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S B MAJMUDAR

215 judgments · newest first · showing 1–200

DELHI ADMINISTRATIONversusGURDIP SINGH UBAN AND ORS. ETC.

2000 INSC 405Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a batch of land acquisition proceedings under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, where the Delhi Administration and DDA sought to enforce acquisition of land in several villages. The Court held that claimants who did not file objections to the Section 4 notification cannot …

M.V. AL. QUAMARversusTSAVLIRIS SALVAGE (INTERNATIONAL) LTD. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 402Dismissed

The Supreme Court considered an execution petition filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court under Section 44‑A of the Civil Procedure Code to enforce a money decree passed by the English Admiralty Court against the owner of the vessel M.V. Al Quamar. The appellant argued that Section 44‑A could not be …

RAJENDRA KUMARversusKALYAN (DEAD) BY LRS.

2000 INSC 370Dismissed

The appellant Rajendra Kumar claimed possession of property left by Mohanlal, asserting that he had been adopted by Radhabai, the widow of Mahadeo, who was allegedly an adopted son of Mohanlal. The lower courts held that the adoption of a child by a widow to her deceased husband under Section 8 of …

PALANIVELAYUTHAM PILLAI AND ORS.versusRAMACHANDRAN AND ORS.

2000 INSC 306Dismissed

The case concerned a partition suit over properties that were part of a Kattalai grant to a temple. The original settlor had given management rights to his second wife, who by a General Power of Attorney and later a will appointed A as successor‑trustee. A executed two wills on the same day in 1955, …

BALBIR KAUR AND ANR.versusSTEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA LTD. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 292Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioners, dependents of a deceased SAIL employee, applied for a compassionate appointment after the employee's death, but SAIL declined, citing a Family Benefit Scheme introduced under the 1989 NJSC Tripartite Agreement that required the family to deposit provident fund and gratuity amounts …

PARBODH SAGARversusPUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD AND ORS.

2000 INSC 272Dismissed

Parbodh Sagar, a Senior Accounts Officer of the Punjab State Electricity Board, saw his service record decline from "good" to "poor" and repeatedly filed unsuccessful litigations against the Board. The Board retired him prematurely under Regulation 3(i)(e) of the Punjab State Electricity Board …

BABULALversusHABIBNOOR KHAN (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 258Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned a dwelling‑house owned by an undivided family in which one co‑owner sold his one‑third share to Babu Lal, a stranger to the family. Respondent No.1, the decree‑holder in a partition suit, sought a decree under Section 4 of the Partition Act, 1893, to buy out Babu Lal's share, even …

BALWANT KAUR AND ANR .versusCHANAN SINGH AND ORS.

2000 INSC 225Appeal(s) allowed

Sham Singh, the sole owner of a 47-kanal land, executed a will bequeathing two‑thirds of the property to his brothers and one‑third to his widowed daughter, Balwant Kaur, as a life interest that would revert to the brothers on her death. The daughter, a destitute dependent of her father, claimed …

CHANDRIKA PRASADversusPULLO (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 205Dismissed

The appellant, Chandrika Prasad, claimed adhivasi rights over two agricultural plots on the basis that his father, Ram Harakh, was a sub‑tenant of a mortgagee and thus entitled to protection under Section 20 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition & Land Reforms Act, 1950. The respondents, who had …

STATE OF BIHAR AND ANR.versusBAL MUKUND SAH AND ORS.

2000 INSC 137Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined whether Section 4 of the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Act, 1991 (as amended) could be applied to the recruitment of district judges and other members of the subordinate judiciary. …

M/S.WHIRLPOOL OF INDIA LTD.versusEMPLOYEES' STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION

2000 INSC 127Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Whirlpool of India Ltd., paid its workers a quarterly production incentive under a scheme in addition to normal wages. The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) treated these incentives as "wages" under Section 2(22) of the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 and demanded …

KADIYALA RAMA RAOversusGUTALA KAHNA RAO (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 89

The appellant purchased a house at a court auction in execution of a mortgage decree. The respondents, who were judgment‑debtors, filed an application under Order 21 Rule 90 of the CPC seeking to set aside the sale on the ground that the property was not saleable for 15 years due to a lease …

SRI K.V. SHIVAKUMAR AND ANR.versusTHE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY AND ORS.

2000 INSC 85Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined whether the order of the Appropriate Authority under Sections 269‑UD, 269‑UC and 269‑UE of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for the pre‑emptive purchase of an immovable property was valid after the Court had set aside a High Court judgment. The petitioners argued that the Central …

ABID HATIM MERCHANTversusJANAB SALEBHAI SAHEB SHAIFUDDIN

2000 INSC 49Disposed off

The Sir Adamji Peerbhoy Sanatorium Trust, created in the 19th century for charitable purposes, held land on a 99‑year lease and later housed the Saifee Hospital Trust, which served the Dawoodi Bohra community. The trustees sought a cy‑pres amendment to remove the community‑specific restriction on …

MOHINDER LALversusSMT SAROJ KUMARI VERMA

2000 INSC 18Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent-landlady filed an eviction suit in a civil court against the appellant-tenant for arrears of rent. The dispute centered on whether the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949 (the Act) applied to the building, which was claimed to be exempt under notifications dated 31 January …

MANAGEMENT OF M.C.D.versusPREM CHAND GUPTA AND ANR.

1999 INSC 566Disposed off

The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) terminated the services of Prem Chand Gupta, a temporary Section Officer, on 29 April 1966 after he had served continuously for more than 240 days in a calendar year. Gupta raised an industrial dispute; the Labour Court and a High Court Single Judge held the …

PATTAKKAL KUNHIKOYA (DEAD) BY LRS.versusTHOOPIKAL KOYA AND ANR.

1999 INSC 564Dismissed

The plaintiff, a legal representative of a member of the Pattakkal tarwad, claimed a reversionary right to the properties of the extinct Kandangalam tarwad, asserting that Pattakkal was an undivided branch of the ancient Pandambeli tarwad. The lower courts dismissed the suit, holding that Pattakkal …

AJIT SINGH AND ORS.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

1999 INSC 546Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined review petitions that sought to overturn the view that Article 16(4) of the Constitution creates a fundamental right to reservation in public employment. The petitions relied on observations in Indira Sawhney that the reservation power was justified as a reasonable …

THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, AHMEDNAGAR AND ANR.versusSHAH HYDER BEIG AND ORS.

1999 INSC 549Appeal(s) allowed

The Municipal Council of Ahmednagar issued a notification under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 on 15 May 1971 and, after a compensation award on 26 April 1976, took possession of land. The respondents, Shah Hyder Beig and others, filed a writ petition in 1992—21 years after the …

HYDERABAD KARNATAKA EDUCATION SOCIETYversusREGISTRAR OF SOCIETIES AND ORS.

1999 INSC 545Appeal(s) allowed

The Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society filed an appeal against a Karnataka High Court judgment that struck down its Rule 7A, which automatically terminates an ordinary member’s membership if the annual subscription of Rs.25 is not paid by the end of March. The respondents, former ordinary …

NATIONAL ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES LTD.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS.

1999 INSC 538Appeal(s) allowed

National Engineering Industries Ltd. (employer) had three unions: a recognised majority Labour Union, a Staff Union and a minority Workers' Union. A tripartite settlement was reached in conciliation proceedings with the Labour and Staff unions covering most demands, and the Workers' Union also …

RAMAN BHAI NARAN BHAL PATEL AND ORS.versusSTATE OF GUJARAT

1999 INSC 534Dismissed

The appellants (Accused Nos. 1‑4 and 6) were convicted for murder, attempted murder and related offences after a group assault on a printing press and the deceased’s residence, resulting in the death of Ramanbhai Mohanbhai. The prosecution relied on a dying declaration, medical evidence, and …

ANIL KUMAR GUPTA AND ORS.versusMUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF DELHI AND ORS.

1999 INSC 529Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined appeals arising from the Delhi High Court’s order on the appointment of Assistant Engineers (Civil) in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The Court held that respondents could challenge adverse findings of the High Court even without filing a separate appeal. It clarified …

HARIDAS PARSEDIAversusURMILA SHAKYAND ORS.

