| CRIMINAL - SC: Failure to Sign Charge Sheet Doesn't Invalidate Trial if Charges Were Properly Read to Accused |
| Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:21:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that absence of a signature on the charge-framing order sheet is a curable procedural defect and does not invalidate the trial, especially when the accused was properly informed of, and clearly understood, the charges framed against them. |
| ARBITRATION - SC: Merits of Foreign Arbitral Awards Cannot be Re-Examined During Enforcement Proceedings |
| Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:21:00 IST |
| Supreme Court reiterated that foreign arbitral awards may be resisted in India only on limited public policy grounds, and courts cannot reassess or re-examine the merits of such awards at the stage of their enforcement. |
| TENANCY - SC Says Respect For Higher Court Orders a Basic Principle, Rebukes Authority For Revisiting Order |
| Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:20:50 IST |
| Supreme Court censured a Rent Control Authority in Uttar Pradesh for reopening a tenant eviction case already affirmed by the Court, stressing that respect for higher court orders is fundamental and proceedings that have attained finality cannot be reopened. |
| CRIMINAL - MP HC: Oral, Anal Sex Between Married Couples Not Punishable under Section 377 IPC |
| Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:20:40 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that sexual acts between husband and wife, including oral and anal sex, do not constitute an "unnatural offence" under Section 377 IPC, noting that such acts within a subsisting marriage cannot be prosecuted under the law governing sexual offences. |
| CRIMINAL - Bom HC Cancels Bail of Accused Supplying Fake Medicines, Says it Weakens Public Trust in Healthcare |
| Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:20:30 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that supplying fake medicines to government hospitals poses a grave threat to public health and undermines trust in healthcare, emphasizing that such offences are serious and bail cannot be granted lightly. |
| CONSTITUTION - Calcutta HC Confirms KMC Can Revise Property Valuation to Levy Tax In ?11.24 Crore Dispute |
| Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:15:14 IST |
| Calcutta High Court upheld Section 3 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2022, ruling that the amendment, which expanded and retrospectively validated KMC's power to revise property valuations, is constitutionally valid and does not impermissibly override judicial decisions. |
| ARBITRATION - SC: Participation In Arbitration Does Not Bar Challenging Arbitrator's Inherent Jurisdiction |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:36:49 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that where no valid arbitration agreement exists, a party's mere participation in unilaterally initiated arbitration proceedings does not create estoppel, and it may still challenge the arbitral award as being legally non-existent. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Directs Strict Compliance With Mandate on Non-Disclosure of Rape Victims' Identity |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:36:34 IST |
| Supreme Court, noting disclosure of rape victims' identities in records, directed High Courts to strictly follow Section 228-A IPC in all pending cases, including pre-2018 matters, and stressed that this long-standing legal mandate must be consistently observed. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: DSC Personnel Eligible For Second Pension; Allows Condonation of Shortfall |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:36:24 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Defence Security Corps personnel already receiving Army pension are entitled to a second pension for DSC service, and any shortfall up to one year may be condoned under Pension Regulations, as no legal bar exists on dual pensions. |
| EXCISE - SC: Excise Duty Exemptions Based on Intended Use Must be Construed Liberally For Assessee |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:36:14 IST |
| Supreme Court held that excise duty exemptions based on use or intended use must be liberally interpreted in favour of the assessee, and incidental or partial alternative use of goods does not disqualify a valid claim for such exemption. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Rejects NHAI Review on Solatium Retrospectivity, Bars Reopening Settled Claims |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:59 IST |
| Supreme Court rejected NHAI's review petition seeking to limit the 2019 'Tarsem Singh' judgment on solatium and interest in National Highway land acquisitions to prospective cases, upholding its retrospective application while barring reopening of already settled claims. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court Rejects Sameer Wankhede's Plea, Directs Timely Resolution of Disciplinary Proceedings |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:49 IST |
| Supreme Court refused to overturn the Delhi High Court's revival of disciplinary proceedings against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede, noting that the Inquiry and Presenting Officers were appointed without giving him adequate opportunity to respond to the chargesheet, and directed a time-bound decision. |
| FAMILY - Gujarat High Court: Forcing Toddler to Attend Court 6 Hours Weekly For Grandfather Visits is Unjust |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:41 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that forcing a toddler to spend six hours in court weekly for grandparent visits is "uncalled for and unjust," allowing the mother's plea against a family court order mandating the child's presence every Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm. |
| SERVICE - Delhi HC: Illegal Termination Does Not Automatically Entitle Employee to Reinstatement or Back Wages |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:29 IST |
| Delhi High Court clarified that illegal termination does not automatically entitle an employee to reinstatement or back wages, and refused relief to workmen terminated by a proprietorship firm, noting delays in pursuing claims and that several had reached superannuation age. |
| CONSTITUTION - P&H HC: Habeas Plea in Child Custody Case Not Maintainable if Child is With Natural Guardian and Safe |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:20 IST |
| P&H HC held that a habeas corpus petition in a child custody dispute is not maintainable when the child is with a natural guardian and no imminent threat exists, noting that custody with a natural guardian cannot be deemed illegal without exceptional circumstances affecting the child's welfare. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Kerala HC: Temporary Use of Religious Land For Public Infrastructure is Not a 'Transfer' under Law |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:10 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that temporarily surrendering land of a religious institution for public infrastructure does not constitute a 'transfer' under Section 29 of the Madras HR & CE Act, 1951, and therefore does not require prior statutory sanction. |
| CONSTITUTION - Kerala HC: Excommunicating Knanaya Catholics For Marrying Outside the Community is Unconstitutional |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:00 IST |
| Kerala High Court ruled that requiring Knanaya Catholics to marry within the community and excommunicating those who marry outside is unconstitutional, as it violates fundamental rights and cannot be enforced through parish membership restrictions. |
| SERVICE - Delhi HC: Bipolar Disorder Alone Does Not Qualify as Medical Disability Without Benchmark Criteria |
| Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:34:50 IST |
| Delhi High Court upheld the transfer of a Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan teacher, ruling that bipolar disorder alone, without certification of benchmark disability, does not qualify as a medical disability under the relevant transfer policy. |
| DEFENCE - SC Flags Systemic Bias in Granting Permanent Commission to Women Officers in Armed Forces |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:53:02 IST |
| Supreme Court found that systemic bias in the Armed Forces has resulted in denial of permanent commission to many women officers, as career evaluations relied on presumptions that unfairly hindered their progression in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: CoC's Commercial Wisdom Does Not Shield All its Decisions From Judicial Scrutiny |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:52:50 IST |
| Supreme Court emphasized that while the commercial wisdom of the Committee of Creditors is paramount, it is not absolute and may be subject to judicial scrutiny in cases involving statutory illegality, procedural irregularity, or jurisdictional error. |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: Post-Moratorium, Creditors Cannot Adjust Pre-CIRP Dues From Prior Deposits |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:52:41 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "The deposit made even if treated as a guarantee for the default in dues remains the property of the CD till it is adjusted towards the defaulted dues and if so adjusted after the moratorium kicks in towards pre-CIRP dues, the adjustment would be rendered illegal." |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: SC Status Applies Only to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, and is Lost on Conversion |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:52:31 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that "No person who professes a religion other than Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist shall be a member of Scheduled Caste. Conversion to any other religion results in loss of Scheduled Caste status,". |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Civil Imprisonment For Default Does Not Absolve a Husband's Duty to Pay Maintenance |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:52:22 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that sending a person to civil prison for default in maintenance payments does not extinguish his legal obligation, and he remains liable to continue paying monthly maintenance as well as clearing any outstanding arrears. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Accused Cannot Demand Charges under a Preferred Law When Acts Fall under Multiple Statutes |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:52:12 IST |
| High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh held that an accused cannot insist on framing charges under a specific law when the alleged acts violate multiple statutes, emphasizing that the choice of statute rests with investigating and prosecuting authorities, not the accused. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Pardoned Approver under Section 343 BNSS Need Not Stay in Custody Till Trial Ends |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:52:02 IST |
| High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh held that a person pardoned under Section 343 BNSS and examined as an approver cannot be kept in custody until trial ends, as custody is meant to protect the approver and ensure truthful testimony, not to punish them. |
| FAMILY - Calcutta High Court: Procedural Delays Cannot Deny a Person's Right to Adopt |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:51:51 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that a prospective adoptive parent cannot be denied the right to adopt due to procedural delays, even if the child exceeds the statutory age during proceedings, emphasizing that delays caused by the judicial process should not defeat adoption rights. |
| SERVICE - J&K&L High Court: Transfer Guidelines are Not Binding and Cannot Limit an Employer's Transfer Powers |
| Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:51:40 IST |
| High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh held that employees cannot claim a right to a specific posting based on transfer guidelines, as these administrative instructions lack statutory force and cannot restrict the employer's authority to make transfers. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Restores Arbitral Award, Rules State Cannot Be Judge in its Own Dispute Case |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:41:00 IST |
| Supreme Court restored an arbitral award in a dispute between ABS Marine and Andaman Administration, holding that a State cannot decide its own breach. It ruled clauses barring legal remedies invalid, reaffirming arbitration rights and rule of law principles. |
| SERVICE - SC: No Vested Right to Appointment For Next Candidate if Selected One Doesn't Join |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:46 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that a candidate has no right to claim appointment from a select list merely because a selected candidate failed to join or complete formalities. Such vacancies must be filled strictly as per recruitment rules, not by extending the same select list. |
| SERVICE - SC: Reserved Candidates Can Claim General Seats on Merit with Relaxation if Rules Allow |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:36 IST |
| Supreme Court held that reserved category candidates who use relaxation in qualifying exams may still be considered for general category posts if they achieve higher merit in the final selection, provided the applicable recruitment rules allow such consideration. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court: Private Insurer Not Liable For Accident by Vehicle under State Requisition |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:26 IST |
| SC observed that "…where a vehicle is requisitioned for public functions and an incident occurs during the period of such requisition, liability ought properly to be borne by the requisitioning authority, and not by the insurer engaged by the owner for the vehicle's regular and voluntary use." |
| CIVIL - Madras HC: Senior Citizens Act Applies Only To Post-2007 Property Transfers, Not Retrospective |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:15 IST |
| Madras High Court held that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 applies only to property transfers made after its commencement. It clarified the law is not retrospective, noting Section 23 covers only post-Act transfers by senior citizens. |
| SERVICE - Guj HC: No Prior Hearing Needed to Dismiss Cop After Corruption Conviction under Article 311(2)(A) |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:04 IST |
| Gujarat High Court upheld dismissal of a constable convicted in a corruption case, holding that under the second proviso to Article 311(2)(a), authorities may impose punishment without a prior hearing, as the provision excludes the requirement of such opportunity. |
| CIVIL - Allahabad HC: Preliminary Issues Barred if Raised 18 Years After Issues Were Framed in a Suit |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:39:55 IST |
| The court held that "Plea regarding maintainability of suit is required to be raised at the first instance in the pleading (written statement), then only such plea can be adjudicated by the trial court on its merit as preliminary issue under Order XIV Rule 2 CPC." |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Sec 195 CrPC Bars Cognizance Without Public Servant's Complaint, Not FIR or Investigation |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:39:45 IST |
| J&K & Ladakh High Court held that Section 195 CrPC bars courts from taking cognizance of offences under Sections 172-188 IPC without a complaint by the public servant. It does not prevent FIR registration or investigation, and such objections arise only at charge or discharge stage. |
| INSOLVENCY - NCLAT Sets Aside Insolvency, Imposes ?10L Costs Following Recusal over Attempt to Influence Member |
| Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:39:35 IST |
| NCLAT set aside insolvency proceedings after a tribunal member recused, citing an alleged attempt to influence the outcome via a retired High Court judge. The tribunal also imposed costs of ?10 lakh in connection with the matter. |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: Set-Off Can be Used as Defence Despite Bar on Future Claims in Resolution Plan |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:35:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that claims excluded from an approved IBC resolution plan are extinguished, but a limited plea of set-off may still be raised as a defence in arbitration, as long as it is not used to seek any affirmative recovery. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: HCs Can Go Beyond FIR to Quash Frivolous or Vexatious Criminal Cases |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:35:01 IST |
