Tag: Indian judiciary.

CBI vs. Accused: Supreme Court Rules on Discharge in Cotton MSP Scam Case
Supreme Court

CBI vs. Accused: Supreme Court Rules on Discharge in Cotton MSP Scam Case

The Supreme Court held that the trial court and High Court erred in discharging the accused under Section 239 CrPC by relying on defence-produced documents (CCI’s exoneration letter) at the pre-trial stage. Reiterating Debendra Nath Padhi, it ruled that only prosecution material under Section 173 CrPC can be considered for discharge, not extraneous evidence. The Court emphasized that discharge requires examining whether the chargesheet discloses a prima facie case, without evaluating defence merits. The matter was remanded for fresh consideration under Section 239 CrPC, barring reliance on non-prosecution documents. Facts Of The Case: The case involves a criminal conspiracy where Rayapati Subba Rao (A-1), a Cotton Purchase Officer (CPO) of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), Guntur, alleg...
Justice Delayed, Not Denied: Supreme Court Orders Immediate Release of Compensation Certificates
Supreme Court

Justice Delayed, Not Denied: Supreme Court Orders Immediate Release of Compensation Certificates

The Supreme Court disposed of contempt petitions, affirming wilful disobedience of prior orders dated November 21, 2014, May 17, 2022, and December 10, 2024, regarding the issuance of DRCs/TDRs. The Court rejected attempts to re-examine previously decided issues or impose new conditions, emphasizing its limited contempt jurisdiction. DRCs/TDRs are to be released to complainants upon filing an undertaking, with the State retaining a first charge on any future compensation from civil appeals Facts Of The Case: This case involves contempt petitions filed due to alleged wilful disobedience of court orders dated November 21, 2014, May 17, 2022, and March 19, 2024. The Supreme Court, in a judgment dated December 10, 2024, found the contemnors guilty of wilful non-compliance despite purported c...
Supreme Court Split Verdict: When Can Schools Be Held Accountable Under Article 226?
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Split Verdict: When Can Schools Be Held Accountable Under Article 226?

The Supreme Court examined whether Air Force Schools qualify as a "State" under Article 12 or an "authority" amenable to writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution. The majority held that despite partial government control and funding, the schools lacked pervasive state dominance, relegating disputes to private contract law. However, the dissenting opinion emphasized their public function, deep administrative control by the Indian Air Force, and indirect public funding, making them subject to writ jurisdiction. The split verdict clarifies the distinction between regulatory control and pervasive state authority in educational institutions Facts Of The Case: The case involved two civil appeals before the Supreme Court concerning the Air Force School, Bamrauli, Allahabad. In Ci...
Ex-MLA’s Plea Rejected: Supreme Court Rules Against Fraud Claims in Rs. 2426 Crore Irrigation Scheme
Supreme Court

Ex-MLA’s Plea Rejected: Supreme Court Rules Against Fraud Claims in Rs. 2426 Crore Irrigation Scheme

The Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court's rejection of a PIL alleging fraudulent revision of costs in the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. The Court held that factual adjudication cannot be pursued under Article 226 and upheld the High Court's discretion in refusing a CBI probe, citing prior findings by the Central Vigilance Commission and constructive res judicata. The ruling reaffirmed judicial restraint in interfering with discretionary orders absent jurisdictional errors. Facts Of The Case: The petitioner, Nagam Janardhan Reddy, a former MLA and Minister in Andhra Pradesh, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the High Court of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, alleging fraudulent revision of cost estimates for the Palamuru-...
Supreme Court Quashes Bank’s Charge Sheet: Failure to Seek CVC Advice Ruled Illegal
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Quashes Bank’s Charge Sheet: Failure to Seek CVC Advice Ruled Illegal

The Supreme Court ruled that Regulation 19 of the Union Bank of India Officers’ (Discipline & Appeal) Regulations, 1976 mandates mandatory consultation with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) before issuing a charge sheet in disciplinary cases involving a vigilance angle. The Bank’s failure to await the CVC’s first-stage advice rendered the proceedings arbitrary and illegal, warranting quashing of the charge sheet. The Court clarified that once the Bank acknowledges a vigilance angle and seeks CVC input, it cannot unilaterally proceed without considering the advice, upholding procedural fairness in disciplinary actions. No back wages were granted, but retiral benefits were ordered to be released. Facts Of The Case: The appellant, A.M. Kulshrestha, a Deputy General Manager at Unio...
Age Dispute in Crime : Supreme Court Upholds Juvenile Status in Murder Case
Supreme Court