1999 INSC 525Appeal(s) allowed

Three SC clerks of the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department were appointed as Transport Sub‑Inspectors through a limited direct recruitment exam that gave a 10% relaxation in the required 50% passing marks, allowing them to pass with 40%. The exam was conducted only among SC/ST candidates for …

TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF INDIAversusEMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION AND ANR.

1999 INSC 518Dismissed

The Transport Corporation of India, a public carrier with its registered head office in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, was covered by a notification issued by the Andhra Pradesh Government under Section 1(5) of the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948. The corporation argued that this notification …

JNANEDAYA YOGAM AND ANR.versusK.K. PANKAJAKSHY AND ORS.

1999 INSC 500Dismissed

The Kerala Government issued a notification under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 to acquire a small parcel of land bearing a shop owned by K.K. Pankajakshy, alleging the need to provide a passage for the annual temple procession of Sree Jagannath Temple managed by Jnaneda Ya Yogam. The High Court …

STATE OF MANIPUR AND ORS.versusCHANDAM MANIHAR SINGH

1999 INSC 442Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Manipur reconstituted its State Pollution Control Board under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, appointing a Chairman whose three‑year term was to end on 4 May 1998. After the Chairman resigned, Chandam Manihar Singh was nominated on 16 October 1996 to fill the …

MAHARASHTRA GIRNI KAMGAR UNIONversusS. BHATTACHARJI AND ORS.

1999 INSC 366Dismissed

The Maharashtra Girni Kamgar Union (appellant) sought cancellation of the registration of respondent No.4 union as a representative union under Section 15(b)(ii) of the Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946, alleging that its membership fell below the 25% statutory minimum for a continuous …

ADOR SAMIA PRIVATE LIMITEDversusPEEKA Y HOLDING LIMITED AND ORS.

1999 INSC 348Disposed off

The petitioner, Ador Samia Private Ltd., filed a Special Leave Petition under Article 136 of the Constitution challenging an order of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court that appointed an arbitrator under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The central issue was …

WAKF BOARD ANDHRA PRADESH REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARYversusBIRADA VOLURAMANA REDDY

1999 INSC 345Dismissed

The Andhra Pradesh Wakf Board filed a suit in 1973 to recover possession of a 48½‑cent parcel of land that had been granted as a service Imam plot to the Paish Imam of a mosque and subsequently alienated through several sales. The trial court allowed the suit, but the High Court dismissed it on the …

M.I. BUILDERS PVT. LTD.versusRADHEY SHAYAM SAHU AND OTHERS

1999 INSC 288Dismissed

The Lucknow Nagar Mahapalika entered into a one‑sided agreement with M.I. Builders to construct an underground shopping complex on Jhandewala Park, a historic public park, without inviting tenders or obtaining required statutory approvals. The High Court held the agreement illegal, arbitrary and …

THE STATE OF PUNJABversusBALDEV SINGH

1999 INSC 282Disposed off

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

LOKMATNEWSPAPERS PVT. LTD.versusSHANKAR PRASAD

1999 INSC 279Dismissed

Lokmat Newspapers introduced photo‑type composing machines, rendering hand‑composing workers surplus. It issued a notice under Section 9‑A of the Industrial Disputes Act on 25 March 1982, after the machines were already in operation, and initiated conciliation proceedings which were closed at 4:35 …

M.R.F. LTD.versusJAGDISH LAL AND ANR.

1999 INSC 225Dismissed

The appellant M.R.F. Ltd. challenged a consumer complaint alleging a defect in a tyre and tube that had burst. The complainant had handed the tyre and tube to the dealer, who forwarded them to the appellant, and therefore the complainant no longer possessed the goods. The District Forum was required …

PUNJAB COMMUNICATIONS LTD.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1999 INSC 219Dismissed

Punjab Communications Ltd (PCL) had been shortlisted for a digital wireless telecom tender in Eastern Uttar Pradesh that was to be funded by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) soft loan. PCL alleged that senior officials conspired to sabotage the loan and the tender so that a multinational could supply …

SECRETARY, HARYANA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARDversusSURESH AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1999 INSC 137Dismissed

The Haryana State Electricity Board (the Board) awarded a cleaning contract to a contractor, Kashmir Singh, who supplied 42 safai karamcharis. After the workers completed more than 240 days of service, they claimed permanent absorption under Section 10 of the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) …

FERRO ALLOYS CORPN. LTD. AND ANR.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1999 INSC 124Dismissed

Ferro Alloys Corp. Ltd (FACOR) sought a mining lease for chromite in Sukinda Valley after the Central Government, following a high‑power expert committee (Sharma Committee), reduced the area previously granted to Tata Iron & Steel Co. (TISCO). The Committee assessed the needs of all claimants, …

V. SUDEER ETCversusBAR COUNCIL OF INDIA AND ANOTHER

1999 INSC 105

The Supreme Court examined the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) Training Rules, 1995 (as amended in 1998) which mandated a one‑year pre‑enrolment training for law graduates before they could be enrolled as advocates. The petitioners challenged the Rules as ultra vires the Advocates Act, 1961 and as …

THERAKHATOON (D) BY LRS.versusSLAMBIN MOHAMMAD

1999 INSC 86Dismissed

Therakhatoon purchased land in 1966 and later alleged that her neighbour, Slambin Mohammad, illegally occupied part of it and constructed two rooms in 1967. After a delay of several years, she filed a suit for possession, injunction and damages, which was initially dismissed by the trial court, …

BALDEV SINGH DHINGRA AND OTHERSversusMADAN LAL GUPTA AND OTHERS

1999 INSC 40Dismissed

The case concerned a former advocate who had become a judicial officer, was dismissed for corruption, and later sought to resume legal practice. After his resumption, members of the local bar objected and the Bar Council of India initiated disciplinary proceedings under Section 35 of the Advocates …

A.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARDversusPROF. M.V. NA YUDU (RETD.) AND OTHERS

1999 INSC 24Directions issued

The Supreme Court considered appeals filed by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board challenging the High Court's order granting consent to a company to set up a castor‑oil derivatives plant near the Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar catchment areas. The Board argued that the industry fell in the …

P. VEERASAMYversusOFFICIAL ASSIGNEE, HIGH COURT, MADRAS

1999 INSC 5Appeal(s) allowed

P. Veerasamy was adjudicated an insolvent under the Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909. He applied to the Madras High Court for permission to restart his kerosene‑selling business so that he could support himself and his family, offering to remit a portion of the earnings to creditors. The High …

R. JANARDHANA RAOversusG. LINGAPPA

1999 INSC 7Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Advocate G. Lingappa, after representing the opposite side in a civil suit, persuaded the respondent, R. Janardhana Rao, to give him a personal hand loan of Rs 3,000 secured by a post‑dated cheque, which later bounced. The respondent filed a complaint before the State Bar Council …

STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESHversusVATSAVYI KUMARA VENKATA KRISHNA VERMA

1999 INSC 1Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a holder of agricultural land under the Andhra Pradesh Land Reforms (Ceiling on Agricultural Holdings) Act, 1973, and his wife sold four parcels of land within a 15‑day period between 24‑Jan‑1971 and before the notified date. One sale was to the respondent’s father and three to …

STATE OF PUNJABversusDR. R.N. BHATNAGAR AND ANR.

1998 INSC 491Dismissed

The dispute concerned the appointment of a Professor of Ophthalmology in a government medical college. Rule 9(i)(d) of the Punjab Medical College Education Service (Class‑I) Rules, 1978 mandates that 75% of professor posts be filled by promotion and 25% by direct recruitment. The State argued that …

M/S SAVITA CHEMICALS (PVT.) LTD.versusDYES AND CHEMICAL WORKERS UNION AND ANR.