| Supreme Court, while quashing a copyright case against Sujoy Ghosh, held that High Courts, under Section 482 CrPC or Article 226, may look beyond the FIR and consider overall circumstances and records to quash frivolous or vexatious criminal proceedings. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Strict Procedure Must be Followed under UP Gangsters Act Due to Serious Consequences |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:34:51 IST |
| Supreme Court quashed proceedings against alleged gangster Gabbar Singh under the UP Gangsters Act, citing procedural lapses in forwarding the recommendation to prepare the gang chart that listed his name, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with the Act's procedures. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Confiscation Proceedings Can Continue Against Wife of Deceased Public Servant with Illicit Asset |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:34:42 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that even after the death of a public servant with disproportionate assets, confiscation proceedings under the Bihar Special Courts Act, 2009, can continue against his wife, who is not a public servant, to recover the illicitly amassed wealth. |
| ENVIRONMENT - SC: New Tree Growth on Land Approved For Development Does Not Qualify it as 'Deemed Forest' |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:34:33 IST |
| Supreme Court held that land approved for development under a notified Master Plan does not become a "deemed forest" due to later tree growth, and thus, prior Central Government approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is not needed to cut such trees. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Delhi High Court: Newslaundry Acted Maliciously and Showed Intolerance Toward TV Today |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:34:24 IST |
| Delhi High Court ruled that Newslaundry acted with malicious intent in its coverage of TV Today Network, stating its tone showed intolerance rather than fair criticism and that it repeatedly targeted the network and its journalists with disparaging commentary beyond legitimate critique. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Mediation Settlement Does Not Remove Criminal Liability But Can be Considered For Bail |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:34:14 IST |
| Delhi High Court granted anticipatory bail in a cheating case, noting that although a mediation settlement does not absolve criminal liability, it is a relevant factor for consideration when deciding bail. |
| TENANCY - Jharkhand HC: Pre-1947 Transfers Exempt from Section 46; 45-Year Delay Blocks Restoration |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:34:05 IST |
| Jharkhand HC quashed orders restoring land under the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, ruling that Section 46 does not apply to pre-1947 transfers, restoration after 45 years is barred under Section 71, and titles via registered patta, civil decree, or final record-of-rights cannot be challenged belatedly. |
| CIVIL - Delhi HC: Victim's Negligence Cannot Bar Compensation in Railway Accident Cases |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:33:56 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a victim's negligence cannot deny compensation in railway accidents, emphasizing that once an "untoward incident" occurs, the Railways' liability is strict under the Railways Act, 1989, regardless of the victim's conduct. |
| CIVIL - Delhi HC: Street Vendors Must Maintain Cleanliness and Not Encroach on Public Spaces |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:33:46 IST |
| Delhi High Court observed that street vendors have a "bounden duty" to keep their vending areas clean and ensure they do not encroach on public spaces or obstruct pedestrian movement. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Girl Being Friendly on Valentine's Day Does Not Justify Forced Sexual Activity under POCSO |
| Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:33:37 IST |
| Delhi High Court denied regular bail in a POCSO case, observing that a girl being friendly on Valentine's Day or giving consent for vermilion does not justify forced sexual relations, emphasizing that such acts cannot be excused even if not explicitly prohibited by law. |
| CONSUMER - Supreme Court: Earning Interest on a Bank Deposit Does Not Make it a Commercial Purpose |
| Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:34:08 IST |
| Supreme Court held that earning interest on bank deposits does not by itself make a transaction "commercial" or exclude one from being a consumer; only deposits directly linked to profit-making, such as leveraging business or credit facilities, qualify as commercial use. |
| SERVICE - SC: Disciplinary Proceedings Started During Service May Continue After Retirement If Rules Allow |
| Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:33:58 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that where service rules permit, disciplinary proceedings begun before retirement may continue after superannuation, and penalties, including pay reduction, can be enforced by adjusting or recalculating the employee's pensionary benefits accordingly. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Dishonour of a Post-Dated Cheque Alone Does Not Establish Dishonest Intent For Cheating |
| Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:33:48 IST |
| Supreme Court held that dishonour of a post-dated cheque alone does not prove cheating, stressing that criminal liability arises only if fraudulent intent existed at the outset of the transaction, and cannot be inferred merely from a later failure to honour a promise. |
| ARBITRATION - Delhi HC Granted Interim Relief to JioStar in a Dispute over Legends League Cricket Broadcast Rights |
| Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:33:39 IST |
| Delhi High Court restrained transfer of Legends League Cricket Master T20 broadcast rights to third parties in a dispute between JioStar India and Absolute Legends Sports, noting their prior agreement for broadcasting and commercial exploitation of the tournament featuring retired global players. |
| NARCOTICS - Kerala HC: Arrest Grounds Need Not Be Shared With Foreigner's Family If FRRO Or Embassy is Informed |
| Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:33:30 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that when a foreign national is arrested, informing the accused along with the FRRO or their embassy suffices, and it is not necessary to notify their family, as noted in a bail plea by a Tanzanian accused under the NDPS Act in Kunnamkulam Police jurisdiction. |
| CIVIL - Bom HC: Civil Court Can Invoke Sec 151 CPC to Dismiss a Suit as Infructuous if Cause of Action Ends |
| Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:33:20 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that civil court can use its inherent powers under Section 151 CPC to dismiss a suit as infructuous when events render the original cause of action non-existent, emphasizing that courts must end futile litigation rather than retain it for interim orders or speculative claims. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Quashing FIR in Forgery Case Unjustified While Handwriting Expert's Report Pending |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:31:50 IST |
| Supreme Court overturned the Himachal Pradesh High Court's order that quashed an FIR on forgery, cheating, and property misappropriation, stating the High Court acted prematurely while the investigation, including forensic examination of disputed documents, was still in progress. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court: Appellate Courts Should Not Easily Alter MACT Compensation Awards |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:31:40 IST |
| Supreme Court held that appellate courts cannot disturb Motor Accident Claims Tribunal -determined disability and compensation unless they thoroughly reappraise the evidence and give clear, convincing reasons for any alteration. |
| SERVICE - SC: SAIL Can Withhold Gratuity to Adjust Penal Rent if Ex-Employees Illegally Retain Quarters |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:31:30 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that SAIL can withhold gratuity and adjust penal rent from retired employees who illegally retain company quarters, affirming its powers under Rule 3.2.1(c) of the Gratuity Rules and setting aside the Jharkhand High Court's contrary directions. |
| SERVICE - Calcutta High Court: Post-VRS Service Benefits Cannot be Denied; Ex-Employees Entitled to Arrears |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:31:21 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that employees who opted for VRS cannot be denied retrospective pay revision benefits accrued during service, ruling such benefits are vested rights and must be paid, even if the pay revision took effect before retirement, in cases involving Burn Standard Company ex-employee |
| FAMILY - Madras HC: Habeas Corpus Petition Cannot Be Used if Wife Voluntarily Elopes with Another Man |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:31:11 IST |
| Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruled in Murugan v. State that a habeas corpus petition cannot compel the return of a spouse who voluntarily leaves her matrimonial home, rejecting S. Murugan's plea for production of his wife and two children who had been missing since March 6, 2026. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Allahabad HC: State Must Protect Individuals Threatened for Conducting Prayers in Private Spaces |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:30:58 IST |
| The court said "Any objection taken by any person (individual or group) against prayers being conducted in a private space, should be taken cognizance of by the State and if need be, protection be accorded to the place of worship and the worshipers,". |
| MRTP/ COMPETITION LAWS - CCI Dismisses Complaint Against Rapido over Use of Private Vehicles in Bike Taxi Service |
| Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:30:48 IST |
| Competition Commission of India dismissed a complaint against Rapido, ruling that the allegations involved regulatory violations under transport law and did not raise competition issues within the CCI's jurisdiction. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court Struck Down Section 60(4), Removing Limits on Maternity Benefits For Adoptive Mothers |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:47:33 IST |
| Supreme Court struck down Section 60(4) of the Social Security Code, 2020, which had restricted maternity leave for adoptive mothers to cases where the child was below three months of age, thereby removing the eligibility limit. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Examining Contradictions and Witness Credibility Exceeds the Scope of Section 319 CrPC |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:47:23 IST |
| Supreme Court held that courts cannot conduct a "mini trial" while summoning an additional accused under Section 319 CrPC, setting aside the Allahabad High Court's order for applying a detailed evidence analysis and the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Doctor's View on a Victim's Consciousness Prevails over Police Assessment in Dying Declarations |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:47:13 IST |
| Supreme Court upheld a husband's conviction for murdering his wife, relying on her dying declaration, and held that minor discrepancies in the investigating officer's statements do not undermine it when a doctor has certified the victim was in a fit state of mind. |
| CAPITAL MARKET - SC: Fraudulent Diversion of Company Funds Cannot be Validated by Later Shareholder Ratification |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:47:04 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that diverting funds raised via preferential allotment for undisclosed purposes constitutes fraud under securities law and cannot be rectified through later shareholder ratification. |
| SERVICE - SC Grants Law Officer Exam Relief, Saying Students Can't be Blamed When Judges Differ in Views |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:46:54 IST |
| Supreme Court granted relief in a Law Officer exam where ambiguity in a question led to competing claims, directing that both candidates be accommodated by creating a supernumerary post. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC: Magistrate Must Assess Grounds, Cannot Order Police Inquiry under Section 175(3) BNSS |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:46:43 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that under Section 175(3) of the BNSS, 2023, a magistrate must personally conduct an inquiry before ordering investigation, as the law requires judicial assessment; directing police to do so, especially after FIR refusal, violates legislative intent. |
| SERVICE - Del HC: Candidate's Independent Medical Opinions Don't Justify Fresh Medical Exam in SSC Recruitment |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:46:33 IST |
| Delhi High Court set aside the CAT's order directing a fresh medical exam for a candidate declared unfit in SSC Constable recruitment, ruling that courts must respect expert board opinions and cannot order repeated exams based solely on independently obtained medical certificates. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta High Court: Serving a Show-Cause Notice Via Email is Valid under PMLA Regulations |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:46:24 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Adjudicating Authority must verify at the outset that all relied-upon documents are supplied to the noticee. While declining to quash the Section 8(1) show-cause notice, the court directed compliance with procedural safeguards. |
| CRIMINAL - Raj HC: Convicted Minor Gang Rapist Not Fully Barred From Open-Air Camps; Rules Allow Exceptions |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:46:14 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court held that a person convicted of minor gang rape, though generally ineligible for an open-air camp, may be considered for relief in exceptional circumstances, noting that Rule 3(d) of the Rajasthan Prisoners Open Air Camp Rules, 1972 provides only ordinary ineligibility. |
| CONSTITUTION - J&K&L HC: Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Despite Statutory Status, is Not a 'State' under Article 12 |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:46:56 IST |
| J&K&L High Court held that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, though a statutory body, is not a 'State' under Article 12 due to lack of government control, rejecting a Pujari's challenge to his service discontinuation and the constitutional validity of Section 14(2) of the 1986 Act. |
| CRIMINAL - Del HC: Subsequent Bail Pleas From Same FIR Should Usually Go Before the Judge Who Denied the First |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:46:46 IST |
| Delhi High Court observed that subsequent bail applications from the same FIR should ordinarily be heard by the same judge who rejected the earlier plea, to ensure consistency and prevent conflicting orders in the case. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - J&K&L HC: District Judge Serving as Reference Court under Land Acquisition Act Acts as a Civil Court |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:46:35 IST |
| J&K&L HC held that a District Judge acting as a Reference Court under the Land Acquisition Act functions as a civil court, passing judicial orders that cannot be challenged via a writ under Article 226 but only under the court's supervisory jurisdiction, as clarified in a Letters Patent Appeal. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Accused Can Admit Evidence Recorded under Section 299 Crpc After Appearing in Court |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:46:25 IST |
| J&K&L High Court held that when witnesses are examined under Section 299 CrPC against an absconding accused, the accused may, upon appearing, admit those depositions, and the prosecution cannot compel recalling witnesses solely to bolster its case. |
| PROPERTY - Delhi HC: PMLA Can Apply Even if the Scheduled Offence Occurred Before the Law Came Into Force |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:46:15 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act can apply even if the scheduled offence occurred before the Act's commencement, as long as the accused continued to possess or use the crime proceeds after the law came into force. |
| CIVIL - Gujarat HC: Person is Entitled to Compensation For Injury or Death Within Railway Station Premises |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:46:05 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that anyone suffering injury or death within railway station premises, including platforms, waiting halls, or offices, is entitled to compensation under Section 123(c), emphasizing the provision's beneficial nature and granting relief to the deceased passenger's kin. |
