SIKKIM AND OTHERS

1996 INSC 1382Dismissed

The Sikkim State Civil Service Rules, 1977 required recruitment either by competitive examination or selection of existing gazetted officers, with the Public Service Commission (PSC) as the appointing authority. Because the PSC was not constituted until 1982, the State Government, invoking Rule …

COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, JAIPURversusBANSWARA SYNTEX LTD.

1996 INSC 1383Appeal(s) allowed

The Collector of Central Excise issued a demand that Banswara Syntex Ltd. pay excise duty on single‑ply yarn used for doubling or multifolding, alleging short payment. The company argued that duty should be payable only after the yarn was doubled, contending that the process did not create a new …

BHARAT COKING COAL LTD.versusMADANLAL AGRAWAL

1996 INSC 1343Appeal(s) allowed

Madan Lal Agrawal sued Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. for eviction of land and buildings he claimed to own adjacent to Victory Colliery. The properties were used as offices and staff quarters for the mine, which had been taken over by the Central Government under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. …

STATE OF U.P. AND ORS.versusGARIB DASS AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1345Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Uttar Pradesh challenged the High Court's declaration that Section 37-A of the U.P. Excise Act, 1910 was void for violating Article 14 because it allowed an exemption for foreign liquor under Section 20(2). While the appeal was pending, the legislature omitted Section 20(2) and …

CHANDRASWAMI AND ANOTHERversusCENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

1996 INSC 1301Disposed off

The petitioners, Chandraswami and another, were accused of cheating under Sections 120B and 420 of the IPC for allegedly obtaining US$1 lakh from a complainant in 1983. They were arrested in 1988, released on bail with conditions, and later permitted to travel abroad. After a Supreme Court‑ordered …

STATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.versusJASMER SINGH AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1305Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Haryana appealed a High Court order that had granted daily‑wage mail‑cum‑chowkidars and pump operators the same salary as regular employees of the same posts. The Supreme Court held that the principle of "equal pay for equal work" cannot be mechanically applied to daily‑rated workers …

STATE OF HARYANAversusDHARAMPAL, WATER PUMP OPERATOR AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1306Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Haryana appealed against orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that had granted regularisation and equal‑pay relief to a group of casual water‑pump operators led by Dharampal. The workers claimed that, on the principle of equal pay for equal work, they were entitled to be …

S.P. ANAND, INDOREversusH.D. DEVE GOWDA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1293Dismissed

The petitioner, S.P. Anand, filed a public‑interest litigation under Article 32 challenging the appointment of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister on the ground that he was not a member of either House of Parliament, alleging violations of Articles 14, 21 and 75 of the Constitution. The Court examined …

DR. K. MADANversusKRISHNAWATI (SMT.) AND ANOTHER

1996 INSC 1291Disposed off

The appellant, a lady doctor, rented the ground floor of a house in 1963 for residential-cum-clinic purposes. She later built her own house and shifted her residence, but continued using the rented premises solely as a clinic. The respondent landlady filed for eviction under Section 14(1)(k) of the …

TMT. NOORJAHANversusTMT. SULTAN RAJIA @THAJU AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1282Dismissed

Syed Abu Thakir was injured while alighting from a bus owned by the appellant and died en route to the hospital. His family claimed Rs 92,000 compensation from the bus owner, the insurer, and the driver. The Motor Vehicles Tribunal awarded the full amount but limited the insurer's liability to Rs …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, ANDHRA PRADESHversusB. POSETTY AND CO.

1996 INSC 1281Dismissed

The main partnership, Mis. Nizamabad Group Sendhi Contractors, was a licensed lessee under the Abkari Act and was registered under the Income Tax Act. One of its partners, B. Posetty, could not meet his capital contribution, so he and nine others formed a sub‑partnership, "B. Posetty and Co.," to …

SASADHAR CHAKRAVARTY AND ANR.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1272Dismissed

The petitioners, a retired employee of Indian Oxygen Ltd. and a pensioners’ society, challenged the scheme of the company’s non‑contributory approved superannuation fund. They argued that improvements made to the fund in 1985 should have been extended to existing pensioners and that the denial of …

INDIRA SAWHNEYversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1273Disposed off

The Supreme Court revisited the implementation of its earlier Mandal judgment, which required the exclusion of socially advanced persons (the "creamy layer") from reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The State of Kerala had repeatedly failed to comply with the Court's directions despite …

PRABHU SHANKAR JAISWALversusSRI SHEO NARAIN JAISWAL

1996 INSC 1250Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant and several respondents were partners in an unregistered partnership firm and a suit for dissolution and accounts was filed by one partner. The partnership deed contained an arbitration clause, leading the appellant to obtain a stay of the suit under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act …

C.T. LTD. AND ANR.versusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1241Appeal(s) allowed

C.T. Ltd. and another, engaged in the tea trade, entered into a contract with the State Trading Corporation (STC) to supply unblended Assam tea to an Iranian buyer. To fulfil this contract they purchased tea from auction brokers. The sales tax authorities demanded payment of sales tax on these …

INDER MANI AND ORS.versusMATHEHWARI PRASAD AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1175Disposed off

The petitioners filed a writ in the Allahabad High Court which was initially listed before Justice A.P. Singh. On 22 December 1995 the Chief Justice reconstituted a Division Bench comprising Justice V.N. Khare and Justice A.P. Singh, but Justice Singh refused to sit on the bench and instead heard …

UNION OF INDIAversusMHATHUNG KITHAN AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1074Appeal(s) allowed

Respondent No.1, an IAS officer from Nagaland, was allocated to the Haryana cadre under the 30‑point roster that earmarked the two available Nagaland vacancies for outsiders. He challenged the allocation before the Central Administrative Tribunal, which ordered his transfer to the Nagaland cadre. …

KESHUB MAHINDRAversusSTATE OF M.P.