1998 INSC 476Dismissed

The appellant, Savita Chemicals Ltd., sought a declaration that a strike by the Dyes and Chemical Workers Union was illegal under Sections 24(1)(a) and 24(1)(i) of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions & Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971. The union had issued a strike notice …

BHAGAT SINGH ETC.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

1998 INSC 465Dismissed

The State of Uttar Pradesh acquired 7.334 hectares of land in Agra for a fruits and vegetables market yard, invoking Section 17(4) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 to dispense with the Section 5‑A inquiry on the ground of urgency, despite a one‑year gap between the notification and the declaration. …

BHAWARLAL BHANDARIversusM/S UNIVERSAL HEAVY MECHANICAL LIFTING ENTERPRISES

1998 INSC 461Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Bhandari had given a short‑term loan of Rs 15 lakh to the respondent Heavy Mechanical Lifting Enterprises. A dispute over interest and repayment was referred to arbitration; the arbitrator passed an award on 17‑Apr‑1985 and, after a four‑year delay, filed it in the Calcutta High Court …

LAL MOHAMMAD AND ORS.versusINDIAN RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. AND ORS.

1998 INSC 462Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved 25 workmen employed by Indian Railway Construction Co. Ltd. (IRCON) on the Rihand Nagar railway line project who were served retrenchment notices in 1993 stating that most work was completed. The workmen challenged the notices, arguing that the project constituted a "factory" under …

INDU KAKKARversusHARYANA STATE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD. AND ANR.

1998 INSC 456Dismissed

The Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC) allotted an industrial plot to York Printers under an agreement that required the allottee to commence construction within six months, complete it within two years, and start production within three years, failing which the plot could be …

M.S. ZAHEDversusK. RAGHAVAN

1998 INSC 451Disposed off

The landlord M.S. Zayed sued tenant K. Raghavan for possession of a portion of a house under Section 21(1)(h) of the Karnataka Rent Control Act, claiming a reasonable and bona‑fide need for the premises. The trial court found the landlord's need genuine and granted possession, but the Karnataka High …

MUNICIPAL BOARD, SAHARANPURversusSHAHDARA (DELHI) SAHARANPUR LIGHT RAIL CO. LTD.

1998 INSC 441Case Partly allowed

The Municipal Board of Saharanpur assessed house‑tax and water‑tax on a defunct railway company’s properties situated in a single complex with a "common compound". The Board treated all buildings as one unit for both taxes and allowed a 10% depreciation on the estimated cost of the buildings. The …

MUNICIPAL BOARD, SAHARANPURversusIMPERIAL TOBACCO OF INDIA LTD .

1998 INSC 442Appeal(s) allowed

The Municipal Board of Saharanpur sought to levy water tax on Imperial Tobacco's factory and residential buildings under Section 128(1)(x) of the U.P. Municipalities Act, 1916, claiming that the entire complex lay within a 600‑foot radius of a public stand‑pipe and was situated in a "common …

STATE OF U.P.versusHARISH CHANDRA AND CO.

1998 INSC 422Disposed off

The State of U.P. entered into a contract with Harish Chandra & Co. for excavation and construction work, which the contractor failed to complete, leading the State to finish the work through other agencies and incur extra costs. The dispute over payment was referred to arbitration, where the …

RASIK AUTO STORES AND ORS.versusNAVIN V. HANTODKAR AND ANR.

1998 INSC 420Dismissed

The petitioners, tenants of a commercial premises, challenged the landlord's suit for possession under Clause 13(3)(vi) of the C.P. & Berar Rent Control Order, 1949, arguing that the landlord already owned other premises in the same building, which should bar his claim of bonafide requirement. The …

RAM BADAN RAI AND ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 417Dismissed

The appellants, claiming to be original residents of villages on the Bihar‑Uttar Pradesh border, challenged the validity of the Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (Alteration of Boundaries) Act, 1968, arguing that state boundaries were frozen as of 26‑January‑1950 and that the disputed lands were never …

BABYversusTRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD AND ORS.

1998 INSC 413Dismissed

The appellant, Baby, challenged a Land Tribunal order that held she was not a cultivating tenant. The High Court set aside the Tribunal's decision under Section 103 of the Kerala Land Reforms Act, 1963, on the ground that the Tribunal failed to consider several material documents. The Supreme Court …

POOVOLLAPARAMBIL CHATHU AND ORS.versusV.P. SUDHEER AND ORS.

1998 INSC 414Appeal(s) allowed

The plaintiffs sought a declaration that they were exclusive co‑owners of a parcel of land, while the defendants claimed tenancy under a predecessor and asked for fixity of tenure. The dispute turned on whether the civil court could decide the tenancy issue or had to refer it to the Land Tribunal …

THE DAILY PRATAPversusTHE REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER

1998 INSC 407Dismissed

The Daily Pratap, a newspaper printing business, paid its employees a "Production Bonus" that was a flat‑rate extra amount for extra work. The Regional Provident Fund Commissioner demanded contributions under Section 6 of the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1959, …

V. KASTURIversusMANAGING DIRECTOR, STATE BANK OF INDIA, BOMBAY AND ANR.

1998 INSC 392Dismissed

V. Kasturi voluntarily retired from the State Bank of India in 1984 after more than 20 but less than 25 years of service and was ineligible for pension under Rule 22(1)(c) which then required 25 years. The Rules were amended in September 1986 reducing the qualifying service to 20 years. Kasturi …

SALEEMversusDISTRICT JUDGE, MUZAFFARNAGAR AND ORS.

1998 INSC 365Dismissed

The landlord filed an eviction suit under the U.P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972, claiming that the shop occupied by the tenant was a newly constructed building first assessed for house tax on 1 April 1982, and therefore exempt from the Act’s protective …

AUNDIAPPA NADARversusGNANAMBAL AMMAL AND ORS.

1998 INSC 360Appeal(s) allowed

Aundippa Nadar leased the B schedule portion of a plot in 1954 and later erected a pucca superstructure in 1965, after the original cut‑off date of 12 September 1955. He filed an application under Section 9 of the Tamil Nadu City Tenants Protection Act, 1921 (as amended) seeking the right to …

M/S RAPTAKOS BRETT AND CO. LTD.versusGANESH PROPERTY

1998 INSC 354Dismissed

The landlord, a partnership firm, sued its former tenant for possession of premises after a 21‑year lease expired. The partnership was unregistered when the suit was filed, raising a bar under Section 69(2) of the Partnership Act. The trial court and High Court held the suit maintainable and granted …

SRI BABU RAM @ DURGA PRASADversusSRI INDRA PAL SINGH (DEAD) BY LRS.

1998 INSC 306Dismissed

The plaintiff, an undischarged insolvent, entered into a joint application with the creditor to sell his land for the debt amount, with a clause allowing repurchase within five years. After the sale deed was executed by the Official Receiver, the plaintiff was adjudicated insolvent, but later …

REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER AND ORS.versusA. ARUNA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 290Dismissed

The appellants, authorities under the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 1982, sought eviction of respondents from plot No. 9. The Special Court held that although the appellants had title, the respondents were in adverse possession and denied relief. The appellants filed a review under …

OM PRAKASH AND ORS.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND OTHERS

1998 INSC 256Dismissed

The appellants, owners of lands in village Chhalera Banger, challenged the Uttar Pradesh government's notifications under Sections 4 and 6 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, which invoked Section 17(4) to dispense with the mandatory Section 5‑A inquiry on the ground of urgency for planned industrial …

GANESH SHETversusDR. C.S.G.K. SETTY AND ORS.

1998 INSC 244Dismissed

The appellant filed a suit for specific performance of an alleged sale agreement of a Shimoga property, claiming the contract was concluded on 25‑January‑1984 in Delhi. The defendants denied any concluded contract, stating that price and terms were never fixed and that no agreement was reached on …

VISHAL JEETversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 236Dismissed

Vishal Jeet, claiming to be an advocate, filed a fresh contempt petition (CRL No. D4I06 of 1998) against the Union of India and others, alleging that he had been denied membership of the Central Advisory Committee. An earlier contempt petition (No. 1/1994) on the same grievance had been dismissed by …

M/S. AQUEOUS VICTUALS PVT. LTD.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND. ORS.

1998 INSC 226Appeal(s) allowed

Mis Aqueous Victuals Pvt. Ltd. bottled soft drinks and sold them through wholesalers in four Uttar Pradesh municipalities. The municipalities levied octroi on the gross weight of the beverages plus the weight of the glass bottles, even though the empty bottles were returned to the company for …

JAGJIT COTTON TEXTILE MILLSversusCHIEF COMMERCIAL SUPERINTENDENT N.R. AND ORS.