| NARCOTICS - SC: Giving Accused the Option of Search Before a Police Officer Breaches Section 50 of the NDPS Act |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:45:55 IST |
| Supreme Court upheld acquittal in an NDPS case, holding that offering the accused the option of search before a police officer violates Section 50, which permits personal search only before a Magistrate or Gazetted Officer, rendering the recovery invalid. |
| SERVICE - SC: Anganwadi Workers With Degrees Are Eligible For The 29% Quota For Supervisors in Kerala |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:45:44 IST |
| Supreme Court held that graduate Anganwadi Workers are not barred from the 29% quota for Supervisors under ICDS, meant for SSLC-qualified workers with experience, clarifying the 11% graduate quota is additional and restoring the Tribunal's decision over the Kerala High Court. |
| CONSTITUTION - Supreme Court: Air Force Group Insurance Society qualifies as 'State' under Article 12 |
| Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:45:30 IST |
| Supreme Court recently ruled that the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS), which serves as a welfare and insurance body for Indian Air Force personnel, qualifies as 'State' under Article 12 of the Constitution, making it subject to constitutional obligations. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: Accused Cannot be Faulted For Smart Replies; Interrogator Must be Sharper |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:28:35 IST |
| Delhi High Court observed that an accused giving smart responses does not indicate a lack of cooperation during interrogation. The court said "Nobody is under a duty not to be smart. It is the interrogator who has to be smarter in order to elicit the requisite information,". |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Setting Aside or Altering a Judge's Order by a Higher Court Doesn't Affect Their Integrity |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:28:26 IST |
| Delhi High Court recently noted that a higher court setting aside or modifying a lower court's order does not reflect on the ability or integrity of the judge, while addressing a judicial officer's plea to remove adverse remarks made against him in connection with his criticism of the Delhi police. |
| CRIMINAL - Jammu and Kashmir High Court: Labeling Someone as a Terrorist Associate Amounts to Defamation |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:28:16 IST |
| Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court recently observed that falsely labeling a person as linked to terrorists damages their societal reputation and, on its face, constitutes criminal defamation. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Repeated Court Summons May Distress and Re-Traumatize Child Sexual Assault Victims |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:28:05 IST |
| Delhi HC directed that minor sexual assault victims should not be repeatedly summoned during trial or bail proceedings noting that such appearances cause distress and re-traumatisation. Under POCSO Act, child-friendly procedures must be followed to protect victims from unnecessary court appearances. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Supreme Court: Privy Purse Privileges of Princely Rulers are Not Enforceable Legal Rights |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:27:56 IST |
| Supreme Court dismissed a plea by the Mizo Chief Council alleging that the Union acquired lands of tribal chiefs in the erstwhile Lushai Hills without compensation, holding that although the claim arose when property was a fundamental right, no violation of rights was established. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Sets Aside Conviction of Four Men in a 1998 Gang Rape Case |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:27:46 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside the conviction of four men in a 1998 gang rape case, expressing doubt over the sole testimony of the prosecutrix. The Court was hearing an appeal against the Uttarakhand High Court's 2012 judgment that upheld the trial court's 2000 conviction and 10-year sentence. |
| COMMERCIAL - SC: Confirmation of an Auction Sale Does Not Bar Judicial Scrutiny of Reserve Price Valuation |
| Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:27:36 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that the conclusion or confirmation of an auction sale does not bar courts from re-examining the valuation of the auctioned property when questions arise regarding the adequacy of the valuation or the fixation of the reserve price. |
| CIVIL - Gujarat High Court: Power Company Cannot Allege Deceased's Negligence in Hanging Live Wire Death |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:06:29 IST |
| Gujarat High Court dismissed Paschim Gujarat Vij Co Ltd's appeal, holding the company cannot claim negligence by a man who died after touching a hanging live wire, as the wires were loose and at a lower height, making the company responsible for the fatal accident. |
| CIVIL - J&K & Ladakh HC: Mutation Attested in Violation of Agrarian Reforms Act Can be Reviewed in Revision |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:06:16 IST |
| Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that if mutation proceedings under the Agrarian Reforms Act violate the prescribed attestation procedure, the revisional authority can examine their legality, as such violations raise a legal question warranting revisional scrutiny. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay High Court: Trial Vitiated if Forensic Experts Whose Reports are Relied Upon are Not Examined |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:06:03 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that failing to summon and examine forensic experts whose reports are relied upon vitiates the trial, as the court must take all steps to ascertain the truth, even if the prosecution is remiss or the accused was unaware at the relevant time. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K & Ladakh High Court: Section 479 BNSS Does Not Grant Automatic Bail After Detention Period |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:05:49 IST |
| Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that Section 479 of the BNSS, read with its provisos, does not entitle an accused to automatic bail merely upon completion of the statutory detention period and must be applied in harmony with the law's overall framework. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Police Recruitment Can be Denied Only if Acquittal in Heinous Crime Was on Doubt |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:05:35 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "…mere involvement of a person in an offence or in a conduct amounting to moral turpitude without anything else may become relevant consideration to judge his fitness to the post and to assess credentials for allowing such a person into the employment." |
| SERVICE - SC: Direct Recruits' Seniority Begins From Initial Appointment, Not Completion of Probation |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:05:23 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the seniority of directly recruited Assistant Engineers in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board is to be counted from their initial appointment date, including training, and not from the start of probation after training completion. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Parental Salary Alone Cannot Determine OBC Creamy Layer Status |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:05:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that 'creamy layer' status under the OBC reservation category cannot be determined solely on parental income and must also consider the posts and status held by the parents in their respective organisations. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Failure to Prove Specific Overt Acts of Each Unlawful Assembly Member Not Fatal |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:04:58 IST |
| SC upheld the murder conviction and life sentences of four accused, holding that the absence of specific eyewitness evidence of who fired the fatal shot does not weaken the prosecution's case when the accused were members of an unlawful assembly sharing a common object under Section 149 IPC. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Belated Jurisdictional Challenge Impermissible After Participation in Arbitration |
| Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:04:46 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that a party participating in arbitration without raising a timely jurisdictional objection cannot later challenge the arbitral tribunal's jurisdiction on technical grounds after an adverse award is passed. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - Supreme Court: Call Detail Records Require Section 65B Evidence Act Certificate to be Admissible |
| Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:22:58 IST |
| SC acquitted a man in a murder case, ruling that call detail records cannot be relied upon as evidence unless they are accompanied by the mandatory certificate u/s 65-B of the Indian Evidence Act. The Court held that in the absence of this certificate, such electronic records are inadmissible. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Public Servant Convicted of Bribery Cannot Seek Acquittal Merely Due to Co-Accused's Acquittal |
| Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:22:45 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a public servant who personally demands and accepts a bribe can be convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 even if the conspiracy charge fails and the co-accused is acquitted. The Court set aside the Rajasthan High Court's acquittal of an Income Tax Inspector. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Overzealous Investigation and Cases Based on Public Perception Can Harm Prosecution |
| Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:22:32 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that overzealous investigation can be as harmful as a lethargic one, warning that cases built on public perception or investigators' personal bias may collapse, risking implication of innocent persons while allowing the real offender to escape justice. |
| CONSTITUTION - SC Explains What Constitutes 'Best Interests' of Patient in Vegetative State for Passive Euthanasia |
| Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:22:19 IST |
| Supreme Court stated that a patient's best interests must guide decisions on withholding or withdrawing medical treatment. It noted that if treatment is futile, provides no therapeutic benefit, and only prolongs suffering, this can favor withdrawal of life support in the patient's best interests. |
| SERVICE - Sikkim HC: Non-Disclosure of Minor Cases With Acquittal Should Not Automatically Trigger Termination |
| Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:22:05 IST |
| Sikkim HC set aside the termination of SSB constable, holding that non-disclosure of minor criminal cases resulting in acquittal should not automatically lead to dismissal. The Court emphasized evaluating the offence, the post, and the candidate's socio-economic background before taking such action. |
| INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - Delhi High Court Denies Lifting Stay on Kent RO's Sale of Fans under the KENT Trademark |
| Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:21:45 IST |
| Delhi High Court upheld an interim order restraining Kent RO Systems from selling fans under the "KENT" trademark, ruling that Kent Cables had established a prima facie case of prior use for fans and that Kent RO cannot claim the mark for such products. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras HC: Take Action Against Collectors and Police if They Fail to Maintain an Orderly System |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:25:22 IST |
| Madras High Court directed the government to take action against District Collectors and police officials who fail to enforce the abolition of the orderly system, noting that officials must act in accordance with government policy and can face consequences for non-compliance. |
| CIVIL - Bom HC: Kolhapur Circuit Bench Notification Doesn't Automatically Divest Principal Seat Jurisdiction |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:25:12 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that establishing the Kolhapur Circuit Bench does not automatically divest the Principal Seat of jurisdiction, as the High Court retains authority over matters where the original or appellate authority lies within its territorial jurisdiction. |
| SERVICE - J&K&L HC: Employer Can Adjust Pay/Pension for Dual Benefits, But Not Recover From Group C&D Staff |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:25:03 IST |
| Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that employers may correct pay and pension where dual benefits were wrongly granted, but recovering excess payments from Group C and D employees, especially after long periods, is legally impermissible. |
| CIVIL - SC: Government Cannot Avoid Responsibility as Data Shows COVID Vaccines Caused Some Deaths |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:24:53 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the government cannot evade responsibility for deaths or serious injuries following COVID-19 vaccination, emphasizing that under Article 21, the State must provide affected families with an accessible mechanism for redress. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - SC: Co-Operative Society's Multi-State Status Depends on its Objectives, Not Member Distribution |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:24:44 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a cooperative society's multi-state status is determined by its objectives, not just member distribution, and set aside the Uttarakhand High Court ruling that classified a state cooperative as multi-state solely due to members across states. |
| CIVIL - SC: Plaintiff Who Approaches the Court with Unclean Hands Cannot be Granted Specific Performance |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:24:35 IST |
| Supreme Court dismissed a suit for specific performance, holding that a plaintiff who approaches the court with unclean hands by withholding material facts is not entitled to the equitable relief of specific performance. |
| COMPANY - SC: NCLAT Order Remains Valid Even if the Bench Has a Majority of Technical Members |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:24:23 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an order of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal cannot be considered illegal merely because the bench had a majority of technical members, clarifying that the current statutory framework does not require judicial members to outnumber technical members. |
| COMPANY - SC: Valuation Report is Not Mandatory For Share Capital Reduction U/S 66 Companies Act |
| Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:24:14 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "Reduction of share capital can be achieved by a special resolution and confirmation by the Tribunal, without a report of valuation from an approved/registered valuer…". |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Quarrel With Daughter-In-Law Alone Does Not Constitute Cruelty or Dowry Harassment |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:31:45 IST |
| Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings against a woman's parents-in-law in a dowry harassment case, holding that vague and identical allegations were insufficient. The Court said that merely quarrelling with a daughter-in-law does not amount to cruelty or dowry harassment under Section 498A IPC. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Parties Have No Vested Right to Produce Additional Evidence at the Appellate Stage |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:31:37 IST |
| Supreme Court held that parties have no vested right to produce additional evidence at the appellate stage under Order XLI Rule 27 CPC, observing that it is the appellate court's discretion to allow such evidence only when the specific conditions prescribed under the provision are satisfied. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: Trial Court Findings in Arvind Kejriwal Discharge Order are Prima Facie Erroneous |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:31:27 IST |
| Delhi High Court said the trial court's observations while discharging Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and others in the liquor policy case on witness and approver statements were prima facie erroneous and require consideration. |
