Expeditious Trial - The Legal Chamber

Can In-Laws Be Summoned for Murder if Not Named in the Chargesheet? Supreme Court Answers

2Mar

By The Legal ChamberNo Comments

Supreme Court

Can In-Laws Be Summoned for Murder if Not Named in the Chargesheet? Supreme Court Answers

This Supreme Court judgment clarifies the principles for summoning additional accused under Section 319 CrPC, holding that courts must apply a "strong and cogent evidence" standard—stricter than a prima facie case but short of conviction-weight evidence. It emphasizes that evidentiary reliability, witness credibility, and dying declaration admissibility are trial-stage determinations, not preliminary considerations. Facts Of The Case: The case originated from an FIR lodged on March 25, 2021, by the appellant, Neeraj Kumar, alleging that his sister, Nishi, was shot by her husband, Rahul, at her matrimonial home. The information was conveyed to the appellant by his nine-year-old niece, Shristi, who witnessed the incident. During the investigation, the deceased's statements were recorded tw...

13Feb

By The Legal ChamberNo Comments

Supreme Court

Political Patronage, Hostile Witnesses, and Fair Trial: Supreme Court Declines to Cancel Bail in High-Profile Murder Case

The Supreme Court held that a coordinate bench cannot modify or relax bail conditions imposed by an earlier bench absent gross error or changed circumstances, emphasizing judicial discipline, finality of orders, and sanctity of verdicts. Cancellation of bail requires proof of breach, not mere apprehension. Trial courts must avoid unwarranted criticism of court-appointed special public prosecutors. Facts Of The Case: The case arises from a murder conspiracy allegation registered on 8th October 2019, wherein Sk. Md. Anisur Rahaman and co-accused were charged under Sections 302/120B IPC and Arms Act for the killing of a political rival. Anisur was arrested on 16th November 2019 and trial commenced before the 3rd Additional Sessions Judge, Tamluk. On 26th February 2021, the West Bengal gover...

Supreme Court Clarifies: Licensee Must Pay Arrears, Not Liquidated Damages, at Interim Stage

4Dec

By The Legal ChamberNo Comments

Supreme Court

Supreme Court Clarifies: Licensee Must Pay Arrears, Not Liquidated Damages, at Interim Stage

In a suit for eviction under a lapsed license agreement, the Supreme Court ruled that the trial court cannot grant liquidated damages as an interim measure under Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2 CPC. However, it upheld the application of Order XV-A CPC (Bombay Amendment), directing the licensee to pay ascertained arrears and ongoing license fees with annual increments, failing which the defense can be struck off. Facts Of The Case: The case originated from a Leave and License Agreement executed on 08.10.2013 between the appellant licensors and the respondent licensee for 36 months, from 01.11.2013 to 31.10.2016, with a 7% annual increase in license fee. Clause 19 stipulated liquidated damages of Rs. 10,000 per day if the licensee failed to vacate upon expiry. After the license period lapsed, ...

Supreme Court Revives Cheque Bounce Cases, Says ‘Sick Company’ Status is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Card

9Oct

By The Legal ChamberNo Comments

Supreme Court

Supreme Court Revives Cheque Bounce Cases, Says ‘Sick Company’ Status is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Card

The Supreme Court held that proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act are not automatically barred against a company declared sick under SICA, even if a restraint order under Section 22A exists. The nature of the restraint and the purpose of the cheque issuance are mixed questions of law and fact to be decided during trial based on evidence. Furthermore, a Magistrate lacks the inherent power to review or recall the issuance of summons. Facts Of The Case: The appellant, Shree Nagani Silk Mills Pvt. Ltd., supplied goods to the first respondent, L.D. Industries Ltd., which was declared a sick company by the BIFR. Towards the payment for these supplies, the accused company issued several cheques in 2001, which were subsequently dishonoured due to "insufficient funds"....