Maharashtra - The Legal Chamber

The Supreme Court of India quashed criminal proceedings against the Appellant, finding that the alleged sexual assault and unnatural sex charges under Sections 376, 376(2)(n), 377, 504, and 506 of the IPC were not established. The Court held that the relationship was consensual, not based on a false promise to marry, and the complaint was likely motivated by a "disgruntled state of mind". The case fell under categories for quashing criminal proceedings to prevent abuse of process of law. Facts Of The Case: This appeal arises from the dismissal of Amol Bhagwan Nehul's petition to quash Criminal Case C.R. No. 490/2023, registered on July 31, 2023, for alleged offenses under Sections 376, 376(2)(n), 377, 504, and 506 IPC. The Complainant, Respondent No. 2, alleged that the Appellant forci...

The Supreme Court affirmed 'Zudpi Jungle' as forest, but allowed pre-1996 non-forestry regularization without NPV or compensatory afforestation. It mandated strict action for post-1996 diversions, declared fragmented Zudpi lands 'Protected Forests,' and ordered transfers to the Forest Department, with conditions for using Zudpi land for compensatory afforestation. Facts Of The Case: This case revolves around the legal status and utilization of "Zudpi Jungle" lands in six districts of Eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra. Historically, these lands, characterized by bushy growth and inferior soil, were recorded as "Zudpi Forest" or "Scrub Jungle" in revenue records since the early 1900s, often used for grazing and domestic needs. Due to bureaucratic inaction and state reorganization in 1956, thes...