1996 INSC 1053Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined the criminal proceedings arising from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, where a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) from a Union Carbide India Ltd plant caused thousands of deaths and injuries. Twelve individuals, including Keshub Mahindra and other senior officials, were charged …

K.C.P. LIMITEDversusTHE PRESIDING OFFICER AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1042Appeal(s) allowed

K.C.P. Ltd. dismissed 29 workmen after disciplinary action during a strike. The recognised trade union (respondent No.2) raised an industrial dispute under Section 2(k) of the Industrial Disputes Act on behalf of all 29 workmen and later entered into a settlement under Section 18(1) offering either …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, MADURAIversusM/S. T.V. SUNDARAM IYENGAR AND SONS LTD.

1996 INSC 1035Disposed off

M/s T.V. Sundaram Iyengar & Sons Ltd. received deposits from customers in the ordinary course of its trade. The deposits were initially recorded as capital receipts (security deposits). When a portion of these deposits remained unclaimed for a long period, the company wrote them off to its profit …

THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, E.S.I. CORPORATION AND ANR.versusFRANCIS DE COSTA AND ANR.

1996 INSC 1037Appeal(s) allowed

The employee, Francis De Costa, was injured in a road accident while riding his own bicycle to work, about one kilometre from his factory and fifteen minutes before his shift began. He claimed disablement benefit under the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948, and the ESIC Court allowed the claim, …

AHMEDABAD URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYversusMANILAL GORDHANDAS AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1036Appeal(s) allowed

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation submitted a revised development plan under the Bombay Town Planning Act in January 1976. The Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976 came into force on 30 January 1978, repealing the Bombay Act and establishing the Ahmedabad Urban Development …

STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.versusM.NEETHI CHANDRA, ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 1024Disposed off

The State of Bihar issued a resolution (No.20) that candidates from reserved categories who qualified on merit would not be adjusted against the reserved quota, leading to grievances that such candidates were denied their preferred courses. The Patna High Court devised a seat‑allocation scheme …

MRS. R.D. BHATIAversusSMT. RAJINDER KAUR AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1019Disposed off

The appellant, an advocate, was suspended for two years by the Bar Council of India on a complaint that she colluded with the opposing party and other lawyers to set aside an ex‑parte decree, allegedly acting as a mediator and misappropriating Rs. 3,500. The disciplinary committee relied on the …

TAPAN KUMAR SADHUKHANversusFOOD CORPORATION OF INDIA

1996 INSC 904Disposed off

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) had a stock of sub‑standard rice and issued a tender inviting licensed dealers to purchase it on the condition that they would upgrade the rice before it entered the market for human consumption. Two licensed dealers challenged the tender, alleging it violated the …

B!JAYA KUMAR AGARWALA ETC.versusSTATE OF ORISSA

1996 INSC 815Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants Bijaya Kumar Agarwala and Jagdish Prasad were stopped while transporting paddy in trucks that exceeded the quantity permitted for storage under the Orissa Rice and Paddy Control Order, 1965, and were convicted under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 for allegedly …

J.H. PATELversusSUBHAN KHAN

1996 INSC 777Appeal(s) allowed

In the Channagiri Legislative Assembly election, Subhan Khan's nomination was rejected because he had not taken the oath required under Article 173 of the Constitution on the day of scrutiny. He argued that an oath taken earlier on 27 October 1994 in another constituency (Davanagere) should suffice, …

TATA IRON AND STEEL CO. LTD. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

1996 INSC 770Dismissed

Tata Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. (TISCO) sought a second renewal of its chromite mining lease under Section 8(3) of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation & Development) Act, 1957. The Central Government reduced the lease area and later further reduced it, prompting TISCO to challenge the orders, arguing …

BANI SINGH AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF U.P.

1996 INSC 709

The appellants were convicted under IPC sections 366 and 368 and sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment with a fine. They appealed to the Allahabad High Court, which admitted the appeal, stayed the sentence, and granted bail, but later dismissed the appeal for non‑prosecution because the …

BIHAR STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD AND ORS.versusPARMESHWAR KUMAR AGARWALA ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 692Dismissed

The Bihar State Electricity Board, facing losses from electricity theft and defective meters, issued a notification under Sections 46 and 49 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 to bill industrial consumers at prescribed load factors. Consumers challenged the notification, arguing it conflicted …

PRADEEP KRISHENversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 665Disposed off

Pradeep Krishen, an environmentalist, filed a writ petition under Article 32 challenging a Madhya Pradesh Forest Department order that allowed villagers around sanctuaries and national parks to collect tendu leaves. He argued that the order was ultra‑violet to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 …

GAN GAD HARANversusJANARDHANA MALLAN AND OTHERS

1996 INSC 666Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant purchased a joint‑family property from the father of the respondents when the latter were minors, for Rs 9,000. After the father's death, the respondents filed a partition suit alleging that the sale was for inadequate consideration, that there was no legal necessity, and that most of …

HASHMATTULLAHversusSTATE OF M.P. AND ORS.

1996 INSC 667Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a butcher, challenged the 1991 amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act that imposed an absolute ban on slaughter of bulls and bullocks, alleging it violated his fundamental right to trade under Article 19(1)(g) and was not a reasonable restriction in the …

THE SECRETARY, HAILAKANDI BAR ASSOCIATIONversusSTATE OF ASSAM AND ANR.

1996 INSC 658Disposed off

The Hailakandi Bar Association filed a writ petition under Article 32 alleging that Superintendent of Police A.K. Sinha Cashyap submitted a false report and affidavit to the Supreme Court to conceal police brutality that led to the death of under‑trial prisoner Nurul Haque. The Court examined the …

GAYA BAKSH YADAVversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 642Disposed off

The case concerned the method of preparing an All‑India seniority list for officers of the Customs Appraisers Service, Class II. The Government had issued a circular in 1986 that placed promotee appraisers together based on continuous service and direct recruits based on UPSC ranking, then merged …

SMT. SWATI AND ORS.versusSH. DAMODAR ANANT KARANDIKAR AND ORS.