1998 INSC 190Dismissed

The petitioners, consignees of coal, challenged the Railway's recovery of penal charges under Rule 161‑A of the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA) Rules for loading wagons beyond the permissible carrying capacity. The Supreme Court examined whether Rule 161‑A was inconsistent with or ultra …

SANKARANARAYANAN POTTI (DEAD) BY L.RS.versusK.SREEDEVI AND ORS.

1998 INSC 156Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned an Otti mortgagee (defendant No. 2) who, after a preliminary decree of redemption, claimed to be a "cultivating tenant" under the Kerala Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1969 and obtained a purchase certificate from the Kerala Land Tribunal. The appellant sought to have the final …

PALANI AMMALversusVISWANATHA CHETTIAR (DEAD) AND ORS.

1998 INSC 136Dismissed

Palani Ammal (appellant) occupied an open piece of land with a granite foundation on which she erected a fuel depot under a lease from the original landlords (plaintiffs I and II). The landlords later sold the land to a third plaintiff (plaintiff III). Ammal denied plaintiff III's title and filed an …

RAJASTHAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONversusCHANDAN RAM AND ANR.

1998 INSC 115Appeal(s) allowed

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission advertised 23 Assistant Director (Junior) posts in 1993, but the State Government halted recruitment to amend the service rules. The 1995 amendment abolished the Assistant Director (Junior) cadre and created a new Marketing Officer cadre with different …

STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.versusRAM LUBHAYA BAGGA

1998 INSC 114Disposed off

Ram Lubhaya Bagga, a Punjab government employee, suffered a heart attack and was treated at Escorts Heart Institute, incurring Rs. 2,11,758.70 in expenses. He claimed full reimbursement under the 1991 policy that allowed full payment at designated private hospitals, but the Punjab Government had …

MARIYAPPA AND ORS.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 107Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, tenants of land acquired under the Karnataka Acquisition of Land for Grant of House Sites Act, 1972, challenged the acquisition on the ground that Section 11-A of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (introduced by the 1984 amendment) should apply, requiring an award within two years. The …

K.A. RAMESH AND ORS.versusSMT. SUSHEELA BAI AND ORS.

1998 INSC 94Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, tenants, owed rent for July‑December 1988 and, after a grievance about missing receipts, sent a bank draft covering the full arrears on 2 February 1989, before the landlords filed an eviction petition on 6 February 1989 alleging wilful default under Section 10(2)(i) of the Andhra …

STATE OF KERALA AND ORS.versusANTONY FERNANDEZ AND ANR.

1998 INSC 88Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Kerala sought to acquire land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Kerala High Court quashed the Section 6 notification on two grounds: that it was issued more than one year after the Section 4 notification, and that no Section 5A enquiry had been held before the notification. The …

COLOUR-CHEM LTD.versusA.L. ALASPURKAR AND ORS.

1998 INSC 67Dismissed

The case concerned two plant operators (respondents 3 and 4) who were dismissed for sleeping on duty while the machine was left running. The Labour Court held that the dismissal was shockingly disproportionate and ordered reinstatement with back wages. The appellant appealed, arguing that Clause (g) …

ALL INDIA RADIOversusSHRI SANTOSH KUMAR AND ANR. ETC.

1998 INSC 70Dismissed

All India Radio and Doordarshan challenged the termination and non‑regularisation of several clerical, linemen and casual workmen, contending that they are not "industries" under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 because they perform sovereign functions. The Supreme Court examined …

SHRI LAKHI RAM (DEAD) THROUGH LRS.versusSHRI TRIKHA RAM AND ORS.

1998 INSC 71Appeal(s) allowed

Lakshmi Ram (deceased) had an agreement with vendor Trikha Ram to sell land for a consideration, but the vendor sold the property to subsequent purchasers. Lakshmi Ram filed a suit for specific performance which was decreed by the trial court. On appeal, the defendants argued that the suit was …

R. RUDRAIAH AND ANR.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 59

The appellants, B. Rudraiah and his son, sought occupancy rights over lands attached to a former village office by filing an application under Section 45 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 on 7 March 1984. The High Court dismissed the application as time‑barred, holding that the six‑month …

SODAN SINGHversusN.D.M.C. AND ORS.

1998 INSC 64Disposed off

The Supreme Court dealt with a public‑interest litigation concerning the allocation of hawker and squatter sites within the New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC) area. The Court examined the objections raised by NDMC to the inclusion of 33 sites in the Thareja Committee’s report and whether the …

INDIAN BANKversusK. USHA AND ANR. ETC. ETC.

1998 INSC 42

The Bank of Thanjavur was amalgamated with Indian Bank under a Scheme of Amalgamation framed pursuant to Section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The heirs of employees who died while in service of the transferor bank claimed compassionate appointments based on a 1982 settlement entered into …

SMT. BJSMILLAH BEGUM (DEAD) BY LRSversusRAHMATULLAH KHAN (DEAD) BY LRS

1998 INSC 34Dismissed

The appellants, legal representatives of the deceased plaintiff, had sold a property to the deceased defendant on 8 February 1955 and simultaneously obtained an agreement of reconveyance that allowed the plaintiff to regain the property if she repaid the consideration within three years. A suit for …

MINOO MEHTAversusSHAVAK D. MEHTA

1998 INSC 26Dismissed

The uncle (complainant) entrusted his 1,200 shares of Great Eastern Shipping Co. to his nephew (appellant) for sale and to remit the proceeds. The nephew sold the shares between December 1991 and January 1992, kept the Rs.1,10,000 sale proceeds and failed to pay the complainant, leading to a …

KRISHAN MALHAR MIRASDARversusSASWAD MALI SUGAR FACTORY LTD. AND ORS.

1998 INSC 18Dismissed

The appellants, owners of agricultural lands, had leased the lands to Saswad Mali Sugar Factory Ltd., a commercial undertaking approved under Section 43A(1)(a) of the Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1948. The lease deed expressly permitted the factory to sub‑let the lands, and the …

NAIN SINGH BHAKUNI AND ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 8Dismissed

The appellants, draftsmen of the Central Water Commission (CWC), claimed that they should receive the same retrospective pay‑scale revisions granted to draftsmen of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) under the 13 March 1984 Government Office Memorandum. They argued that both groups performed …

HINDUSTAN TIMES LTD.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 6Dismissed

Hindustan Times Ltd., the employer, delayed remitting Employees' Provident Fund contributions for several periods between 1965 and 1968. The Department issued a notice in 1971 and, after a long lapse, a show‑cause notice in 1979, finally levying damages under Section 14‑B of the Employees' Provident …

MARTIN AND HARRIS LTD.versusVLTH ADDITIONAL DISTT. JUDGE AND ORS.

1997 INSC 808Dismissed

Martin and Harris Ltd., a long‑standing tenant, was served a notice by a retired Major General who purchased the premises and claimed a bona‑fide residential requirement. The landlord filed an eviction suit under Section 21(1)(a) of the U.P. Urban Buildings Act within six months of the notice and …

P. VIRUDHACHALAM AND ORS.versusTHE MANAGEMENT OF LOTUS MILLS AND ANR.

1997 INSC 796Dismissed

The appellants, workmen of Lotus Mill, claimed full lay‑off compensation under Section 25C of the Industrial Disputes Act, arguing that a settlement reached during conciliation on 5 May 1980 – which limited compensation to 67% of the statutory amount and was signed by only four of five unions – …

DEVADOSS (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ANR.versusVEERA MAKALI AMMAN KOIL ATHALUR

1997 INSC 797Dismissed

Dr. Devadoss (deceased) claimed ryotwari patta on land in Thanjavur district, asserting Kudikani cultivation rights, while the Veera Makali Amman temple claimed ownership under Section 9 of the Tamil Nadu Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) Act, 1963. The Inam Tribunal, the Appellate …

VINITA M. KHANOLKARversusPRAGNA M. PAI AND ORS.

1997 INSC 771Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned an appeal to the Division Bench of the Bombay High Court against an order dated 15 November 1994 passed by a Single Judge in a suit for dispossession under Section 6 of the Specific Relief Act. The respondents argued that Section 6(3) of the Act barred any appeal or revision …

STATE OF TAMIL NADUversusK. SABANYAGAM AND ANR. ETC.