| SERVICE - Calcutta High Court: Voluntary Transfer Affects Seniority But Keeps Past Service For Promotion |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:31:16 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that a Railway Protection Force member requesting or mutually exchanging a transfer loses seniority at the new posting, but their past service remains intact for determining eligibility for promotion. |
| CRIMINAL - Guj HC: Delay Beyond 60 Days U/S 250 BNSS Does Not Extinguish an Accused's Right to Seek Discharge |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:31:06 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that under Section 250(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, although a discharge application must be filed within 60 days of committal, delay beyond this period does not extinguish the accused's right if sufficient cause for the delay is shown. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Cal HC: Delay in FIR is Not Fatal in Motor Accident Claims When Families Rush Victims to Hospital |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:30:56 IST |
| Calcutta HC observed that delay in filing an FIR in motor accident cases is not fatal, as families often prioritize rushing the injured to hospital. The court noted this while partly allowing an appeal by National Insurance Company Limited against a compensation award to a deceased victim's family. |
| BANKING - J&K&L High Court: Cheque Bounce Case Can't be Dismissed Before Accused is Served |
| Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:30:47 IST |
| Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that a Section 138 NI Act complaint cannot be dismissed for want of prosecution before the accused is served. The court quashed the trial court's order and restored the case. |
| DIRECT TAXATION - ITAT Quashes Reassessment of Lalit Modi's Income Linked to Credit Card and Private Jet Expenditures |
| Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:04:56 IST |
| Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) quashed the reassessment of Lalit Kumar Modi's income for AY 2010-11, ruling that the proceedings by the Income Tax Department were without jurisdiction as regular scrutiny assessment was still pending. |
| CRIMINAL - Orissa High Court Grants Bail in OTET Leak Case, Ruling Allegations Alone Can't Punish |
| Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:04:47 IST |
| Orissa High Court granted bail to eight individuals, including the Vice-President of the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, arrested for their alleged involvement in leaking the question papers of the Special Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2025 shortly before the exam. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Rajasthan High Court Orders Removal of Facebook Post on Minor, Citing Right To Life Breach |
| Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:04:38 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court held that misleading, false, or malicious content on Facebook or social media that harms an individual's reputation or invades privacy violates their fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Ker HC Directs Travancore Devaswom Board to Ensure Transparency in Padi Pooja at Sabarimala Temple |
| Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:04:29 IST |
| Kerala High Court has issued directions to the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure transparency and better use of days for Padi Pooja at Sabarimala Temple, following a suo motu petition based on the monthly report of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner on Kumbham masa pooja activities. |
| CRIMINAL - Cal HC: Contractual Marriage on Stamp Paper is Void and Cannot Sustain Bigamy or Cruelty Charges |
| Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:04:17 IST |
| Calcutta High Court quashed criminal proceedings for bigamy and cruelty, holding that a "marriage" based only on signing a non-judicial stamp paper is not valid under Hindu law in India and cannot sustain charges under Sections 494 or 498A of the Indian Penal Code. |
| NARCOTICS - J&K&L HC: Preventive Detention under PITNDPS is Valid Only For Activities Defined as Illicit Traffic |
| Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:04:08 IST |
| Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 can be ordered only if the detenue's alleged activities fall within the Act's statutory definition of "illicit traffic." |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala HC: Failure To Record Victim's Intellectual Disability isn't Fatal if Competent to Testify |
| Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:12:30 IST |
| Kerala HC held that investigating officer's failure to note victim's intellectual disability during investigation does not invalidate the prosecution if the court finds the victim competent to testify and capable of giving rational answers, while hearing appeal against rape conviction u/s 376 IPC. |
| CIVIL - Kerala HC: Intra-Court Appeal Maintainable Against Ex Parte Ad Interim Orders Affecting Remedies |
| Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:12:19 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that an intra-court appeal under Section 5 of the Kerala High Court Act, 1958 is maintainable against an ex parte ad interim order or any order affecting a party's right to pursue a statutory remedy, while deciding a reference made by a Single Judge and a related writ appeal. |
| FAMILY - Chhattisgarh HC: Scheduled Tribe Persons Can Voluntarily Choose to be Governed by Hindu Marriage Act |
| Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:12:08 IST |
| Chhattisgarh HC held that a Scheduled Tribe person who voluntarily adopts Hindu customs and traditions and submits to the jurisdiction of courts under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 cannot be denied its protection merely because Section 2(2) excludes the Act's automatic application to ST communities. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H HC Quashes Case over Allegations Against Judge, Orders Police Awareness on S.215 BNSS |
| Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:11:57 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed criminal proceedings against a man accused of making false allegations against a judicial officer, holding that the prosecution violated the mandatory procedural safeguards under Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. |
| CRIMINAL - Orissa HC: 60-Day Disposal of DV Act Plea May Not be Practical but Long Adjournments Must be Avoided |
| Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:41:45 IST |
| Orissa HC observed that although it may not always be practical for a Magistrate to decide an application u/s 12(1) of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act within the statutory 60-day period, courts must avoid granting unnecessary or prolonged adjournments to the parties. |
| TENANCY - Gujarat HC: Judicial Fixation of Standard Rent Inapplicable to New Construction After 2001 Amendment |
| Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:41:34 IST |
| Gujarat HC held that tenants cannot seek fixation of standard rent under Section 11(3) of the Bombay Rents, Hotel and Lodging House Rates Control Act for premises constructed after the 2001 amendment, and accordingly dismissed a batch of appeals filed by tenants of Jetpur Swaminarayan Trust. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Kerala HC: Siblings Cannot Claim Compensation for 'Loss of Love' in Motor Accident Death Cases |
| Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:41:24 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that siblings of a deceased accident victim are not entitled to separate compensation for "loss of love and affection" in motor accident claims, and restricted consortium compensation to the mother while partly modifying the MACT award in a 2014 road accident case. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC Reduces Man's Sentence, Holding Bamboo Stick or Rod Not A Weapon Likely To Cause Death |
| Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:41:14 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that although a fracture constitutes "grievous hurt" under the IPC, assault with a bamboo stick or rod does not automatically amount to use of a dangerous weapon under Section 326. The Court altered the conviction of six persons to Section 325 IPC and reduced their sentence. |
| CRIMINAL - Punjab & Haryana HC Grants Bail to Woman in Double Murder Case Filed Two Years After Deaths |
| Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:24:04 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court granted regular bail to a 39-year-old woman accused of conspiring to murder her husband and his alleged paramour's wife, citing delay in FIR, no postmortem, and lack of direct evidence. |
| CRIMINAL - Karnataka High Court Grants Three-Day Emergency Parole To Disabled Life Convict For Sister's Wedding |
| Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:23:54 IST |
| Karnataka High Court granted three-day emergency parole to a visually disabled life convict, sentenced for offences including kidnapping, to attend his sister's wedding, noting his 77% blindness and her locomotor disability. |
| PROPERTY - Madras High Court Directs Action Against District Collector For Ex-Parte Stance In Govt Land Case |
| Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:23:45 IST |
| Madras High Court has called for disciplinary action against the District Collector of Ramanathapuram for failing to appear in a case, leading to an ex parte order on government property, noting such lapses harm public interest. |
| CRIMINAL - Jharkhand HC Cautions Officers, Says Citing Proposed SLP in SC to Delay Compliance is 'In Bad Faith' |
| Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:23:34 IST |
| Jharkhand High Court held that seeking adjournment on the ground of filing a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court of India, particularly without urgent mentioning, reflects bad faith and amounts to non-compliance with its prior directions. |
| CONTEMPT OF COURT - Madras HC: Minister Regupathy Gave a Mischievous Political Twist to the Thiruparankundram Issue |
| Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:23:24 IST |
| Madras High Court observed that Tamil Nadu Minister for Minerals and Mines S. Regupathy gave a mischievous political spin to the Thiruparankundram issue by opposing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon, while hearing a plea to implead him in a contempt case. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad High Court: Re-Recording a Victim's Statement is Allowed Only in Exceptional Cases |
| Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:53:09 IST |
| Allahabad High Court clarified that directions to re-record a victim's statement under Section 183 BNSS before a Magistrate can be issued only in exceptional circumstances, emphasizing that such measures are not routine and require compelling justification. |
| CIVIL - Bombay High Court: Presence of Cross or Jesus Statue Doesn't Make One Christian |
| Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:52:59 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that having a Holy Cross painting or Jesus statue at home does not prove conversion to Christianity, and quashed a District Caste Scrutiny Committee's order denying Stawan Wilson Sathe the "Mang or Matang" Scheduled Caste status. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay High Court: Lack of Medical Opinion on Sexual Assault Not Fatal under POCSO Act |
| Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:52:48 IST |
| In a significant ruling, Bom HC held that under POCSO Act, absence of medical officer's opinion on sexual assault is not ground for acquittal. Upholding conviction u/s 376(2)(i) IPC & Sec 6 & 10 of POCSO, it rejected the claim that lack of medical findings or noted injuries weakened the prosecution. |
| SERVICE - Bombay High Court: State Cannot Deny Maternity Benefits As More Women Join Workforce |
| Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:52:38 IST |
| Observing that as more women join the workforce to achieve economic independence, authorities cannot deny maternity leave and compromise their caregiving role, the Bombay HC directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to promptly grant and pay maternity benefits to a doctor serving at KEM Hospital. |
| COMMERCIAL - SC: Failure to Pay Balance Within 15 Days Voids Auction under Maharashtra Co-Operative Rules |
| Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:52:28 IST |
| SC held that auction under Maharashtra Co-operative Societies framework is void ab initio if full purchase price is not deposited within prescribed time. It upheld setting aside of sale, but ordered refund of bid amount with interest, noting purchaser should not suffer for Recovery Officer's lapse. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Failure to Recover Murder Weapon is Not Fatal if Other Evidence is Credible |
| Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:52:18 IST |
| SC upholds murder conviction saying credible & consistent eyewitness evidence suffices even without recovery of weapon. SC observed that "the absence of recovery of weapons of assault would not weaken the case of the prosecution in the presence of other evidence on record that is found reliable." |
| LIMITATION - SC: Limitation Begins When Accused Identity Becomes Known |
| Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:38:10 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled limitation under Section 469 CrPC starts when the accused's identity becomes known during investigation, not from initial complaint receipt, ensuring prosecutions remain valid despite delayed offender identification |
| PROPERTY - SC: Clear Deed Terms Cannot Be Altered Later |
| Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:37:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that when a deed's terms are clear and unambiguous, courts cannot reinterpret its nature based on parties' later conduct; interpretation must rely strictly on the document's text and context |
| INSOLVENCY - SC: Parallel Insolvency Proceedings Allowed Against Debtor And Guarantor |
| Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:37:48 IST |
| Supreme Court held that insolvency proceedings can simultaneously continue against the principal debtor and corporate guarantor for the same debt, as their liability is coextensive and remedies are concurrent |
| CONSTITUTION - SC: Supreme Court Orders Expansion And Reform Of Open Prisons |
| Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:37:38 IST |
| Supreme Court directed nationwide expansion and reform of open prisons, emphasizing rehabilitation, equality, dignity, and reintegration, and mandating uniform standards, eligibility reforms, gender inclusion, and institutional monitoring |
| EXCISE - Calcutta HC: Discriminatory Excise Rule Modified To Ensure Equality |
| Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:37:23 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held discriminatory excise rules treating private and public limited companies differently violate equality, and read up the provision to extend exemption for management changes equally |
| FAMILY - Orissa High Court: Writ Courts Can't Decide Child Custody Unless It's Illegally Retained |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:54:43 IST |
| Orissa High Court held that writ courts should not decide child custody disputes via habeas corpus petitions unless custody is illegally retained and must refer complex cases requiring detailed inquiry to the competent Civil Court for proper adjudication. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras High Court: Every Prisoner Has the Right to Periodic Medical Checkups under Article 21 |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:54:32 IST |
| The court observed that "We hold that every prisoner has a right to have a periodical medical check up which would fall within the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Such check ups alone will indicate who is suffering from what condition,". |
| PROPERTY - Cal HC: Deity's Title Cannot be Challenged by Adverse Possession Claims Against its Sebait/Manager |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:54:23 IST |
| Calcutta High Court reaffirmed that property vested in a deity enjoys strong legal protection, and adverse possession claims fail unless hostile title is clearly asserted. Permissive occupation cannot create ownership without denying the deity's title. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC: Cruelty Claims, Late Medical Certificates Can't Justify Attempt-To-Homicide Charges |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:54:13 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that mere omnibus allegations and belated medical certificates cannot justify attempt-to-culpable-homicide charges, partly allowed a criminal revision, and discharged the mother- and sister-in-law under Section 308 IPC, citing abuse of process. |