1996 INSC 649Appeal(s) allowed

The Bombay Port Trust fixed reservation percentages for promotional posts at 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), matching the All‑India policy, whereas the State of Maharashtra prescribed 7% for SC and 9% for ST at the time of initial recruitment. The Bombay High Court …

THE ASSTT. COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISEversusBATA INDIA LTD.

1996 INSC 625Dismissed

The Assistant Collector of Central Excise appealed against Bata India Ltd. alleging that the manufacturer could not claim exemption under a notification that exempted footwear valued up to Rs.60 per pair when its wholesale price exceeded that limit. Bata argued that by deducting the 10% excise duty …

U.P. STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION AND ORS.versusTRILOK CHANDRA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 626Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, U.P. State Road Transport Corporation, was sued for compensation after its omnibus caused the death of Prem Chandra, aged 26. The claimants calculated loss of dependency based on a monthly surplus of Rs.200 and applied a multiplier of 24 years, which the Tribunal used; the High Court …

BOBBY ART INTERNATIONALversusOM PAL SINGH HOON AND ORS.

1996 INSC 595Appeal(s) allowed

The film "Bandit Queen", based on the life of Phoolan Devi, was certified 'A' by the Appellate Tribunal under the Cinematograph Act after it was found to depict the consequences of social evils such as rape and oppression. The petitioner, Bobby Art International, challenged the High Court's order …

I. VIKHESHE SEMAversusHOKISHE SEMA

1996 INSC 601Appeal(s) allowed

In the 1993 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election for Dimapur Constituency No.1, Vikheshe Sema was declared winner by a margin of 137 votes over Hokishe Sema. The respondent filed an election petition alleging that duplicate entries in the electoral roll had allowed some voters to cast more than …

GUJARAT UNIVERSITYversusRAJIV GOPINATH BHATT AND ORS.

1996 INSC 596Appeal(s) allowed

Gujarat University prescribed a rule for admission to its limited super‑speciality (M.Ch./D.M.) courses giving first preference to its own graduates, second preference to other Gujarat‑state university graduates, and leaving any remaining vacancies unfilled. Rajiv G. Bhatt, not a Gujarat University …

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIAversusDR. SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY AND ANR.

1996 INSC 569Disposed off

The Election Commission of India appealed against a Madras High Court decision that had prohibited Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan from expressing the Commission’s opinion on a disqualification petition against Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha, on grounds of alleged bias. The Supreme Court …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRA ETC.versusSOM NATH THAPA ETC.

1996 INSC 507Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts case, where 145 persons were charged under the IPC and the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA). The Court clarified the law on criminal conspiracy, holding that knowledge of an illegal use can be inferred when the …

DR. HANIRAJ L. CHULANIversusBAR COUNCIL OF MAHARASHTRA AND GOA

1996 INSC 491Dismissed

Dr. Haniraj L. Chulani, a practising surgeon, applied for enrollment as an advocate but was rejected by the Maharashtra and Goa State Bar Council under Rule 1, which bars persons engaged in any other profession from being enrolled. He challenged the rule on grounds of excessive delegation of …

STATE OF U.P. AND ORS.versusDEEP NARAIN TRIPATHI AND ORS.

1996 INSC 492Dismissed

The respondent was appointed as an ad‑hoc lecturer in 1985 at a college affiliated to Purvanchal University (formerly Gorakhpur University) after selection by a committee and approval by the Vice‑Chancellor. The 1991 Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Services Commission (Amendment) Ordinance introduced …

MAHE BEACH TRADING COMPANY AND ETC.versusUNION TERRITORY OF PONDICHERRY AND ORS.

1996 INSC 485Dismissed

The appellants, dealers in petrol and diesel in Mahe, challenged the levy of a municipal tax on fuel and the subsequent Pondicherry Municipal Decree (Levy and Validation of Taxes, Duties, Cesses and Fees) Act, 1973. The High Court had struck down the original levy and later upheld the Validation Act …

SH. O.K. UDAYASANKARAN AND ORS. ETCversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC.

1996 INSC 454Dismissed

The case concerned ex‑servicemen re‑employed by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India who were appointed after 1 January 1988. LIC had issued instructions on 2 June 1989 prescribing how their salaries should be fixed, including a notional fitment provision in paragraph 3.8 that was intended …

RAMANAND PRASAD SINGH AND ANR ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS. ETC.

1996 INSC 455Appeal(s) allowed

A Selection Committee was constituted to select officers of the Bihar Administrative Service for promotion to the Indian Administrative Service. The Committee considered 264 officers, including those above the age of 54 under the provisos of Regulation 5(3), and prepared a list of 51 suitable …

STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS. ETC.versusMC. DOWELL & CO. AND ORS. ETC.

1996 INSC 419Disposed off

The State of Andhra Pradesh enacted the Prohibition Act, 1995 and later amended it to prohibit the manufacture of intoxicating liquor. Several liquor manufacturers challenged the amendment, arguing that the State lacked competence under Entry 8 of List II because the Industries (Development and …

V.M. GADREversusM.G. DIWAN

1996 INSC 389

The petitioners, former employees of the Oriental Government Security Life Assurance Company, sought a revision of their pension and dearness allowance under the Oriental Pension Fund now managed by LIC, arguing that the existing minimum pension of Rs.375 was inadequate. LIC contended that the …

EMPLOYERS IN RELATION TO THE MANAGEMENT OF RESERVE BANK OF INDIAversusTHEIR WORKMEN

1996 INSC 327Appeal(s) allowed

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provided canteen facilities for its Class III and IV employees through three arrangements – an Implementation Committee, co‑operative societies and contractors – but had no statutory duty to run these canteens. The Central Government Industrial Tribunal held that 166 …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusK.V. VIJEESH

1996 INSC 317Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, K.V. Vijeesh, was placed at rank 172 in the select list for Diesel Assistant vacancies of the Southern Railways but was not appointed while lower‑ranked candidates were. He approached the Central Administrative Tribunal, which directed the Railways to consider him for any existing or …

SHAHEEN WELFARE ASSOCIATIONversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

1996 INSC 324Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a public‑interest writ under Article 32 filed by Shaheen Welfare Association seeking the release of under‑trial detainees under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA) where evidence was lacking or procedural safeguards were not observed. …

RAMESH SINGH AND ANR.versusCINTA DEVI AND ORS.