1997 INSC 754Dismissed

The Tamil Nadu Housing Board was exempted from the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 by two Government Orders issued under Section 36 of the Act (1979 and 1982). Employees of the Board challenged the exemptions, and the Madras High Court set aside the orders, directing the Board to pay statutory bonus from …

SURENDRA KUMAR JAINversusROYCE PEREIRA

1997 INSC 740Dismissed

The appellant, S.K. Jain, was inducted by the respondent, Royce Pereira, as a paying guest in 1971 and later claimed to be a licensee and tenant. The dispute centered on the interpretation of Section 5(6A) of the Bombay Rents, Hotel and Lodging House Rates (Control) Act, 1947, specifically whether …

SMT. REBTI DEVIversusRAM DUTT AND ANR. ETC.

1997 INSC 742Dismissed

Smt. Rebati Devi (deceased) filed a suit for possession of a property against her son Ram Dutt Gupta, who claimed the property was purchased by her husband in her name, i.e., a benami transaction. The trial court held the plaintiff was not a benamidar, but the appellate court reversed that decision …

AAMENABAI TAYEBALY AND ORS.versusCOMPETENT AUTHORITY UNDER SAFEMA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 743Dismissed

The case concerned the sale of a flat owned by Tahira Sultana, the wife of a COFEPOSA detainee, to Tayab Ali, who later died and whose heirs appealed. The property had been subject to a forfeiture order under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (SAFEMA) …

HEERALALversusKALYANMAL AND ORS.

1997 INSC 745Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant filed a partition suit for ten immovable properties (Schedule A) and additional properties (Schedule B). The defendants, in their written statement, admitted that seven of the Schedule A properties were joint family assets and that the appellant was entitled to a one‑third share, while …

THE STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.versusD.N. SINGH (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 729Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Bihar and others appealed a Patna High Court decision that held the Commissioner could not reduce the compensation awarded by the Land Acquisition Collector under the proviso to Section 11(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Supreme Court examined whether the Commissioner, as the …

VISHWESHWARAIAH IRON AND STEEL LTD.versusABDUL GANI AND ORS.

1997 INSC 725Directions issued

The case involved the termination of an employee by Vishweshwaraiah Iron and Steel Ltd. without conducting a domestic enquiry. The employee challenged the termination before the labour court, which upheld the termination based on evidence later led before the Court of Reference under Section 10 of …

EMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPORATIONversusM/S. APEX ENGINEERING PVT. LTD.

1997 INSC 719Appeal(s) allowed

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) sought to include the Managing Director (MD) of Apex Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Shri V.N. Dhanwate, among the company's employees for purposes of coverage under Section 2(12) of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation Act, 1948. The lower courts held …

DHANWANTI JOSHIversusMADHAV UNDE

1997 INSC 715Appeal(s) allowed

The mother, Dhanwati Joshi, had been granted permanent custody of her son by the Bombay High Court in 1986 and by an ex‑parte order under the Guardian and Wards Act, 1890 in 1987. The father, Madhav Unde, later obtained custody in a US court and subsequently filed a fresh petition in the Indian …

DEPUTY LABOUR COMMISSIONER, ORISSA BHUBANESWARversusABHIMANYU GOUDA AND ANR.

1997 INSC 717Appeal(s) allowed

The widow of a deceased Khalasi filed a claim petition before the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Orissa, for compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923, after her husband died in an accident near Rourkela in 1974. The Deputy Labour Commissioner awarded Rs 8,000, but the employer appealed …

UNION OF INDIAversusUNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO. LTD. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 705Dismissed

A super‑fast train collided with a hired passenger bus at an unmanned level crossing in Kerala, killing most of the bus occupants. The Supreme Court examined whether the bus driver was negligent, whether his negligence could be imputed to the passengers, and whether the railways owed a common‑law …

HA MALBARI (DEAD) BY LRS.versusNASIRUDDIN PIRMOHMAD AND ORS.

1997 INSC 682Dismissed

The petitioners, legal heirs of a deceased licensee, challenged the continuation of summary ejectment proceedings under Section 41 of the Presidency Small Cause Courts Act, 1882, after the licensee's death. They argued that the cause of action was personal and should abate with the licensee's …

VED PRAKASH GARG ETC.versusPREMI DEVI AND ORS. ETC.

1997 INSC 671Case Partly allowed

The owners of motor trucks, who employed drivers and cleaners, suffered fatal accidents and their employees' heirs filed claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act, invoking Section 167 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The Workmen's Commissioner awarded compensation, interest, and penalty, holding the …

WESTERN INDIA PLYWOOD LTD.versusSHRI. P. ASHOKAN

1997 INSC 663Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, an employee of Western India Plywood Ltd., suffered a hand amputation while at work and received disability benefits under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948. He later sought permission to file a suit for additional compensation against his employer under tort law, but …

UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO. LTD.versusSHRI GIAN CHAND AND ORS.

1997 INSC 635Appeal(s) allowed

The United India Insurance Company had issued a third‑party motor insurance policy for a car owned by R‑9. The car was driven by R‑1, who was unlicensed, and collided with a scooter, killing its rider. The claimants (dependents of the deceased) sought compensation, and the Motor Accident Claims …

RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LTD.versusPRAVINBHAI JASBHAI PATEL AND ORS.

1997 INSC 629Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court considered an appeal by Reliance Industries Ltd. against the Gujarat High Court’s dismissal of its review petition challenging a writ order passed under Article 226 that directed polluting industries to install effluent treatment. The division bench of the High Court had differed …

JAGDISH NEGI, PRESIDENT, UTIARAKHAND JAN MORCHA AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ANR.

1997 INSC 613Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court heard a public‑interest writ petition filed by Uttarakhand Jan Morcha on behalf of residents of nine hill districts of Uttar Pradesh (Uttarakhand) seeking enforcement of the 27% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes under the U.P. Public Services (Reservation …

EMPLOYEES STATE INSURANCE CORPORATIONversusDWARKA NATH BHARGWA

1997 INSC 616Appeal(s) allowed

The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) sought to recover unpaid ESI contributions from employer Dwarka Nath Bhargwa that were due on 27‑01‑1967 and 24‑01‑1968. ESIC issued notices under Section 45B of the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948, which had come into force on 28‑01‑1968, to …

BEHARI KUNJ SAHKARI AWAS SAMITI AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 610Appeal(s) allowed

The Custodian of Evacuee Property, U.P. ordered the transfer of a property to Harnath Chaturvedi on 11 November 1982, and the order was approved by the Assistant Custodian General, a delegate of the Custodian General under Section 55 of the Administration of Evacuee Property Act, 1950. The State of …

HABIBA KHATOONversusUBAIDUL HUQ AND ORS.

1997 INSC 595Dismissed

The case concerned a house sold by Smt. Amir Jehan Begam to Shakir Ahmad Khan, who executed an Agreement of Reconveyance granting the vendor a right to repurchase the property within three years. Shakir transferred his interest to the appellant, while the vendor’s son, Irfan Hasan Khan, later …

SINDAV HARI RANCHHODversusJADEV LAIJI JAYMAL & ORS.

1997 INSC 570Appeal(s) allowed

The plaintiffs, sons of a borrower, sued to declare the sale deeds executed by their father null and void, alleging that the transactions violated Section 49 of the Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act because the father had an outstanding loan to the Rampara Seva Sahakari Mandali. The trial court …

GURDEV SINGH AND ORS.versusMEHNGA RAM AND ANR.

[1997] SUPP. 2 S.C.R. 693Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants filed an appeal before the Additional District Judge, Ferozepur, seeking to admit additional evidence under Order XLI Rule 27(b) of the CPC, specifically the examination of a handwriting expert. The Additional District Judge ordered that such evidence be produced. The respondents …

MOHD. SWALEHversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 502Dismissed

Mohd. Swaleh, a Deputy Registrar of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), was ordered by the Vice‑Chairman to perform the functions of the Registrar, a Group A post, under Rule 28(3) of the CAT Procedure Rules and was also given certain financial powers under Rule 13 of the Delegation of …

STATE OF HARYANAversusRAM CHANDER AND ANR.

