Month: September 2024

Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) — Section 307 — Attempt to Murder — The complainant was abused and beaten by the accused, leading to an FIR under various IPC sections —Whether the injuries sustained by the complainant justify framing charges under Section 307 IPC — Petitioner argues that the injuries and the act of throttling indicate an intention to kill, warranting charges under Section 307 IPC — Respondent states that the injuries were minor, and the medical report did not conclusively support the charge of attempt to murder —The Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s order, directing the trial court to frame charges under Section 307 IPC —The intent to kill can be inferred from the circumstances and the doctor’s report suggesting the possibility of throttling —The extent of injuries is irrelevant if the intent to cause death is present, as per established legal precedents —The trial court must proceed with charges under Section 307 IPC, and the trial should be expedited.

2024 INSC 731 SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH SHOYEB RAJA — Appellant Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND OTHERS — Respondent ( Before : C.T. Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol,…

Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) — Sections 323, 302, 364, 449, 450, 380/34 and 120-B —Abduction and Murder — Seven accused were charged, with five initially convicted and two acquitted — The High Court later convicted all seven —Whether the High Court’s reversal of acquittal and conviction of all accused was justified based on the evidence — Petitioners argue that no motive for A-6 and A-7, unreliable witness testimonies, discrepancies in the time of death, and lack of proof of deceased’s residence — Prosecution contends that consistent witness testimonies, sufficient evidence of motive, and proper appreciation of evidence by the High Court — The Supreme Court acquitted all seven accused, finding the High Court’s reversal of acquittal unjustified and the evidence insufficient —Doubts about witness credibility, lack of direct evidence, and improper exclusion of some testimonies by the High Court —The High Court failed to meet the higher threshold required to reverse an acquittal, and the prosecution did not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt —The convictions were set aside, and all accused were acquitted.

2024 INSC 735 SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH VIJAY SINGH @ VIJAY KR. SHARMA — Appellant Vs. THE STATE OF BIHAR — Respondent ( Before : Bela M. Trivedi…

Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) — Sections 148, 302, and 307 — The appellants, armed with weapons, attacked the victims, resulting in serious injuries — The prosecution’s case is supported by eyewitness testimonies and medico-legal evidence —Whether the appellants acted with common intention to kill and if the absence of independent witnesses affects the prosecution’s case — The appellants claimed self-defense and alleged false implication due to a prior FIR filed by A-4’s daughter — The prosecution argued that the appellants had a common intention to kill, supported by consistent eyewitness testimonies and medical evidence —The High Court’s decision finding the appellants guilty under sections 148, 302, and 307, IPC read with section 34 is upheld —The court emphasized the reliability of injured eyewitnesses and the formation of common intention even moments before the act — The appeal is dismissed, affirming the High Court’s judgment.

2024 INSC 738 SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH BALJINDER SINGH @ LADOO AND OTHERS — Appellant Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB — Respondent ( Before : Dipankar Datta and Augustine…

Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) — Sections 498A, 323, 504, 506 read with Section 34 — Cruelty — The complainant filed an FIR against her in-laws under various sections of the IPC, alleging cruelty and dowry demands — The appellants sought to quash the FIR and chargesheet — Whether the FIR and chargesheet should be quashed due to lack of specific allegations and the existence of a civil dispute — Appellants argue that the FIR is vague, lacks material particulars, and is an abuse of the criminal process — The allegations are general and relate to a civil property dispute — Respondent contends that rhe High Court found a prima facie case of cruelty and specific allegations against each appellant — The Supreme Court quashed the FIR and chargesheet, finding the allegations vague and the proceedings an abuse of the criminal process —The Court noted the lack of specific details in the allegations and the existence of a contentious civil dispute between the complainant’s husband and his family — The Court emphasized the need for careful examination of allegations in cases where the FIR appears to be motivated by ulterior motives —The appeal was allowed, and the FIR and chargesheet were quashed.

2024 INSC 737 SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH KAILASHBEN MAHENDRABHAI PATEL AND OTHERS — Appellant Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANOTHER — Respondent ( Before : Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha…

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 — Section 3 — Appellant was a Transport Minister in Tamil Nadu and is accused of collecting money for job opportunities in the Transport Department — Multiple FIRs were filed against him, leading to his arrest and judicial custody —The main issue is whether the appellant should be granted bail in connection with the alleged offence under the PMLA —The appellant’s counsel argued that the evidence against him is not substantial, and he has already been in custody for over 14 months — They also cited a similar case (Manish Sisodia) to support their bail plea —The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued that there is strong evidence against the appellant, including incriminating documents and large cash deposits — They expressed concerns about the appellant influencing witnesses if released on bail —The Supreme Court granted bail to the appellant, considering the prolonged incarceration and the unlikely completion of the trial in the near future — The court imposed stringent conditions for bail — The appeal was allowed, and the appellant was granted bail with specific conditions to ensure he does not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.

2024 INSC 739 SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH V. SENTHIL BALAJI — Appellant Vs. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT — Respondent ( Before : Abhay S Oka and…

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