1996 INSC 307Appeal(s) allowed

An accident on 27 May 1988 gave rise to a compensation claim under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939, which was filed on 23 December 1988. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 came into force on 1 July 1989, repealing the 1939 Act, but the claim was finally decided on 29 June 1992, creating a right to appeal …

GOWRISHANKAR AND ANR.versusJOSHI AMBA SHANKAR FAMILY TRUST AND ORS.

1996 INSC 294Appeal(s) allowed

The Joshi Ambashankar Family Trust, a charitable trust, sought High Court permission to sell a property after obtaining a modification order allowing sale with court approval and 3/4 trustee concurrence. While the trustees received an offer of Rs.9 lakh from a group of purchasers, the appellants …

MOHD. ASLAM KHANversusNARCOTICS CONTROL BUREAU AND ANOTHER

1996 INSC 284Appeal(s) allowed

Mohammad Aslam Khan was convicted under Section 22 read with Section 8(c) of the NDPS Act for possession of 50,000 Mandrex tablets seized from flat No.102 in Andheri. The prosecution relied on an agreement allegedly signed by the appellant, seized from the premises, and on statements made by the …

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

1996 INSC 275Dismissed

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

UNION OF INDIA AND ANR. ETC. ETC.versusA. SANYASI RAO AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 235Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the validity of Sections 44AC and 206C of the Income‑Tax Act, 1961, which allow tax to be levied on a presumptive basis on traders of specified goods. Petitioners argued that the provisions were ultra‑vio​les, beyond Parliament’s competence under Schedule VII, Entry 82, …

LT. COL. SAWAI BHAWANI SINGH ETCversusTHE STATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS.

1996 INSC 188Dismissed

The appellants challenged the constitutional validity of the Rajasthan Urban Lands Tax Act, 1964 as amended in 1973 to levy tax on both lands and buildings, arguing that the amendment exceeded the State's legislative competence and rendered the entire legislation "still‑born." The High Court …

NITASHA PAULversusMAHARISHI DAYANAND UNIVERSITY ROHTAK AND ORS.

1996 INSC 115Appeal(s) allowed

Nitasha Paul, a second‑year B.D.S. student from Karnataka, applied to migrate to the Government Dental College, Rohtak for the 1993‑94 academic year. A sub‑committee recommended her for one of the eight vacant seats based on merit and her domicile certificate, but the Vice‑Chancellor ignored the …

CHOLAMANDALAM INVESTMENTS AND FINANCE CO. PVT. LTD.versusRADHIKA SYNTHETICS AND ANR.

1996 INSC 73Disposed off

Cholamandalam Investments & Finance Co. Pvt. Ltd. filed a suit in the Madras High Court for recovery of money under a hire‑purchase agreement that contained a clause granting exclusive jurisdiction to Madras courts. Radhika Synthetics Ltd. later instituted a suit in the Bombay High Court claiming …

S. CHINNAPPA REDDY AND ORS.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS.

1996 INSC 76Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned the seniority of Assistant Executive Engineers (formerly Junior Engineers) in Andhra Pradesh's Public Health & Municipal Engineering Department. After the 1970 ban on direct recruitment, temporary and ad‑hoc appointments were made, followed by a Special Qualification Test (SQT) in …

STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.versusMD. KALIMUDDIN AND ORS.

1996 INSC 45Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Bihar prepared a panel of 273 candidates for Assistant Teacher posts under the 1975 Bihar Government Assistant Teachers Service Encadrement Appointment and Transfer Rules. While 98 candidates were appointed (91 joined), the remaining candidates were placed on a waiting list. The High …

UNION OF INDIAversusS.S. UPPAL AND ANR.

1996 INSC 34Appeal(s) allowed

S.S. Uppal, a State civil servant, was selected for absorption into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) against a non‑state quota. Although his name appeared in a panel for a vacancy that arose on 1‑Feb‑1989, he was actually appointed on 15‑Feb‑1989, after the seniority rules were amended on …

PATEL MOT!BHAI NARANBHAI AND ANR.versusDINUBHAI MOTIBHAI PATEL AND ORS.

1996 INSC 35Appeal(s) allowed

The dispute concerned ownership of certain properties and was referred to arbitration, resulting in an award on 26 February 1986. Neither party applied to file the award in court within the 30‑day period prescribed by Article 119 of the Limitation Act, 1963. Six years later, the arbitrator himself …

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONversusSTATE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH AND ANR.

1996 INSC 38Case Allowed

The National Human Rights Commission filed a writ petition under Article 32 on behalf of about 65,000 Chakma refugees settled in Arunachal Pradesh, alleging persecution, quit notices and threats of eviction by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union. The Chakmas had applied for Indian citizenship …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANR.versusM/S. NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CO., BOMBAY AND ANR.