1997 INSC 503Dismissed

The respondents, language teachers in Haryana Government Vocational Education Institutes, taught Hindi and English to standard 11‑12 students and claimed parity in pay with Lecturers teaching the same subjects in higher secondary schools. They argued that the work, syllabus, examinations and student …

GAINDA RAM AND ORS. ETC.versusM.C.D. AND ORS.

1997 INSC 464Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the implementation of the Delhi hawkers rehabilitation scheme by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in light of the R.C. Chopra report. It directed the MCD to give all applicants previously held ineligible an opportunity to make representations, to re‑examine …

UNION OF INDIA AND ANOTHERversusP. SATHIKUMARNA NAIR AND OTHERS

1997 INSC 454

Four lecturers of junior colleges in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep were originally designated as lecturers but later re‑designated as junior lecturers and placed on a lower pay scale. They challenged the re‑designation, and the Kerala High Court held that their duties were comparable to those …

DEONARAYAN SINGH AND ORS.versusTHE COMMISSIONER OF BHAGALPUR AND ORS.

1997 INSC 429Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants inherited land that had been sold by a Mool Raiyat in 1939 to Bimal Kanti Roy Choudhury and subsequently in 1950 to their father, Radha Prasad Singh. The sale of 38.09 acres was approved and mutated by the Sub‑Divisional Officer and Deputy Commissioner after a seven‑month scrutiny, …

UNION OF INDIAversusMAKHAN CHANDRA ROY ETC.

1997 INSC 430Appeal(s) allowed

The Union of India challenged two orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that had granted higher pay‑scales to a laboratory assistant and a malaria technician beyond those prescribed in the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 1986. The Supreme Court held that the Tribunal had …

STATE OF TAMIL NADU AND ANR.versusM.R. ALAGAPPAN AND ORS.

1997 INSC 389Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents, promoted Deputy Agricultural Officers in Tamil Nadu's Agricultural Extension Subordinate Service, claimed parity in pay with directly recruited Agricultural Officers, arguing that they performed substantially the same duties. The Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal granted them equal …

MIS. FABRIL GASOSAversusLABOUR COMMISSIONER AND ORS.

1997 INSC 80Dismissed

M/s. FabriL Gasosa entered into a written settlement with the employees' union in 1986 providing for Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). The union later gave notice of termination and issued a fresh charter of demands, but did not alter the VDA rate. The employer unilaterally froze VDA and claimed an …

BRAHMDEO CHAUDHARYversusRISHIKESH PRASAD JAISWAL AND ANR.

1997 INSC 49Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Brahmdeo Chaudhary, a stranger to a decree for eviction in favour of respondent No.1, resisted the execution of a warrant for possession against respondent No.2. The decree‑holder applied for a warrant with police assistance; the appellant filed an application before the executing …

CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONversusSUBODH KUMAR DUTTA AND ANR.

1997 INSC 35Disposed off

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against Subodh Kumar Dutta under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 700. A Special Judge, appointed under the West Bengal Special Courts Act, 1949, took cognizance of the offence on 9 July 1988. …

M/S COX AND KINGS LTD. AND ANR.versusSMT. CHANDER MALHOTRA

1996 INSC 1475Dismissed

The premises were originally leased to Cox & Kings (Agents) Ltd., a foreign company incorporated in the United Kingdom. After the Reserve Bank of India denied permission for the foreign company to continue its business under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973, the leasehold interest was …

THE RECOVERY OFFICER, LAKHIMPUR AND ORS.versusSMT. RAVINDRA KAUR AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1435Dismissed

The Recovery Officer, under the Uttar Pradesh Co-operative Societies Act, 1965, initiated recovery proceedings under Section 91 to attach and sell the lands of members who had defaulted on loans taken for seeds and manure. The members contended that the statutory charge created by Section 39(a) …

M. POORNACHANDRAN AND ANR.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1292Dismissed

The Supreme Court considered a review petition (No. 2070 of 1996) filed by Shri Prabir Chowdhury on behalf of M. Poornachandran and others against a judgment of the Madras High Court. The petitioner was not the advocate‑on‑record (AOR) who argued the original appeal, nor was he present during the …

RAMJI SHARMA @ RAMJI BABU (DEAD) BY LRS.versusTHE STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1083Dismissed

The appellants, co‑sharers of a parcel of land in the town of Hajipur, sought a re‑transfer of the land that had been sold to a third party under a registered deed. They invoked Section 16(3) of the Bihar Land Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling Area and Acquisition of Surplus Land) Act, 1961, which allows …

MOLLY JOSEPH @ NISHversusGEORGE SEBASTIAN @ JOY

1996 INSC 1075Dismissed

Molly Joseph sought a declaration that her marriage to George Sebastian was void on the ground that a prior marriage to Prince Joseph was still subsisting, despite an alleged annulment by an Ecclesiastical Tribunal. The husband contested, arguing that the earlier marriage remained valid and that …

HIRAversusKASTURIBAI AND ORS.

1996 INSC 990Dismissed

The respondents, children of a deceased pakka tenant, sued to declare a 1960 sale deed executed by their mother invalid, alleging that her remarriage in 1958 forfeited her tenancy rights under the Madhya Bharat Land Revenue and Tenancy Act. The trial court, appellate court and High Court held that …

FOOD CORPORATION OF INDIAversusF.C.I. DEPUTATIONIST ASSOCIATION AND ORS.

1996 INSC 965Dismissed

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) had taken several Sub‑Inspectors of the West Bengal Government on deputation and assigned them to the duties of Assistant Grade‑II for more than eighteen years. When the deputationists were to be absorbed into FCI's regular service, the corporation’s circular …

RAMESHWAR DASS GUPTAversusSTATE OF U.P. AND ANR.

1996 INSC 949Dismissed

The Uttar Pradesh Public Services Tribunal set aside the removal of Rameshwar Dass Gupta and ordered his confirmation, promotion and payment of salary, gratuity and pension. Gupta filed an execution petition under Order 21 Rule 1 of the CPC to recover the awarded amounts. The executing court, …

RAMESHWARLALversusMUNICIPAL COUNCIL, TONK AND ORS.

1996 INSC 950Disposed off

Rameshwarlal, a former employee of the Municipal Council, Tonk, claimed arrears of salary for the period September 10, 1987 to August 18, 1988. He filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution in the Rajasthan High Court in February 1990, which was dismissed on the ground that the …

MAHABIR SUGAR MILLS LTD. AND ORS. ETC.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS. ETC.

1996 INSC 951Dismissed

The Supreme Court considered a series of appeals and writ petitions filed by Mahavir Sugar Mills Ltd. and related parties against the State of Uttar Pradesh concerning the U.P. Sugar Undertakings (Acquisition) Act, 1971. The Court noted that the validity of the Act had already been upheld in Ishwari …

NIRMAL SINGH ETCversusSTATE OF HARYANA

1996 INSC 898Disposed off

The murder case arising from FIR No. 89 dated 16 July 1994 was investigated by the CBI, which charged fourteen persons including Nirmal Singh. After being denied bail repeatedly, the Sessions Judge, Ambala, granted interim bail on 11 May 1996 without the prosecution present. The High Court stayed …

SATGURU SHARAN SHRIVASTAVAversusDWARKA PRASAD MATHUR (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. AND ORS.

1996 INSC 888Dismissed

The petitioner had agreed to purchase a house from the first respondent, Dwarka Prasad Mathur, and paid the consideration. Before taking possession, the second respondent obtained a decree of specific performance in a separate suit, which the petitioner challenged in suit 121‑A of 1984 on the ground …

J. JAISHANKARversusTHE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND ANR.

1996 INSC 889Dismissed

The petitioner, a government employee, was convicted under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code and fined Rs.200, a conviction that was final and involved moral turpitude. He sought a reference to the Industrial Tribunal under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 to contest his dismissal. …

STATE OF HARYANA AND ANR.versusJAIPAL SINGH AND ORS.

1996 INSC 890Disposed off

The State of Haryana issued a notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 to acquire land in Rewari district. The respondents argued that a government policy excluded lands on which buildings had been constructed and that their shops were built before the notification, seeking …

STATE OF U.P.versusRAMESH PRASAD MISRA AND ANR.