| DEFENCE - Delhi High Court: Wards of Disabled Soldiers in Service Not Eligible For Priority-II Reservation |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:54:02 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that wards of armed forces personnel disabled in action but retained in service aren't eligible for Priority-II reservation under the Defence quota, which is meant only for wards of personnel discharged due to service-related disability. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Document isn't Forged Just Because it's Not Found in Public Office Records |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:53:52 IST |
| SC observed that"…merely because a document is not traceable in the records after several years of its issuance, it cannot be said that the document is forged.", "a document would be considered forged document only when the allegations are to the effect that it is a false document u/s 464 IPC." |
| SALES TAX/VAT - Supreme Court: Rooh Afza Taxable at 4% As Fruit Drink Under UP VAT Act |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:53:41 IST |
| Supreme Court held that "Sharbat Rooh Afza" is classifiable as a fruit drink/processed fruit product under the UP VAT Act, taxable at 4%. It set aside the Allahabad High Court ruling that had placed it under the residuary entry attracting 12.5% tax. |
| SERVICE - SC: Compassionate Aid to Govt Employee's Family Deductible From Motor Accident Compensation |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:53:31 IST |
| Supreme Court has reaffirmed that compassionate assistance received by a dependent of a deceased employee must be deducted from compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. Referring to the 2006 Haryana Rules, it allowed Reliance General Insurance's appeal and set aside the High Court ruling. |
| ELECTION - SC: Submission of Maadhyamik Admit Card Along With Class X Pass Certificate For Verification |
| Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:53:20 IST |
| Supreme Court said the Maadhyamik (Class 10) admit card issued by the West Bengal State Board must be submitted with the pass certificate to verify age and parentage during West Bengal's SIR. It also ordered pending documents be given to presiding judicial officers by 5 PM tomorrow. |
| SERVICE - Madras HC: Doctors Aren't Regular Staff; Hospitals Cannot Stop Them From Joining Other Hospitals |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:29:36 IST |
| Madras High Court observed that doctors cannot be treated as regular employees and hospitals cannot restrain them from joining other hospitals after resignation, noting that doctors provide essential services without which hospitals cannot function. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Merely Breaking Up a Relationship Does Not Amount to Instigation For Abetment of Suicide |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:29:26 IST |
| The court said that "Though, broken relationship and heartbreaks have become common these days, mere breaking-up of relationship may not per se constitute instigation so as to make it to be a case of abetment under Section 108 BNS (corresponding Section 306 IPC),". |
| SERVICE - Gujarat HC: Unregistered Nikahnama or Missing Records Cannot Bar a Widow From Claiming Pension |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:29:16 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that denying a widow's pension due to an unregistered nikahnama, absence of marriage photos, or missing service record entries is unjust, and directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to grant her pension as the legally wedded wife. |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: Mere Pendency of Restructuring Arrangements Cannot Stall the CIRP under IBC |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:29:05 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the mere existence of a restructuring arrangement for a debt-laden corporate debtor does not bar initiation of CIRP under the IBC, and set aside the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal order that had rejected a Section 7 application on this ground. |
| CUSTOMS - Supreme Court: Voluntary Confession Qualifies as Substantive Evidence under the Customs Act |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:28:55 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a person can be convicted under the Customs Act based on voluntary confessional statements under Section 108, upholding the conviction of two individuals in Gujarat for smuggling 777 wrist watches and 879 straps, even without direct possession of the goods. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Once Unlawful Assembly is Proved U/S 149 IPC, Individual Role in Fatal Injury is Irrelevant |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:28:45 IST |
| SC held that once unlawful assembly is proved, individual identification of the person causing the fatal injury is immaterial, making all members vicariously liable, and set aside the MP HC ruling that reduced the conviction from murder to culpable homicide for want of such identification. |
| INSOLVENCY - SC: Defunct Scheme under the Companies Act Cannot Stall the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:28:33 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a defunct Companies Act scheme cannot stall CIRP under the IBC, and set aside the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal order that had kept Section 7 proceedings in abeyance merely because the scheme was pending before the High Court. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Detailed Appreciation of Evidence is Not Allowed at the Bail Stage |
| Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:28:24 IST |
| Supreme Court reiterated that courts must not undertake a detailed appreciation of evidence while deciding bail pleas, and set aside the Bombay High Court Aurangabad Bench order granting bail in an SC/ST Act murder case, holding it wrongly assessed medical evidence at the pre-trial stage. |
| SERVICE - P&H HC: Full-Time Law Officers Aren't Contractual and Are Entitled to Medical Benefits and Leaves |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:39:38 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court held that Assistant and Deputy Advocate Generals in Haryana are entitled to medical reimbursement, earned leave, and Leave Travel Concession, ruling that core service benefits cannot be denied merely due to their contractual designation. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - J&K & L High Court: Fair Compensation to Land Losers Must Reflect Road Access And Location Benefits |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:39:29 IST |
| High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh held that land acquisition compensation must reflect ground realities, ensuring justice by considering road access, locational advantages, and surrounding development when awarding fair compensation to land losers. |
| CONSTITUTION - Allahabad HC: Right To Choose Partner is Constitutional; UP Law Doesn't Bar Interfaith Unions |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:39:20 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 does not prohibit interfaith relationships, whether live-in or marital, while hearing petitions concerning inter-religion couples. |
| CRIMINAL - Karnataka High Court: No Corruption Case Without Proof Of Bribe Demand Or Acceptance |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:39:09 IST |
| Karnataka High Court reiterated that both demand and acceptance of a bribe are required to invoke an offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and quashed an FIR against a police sub-inspector allegedly seeking Rs. 1 lakh to close a case. |
| LABOUR & INDUSTRIAL - Supreme Court: Insurer Not Liable For Penalty on Employer Over Delayed Compensation |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:39:00 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an employer's liability to pay a penalty for delayed compensation cannot be shifted to the insurer, and set aside the Delhi High Court order that fastened such liability on New India Assurance Co. Ltd. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Illegality in a Search Does Not Invalidate the Evidence Collected |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:38:50 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "While the search may be illegal, the materials or evidence gathered or collected in the course of such search can still be acted or relied upon subject to the rule of relevancy and the test of admissibility." |
| CONSUMER - Supreme Court: Landowners Are Not Liable For Delays Caused by Developers |
| Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:38:39 IST |
| SC held that a landowner does not become liable for construction delays merely by authorizing a developer to build, obtain approvals, and sell flats, and it dismissed a homebuyer's appeal while upholding the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruling absolving the landowners. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - SC: S.27 Indian Evidence Act Discovery is Formidable Link in Circumstantial Evidence Chain |
| Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:53:12 IST |
| Supreme Court upheld a conviction in a ransom murder case based solely on circumstantial evidence, holding that the accused's disclosure statements under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act decisively completed the chain linking him to the crime. |
| PROPERTY - Supreme Court: Homebuyer Cannot be Forced to Take Possession Without Occupancy Certificate |
| Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:53:02 IST |
| Supreme Court held that forcing homebuyers to take possession without an Occupancy Certificate is a statutory service deficiency, entitling them to compensation. The court observed that "Obtaining such certificate is a statutory pre-condition integral to lawful delivery of possession." |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Chapter IV Offences under Drugs and Cosmetics Act Triable Only by Sessions Court |
| Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:52:50 IST |
| Supreme Court held that "Now, Sec 32(2) specifically provides that no Court inferior to that of Court of Session shall try offence punishable under Chapter IV. Thus, it can be said that for the offences punishable under Chapter IV, the Court inferior to the Court of Session shall not try such offences" |
| ARBITRATION - SC: Drafting Confusing Arbitration Clauses Causing Unnecessary Litigation is Professional Misconduct |
| Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:52:39 IST |
| Supreme Court criticised law firms for drafting confusing arbitration clauses that spur avoidable litigation in overburdened courts, observing that such practice amounts to professional misconduct while addressing a conflict between jurisdiction and arbitration clauses. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Kerala HC: Labour Court Can Extend Time to Comply With Award Even After Enforceability under ID Act |
| Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:52:29 IST |
| Kerala High Court recently held that a Labour Court can extend the time for compliance with its awards under Section 17A of the Industrial Disputes Act even after they become enforceable, noting it does not become functus officio merely because 30 days have passed since publication. |
| FAMILY - MP HC: Wife's Convenience Not Paramount; VC Facility or Commute Compensation Allowed |
| Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:52:18 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a wife's convenience is no longer the sole or paramount factor in transfer petitions, noting alternatives like video conferencing or travel compensation can be provided in matrimonial disputes. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Madras High Court: State Temple Festivals Must Not Perpetuate Caste, Aim to Annihilate it |
| Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:06:11 IST |
| Madras High Court observed that state-conducted temple festivals cannot perpetuate caste, noting that India's republic aims for equality, and authorities must strive to annihilate caste. Using caste names in invitations for such festivals is impermissible under this principle. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Calcutta High Court: FIR Delay Not Fatal; Insurer Must Prove Policy Breach for Recovery |
| Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:06:00 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that families of accident victims, preoccupied with treatment and last rites, may delay filing an FIR, which cannot defeat a genuine motor accident claim, and ruled that an insurer cannot seek "pay and recovery" without proving a policy breach after proper enquiry and hearing. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta High Court: Transfer to Commercial Court No Bar to Counterclaim with Leave |
| Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:05:48 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that under the Code of Civil Procedure, a defendant may file an additional written statement or counterclaim with the court's leave, even after submitting an earlier statement, and upheld the Commercial Court's acceptance of a fresh statement with counterclaim post-transfer. |
| CIVIL - Gujarat High Court: Conditional Sale Mortgage Differs From Sale with Repurchase |
| Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:05:38 IST |
| Emphasizing the distinction between mortgage by conditional sale and sale with a condition to repurchase, Gujarat HC reiterated that where a transaction creates a debtor-creditor relationship and preserves the mortgagor's right of redemption, it must be construed as a mortgage by conditional sale. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Bombay HC: Land Reservation Lapses if No Acquisition Within 24 Months of Purchase Notice |
| Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:05:28 IST |
| Bombay HC held that under Section 127(1) of the MRTP Act, 1966, if acquisition steps are not initiated within 24 months of a valid purchase notice, the reserved land is deemed released by statutory fiction, and the Planning Authority cannot avoid this consequence by raising technical objections. |
| CIVIL - J&K&L High Court: Illegal Occupation of Shamilat Land Cannot Become Legal Right |
| Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:05:17 IST |
| Reaffirming that unlawful occupation of common village land cannot crystallise into a legal right, even if permanent structures have been erected, J&K&L HC held that prohibition against encroachment on Shamilat/Kahcharai land existed well before the 2020 amendment to Sec 133(2) of Land Revenue Act. |
| FAMILY - Calcutta HC: Economic Abuse Enables DV Case at Current Residence |
| Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:09:01 IST |
| Calcutta HC has held that under the Domestic Violence (DV) Act, a court has jurisdiction where the aggrieved person temporarily resides or where a cause of action arises. "Economic abuse" is considered a continuous cause of action, justifying the case filing where the victim currently lives |
| CRIMINAL - Bom.HC: Courts have no Discretion to Award Lesser Sentence When Law Prescribes Minimum Punishment |
| Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:08:51 IST |
| Bombay High Court while drawing a distinction between enhancement of sentence" and "imposition of minimum statutory punishment stated that where legislature prescribes mandatory minimum punishment for an offence Court has no discretion to award a lesser punishment |
| FAMILY - Bombay HC: Single Mother Recognized as Complete Parent for Child's Identity |
| Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:08:41 IST |
| Bombay High Court has held that school records must reflect a child's true social identity. A minor raised exclusively by a single mother may adopt her name and caste, with authorities required to permit corrections accordingly, ensuring dignity and welfare |
| CIVIL - Delhi HC: Omnibus PIL rejected over Missing Persons Case |
| Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:08:31 IST |
| Courts cannot issue general directions on policing without specific facts. Omnibus PILs lacking concrete instances or refusal of FIR registration are not maintainable |
| CRIMINAL - Del HC : More Judicial Appointments Required for MCOCA Cases |
| Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:08:19 IST |
| Delhi High Court while dismissing an appeal filed by women challenging denial of default bail in a MCOCA case stated that it would do well for High Court on administrative side to consider the feasibility of appointing additional judge(s) to Special Court |