1996 INSC 39Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Maharashtra entered into a construction contract with National Construction Co. and obtained a performance guarantee from the Central Bank of India. When the contractor abandoned the work, the State sued the bank alone for the guaranteed amount; the suit was dismissed for non‑joinder of …

MOHAMED IQBAL MADAR SHEIKH AND ORS.versusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

1996 INSC 26Dismissed

The appellants were charged under the IPC and Sections 3(1) and 3(2)(i) of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) for setting fire to a house during the 1993 Bombay riots, resulting in many deaths. The Designated Court denied bail, and the appellants contended that because …

DR. BIPIN SHANTILAL PANCHALversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

1996 INSC 27Dismissed

Dr. B.S. Panchal was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on 8 November 1993. Both the City Sessions Judge and the Gujarat High Court denied his bail applications, relying on Section 37 of the NDPS Act and the precedent set in Narcotics Control Bureau v. Kishan …

THE AJMER CENTRAL COOPERATIVE BANK LTD. AJMER, THROUGH THE MANAGING DIRECTORversusTHE PRESCRIBED AUTHORITY UNDER THE RAJASTHAN SHOPS AND CO. ESTABLISHMENT ACT, AIMER AND ORS.

1996 INSC 21Dismissed

The manager of a village cooperative Samiti (the second respondent) was dismissed on charges of embezzlement. Claiming that the dismissal order was never served, he filed a civil suit for injunction, which was later withdrawn, and also lodged a complaint under Section 28‑A of the Rajasthan Shops and …

BALAJI RAGHAVAN S.P. ANANDversusUNION OF INDIA

1995 INSC 900Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined two public‑interest petitions seeking to restrain the Union of India from conferring the Bharat Ratna and Padma awards, arguing that such awards constitute prohibited "titles" under Article 18(1) of the Constitution. The Court held that the framers intended to abolish …

SALAUDDIN ABDULSAMAD SHAIKHversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

1995 INSC 875Disposed off

The petitioner sought anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the High Court granted an ad‑interim order valid until 26 September 1995, imposing a condition that he report daily to the police station. Upon expiry of that order, the High Court judge directed the …

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE PORT OF CALCUTTAversusENGINEERS-DE-SPACE-AGE

1995 INSC 861Dismissed

The Board of Trustees for the Port of Calcutta contracted with Engineers‑de‑Space‑Age, including a clause (13(g)) that barred the Commissioners from entertaining any claim for interest on delayed payments. An arbitrator, however, awarded interest pendente lite. The Board appealed, contending that …

CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTSversusJAGANNATH MARUTI KONDHARE

1995 INSC 847Dismissed

The workmen employed by the Maharashtra Forest Department under the Panchgaon Parwati Scheme and social‑forestry projects alleged that they had been kept as casual labourers for five to six years, constituting an unfair labour practice under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention …

R. BALAKRISHNA PILLAIversusSTATE OF KERALA AND ANR.

1995 INSC 845Appeal(s) allowed

R. Balakrishna Pillai, a former Kerala Minister for Electricity, was charged with criminal conspiracy (IPC s.120‑B) and an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act for supplying electricity to a private firm in Karnataka without the Kerala Government's consent. The Kerala High Court held that …

M/S. COMPLETE INSULATIONS (P) LTD.versusNEW INDIA ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD.

1995 INSC 759Dismissed

MIS. Complete Insulations (P) Ltd. bought a Maruti car originally insured by New India Assurance for the original owner. The car’s registration was transferred to the appellant on 15‑June‑1989 and the appellant requested the insurer to transfer the insurance policy, but the insurer gave no response. …

UNION OF INDIAversusPRATIBHA BANERJEE AND ANR.

1995 INSC 761Dismissed

Pratibha Banerjee, a retired Judge of the Calcutta High Court, was appointed Vice‑Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and continued to draw her High Court pension. Upon retiring from the CAT, she claimed that her pension should be fixed under Part I of the First Schedule of the …

MANAGEMENT OF NILPUR TEA ESTATEversusSTATE OF ASSAM AND ORS.

1995 INSC 752Appeal(s) allowed

The Management of Nilpur Tea Estate terminated the services of an employee on 1 February 1982 following a charge-sheet and domestic enquiry. The Labour Court set aside that termination and ordered reinstatement, a decision upheld by the High Court. While the reinstatement was pending, the employer …

UNION OF INDIAversusTHE SPECIAL TEHSILDAR (ZA) AND ORS.

1995 INSC 719Disposed off

The Department of Space (Union of India) sought land in Tamil Nadu for a rocket‑launching station under a notification issued pursuant to Article 258(1) of the Constitution. After the Land Acquisition Officers awarded compensation, owners obtained a reference under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition …

A. WATI AOversusTHE STATE OF MANIPUR

1995 INSC 621Dismissed

The appellant, a senior IAS officer, was convicted under IPC 120‑B read with Section 5(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for conspiring to award a contract to a black‑listed firm at exorbitant rates. The trial court imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 and imprisonment till the rising of the court; …

CHINNAMMAversusGOPALAN AND ORS.

1995 INSC 620Appeal(s) allowed

The tenant, Chinnamma, occupied a residential premises under a lease from Gopalan and fell into rent arrears from June 1975. After a statutory notice, the landlord sought eviction under sections 11(2) and 11(3) of the Kerala Buildings (Lease & Rent Control) Act, 1965. The Rent Controller ordered …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusAJAIB SINGH AND ORS.

1995 INSC 587Case Allowed

The Union of India appealed against an arbitrator’s award that enhanced compensation for land acquired under the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952, and added solatium and interest. The competent authority had originally paid Rs 60 per Marla, which the respondents …

ARVIND INDUSTRIES AND ORS.versusTHE STATE OF GUJARAT AND ORS.

1995 INSC 487Dismissed

The appellants, manufacturers of edible oil, set up solvent extraction plants in Gujarat and claimed a five‑year sales‑tax exemption under a Notification dated 11 November 1970, relying on that Notification, a press note and statements by the Chief Minister and Finance Minister. The State later …

KARNEL SINGHversusTHE STATE OF M.P.