1996 INSC 881Case Partly allowed

The case concerned the murder of Urmila Devi, aged 19, who was strangulated and her body subsequently burnt. The trial court convicted her husband, Ramesh Prasad Misra, under IPC sections 302, 201 and 498‑A and sentenced him to death, while his mother was convicted under sections 201 and 498‑A; the …

SURAT SINGH (DEAD) BY LRS. AND ORS ETCversusUNION OF INDIA

1996 INSC 882Dismissed

The case concerns the award of compensation for land acquired under a notification issued under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Land Acquisition Officer initially fixed compensation at Rs. 2,000 per bigha, which was later enhanced by the Additional District Judge to Rs. …

STATE OF U.P. AND ORS.versusSMT. GAYATRI DEVI PANDEY

1996 INSC 883Appeal(s) allowed

Smt. Gayatri Devi Pandey, originally appointed as a School Psychologist and later regularised as an L.T. Grade teacher, was subsequently appointed on an ad‑hoc basis as Assistant Psychologist and promoted to Vocational Guidance Counsellor. She sought regularisation in these posts, but her …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusJAIN SHUDH VANASPATI LTD. AND ANR.

1996 INSC 856Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents imported 13,500 metric tonnes of RBD palm oil in stainless‑steel containers, which are a prohibited item, but the containers were painted to appear as mild‑steel. Customs issued show‑cause notices under Section 28 (duty not levied or short‑levied) and Section 124 (confiscation) of …

M/S SIRDANWAL INDUSTRIESversusCOMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX

1996 INSC 836Appeal(s) allowed

Mis Sirdanwal Industries appealed against the Commissioner of Sales Tax challenging the classification of its brass wire under the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Act, 1948. The issue was whether the brass wire, an alloy of copper and zinc, fell within the entry "copper, tin, nickel, or zinc, or any other …

STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIRversusSHAM LAL AND ORS.

1996 INSC 678Appeal(s) allowed

The State discovered a large embezzlement by employees of the Jammu & Kashmir Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. and filed an FIR under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the Ranbir Penal Code. The accused filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking to quash …

COMMON CAUSE"REGISTERED SOCIETY THROUGH ITS DIRECTORversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

1996 INSC 605Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a public‑interest writ under Article 32 filed by the registered society "Common Cause" seeking relief for under‑trial prisoners and accused persons in pending criminal matters. The Court observed that prolonged pendency of criminal cases infringes the right to life and …

PATTU LALversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

1996 INSC 457Dismissed

Pattu Lal was convicted of murdering his wife Chameli Devi under Section 302 IPC. The prosecution’s case rested on the deposition of the investigating officer that the son, Bishan Dial, lodged the FIR and produced his father with blood‑stained clothes and the weapon (toka) at the police station. …

K. NANDAKUMARversusMANAGING DIRECTOR, THANTHAI PERIYAR TRANSPORT CORPN.

1996 INSC 245Appeal(s) allowed

K. Nandakumar was injured in a collision between his motorcycle and a bus owned by Thanthai Periyar Transport Corporation on 15 January 1987, resulting in permanent disability. He filed a claim under Section 92-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 for no‑fault compensation, but the Motor Accidents …

M/S. MARIKAR MOTORS LTD.versusSALES TAX OFFICER AND ANR.

1996 INSC 195Disposed off

Marikar Motors Ltd., a dealer in motor trucks, sold vehicles on a hire‑purchase basis where the agreement stipulated a two‑year period and an option to purchase at the end. The dispute before the Supreme Court concerned when, for purposes of the Kerala Sales Tax Act, a sale is deemed to occur – …

HARYANA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARDversusNARESH TANWAR AND ANR. ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 171Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined two appeals challenging High Court orders that directed the Haryana State Electricity Board to appoint the heirs of deceased employees on compassionate grounds. The petitioners argued that compassionate appointments are meant to provide immediate financial relief to …

HARBANS LALversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

1996 INSC 120Appeal(s) allowed

Harbans Lal was convicted for the murder of his wife Punni Devi, who died from burns, along with his two sons. The trial court sentenced all three to life imprisonment; the High Court acquitted the sons but upheld the husband's conviction. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined the prosecution's …

KARNATAKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONversusP.S. RAMAKRISHNA

1996 INSC 80Appeal(s) allowed

The appeal arose from an order of the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal rejecting a service matter involving P.S. Ramakrishna. The appellant argued that a notice sent on 28 September 1993, which was returned marked “Not present”, should be deemed served on the respondent. The Tribunal had not …

STATE OF TAMIL NADU AND ORS.versusL. KRISHNAN AND ORS.

1996 INSC 83Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined an appeal by the State of Tamil Nadu against a Madras High Court order that had quashed a notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, on the ground that it was vague because the development scheme was not fully formulated. The Court held that a …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAXversusMANOHARLAL GUPTA AND CO.

1996 INSC 23Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant‑Commissioner of Income Tax appealed against the Calcutta High Court’s decision that the assessment of Manoharlal Gupta & Co. as an unregistered firm for AY 1961‑62 was improper. The firm had been assessed by one Income‑Tax Officer (ITO‑C) while a partner, Manoharlal Gupta, had earlier …

STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.versusOM PRAKASH AND ORS.

1995 INSC 820Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Punjab appealed a judgment of the Punjab & Haryana High Court (RA No. 164 of 1992) challenging the same legal question previously decided in State of Punjab & Ors. v. Vinod Kumar & Ors. (Civil Appeal No. 1879 of 1993). The Supreme Court, recalling its earlier order that had allowed the …

YOGENDRA NARAYAN CHOWDHURY AND ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 813Dismissed

The Supreme Court considered the classification of mazdoors employed in the military engineering department following the recommendations of the Third Pay Commission. Some workers, after passing a prescribed test, were initially placed in the skilled category but were later re‑fit into the …

DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYversusSKIPPER CONSTRUCTION AND ANOTHER

1995 INSC 809

The Supreme Court examined a report by former Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy investigating Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officials who allegedly colluded with Skipper Construction to hand over land possession without full auction payment and to allow construction, causing loss to the DDA and the …

DR. KM. SUMAN AGARWALversusTHE VICE CHANCELLOR AND ORS.

1995 INSC 807Disposed off

The appellant, Dr. KM Suman Agarwal, was directly recruited as a Reader in July 1987, while the respondent, Dr. (Mrs.) Hiru Kumar, was promoted to Reader in February 1985 under the personal promotion scheme. When the Director of the Home Science Institute went on leave, the respondent claimed the …

RANJIT KUMAR MAJUMDARversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 796Dismissed

Ranjit Kumar Majumdar, a civilian employee holding a civil post in the defence services, was suspended under Rule 10(1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 while a criminal prosecution was pending. He challenged the suspension before the Central …

ASSOCIATED POWER CO. LTD.versusCOMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX

1995 INSC 794Disposed off

Associated Power Co. Ltd., an electricity generation and distribution company, appropriated Rs 46,460 to a Contingency Reserve as required by the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 and claimed it as a deduction for the assessment year 1973‑74. The Income Tax Officer rejected the claim; the Appellate …

STATE OF U.P.versusSHAKEEL AHMED

1995 INSC 797Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, Shakeel Ahmed, was detained on July 31, 1989 under Section 3(1)(iii) of the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974. He challenged the detention, and the Allahabad High Court set aside the order on two grounds: a one‑month delay in disposing …

GURMIT KAURversusSURJIT SINGH @ JEET SINGH

1995 INSC 798Appeal(s) allowed

Gurmit Kaur, married in 1971, entered into a mutual consent divorce agreement with her husband Surjit Singh, who subsequently remarried. She filed a petition under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for maintenance. The magistrate granted her Rs.200 per month and Rs.100 for her …

STATE OF PUNJABversusJASBIR SINGH

1995 INSC 799Dismissed

The State of Punjab charged Jasbir Singh with possession of 70 bags of poppy husk without a licence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Police intercepted the contraband but failed to obtain a written waiver from the accused confirming they had no objection to the search …

BIHAR STATE FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES CORPORATIONversusNARENDRA KUMAR MISHRA AND ANR.

