2025 Supreme Court Rulings - The Legal Chamber

The Supreme Court quashed the Madhya Pradesh Government Order (G.O.) dated 29th June 2024, which allowed IAS officers to evaluate Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers' Performance Appraisal Reports (PAR). Reaffirming its 2000 ruling, the Court held that IFS officers up to the rank of Additional Principal Chief Conservator must be assessed by their departmental superiors, not IAS officers, to maintain service hierarchy and accountability under the All-India Services (Confidential Rolls) Rules, 1970. The State was directed to amend its rules within one month to comply with this mandate. Facts Of The Case: The case arose from a challenge to the Madhya Pradesh Government Order (G.O.) dated 29th June 2024, which mandated that Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers – specifically Distric...

The Supreme Court clarified the scope of Order 18 Rule 17 CPC, emphasizing that the power to recall witnesses rests solely with the court to clarify ambiguities, not to fill lacunae in a party's case. The ruling reaffirmed that such discretion must be exercised sparingly and cannot be invoked by parties for re-examination or cross-examination. The Court underscored that Section 151 CPC (inherent powers) may permit witness recall in exceptional cases, but routine use is barred to prevent trial delays. The judgment aligns with precedents holding that procedural tools must aid judicial clarity, not protract litigation. Facts Of The Case: The case arose from a petition filed by Shubhkaran Singh challenging two orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur. The first order, dated 7 Janu...

Tag: 2025 Supreme Court Rulings

Supreme Court Directs Madhya Pradesh to Follow Central Rules for Forest Officers Performance Reports

Supreme Court Explains When Courts Can Recall Witnesses: Order 18 Rule 17 CPC