1995 INSC 452Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the appeal of Karnel Singh, convicted under Section 376 IPC for raping a female labourer, Panchbai, at a factory on 28 August 1987. The prosecution presented the victim's testimony, medical evidence of semen stains on her petticoat and in her vagina, and noted the absence …

ANIRUDHSINHJI KARANSINHJI JADEJA AND ANR.versusTHE STATE OF GUJARAT

1995 INSC 451Appeal(s) allowed

The murder of Jayantilal Vadodaria led to the arrest of four assailants and two villagers, Anirudhsinh Jadeja (Sarpanch) and Digubha Jadeja, who had concealed the murder weapons on the latter's field. The State invoked the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA) against the …

OXFORD ENGLISH SCHOOLversusTHE GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU AND ORS. ETC.

1995 INSC 434Appeal(s) allowed

The Oxford English School challenged the acquisition of its land by the Government of Tamil Nadu. A notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was published on 8 September 1982 and a declaration under Section 6 was issued on 19 December 1983 (published 15 February 1984). The …

SMT. VANAMALAversusSHRI H.N. RANGANATHA BHATIA

1995 INSC 425Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a woman who obtained a divorce by mutual consent under Section 13(B) of the Hindu Marriage Act, later filed an application for maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The trial magistrate dismissed the application, holding that a divorcee could not claim …

HYDERABAD INDUSTRIES LTD. AND ANR. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 407Disposed off

Hyderabad Industries Ltd. and others imported asbestos fibre, which they obtained by separating the fibre from its parent rock using manual and mechanical means, and paid customs duty under entry 25.01.32. They challenged the levy of additional duty under Section 3(1) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 …

AIR INDIAversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

1995 INSC 402Dismissed

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

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAXversusAK. MENON AND ORS.

1995 INSC 403Appeal(s) allowed

The Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax sought the release of tax liabilities amounting to Rs. 80,80,198.34 of several notified persons from funds held by a Custodian under the Special Court (Trial of Offences Relating to Transactions in Securities) Act, 1992. The Special Court ordered that the …

SARWAN SINGH LAMBA AND ORS. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 370Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined the appointments of the Vice‑Chairman and four members of the Madhya Pradesh State Administrative Tribunal, which had been challenged by three police inspectors through a public‑interest litigation. The High Court had quashed the appointments, holding that the procedure …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRAversusDIGAMBAR

1995 INSC 371Appeal(s) allowed

During the severe drought of 1971‑72, the Maharashtra government undertook scarcity‑relief road works, taking land without compensation. In 1991, an agriculturist filed a writ petition under Article 226 seeking compensation, alleging a 20‑year delay (laches). The Bombay High Court dismissed the …

G.C. KANUNGOversusSTATE OF ORISSA

1995 INSC 378Case Allowed

The petitioners, contractors who had contracts with the State of Orissa, obtained arbitral awards from Special Arbitration Tribunals which were later made "Rules of Court" by civil courts. The State subsequently enacted the Arbitration (Orissa Second Amendment) Act, 1991, which retrospectively …

INDER SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

1995 INSC 360Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a habeas corpus petition filed by the relatives of seven men who were allegedly abducted by a Punjab police party led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police on suspicion of involvement in a militant kidnapping. The Court ordered a CBI inquiry, which concluded that the …

BRIG. (RETD) D.K JETLEYversusARMY WELFARE HOUSING ORGANISATION AND ANR.

1995 INSC 346Disposed off

The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) was tasked with constructing 422 flats in Som Vihar, New Delhi, and invited applications from serving and retired army officers in 1979. Four senior officers – Brig. D.K. Jetley, Col. Dahiya, Col. Gupta and Col. Khandpur – each claimed entitlement to two …

COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, CHANDIGARHversusM/S. STEEL STRIPS LTD. SANGRUR

1995 INSC 324Dismissed

The assessees, M/s Steel Strips Ltd., manufactured cold‑rolled steel strips from hot‑rolled strips, which under Central Excise Tariff Item 26AA attracted a higher duty (Rs 650/MT) than hot‑rolled strips (Rs 450/MT). The excise authorities contended that the cold‑rolled strips were the result of a …

STATE OF ORISSA AND ORS.versusMAHANADI COALFIELDS LTD. AND ORS.

1995 INSC 286Disposed off

The State of Orissa challenged the validity of the Orissa Rural Employment, Education and Production Act, 1992 which imposed a tax of Rs 32,000 per acre on coal‑bearing lands. The High Court held that the State legislature lacked competence to levy such a tax and struck down the provision. On …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusINDIAN ALUMINIUM CO. LTD. AND ANR.

1995 INSC 275Dismissed

The Union of India challenged the clearance of aluminium dross and skimmings by Indian Aluminium Co. Ltd. without payment of excise duty. The company claimed credit for duty paid on aluminium ingots under Rule 56A while clearing aluminium sheets, and argued that the dross and skimmings, being waste, …

KAMLESHKUMAR ISHWARDAS PATEL ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1995 INSC 262

The Supreme Court examined whether an officer specially empowered under the COFEPOSA Act or the PIT NDPS Act to make a preventive detention order is required to consider the detainee's representation against that order. It held that the officer who makes the order is the detaining authority and must …

SAIYAD MOHD. SAIYAD UMAR SAIYED AND ORS.versusTHE STATE OF GUJARAT

1995 INSC 241Appeal(s) allowed

Three appellants were arrested in Gujarat and, after a police search, charas was seized from them. They were convicted under Section 20 of the NDPS Act and Sections 65 and 66 of the Bombay Prohibition Act. The appellants argued that the police had not informed them of their right, under Section 50 …

FENNER (INDIA) LTD.versusCOLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, MADURAI

1995 INSC 220Appeal(s) allowed

Fenner (India) Ltd. manufactured PVC‑impregnated conveyor belting of lengths 100‑400 m, widths 600‑1200 mm and thickness 7‑9.5 mm. The Central Excise authorities classified the belting under Tariff Heading 39.20 (plates, sheets, film, foil and strip) as a "strip", while the appellants argued that it …

DR. AJAY SINGH RAWATversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

1995 INSC 177Disposed off

Dr. Ajay Singh Rawat, a member of the Nainital Bachao Samiti, filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking directions to curb severe environmental degradation in Nainital caused by water, air, noise and other forms of pollution. The Supreme Court appointed a commissioner to …

THE HINDUSTAN CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.versusGOVERNOR OF ORISSA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 157Appeal(s) allowed

Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. entered into a dam‑construction contract with the Government of Orissa. A dispute over escalation charges and other sums exceeding Rs 1 crore was referred to an Arbitration Tribunal, which directed the State to refer the matter to a Special Arbitration Tribunal under …

STATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.versusHAWA SINGH ETC. ETC.

