Month: September 2024

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…

You missed

Temple Bye Laws — Oachira Parabrahma Temple — Ancient structure without a building or deity, governed by Bye-laws with three-tier elected committees — Appellants, elected Secretary and President, challenged two High Court orders (2020 and 2023) that removed their committee and appointed an unelected one under an Administrative Head, citing violations of the temple’s Bye-laws and customs —Legality of appointing an unelected committee and removing the elected one contrary to the temple’s Bye-laws — Petitioner argues that the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction and violated the temple’s governance structure by appointing an unelected committee and removing the elected one without proper legal basis — The High Court’s actions were necessary for the efficient administration of the temple until a scheme could be framed and new elections held — The Supreme Court modified the High Court orders, appointing a new retired Judge as Administrative Head to conduct fair elections within four months, while directing all parties to cooperate — The Court emphasized the need to preserve temple properties and governance as per established customs and laws — The Supreme Court struck down the High Court’s order appointing an unelected committee, appointed a new Administrative Head to conduct elections, and directed all parties to cooperate, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the temple’s established governance structure and Bye-laws.