1995 INSC 800Dismissed

The respondent, an Assistant Godown Manager, misappropriated Rs. 2,61,859.30 in 1976. A departmental enquiry began in 1979 and prosecution was initially filed in 1985 without the mandatory sanction under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, leading to his discharge. After obtaining …

SURESH H. RAJPUT ETC. ETC.versusBHARTIBEN PRAVIN BHAI SONI AND ORS. ETC.

1995 INSC 801Disposed off

A food inspector collected milk samples from the respondents' premises and, after a public analyst reported adulteration, the local health authority granted sanction under Section 20(1) of the Food Adulteration Act, 1954, to prosecute. The sanction was issued as a cyclostyled order without detailed …

NAHAR SINGHversusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

1995 INSC 802Appeal(s) allowed

Nahar Singh appealed against the State of Uttar Pradesh challenging the validity of a land acquisition proceeding that began in 1974. A notification under Section 4(1) and a declaration under Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 were issued, but no award was made. The Land Acquisition …

SRI SISIR KUMAR MOHANTYversusSTATE OF ORISSA AND ANR.

1995 INSC 803Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, lower‑division clerks in district police offices of Orissa, sought parity in pay scales and benefits with ministerial staff serving in the head offices of the DIG, IG and DGP. The Orissa Administrative Tribunal rejected their claim, holding that the two groups formed separate cadres. …

HARI KRISHNA PATEL AND ANR.versusSTATE OF A.P. AND ANR.

1995 INSC 804Dismissed

Hari Krishna Patel and another filed a suit seeking a declaration of title and a perpetual injunction over a parcel of land in Musheerabad, Hyderabad, alleging purchase from Kulsum Bi. The plaintiffs offered no documentary proof of title except a sale deed executed by the plaintiff's father in 1968. …

THE COLLECTOR, ONGOLE AND ANR.versusNARRA VENKATESWARLU AND ORS.

1995 INSC 805Appeal(s) allowed

The Collector issued a notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1896 to acquire land for the weaker sections (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes). The High Court quashed the notification on the grounds of colourable exercise of power, non‑application of mind by the Collector, …

M/S. HOTEL DARPAN, MUSSORIEversusSUB-DIVISIONAL MAGISTRATE, MUSSORIE AND ANR.

1995 INSC 789Appeal(s) allowed

The proprietor of Hotel Darpan in Mussoorie was served notices under Section 10 of the Uttar Pradesh Taxation and Land Revenue Laws Act, 1975, demanding payment of a Rs 5,000 amount and threatening a daily fine for non‑deposit. The appellant argued that the demand was for a penalty imposed for …

THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF MADRAS AND ANR.versusP.R. SRIRAMULU AND ANR.

1995 INSC 768Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents challenged the Tamil Nadu Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1955, which levied court fees at a flat ad‑valorem rate of 7.5% without any upper limit, arguing that the levy was arbitrary, excessive and in reality a tax, violating Entry 3 of List II of the Constitution. The Madras …

COMMISSIONER_ OF INCOME TAX, KANPURversusKAMLA TOWN TRUST

1995 INSC 741Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined two tax disputes. In Commissioner of Income Tax, Kanpur v. Kamla Town Trust, a trust created in 1941 for workers’ housing was rectified in 1945 and 1955; the Court held that the 1945 deed did not create a public charitable trust, denying exemption for 1949‑55, but the 1955 …

THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, KERALAversusM/S P. KESAVAN AND CO .

1995 INSC 727Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents, sellers of Caristrap Rayon Cord Strapping, claimed exemption from sales tax under Entry 7 of Schedule III of the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963, contending that the strapping was a rayon fabric. The Assessing Authority rejected the claim and the respondents filed writ petitions …

NAZAR SINGH AND ORS.versusJAGJIT KAUR AND ORS.

1995 INSC 722Appeal(s) allowed

Gurdial Singh transferred 94 kanals and 19 marlas of land to his wife Harmel Kaur in 1963 as maintenance, subject to restrictive covenants. After Singh's death, Harmel sold a portion of the land to the appellants. The second wife and three daughters of Singh sued, claiming a one‑seventh share, …

STATE LEVEL COMMITTEE AND ANR.versusM/S. MORGARDSHAMMAR INDIA LTD.

1995 INSC 715Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, M/s Morgardshammar India Ltd., applied for an eligibility certificate under Section 4‑A of the U.P. Sales Tax Act, claiming its factory was a "new unit" eligible for sales‑tax exemption. The State Level Committee denied the certificate, holding that part of the machinery used was …

ALLAHABAD BANKversusPREM NARAIN PANDE AND OTHERS

1995 INSC 635Appeal(s) allowed

The employee, a Junior Management Scale‑I officer of Allahabad Bank, was served with a charge‑sheet in 1983 and an enquiry was conducted by a Deputy General Manager (DGM). While the enquiry was pending, the employee was transferred and the Assistant General Manager (AGM) of another zone was …

ADDL. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX AND ANR.versusAL. N. RAO CHARITABLE TRUST

1995 INSC 624Dismissed

The A.L.N. Rao Charitable Trust claimed exemption for a surplus of Rs.85,262 under Section 11(1)(a) and Section 11(2) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Assessing Authority initially allowed the exemption on the basis that the Trust had invested 75% of the surplus in approved securities, but the …

DAKAYA @ DAKAIAHversusANJANI

1995 INSC 619Appeal(s) allowed

The tenant defaulted on rent for September‑November 1988 and, after receiving a notice, paid Rs.375 on December 7 and sent a bank draft of Rs.1125 covering the entire arrears on December 12, which the landlord did not encash and later deposited before the Rent Controller. The landlord filed an …

S.R. BHAGWAT AND ORS.versusSTATE OF MYSORE

1995 INSC 559Case Allowed

The petitioners, senior civil servants allotted to the State of Mysore, obtained deemed promotion dates and related financial benefits from a final High Court mandamus. The State subsequently enacted the Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Promotion, Pay and Pension) Act, 1973, whose …

MANGAT MAL (DEAD) AND ANOTHERversusSMT. PUNNI DEVI (DEAD) AND OTHERS

1995 INSC 542Appeal(s) allowed

In 1934 a widow, Sukh Devi, was awarded specific immovable property and a lump‑sum by arbitration as compensation for her pre‑existing right to maintenance from her father‑in‑law’s joint family. After the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 came into force, the widow sold the property in 1960, and the sale …

STATE OF U.P.versusM/S MODI DISTILLERY ETC. ETC.

1995 INSC 509Dismissed

The State of Uttar Pradesh sought to levy excise duty on various categories of wastage arising in the manufacture of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL): (A) wastage exported outside the State, (B) wastage during transport of high‑strength spirit, (C) loss due to obscuration in rum production, and (D) …

SHRI SURENDRA KUMAR JAINversusSHRI SHANTI SWAROOP JAIN AND ORS.

1995 INSC 409Disposed off

The appeal concerned the determination of the earliest deemed date of construction under Explanation (a) of Section 2(2) of the U.P. Urban Building (Regulation of Letting Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972. The Supreme Court held that the deemed construction date is the earliest of (i) the date the local …

ABDUL AZIZversusSTATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ANR.

1995 INSC 408Dismissed

Abdulaziz filed a writ petition under Article 32 challenging the constitutional validity of Section 1(4) of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987, arguing that it discriminated between offenders before and after the Act's expiry and violated Articles 14 and 21. He also …

FAKRUDDINversusTHE PRINCIPAL, CONSOLIDATION TRAINING INSTITUTE AND ORS.

1995 INSC 369Disposed off

The Supreme Court heard an appeal against the Patna High Court's dismissal of a writ petition concerning the allotment of 'Chaks' in consolidation proceedings, a matter that did not raise any question of title. The Court set aside the High Court order not because of the merits of the dispute but …

M/S. RAJA RADIO CO., BOMBAYversusCOLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS, BOMBAY

1995 INSC 323Dismissed

Raja Radio Co imported Class‑E high‑temperature resisting material consisting of presspahn paper laminated with polyester film and paid customs duty under heading 39.01/06 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, together with counter‑vailing duty under tariff item 17(2). The company later claimed a refund, …