| EDUCATION - SC: Bona Fide Degrees Protected After Law Declared Ultra Vires |
| Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:08:08 IST |
| Degrees obtained bona fide under a law later declared unconstitutional remain valid. Students cannot be penalized or deprived of benefits if they were not at fault and obtained qualifications before invalidation |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Criminal History Crucial in Bail Decisions |
| Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:43:35 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside the Allahabad High Court's bail order granted to habitual offender accused of large-scale financial fraud. Held, criminal antecedents, risk of absconding, and societal danger were ignored, emphasizing that bail must not be granted mechanically in serious economic offences |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Lenient Sentence for Brutal Attack Set Aside |
| Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:43:25 IST |
| SC held Madras HC acted in "complete defiance of the law" by reducing sentence for accused who caused "multiple life-threatening stab injuries". Held undue sympathy is totally unwarranted; it ruled compensation is "restitutory" and restored RI, upholding proportional punishment for grave offences |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Section 27 Disclosure Outside Custody Inadmissible Evidence |
| Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:43:15 IST |
| SC held disclosure statements made outside police custody are inadmissible under Section 27 of the Evidence Act, and such evidence, at best, is a "weak piece of evidence" insufficient to sustain conviction |
| CRIMINAL - SC: In Cases of Mutual Suicide Pact Surviving Partner Liable for Abetment |
| Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:43:03 IST |
| Supreme Court while upholding conviction for abetment clarified that abetment under Section 107 IPC is not confined to physically supplying means of suicide. Participating in suicide pact involves mutual encouragement and reciprocal commitment to die |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Failed Relationship Cannot Be Criminalized as Rape |
| Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:42:54 IST |
| Delhi HC held consent cannot be retrospectively withdrawn after a consensual relationship ends. It ruled criminal law cannot punish failed relationships or personal vendettas, and upheld discharge, finding the woman knowingly maintained an 11-year relationship with full awareness of circumstances |
| CRIMINAL - Bom HC: Summons Served through Mobiles are Valid under Sec 70(3) BNSS |
| Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:42:44 IST |
| Bombay High Court has held that under Section 70(3) of BNSS are valid since purpose of service is to put the other party to notice and to give him a copy of the papers. The mode is surely irrelevant |
| BANKING - Kerala HC: Petitioner's Identity Must be Verified Via SHO in Cases of Bank Account Defreezing |
| Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:21:00 IST |
| Kerala High Court ruled that no writ petition or similar plea for defreezing bank accounts shall be entertained unless the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) is made a party respondent, ensuring proper verification of the petitioner's identity. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - Allahabad HC: CGST Arrest Memo Must Include Grounds as Annexure; Reasons to Believe Not Needed |
| Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:20:50 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that under Section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017, the Commissioner's "reasons to believe" need not be provided to the accused, but the "grounds of arrest" must be mandatorily furnished as an annexure to the arrest memo. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad High Court: Magistrate Must Consider Closure Report Even After Taking Cognizance |
| Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:20:40 IST |
| Allahabad High Court observed that a Magistrate is legally obligated to consider and decide upon a Final Report (closure report) filed by the police, even if cognizance of the offence has already been taken earlier on the basis of a charge sheet. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Illegal Change of Land Use under Punjab Act Cannot be Legalised Later |
| Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:20:31 IST |
| SC observed that a 'Change of Land Use' permission granted under the Punjab Regional Town Planning and Development Act without legal authority on the date of issuance cannot be validated later through ex post facto approval, unless the statute expressly permits such retrospective regularisation. |
| SERVICE - SC: Casual Workers Can't be Denied Regularisation if Similar Daily Wagers were Regularised |
| Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:20:21 IST |
| Applying the principle of parity, the Supreme Court regularised the services of four sweepers, holding that once regularisation has been granted to similarly situated employees, others in the same position cannot be denied equal treatment or discriminated against. |
| INSOLVENCY - SC: Bank's Internal Classification of Debt as NPA Does Not Determine Limitation under the IBC |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:27:23 IST |
| SC clarified that a bank's internal classification of a loan as an NPA for accounting or provisioning purposes does not by itself trigger the limitation period under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly when the debt is later restructured and acknowledged through fresh agreements. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Police Failure to Invoke IPC Provisions Led to Contractor's Acquittal in Cement Stockpiling Case |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:27:14 IST |
| SC set aside the contractor's conviction for allegedly stockpiling cement meant for public works project holding that police failed to invoke relevant IPC provisions and that in the absence of any statutory control over cement at the time conviction under Essential Commodities Act was unsustainable. |
| INSOLVENCY - SC: Telecom Spectrum is a Community Resource and its Ownership Cannot be Decided under the IBC |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:27:04 IST |
| Supreme Court of India held that ownership and control of telecom spectrum cannot be determined under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, as spectrum is a constitutional material resource of the community that must be managed to serve and secure the common good for citizens. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Post-Award Property Purchasers Cannot Resist Execution of an Arbitral Award |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:26:55 IST |
| Supreme Court of India reaffirmed that a transferee who purchases property from a judgment-debtor during the pendency of proceedings has no locus standi to resist or object to the execution of a decree passed in favour of the judgment-creditor. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: District Cricket Bodies Must Adopt Good Governance Voluntarily, Not Follow BCCI Rules |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:26:46 IST |
| Supreme Court encouraged district cricket associations to voluntarily adopt good governance, promoting transparency in player selection, professionalism in administration, and measures to eliminate conflicts of interest. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Absconding Accused Cannot Claim Anticipatory Bail Solely Because a Co-Accused Was Acquitted |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:26:36 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an absconding accused who deliberately evades trial cannot invoke the principle of parity to seek anticipatory bail merely because a co-accused has been acquitted in the proceedings. |
| SERVICE - Allahabad HC: GST, Incentives, 0r Festival Advances Cannot be Deducted From Employee's Retiral Dues |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:26:27 IST |
| Allahabad High Court expressed shock at deductions made from an employee's retiral dues, stating there is no provision to deduct "Protsahan Agrim," "Tyohar Agrim," or GST from the Corporation employee's retirement payments. |
| SERVICE - Kerala HC: Transfer Order Pending Disciplinary Proceedings Cannot be Disguised as Punishment |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:26:17 IST |
| Ker HC held that transfer order issued in contemplation of disciplinary proceedings must be justified and cannot operate as disguised punishment, setting aside the transfer of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation employee over union journal article on the Corporation's finances and policy issues. |
| CIVIL - J&K&L HC: Undenied Pleadings are Deemed Admitted by Implication under the CPC |
| Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:26:07 IST |
| Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that when a respondent fails to specifically deny material facts stated in a plaint or writ petition, such undisputed pleadings are deemed admitted by implication under Order VIII Rules 3 and 5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court Grants Full Disability Pension Arrears to Veterans |
| Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:32:41 IST |
| Supreme Court held that ex-servicemen are entitled to full arrears of disability pension, including broad banding, from 01.01.1996 or 01.01.2006, as applicable. It ruled that such arrears cannot be restricted to three years prior to filing claims, rejecting limitation objections |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Bureaucratic Delay No Excuse |
| Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:32:31 IST |
| Supreme Court dismissed State of Odisha's special leave petition as time-barred, refusing to condone prolonged and unexplained delays in challenging a grant-in-aid order under the Odisha Education Act, 1969 |
| CIVIL - Bombay HC: Clarifies Procedure for Executing Foreign Decrees |
| Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:32:22 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that while executing a foreign decree from a reciprocating territory under Section 44A CPC, courts need not routinely frame issues or record oral evidence to examine objections under Section 13 |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: High Courts Must Independently Assess SC/ST Act Charges in Section 14A Appeals |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:04:47 IST |
| Supreme Court has criticized the Madhya Pradesh High Court for allowing criminal proceedings under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to continue despite the absence of essential ingredients of the offence, including any allegation of intentional caste-based insult or intimidation. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Holds CrPC Principles on Discharge and Framing of Charges Continue under BNSS |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:04:37 IST |
| SC has observed that the substantive legal principles governing discharge and framing of charges at the pre-trial stage under the CrPC remain unchanged under the BNSS, though the BNSS introduces a regulatory framework prescribing 60-day timelines for filing discharge pleas and framing charges. |
| SERVICE - SC: Central Government Employees under CCS Rules are Not Covered by the Payment of Gratuity Act |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:04:07 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that retired employees of the Heavy Water Plant, Tuticorin, under the Department of Atomic Energy, are not entitled to gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, as they are Central Government servants governed by the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: High Courts Cannot Re-Examine Answer Keys Even in Judicial Service Exams |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:58 IST |
| Supreme Court has directed the Jharkhand High Court to constitute an expert committee to re-examine the correctness of three questions in the State Civil Judges (Junior Division) examination, while partly setting aside the High Court's order that had declared certain answer keys to be incorrect. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Silence During Investigation Does Not Ipso Facto Mean Non-Cooperation to Deny Bail |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:48 IST |
| Supreme Court has observed that bail cannot be denied merely because an accused refuses to answer questions from the investigating officer, as such refusal cannot be automatically construed as non-cooperation with the investigation. |
| NARCOTICS - Kerala High Court: Arrest Grounds Need Not Mention Contraband Quantity When No Seizure is Made |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:39 IST |
| Kerala High Court has held that while informing the grounds of arrest is mandatory, specifying the quantity of contraband seized is required only for accused from whose possession the contraband was actually recovered, and not for those from whom no seizure was made. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Delhi High Court: State Gratuity Authorities Lack Jurisdiction over Multi-State Establishments |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:30 IST |
| Delhi High Court has held that State-appointed authorities under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 do not have jurisdiction to decide gratuity claims for establishments with branches in multiple states, as the Central Government serves as the "appropriate government" in such cases under the Act. |
| SERVICE - Delhi High Court: Tweeting Corruption Allegations Against Employer Can Constitute Misconduct |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:20 IST |
| Delhi High Court has held that tweeting or publicly sharing allegations of corruption against an employer can constitute misconduct under applicable service rules, as such actions may violate the standards of conduct expected from employees in their professional capacity. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Caste by Birth Remains Unchanged Despite Conversion or Inter-Caste Marriage |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:11 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has observed that a person's caste determined at birth remains unchanged even if they convert to another religion, and that a woman's caste does not change upon marriage, emphasizing that caste is a fixed attribute under law regardless of personal or religious changes. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Delhi HC: Workman Cannot Claim Section 17(B) of the ID Act Wages after Reaching Superannuation Age |
| Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:03:01 IST |
| Delhi HC has held that a workman is not entitled to Section 17(B) wages under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, after reaching superannuation, as the provision applies only while the employer-employee relationship exists, covering full last-drawn wages during appeals against reinstatement awards. |
| CIVIL - Madras HC: Individuals Facing Criminal Trial Must Get Court Permission Even to Renew Passports |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:58 IST |
| Madras High Court Full Bench held that passport renewal or reissue must be treated like a fresh issue, requiring prior court permission if a criminal case is pending, ensuring that individuals facing trial cannot bypass judicial oversight when seeking travel documents. |
| SERVICE - Patna HC: PwD Recruitment Must Comply With RPwD Act; Executive Resolutions Cannot Override the Law |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:49 IST |
| Patna High Court held that recruitment to posts reserved for persons with disabilities must strictly follow Section 34(2) of the RPwD Act, 2016, and that executive resolutions or notifications inconsistent with the Act cannot confer any enforceable rights on candidates. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Calcutta HC: Land Acquisition For Industrial Park is Public Purpose; Leasing to Industry is Valid |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:39 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that land acquired for "employment generation and socio-economic development" for an industrial park constitutes a valid public purpose under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and cannot be challenged as private acquisition merely because it is later leased to an industrial unit. |