Age Dispute in Crime : Supreme Court Upholds Juvenile Status in Murder Case

The Supreme Court upheld the determination of an accused as a juvenile under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, emphasizing that school records and birth certificates take precedence over medical age tests under Section 94(2). The Court clarified that once juvenility is established, bail considerations for juveniles differ from adults, focusing on rehabilitation rather than offence gravity. It also affirmed that Section 15 (preliminary assessment for heinous offences) does not negate juvenile status but mandates a separate evaluation for trial as an adult. The ruling reinforced the statutory hierarchy of age-proof documents and restricted JJBs from reviewing earlier age determinations. Facts Of The Case: The case involves Rajni (appellant), the mother of a ...
No Double Benefits: Supreme Court Clarifies Double Deduction Rules Under Income Tax Act
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No Double Benefits: Supreme Court Clarifies Double Deduction Rules Under Income Tax Act

The Supreme Court ruled that Section 80-IA(9) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, bars double deductions on the same profits under both Sections 80-IA and 80-HHC. It held that while deductions can be computed separately under different provisions, the total deduction cannot exceed the eligible profits of the business. The Court upheld the Bombay High Court’s interpretation, clarifying that Section 80-IA(9) restricts the allowability—not computation—of deductions, ensuring taxpayers do not claim overlapping benefits under Chapter VI-A. Facts Of The Case: The case involved Shital Fibers Limited, which filed its income tax return for the Assessment Year 2002-03, declaring a taxable income of ₹46,99,293 and claiming deductions under Sections 80-HHC (export profits) and 80-IA (industrial undertaking...
Supreme Court Rules High Courts CAN Quash DV Act Proceedings Under Section 482 CrPC
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Rules High Courts CAN Quash DV Act Proceedings Under Section 482 CrPC

The Supreme Court held that High Courts possess inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 CrPC (or Section 528 BNSS) to quash proceedings initiated under Section 12 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, as these applications are filed before Criminal Courts (Magistrates). However, such power must be exercised sparingly and only in cases of gross illegality or abuse of process, considering the civil nature of DV Act remedies and its objective as social welfare legislation. The Court clarified that proceedings under the DV Act, though heard by Criminal Courts, remain predominantly civil in character. Facts Of The Case: Vidhi Rawal (Respondent) married Prateek Tripathi on December 12, 2019, in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. After two years, on December 8, 2021, she complained to Dewas police against Pr...
Supreme Court Directs Uniform Rules for Court Managers: Mandates Better Pay & Service Conditions for Court Managers
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Directs Uniform Rules for Court Managers: Mandates Better Pay & Service Conditions for Court Managers

The Supreme Court directed all High Courts to frame uniform rules for Court Managers within 3 months, adopting Assam's 2018 Rules as a model. It mandated their regularization, Class-II Gazetted status, and career progression, while allowing states to modify rules as needed. The judgment emphasized judicial efficiency and upheld Article 229 & 309 (Constitution) for service conditions. Existing contractual Court Managers must pass a suitability test for regularization, with benefits from their initial appointment date but no arrears. The ruling ensures standardized administrative support to reduce judges' workload and enhance justice delivery. Facts Of The Case: The case originated from multiple Interlocutory Applications (IAs) and a Writ Petition concerning the service conditions of C...
Supreme Court Settles ISKCON Bangalore-Mumbai Temple Dispute After 20+ Years
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Settles ISKCON Bangalore-Mumbai Temple Dispute After 20+ Years

The Supreme Court ruled on the ownership dispute between ISKCON Bangalore (registered under Karnataka Societies Act) and ISKCON Mumbai (Maharashtra Public Trust) over temple properties. It upheld the Trial Court's decree declaring ISKCON Bangalore as the rightful owner, citing documentary evidence (sale deeds, allotment records) and rejecting claims of fraudulent manipulation. The Court dissolved the oversight committee, emphasizing societies' independent legal status under state registration laws. The judgment clarified that funding sources (even from ISKCON Mumbai) don’t determine ownership, and dismissed ancillary appeals linked to the dispute. Facts Of The Case: The case involved a protracted legal battle between ISKCON Bangalore (registered under the Karnataka Societies Registrati...