Tag: Article 22

Arrest Without Written Reason? Supreme Court Says It’s Illegal in Landmark Ruling
Supreme Court

Arrest Without Written Reason? Supreme Court Says It’s Illegal in Landmark Ruling

The Supreme Court held that the constitutional mandate under Article 22(1) requires the grounds of arrest to be furnished in writing to the arrestee in a language they understand, without exception, for all offences. Failure to do so renders the arrest and subsequent remand illegal, subject to a limited exception for certain in-the-moment offences where written grounds must be supplied at least two hours before the remand hearing. Facts Of The Case: On July 7, 2024, a white BMW, allegedly driven at high speed by Mihir Rajesh Shah, collided violently with a scooter from behind in Worli, Mumbai. The impact threw the scooter's male rider to the side and trapped his wife under the front left wheel and bumper of the car. Despite this, the driver allegedly continued driving, draggi...
Supreme Court Acquits Man in POCSO Death Penalty Case Citing Procedural Flaws
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Acquits Man in POCSO Death Penalty Case Citing Procedural Flaws

This Supreme Court judgment sets aside the appellant's conviction and death sentence, holding that the trial was vitiated due to a denial of fair trial rights, including inadequate legal representation and failure to provide documents. The prosecution's circumstantial evidence—last seen, CCTV footage, disclosure statements, and DNA reports—was found unreliable and unproven beyond reasonable doubt. Facts Of The Case: A seven-year-old girl went missing on February 5, 2017, from her residence in Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, while her parents were out shopping. After an unsuccessful search, a missing persons report was filed. Investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage from a nearby temple, led the police to suspect the appellant, Dashwanth, a neighbour residing in the same building. He was ...
Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling: No Special Treatment for Celebrities in Bail Matters
Supreme Court

Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling: No Special Treatment for Celebrities in Bail Matters

The Supreme Court cancelled the bail granted by the High Court, holding that the order was perverse and suffered from non-application of mind to material facts, including the gravity of the offence and prima facie evidence. The Court reiterated that bail in serious offences like murder requires careful consideration of the allegations, evidence, and risk of witness tampering, and cannot be granted mechanically. Facts Of The Case: The case arose from the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, whose body was discovered near an apartment in Bengaluru on June 9, 2024. The prosecution alleged that the murder was a result of a criminal conspiracy orchestrated by actor Darshan (A2) and his partner, Pavithra Gowda (A1), after the deceased had sent obscene messages to A1's Insta...
Grounds for Arrest: The Supreme Court’s Latest Verdict on Constitutional Safeguards
Supreme Court

Grounds for Arrest: The Supreme Court’s Latest Verdict on Constitutional Safeguards

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of arrest and compliance with constitutional mandates under Article 22, specifically concerning the prompt furnishing of grounds for arrest. The judgment deliberated on the application of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, affirming adherence to due process in arrest procedures. Facts Of The Case: This appeal originated from a writ petition filed before the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, seeking a writ of habeas corpus on the grounds of alleged illegal arrest and unlawful detention of Kessireddy Raja Shekhar Reddy, the appellant's son. He was arrested by the CID in connection with offenses purportedly committed under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The core contention in t...