1995 INSC 131Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioners were drivers in Haryana Roadways who were retired after being declared medically unfit for heavy‑vehicle driving due to eyesight defects. They sought a writ directing the State to appoint one of their sons to a suitable post. The High Court granted the writ, but the State appealed, …

CHAIRMAN, THIRUVALLUVAR TRANSPORT CORPORATIONversusCONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL

1995 INSC 107Appeal(s) allowed

Shri K. Kumar died in a bus accident in 1990. The Consumer Protection Council, Tamil Nadu, filed a claim before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) on behalf of his legal representatives, seeking compensation. The NCDRC awarded Rs. 5.10 lakh without addressing the question of …

M/S VOLTAS LTD. BOMBAYversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 102Appeal(s) allowed

Mis Voltas Ltd. entered into exclusive distribution agreements with numerous manufacturers, containing territorial and exclusive dealing clauses. The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) issued notices under Section 10(a)(iii) and Section 37 of the Monopolies and Restrictive …

SHARMIK UTTARSH SABHAversusRAYMOND WOOLLEN MILLS LTD. AND ORS.

1995 INSC 103Dismissed

The appellant, Sharimk Uttarsah Sabha, a trade union, sought to be impleaded in an Industrial Court proceeding where Raymond Woolen Mills Ltd. had complained of unfair labour practices under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971. The …

THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO. LTD.versusSMT. SHANTI BAI AND ORS.

1995 INSC 97Appeal(s) allowed

New India Assurance Co. issued a comprehensive insurance policy for a bus owned by respondent No.4. The bus was involved in an accident caused by the negligent driving of respondent No.5, resulting in the death of a passenger, Laxman Singh, who was riding on the roof with the driver’s permission. …

LAL BABU HUSSEIN AND ORS.versusELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICER AND ORS.

1995 INSC 98Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the Election Commission's directives that empowered district collectors and police to determine a person's citizenship and delete alleged foreign nationals from electoral rolls. Petitioners challenged the procedure, arguing that notices relied solely on police reports, …

M/S. WARDEN AND CO., (INDIA) PVT. LIU.versusCOLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, THANE

1995 INSC 90Dismissed

M/s. Warden and Co. (India) Pvt. Ltd. manufactures fibre drums whose cylindrical side is paper, while the lids and bottom are plywood reinforced with steel rings. The company sought to have the drums classified under Central Excise Tariff Item No. 17(4) and to claim exemption under Notification No. …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANR.versusRAKESH MENON AND ANR. ETC. ETC.

1995 INSC 88Appeal(s) allowed

A Division Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the State could not reduce the minimum qualifying marks in General English for admission to medical and dental colleges to create seats for SC/ST candidates. The State of Madhya Pradesh filed Special Leave Petitions challenging that order. …

CONSUMER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE AND ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 76Case Allowed

The Consumer Education and Research Centre filed a public‑interest writ under Article 32 seeking protection for workers in asbestos mines and industries, alleging that the right to health and medical care is a fundamental right under Article 21 read with Articles 39(c), 41, 43 and 48A of the …

DURGA NARAYANversusCHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, DENA BANK

1995 INSC 68Dismissed

The appellant, Durga Narayan, was appointed as Economic Officer of Dena Bank on 26 May 1978 with a basic pay of Rs.700, the scale recommended by the Pillai Committee. After ten years he claimed that he was entitled to a further "fitment" benefit under the Dena Bank (Officer's) Service Regulations, …

RAMANARANGversusRAMESH NARANG AND ORS.

1995 INSC 61Dismissed

The appellant, Rama Narang, was appointed Managing Director of a deemed public limited company after being convicted of offences involving moral turpitude. Respondent Ramesh Narang challenged the appointment under Section 267 of the Companies Act, 1956, which bars a person convicted of such offences …

R.D. HATTANGADIversusMIS. PEST CONTROL (INDIA) PVT. LTD. AND ORS.

1995 INSC 12Appeal(s) allowed

R.D. Hattangadi, a practising advocate, was severely injured in a head‑on collision between a car owned by Mis. Pest Control (India) Pvt. Ltd. and a motor lorry, resulting in 100% disability and paraplegia. He filed a claim under Section 110‑A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 seeking compensation for …

SH. P.K. SARIN AND ANR. ETC. ETCversusSTATE OF U.PAND ORS ETC.

1994 INSC 618Dismissed

The petitioners, members of the Uttar Pradesh Civil Service (Judicial Branch), challenged two 1975 notifications issued by the Governor under Article 237 of the Constitution which transformed the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Officers Service into a separate judicial service and made its members eligible …

SH. SUBASH CHANDRA VERMA AND ORS. ETC.versusTHE STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS. ETC.

1994 INSC 601Appeal(s) allowed

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducted a screening test and viva voce for 195 Ayurvedic Medical Officer vacancies. Several unsuccessful candidates challenged the process alleging question paper leakage, evaluation by unqualified staff, vague questions with multiple answers, lack of …

M/S SUBHASH AGGRAWAL AGENCIESversusM/S BHILWARA SYNTHETICS LTD. AND ORS.