| FAMILY - Del HC: Woman Cannot Demand Re-Entry to Abandoned Matrimonial Home if Alternate Accommodation Exists |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:30 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that under the DV Act, 2005, an aggrieved woman does not have an absolute right to reside in a matrimonial home she abandoned when suitable alternate accommodation is available, as the Act does not guarantee indefeasible entitlement to a specific property. |
| BANKING - Calcutta HC: Banks Must Provide Forensic Audit Report Before Calling an Account Fraudulent |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:21 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that a bank cannot classify a borrower's account as "fraud" without first providing the forensic audit report and documents relied upon in the show-cause notice, emphasizing that principles of natural justice cannot be bypassed in the name of expediency under RBI guidelines. |
| CONTRACT - Calcutta HC: Employee Can't be Stopped From Joining Rival Post-Resignation; Trade Secrets Protected |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:12 IST |
| Cal HC reiterated that post-employment non-compete clause restraining employee from joining a competitor after resignation is prima facie void u/s 27 of the Contract Act, but clarified that confidentiality and non-solicitation clauses protecting trade secrets & business interests remain enforceable. |
| CRIMINAL - MP HC: Pen-Drive Evidence Cannot be Introduced At a Late Trial Stage Without Proof or Relevance |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:02 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that belated electronic evidence must be clearly relevant to the charges and duly provable, refusing to accept a pen drive with the deceased patient's alleged voice recording in a forgery trial, as it concerned medical negligence and not the offences framed. |
| CIVIL - Cal HC: Once ED Attachment is Confirmed, Challenge Becomes Academic; PMLA Remedy Must be Pursued |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:15:50 IST |
| Calcutta High Court has held that once a provisional attachment under the PMLA is confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority and statutory appeals are pending before the Appellate Tribunal, a parallel writ petition challenging the attachment becomes academic and ought not to be entertained. |
| CIVIL - SC: Suit Alleging Coercion or Undue Influence Cannot be Rejected under Order VII Rule 11 CPC |
| Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:15:40 IST |
| The court observed that "The grounds of coercion, undue influence and more importantly misrepresentation, resulting in an inequitable partition, cannot be peremptorily rejected while considering an application under Order VII, Rule 11 of the CPC." |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Supreme Court: Delay In Filing Appeals under Section 74 of 2013 Land Acquisition Act is Condonable |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:35:01 IST |
| In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court held that delays in filing appeals under Section 74 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 may be condoned by applying Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963. |
| CIVIL - Kerala High Court: Intentional Judicial Decisions Cannot be Altered as Clerical Errors under CPC |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:34:51 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that an intentional judicial determination cannot be modified as a clerical error or under inherent powers in Sections 151 or 152 of the CPC, and that the proper remedy against such decisions lies only through appeal or review. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta HC: Contempt Court Cannot Grant New Relief Beyond Original Order Once Compliance is Met |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:34:41 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that contempt jurisdiction is confined to ensuring compliance with court orders and cannot be used to grant fresh reliefs, ruling that once a writ direction is implemented, further changes to land records cannot be sought through contempt proceedings. |
| PROPERTY - Calcutta High Court: Partition Decree is Executable Only After Stamp Duty Payment |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:34:31 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that a final partition decree becomes executable only after payment of stamp duty, but clarified that the decree holder may deposit the full duty to avoid delay and later recover proportionate amounts from other co-sharers. |
| SERVICE - Kerala High Court: Disability Pension is Payable to Voluntary Dischargee For Service-Related Illness |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:34:20 IST |
| Kerala HC ruled that voluntary dischargee is entitled to disability pension if chronic condition was caused by military service, holding that service-related illness qualifies for pension even when discharge was voluntary, following dismissal of the petitioner's claim by the Armed Forces Tribunal. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta HC: Demolition Orders Cannot be Challenged under Article 226 if a Statutory Appeal Exists |
| Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:34:11 IST |
| Calcutta High Court, Port Blair Bench, held that a municipal demolition order cannot be directly challenged under Article 226 when an effective statutory appeal exists, noting that the competent authority issued a reasoned order after hearing all stakeholders. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala HC: Orders Barring Disclosure of Witness Statements Must State Reasons For Each Witness |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:04:49 IST |
| Kerala HC clarified that under Section 44 of the UAPA, any order barring disclosure of witness statements must examine each witness individually and record reasons, while hearing a petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita challenging Special Court orders for NIA cases. |
| CRIMINAL - Gauhati HC: POCSO Probes Must be Child-Friendly, With Sensitized Investigators to Ensure Clear Truth |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:04:41 IST |
| Gauhati High Court emphasized that POCSO investigations must be child-friendly and sensitive, with counselling, support persons, and clear statements, warning that casual or defective probes can prejudice both justice and the accused, potentially leading to acquittals despite proven offences. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC: Accused Has No Right on Investigation Mode or Impleadment in Probe Writ |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:04:32 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that an accused has no right to be heard regarding the manner or mode of investigation and dismissed applications seeking impleadment in a writ petition, ruling that neither complainants in separate FIRs nor prospective accused can demand party status during the investigation stage. |
| EDUCATION - Kerala High Court: Universities Must Regulate Student Political Activities to Curb Campus Violence |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:04:22 IST |
| Kerala High Court directed all state universities to establish comprehensive regulations to control student political activities on campus, following petitions including a PIL after a student's death at Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, to prevent violence and ensure safety. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC: Conviction under Essential Commodities Act Invalid if Stock Measured With a 'Stick' |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:04:13 IST |
| Calcutta High Court set aside a petrol pump operator's conviction under the Essential Commodities Act, ruling that a criminal conviction cannot rest on stock measured with a stick and unsupported by reliable witnesses, as the prosecution failed to prove violations beyond reasonable doubt. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - SC: Photocopies are Not Evidence Unless Conditions for Leading Secondary Evidence are Proved |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:04:05 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside a sale based on a photocopied Power of Attorney, holding that a photocopy is secondary evidence and inadmissible unless it satisfies Section 65 of the Evidence Act, which allows such evidence only when the original cannot be produced for valid reasons. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Special Court Cannot Order Confiscation While Appeal Against Attachment Confirmation is Pending |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:03:55 IST |
| In a key ruling on Section 8 of the PMLA, the Supreme Court held that when an appeal against confirmation of an attachment order is pending before the Appellate Tribunal, the Special Court has no jurisdiction to decide confiscation proceedings. |
| CIVIL - SC: Quasi-Judicial Authorities Cannot Exercise Review Powers Unless Expressly Granted By Statute |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:03:46 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that quasi-judicial authorities cannot exercise review powers without statutory authorization, setting aside a Calcutta High Court judgment and holding that vesting disputed land in favour of the respondent on a minister's instructions was impermissible. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - SC: Statutory Authorities may Intervene When Housing Societies Delay Membership Decisions |
| Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:03:37 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that authorities may intervene in co-operative housing societies when they refuse to decide membership applications or keep them pending for long periods, while hearing a case on delayed membership for flat owners of a Mumbai society despite years of residence. |
| FAMILY - Del HC: Mother's Right to Education and Personal Growth Cannot be Restricted Due To Custody Disputes |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:21:21 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a mother's right to personal growth, dignity, and higher education abroad is part of her Article 21 right to life and liberty, and cannot be restricted merely due to pending custody or visitation proceedings. |
| DEFENCE - Cal HC: Excessive Palm Sweating Alone Cannot Render Candidate Medically Unfit for CAPF Appointment |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:21:09 IST |
| Calcutta High Court ruled that palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive palm sweating) cannot alone disqualify a candidate from Central Armed Police Forces Constable (G.D.) recruitment. The court noted that authorities did not cite any medical guideline explicitly barring candidates for this condition. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: Consenting Adults can Choose Life Partners Without Societal or Parental Approval |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:20:59 IST |
| Delhi High Court ruled that consenting adults have the constitutional right to choose their life partners without needing societal or parental approval. The court emphasized that such decisions must be respected, upholding the sanctity of marriage based on mutual consent of adults. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H High Court: Anticipatory Bail on Settlement Can be Revoked if Compromise is Broken |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:20:49 IST |
| P&H High Court held that an accused cannot seek anticipatory bail based on a compromise and later back out. It recalled a 2022 bail order, stating that reneging on court undertakings misuses judicial leniency and breaches judicial trust, undermining the integrity of the process. |
| SERVICE - SC: State Government Employees Cannot Claim Dearness Allowance Twice a Year Unless Rules Allow |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:20:38 IST |
| While hearing West Bengal's challenge to directions on payment of Dearness Allowance under the 2009 Pay Revision Rules, the Supreme Court held that state government employees have no vested right to receive DA twice a year unless such payment is expressly provided under the rules. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Trial Courts Must Record that Free Legal Aid was Offered to Accused Before Witness Examination |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:20:28 IST |
| Supreme Court issued a significant direction to High Courts to instruct trial courts to inform accused persons of their right to free legal aid if they cannot afford a lawyer, and to formally record the accused's response to such an offer. |
| PROPERTY - SC: Properties Acquired by Karta are Presumed to be Joint Hindu Family Assets unless Proven Otherwise |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:20:16 IST |
| The court said that "Where acquisitions are made during the subsistence of the joint family, and where ancestral properties yielding income are shown to exist, properties acquired in the name of the Karta are ordinarily regarded as joint family properties unless the contrary is proved." |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Hard to Believe Married Woman Was Lured Into Sex by False Marriage Promise; Case Quashed |
| Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:20:06 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside criminal proceedings against a Chhattisgarh advocate accused of repeatedly raping a married colleague, ruling that the allegations based on a purported false promise of marriage did not warrant continuation of the case. |
| DEFENCE - Kerala HC: Disability Pension is Not Payable if the Condition is Unrelated to Military Service |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:21:01 IST |
| Kerala HC dismissed a writ challenging the Armed Forces Tribunal's denial of disability pension for Generalised Anxiety Disorder, holding that pension is not payable when medical evidence shows the condition is not attributable to or aggravated by military service under the 1982 Entitlement Rules. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Bombay HC: Storing Items in a Fridge isn't Manufacturing and Doesn't Make Premises a Factory |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:20:48 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that merely storing or preserving items in a refrigerator or cold storage does not amount to a "manufacturing process" and therefore does not classify the premises as a factory under the Factories Act. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Unproven Adultery Allegations Cannot be Used to Deny Interim Maintenance under the DV Act |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:20:32 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that unproven adultery allegations cannot bar a wife from interim maintenance under the Domestic Violence Act, noting that unlike Cr.P.C. Section 125(4), the DV Act has no provision denying reliefs solely on such allegations. |
| CONSUMER - SC: Merely Leasing an Apartment Does Not Bar a Flat Buyer's Consumer Complaint Against the Builder |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:20:16 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that merely leasing or renting a residential flat does not exclude the owner from the definition of "consumer" under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, unless it is shown that the dominant intention at the time of purchase was commercial in nature. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: High Court Cannot Reject a Plaint While Exercising Jurisdiction under Article 227 |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:20:01 IST |
| The court observed that "…once the specific provision under Order VII Rule 11 of the CPC, is available, the High Court cannot exercise powers under Article 227 to reject or strike off the plaint." |
| FAMILY - Supreme Court: While a Child's Welfare is Paramount, It is Not the Sole Factor in Custody Disputes |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:19:47 IST |
| Supreme Court emphasised that child custody decisions cannot be based solely on welfare, holding that courts must also consider other relevant factors such as parental conduct, financial capacity, standard of living, and the child's comfort and education. |
| CONSTITUTION - SC: Under RTE Act, States Cannot Justify Low Teacher Pay by Citing Centre's Failure to Release Funds |
| Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:19:33 IST |
| Supreme Court has ruled that a State cannot justify paying teachers a meagre honorarium by citing the Centre's failure to release funds, holding that implementing the Right to Education Act is primarily the State's responsibility, which must pay teachers first and recover the Centre's share later. |
| CONSTITUTION - Chhattisgarh HC: Rape is an Affront to Womanhood and a Brutal Violation of The Right To Life |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:11:30 IST |
| While upholding a rape conviction, the Chhattisgarh High Court observed that rape is an affront to womanhood and a brazen violation of Article 21, infringing on dignity, bodily privacy, and personal liberty. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Not Named In FIR Doesn't Matter If Financial Links Show Active Role in NDPS Offence |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:11:21 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that an accused's absence from the FIR is not decisive for bail if investigations reveal financial transactions indicating active involvement and coordination in an offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Consensual Romance With Minor Nearing 18 May be Considered For Bail in POCSO Case |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:11:11 IST |
| Delhi High Court granted bail in a POCSO case, noting that while a minor's consent holds no legal value, the romantic nature of the relationship and the minor being close to 18 years are relevant factors to consider at the bail stage. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: Elective Surgery Does Not Bar Grant of Interim Bail on Medical Grounds |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:11:01 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that the non-emergency nature of a medical procedure alone cannot justify denial of interim bail, especially where ongoing pain requires timely surgery, while allowing an accused under MCOCA to seek bail to attend his mother's scheduled knee replacement. |
| CRIMINAL - Cal HC: Theft Claims and Public Humiliation Alone Don't Amount To Abetment of Suicide U/S 306 IPC |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:10:51 IST |
| Calcutta HC set aside convictions u/s 306/34 IPC, holding that while the deceased died by suicide, mere allegations of harassment or being labelled a thief were insufficient to prove abetment, as the prosecution failed to establish mens rea, instigation, or a direct act leading to the suicide. |
| CRIMINAL - Jharkhand HC: Regular Bail Plea During Interim Bail is Not Maintainable under Section 483 BNSS |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:10:42 IST |
| Jharkhand High Court held that an accused released on interim bail is not deemed to be in "custody" for seeking regular bail under Section 483 of the BNSS, 2023, unless the accused is actually in judicial custody or has surrendered before the court. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Award Valid Even If Passed After Mandate Expiry When Court Extends Time |
| Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:10:32 IST |
| The court observed "we are of the opinion that provisions of the Act, particularly Section 29A, must not be interpreted to infer a threshold bar for application under Section 29A(5) for extension of the mandate of the arbitrator even when an award is passed, though after the expiry of the mandate." |
| CRIMINAL - P &H HC: Unfavourable Orders Cannot Justify Trial Transfer; Courts Must Prevent Forum Hunting |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:41:08 IST |
| Punjab & Haryana High Court held that judicial error is not the same as bias, and an unfavourable order, even if later overturned, does not automatically establish prejudice or justify transfer of trial, emphasizing the need to curb forum shopping and protect judicial integrity. |
| NARCOTICS - Delhi High Court: Co-Accused's Abscondence Can Be a Relevant Factor in Granting NDPS Bail |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:40:54 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that the abscondence of a co-accused is a relevant factor in considering bail under Section 37 of the NDPS Act, while hearing a bail plea of a foreign national accused in a case involving 256 grams of heroin, where one co-accused had jumped bail and was absconding. |
| NARCOTICS - Calcutta HC: Supplementary Chargesheet Filed Late in NDPS Trial is Valid if Based on Fresh Evidence |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:40:40 IST |
| Calcutta High Court dismissed a criminal revision petition challenging a late-stage supplementary chargesheet in an NDPS case, holding that under Section 173(8) CrPC, it is permissible if based on further investigation revealing fresh evidence, even near trial completion. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - MP High Court: Labour Laws are Beneficial, and Hyper-Technical Limitation Views Must be Avoided |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:40:27 IST |
| MP HC held that workmen's claims should not be dismissed on hyper-technical limitation grounds, especially when delays arose from COVID-19 or lack of legal awareness, emphasizing the beneficial nature of labour laws while dismissing Medicaps Limited's writ challenging the Industrial Court's remand. |
| FAMILY - Delhi HC: Unmarried Granddaughter's Limited Estate Can Become Absolute if Pre-Existing Right |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:40:15 IST |
| Delhi High Court recently held that the obligation to maintain an unmarried minor daughter of a pre-deceased son can constitute a pre-existing right, allowing her limited estate to enlarge into absolute ownership under Section 14(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Supreme Court: Temple Trust Does Not Qualify as an 'Industry' under the Industrial Disputes Act |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:39:59 IST |
| The court observed that "the respondent-Trust is a temple and as such, it would not fall within the four corners of the expression "industry"." The court upheld the termination of its accountant despite no formal inquiry and over twelve years of service. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Disputes are Not Arbitrable When the Arbitration Agreement is Alleged to be Forged |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:39:47 IST |
| The court observed "…in a case where plea is taken with regard to non-existence of an arbitration clause or agreement, the same would amount to serious allegation of fraud and would render the subject matter of an agreement non-arbitrable." |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: Single Insolvency Petition Maintainable Against Linked Corporate Entities |
| Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:39:32 IST |
| In a relief to homebuyers, the Supreme Court held that a single insolvency petition under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is maintainable against multiple corporate entities involved in a real estate project if they are intrinsically linked in its execution and marketing. |
| CRIMINAL - Punjab & Haryana High Court: ED Can Arrest Individuals Even if FIRs are Added to the ECIR Later |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:51:08 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed pleas by promoters of Ramprastha Promoters & Developers Pvt. Ltd. challenging their arrest and proceedings by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, holding that arrest is valid even if FIRs are later added to the ECIR. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta High Court: 18-Month Delay in Delivering a Judgment Alone is Not Sufficient to Set it Aside |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:50:59 IST |
| The court observed that "...although we are somewhat disappointed at the long delay of more than 18 months from the conclusion of the arguments to the delivery of the impugned judgment, we are unable to set aside the same solely on the ground of such delay". |
| FAMILY - Bombay HC: An Adopted Child's Caste is Considered the Same as That of the Adoptive Parents |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:50:45 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that an adopted child's caste is the same as that of the adoptive parents, quashing the Deputy Collector, Pune's order, in a case where a woman had legally adopted a boy in 2014 under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Dacoity Convicts U/S 395 IPC Cannot Claim Benefit under the Probation of Offenders Act |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:50:35 IST |
| Delhi High Court ruled that probation under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 is unavailable to persons convicted of dacoity under Section 395 IPC, since the offence carries punishment of life imprisonment and falls outside the scope of Section 4. |
| ENVIRONMENT - SC: Polluting Company's Turnover May Be Considered While Fixing Environmental Damage Compensation |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:50:26 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that a company's scale of operations, including turnover, production volume, or revenue, can be a decisive factor when assessing compensation for environmental damage. |
| LAW OF MEDICINE - Supreme Court: Patients Cannot Claim Unproven Medical Treatments as a Matter of Right |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:50:17 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorder cannot be claimed as a patient's right, disapproved its use as standard treatment, and held that doctors or clinics offering such unscientific therapy engage in medical malpractice. |
| SERVICE - SC: State Cannot Deny Regularisation to Long-Serving Contract Staff Appointed Through Due Process |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:50:08 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the State, as a model employer, cannot refuse regularisation to contract workers appointed through due process, and those given repeated yearly extensions can claim regularisation under the doctrine of legitimate expectation. |
| CONSTITUTION - SC: UGC Regulations Override State Law on Forming Search Committees For University VC Appointments |
| Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:49:58 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that forming a Search-cum-Selection Committee for appointing a University Vice-Chancellor falls under Parliament's exclusive authority, and any departure from the UGC Regulations, 2018 makes the appointment process invalid. |
| CIVIL - Ker HC: Bar Association is Not Employer & Cannot Form Internal Complaints Committee under POSH Act |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:13:37 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that the Kollam Bar Association could not constitute an Internal Complaints Committee, as doing so contravened the purpose and requirements of the POSH Act, 2013, since a Bar Association is not an employer under the law. |
| SERVICE - MP HC: Spouse's Income Cannot Be Clubbed With Public Servant's for Disproportionate Assets Case |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:13:27 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed a sanction order under the Prevention of Corruption Act, holding that a public servant's spouse's independent income as an advocate cannot be included in his income to prosecute him for alleged disproportionate assets. |
| CIVIL - MP HC: Decree Holder Cannot Defeat Compromise or Initiate Execution by Refusing Debtor's Cheque |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:13:17 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a decree holder cannot frustrate a compromise decree or initiate execution proceedings by refusing to accept or encash a cheque lawfully tendered by the judgment debtor in full satisfaction of the decree. |
| CIVIL - SC: After Complaint Was Withdrawn, BCI Disciplinary Committee Could Not Penalise Advocate |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:13:07 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside the BCI Disciplinary Committee's order holding an advocate guilty, ruling that proceedings cannot continue once the complainant-client has unequivocally withdrawn the complaint and expressed satisfaction with the advocate's conduct. |
| PROPERTY - SC: Demolition of Private Property Must Rest on Clear Statutory Grounds and Due Consideration |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:12:57 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside the Calcutta High Court's demolition order, holding that interference with property rights under Article 300-A requires clear, cogent, and site-specific evidence of illegality, which was absent to prove the Santiniketan building stood on "khoai" land. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Only Civil Court of Original Jurisdiction Can Extend Arbitral Tribunal's Mandate |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:12:46 IST |
| Supreme Court held that applications to extend an arbitral tribunal's mandate under Section 29A(4) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 must be filed only before the principal civil court of original jurisdiction, irrespective of the authority that appointed the arbitrators. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Supreme Court: Industrial Court is the Proper Forum to Decide Issues Relating to Contract Labour |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:12:37 IST |
| Supreme Court held that disputes relating to the employment and termination of contract labour must be adjudicated by the Industrial Court constituted under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 as it is the appropriate forum for such matters. |
| CONSTITUTION - SC: Menstrual Health is a Fundamental Right under Article 21; Orders Free Sanitary Pads in Schools |
| Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:12:27 IST |
| Declaring menstrual health part of the right to life under Article 21, the Supreme Court directed nationwide implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Policy, mandating free biodegradable sanitary napkins and functional, hygienic gender-segregated toilets in schools for girls from Classes 6-12. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Del HC: Probationers are 'Workmen' under ID Act; S.17B Wages not Recoverable if Termination Upheld |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:27:04 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that probationary employees are 'workmen' under Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, but their termination without a full departmental inquiry is valid if it is a simple, non-stigmatic termination order. |
| SERVICE - Kerala HC: High Courts Work On Holidays; Denying Compensatory Leave To Officers Violates Art. 229 |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:26:54 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that denying compensatory leave to its Gazetted Officers is illegal, arbitrary, and violates Article 229 of the Constitution, emphasizing that High Court officers are entitled to leave even when the court functions on holidays. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala HC: Telling Someone to "Go Away And Die" in Anger Does Not Amount to Abetment of Suicide |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:26:45 IST |
| Kerala High Court reiterated that casual or angry remarks made during a quarrel, without the necessary intent or mens rea, do not amount to abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC, emphasizing that mere words in anger cannot be construed as criminally culpable. |
| SERVICE - Chhattisgarh HC: Court Employees Cannot Enroll as Regular LLB Students in Breach of Service Rules |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:26:35 IST |
| Chhattisgarh High Court set aside an order allowing a probationary court employee to pursue the third year of LLB as a regular student, ruling that such permission affects administrative discipline, office functioning, and compliance with service rules. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Stray Dog Attacks on Beaches Adversely Impact Tourism |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:26:26 IST |
| During the hearing on stray dogs, the Supreme Court noted attacks on tourists on beaches in Goa and Kerala, observing that dogs are drawn by fish carcasses and warning that such incidents negatively impact tourism. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - SC: Waqf Tribunals Cannot Hear Claims over Properties Not Listed or Registered under Waqf Act |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:26:16 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Waqf Tribunals have jurisdiction only over properties notified in the list of auqaf or registered under the Waqf Act, and set aside the Telangana High Court judgment that upheld an injunction granted by the Tribunal over an unregistered property. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - SC: Ex-Contract Workers Must Be Preferred When Employers Replace Contract Labour With Regular Staff |
| Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:26:07 IST |
| The court outlined the modes and methods for re-employing workers where the discontinuation of the labour contract is valid: "If the principal employer intends to employ regular workmen for the work previously done by contract labour, they must give preference to the erstwhile contract labourers." |