1994 INSC 597Appeal(s) allowed

Mis Subhash Aggarwal Agencies (appellant) and Mis Bhilwara Synthetics Ltd. (respondent) were members of the Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association. The appellant claimed Rs 4,51,246.50 and the dispute was referred to a sole arbitrator who, following a High Court direction dated 20‑Nov‑1981, gave a …

TMT. T.P.K. THILAGAVATHYversusTHE REGIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY AND OTHERS

1994 INSC 558Dismissed

The petitioners, private stage‑carriage operators, challenged the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles (Special Provisions) Act, 1992 which bars the grant of any new permit overlapping a notified route after 30 June 1990. They argued that the cut‑off date created an arbitrary classification violating Article …

RAJIV K. GARG AND ORS.versusSHANTI BHUSHAN AND OTHERS

1994 INSC 526Dismissed

The petitioners, members of the legal profession, sought suo motu initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against respondents, who were also lawyers and members of a Sub‑Committee on Judicial Accountability, alleging that they made statements disparaging judges and the judicial system. The …

STA TE OF WEST BENGAL ETC.versusTERRA FIRMA INVESTMENT AND TRADING PVT. LTD.

1994 INSC 518

The State of West Bengal and the Calcutta Municipal Corporation appealed against a Calcutta High Court decision that held the Calcutta Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Act, 1990 unconstitutional for imposing a one‑year ban on applications for high‑rise building plans. The Act introduced Section …

HINDUSTAN LEVER EMPLOYEES' UNIONversusHINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED AND ORS

1994 INSC 483Dismissed

The Supreme Court considered the sanction of a scheme of amalgamation between Tata Oil Mills Company Ltd. (TOMCO) and Hindustan Lever Ltd. (HLL), a subsidiary of the foreign multinational Unilever. The petitioners – nominal TOMCO shareholders, employee unions and consumer groups – challenged the …

SUB-COMMITIEE ON JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITYversusJUSTICE V. RAMASWAMY

1994 INSC 475Dismissed

The Sub‑Committee on Judicial Accountability filed a suo motu criminal contempt petition against Justice V. Ramaswamy, alleging that a letter he wrote to the Enquiry Committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 contained sweeping allegations against judges and the judiciary. The petition invoked …

SANJAY DUTTversusTHE STATE THROUGH C.B.I. BOMBAY

1994 INSC 371Dismissed

The petitioners, accused in the 1993 Bombay blast case, were charged under Section 5 of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) for knowingly possessing an AK‑56 rifle and ammunition. They argued that the possession was for self‑defence, not for terrorist purposes, and sought …

UNIVERSITY OF DELHIversusRAJ SINGH

1994 INSC 370Dismissed

The Delhi High Court upheld the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations of 1991 that require a written eligibility test for appointment of lecturers in Delhi University and its affiliated colleges. The University challenged the regulations as beyond UGC's competence, directory rather than …

MAHARASHTRA STATE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONversusMIS. SUVARNA BOARD MILL AND ANR.

1994 INSC 333

The Maharashtra State Financial Corporation (appellant) granted a bridge loan of Rs. 3 lakh to Mis. Suvarna Board Mills (respondent), which defaulted and accrued arrears of about Rs. 25 lakh. On 7 January 1992 the corporation issued a notice under Section 29 of the State Financial Corporation Act …

S.K. MUKHERJEEversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANOTHER

1994 INSC 296Dismissed

The petitioner, appointed as a temporary Staff Officer‑cum‑Instructor in the West Bengal Directorate of Civil Defence in 1965, claimed to be a member of the Civil Defence Corps and sought uniform service conditions under the Central Civil Defence Act, 1968. He argued that the Central Government, …

SATISH CHANDRAversusUNION OF INDIA

1994 INSC 295Disposed off

Satish Chandra challenged Sections 4, 5, 16, 21 and 27 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1988 on the grounds that Parliament lacked competence to create the Company Law Board (CLB) and that the Act failed to protect minority shareholders. The petition argued that the power under Section 397 of the …

SHRI T. SHAM BHATversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

1994 INSC 293

Shri T. Sham Bhat, a Class‑I officer of Karnataka's non‑State Civil Service, was barred from selection to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after the IAS (Appointment by Selection) Second Amendment Regulations, 1989 increased the required continuous service from eight to twelve years and …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusM/S. GRAPHIC INDUSTRIES CO. AND ORS.

1994 INSC 292Appeal(s) allowed

Graphic Industries Co. supplied stores worth about Rs. 50 lakh to Eastern Railways, but payment was delayed. The company filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution seeking a mandamus for payment, relying on correspondence between the Railway Minister and officials. The Calcutta High …

HINDUSTAN LEVER LTD.versusB.N. DONGRE AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1994 INSC 284Disposed off

Hindustan Lever Ltd. sought to impose a ceiling on dearness allowance for workers earning above Rs 500 per month, arguing that the existing slab system caused over‑neutralisation of the cost‑of‑living index and distorted wage differentials, especially vis‑à‑vis junior executives. The Industrial …

DR. RASH LAL YADAVversusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

1994 INSC 225Dismissed

Dr. Rash Lal Yadav, appointed Chairman of the Bihar School Service Board for a three‑year term, was removed by the State Government under Section 10(7) of the Bihar Non‑Government Secondary Schools (Taking over of Management and Control) Act, 1981 on grounds of alleged mismanagement and detrimental …

CORPORATION BANKversusD.S. GOWDA AND ANR.

1994 INSC 222Disposed off

Corporation Bank advanced an overdraft facility to D.S. Gowda for construction of flats, later securing the debt by an equitable mortgage and charging interest at 16.5% per annum with quarterly rests. The borrower contested the rate as excessive and argued that the RBI circulars and the Mysore …