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Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 — Section 8(3) — Unauthorized alienation of minor’s property — Such alienation is voidable, not void ab initio, and can be challenged by the minor upon attaining majority or by someone claiming under the minor. Criminal Procedure — Delay in Investigation and Filing of Charge Sheet — Speedy Trial — Right to Speedy Trial and Timely Completion of Investigation are integral parts of Article 21 of the Constitution — Statutory recognition in CrPC for prompt investigation — Investigations should be completed within a reasonable time, not endlessly — Lack of strict timelines in CrPC does not permit indefinite investigations — Inordinate delay without adequate justification warrants intervention by Courts. Contract Law — Statutory Amendment — Impact on existing contracts — Where a statutory amendment alters a fundamental aspect like royalty rates, a pre-existing contract cannot prevent the application of the amended law, especially when the payment of royalty is linked to the removal or consumption of minerals — [MMDR Act] Applicability of S.9 — Scope — Section 9 applies broadly to all entities engaged in removal/dispatch of minerals, not only direct mining lessees. Criminal Procedure — Passport — Return/Surrender of Passport — Accused facing serious criminal charges — Right to travel abroad vis-à-vis right to speedy trial — Balance between individual liberty and societal interest — Accused charged with abetment of suicide and criminal conspiracy since 2014, trial still at stage of committal despite lapse of over ten years — Accused, a US citizen, had misused interim protection in prior proceedings to leave the country without Court’s leave — Whether High Court justified in permitting accused to travel abroad on grounds of medical treatment — Held, not justified — High Court indulgent rather than judicially restrained — Medical facilities in India comparable to those abroad — High Court’s revisional order set aside — Accused restrained from travelling abroad without express permission of Sessions Court — Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, S. 442 — Constitution of India, Art. 21 Service Law — Promotion — Entitlement to promotion to Chief Medical Director (Higher Administrative Grade) in Indian Railway Medical Service — Appellant was denied promotion despite being eligible, with a junior officer being promoted instead — Appellant’s case was rejected by the Tribunal and High Court based on her grading in Annual Confidential Reports

Supreme Court found that the High Court’s judgment was based on conjectures and did not properly consider the trial court’s detailed analysis of evidence – The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, quashed the High Court’s judgment, and acquitted the appellants, stating that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH BALLU @ BALRAM @ BALMUKUND AND ANOTHER — Appellant Vs. THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH — Respondent ( Before : B.R. Gavai and Sandeep…

Court finds merit in the petitioner’s arguments, stating that the time spent before the Tehsildar should be excluded from the limitation period, as it was pursued with due diligence and good faith – The appeal is allowed, the previous orders are set aside, and the execution application is restored for fresh consideration regarding the limitation period – The Court emphasizes the need to interpret Section 14 of the Limitation Act in a manner that advances justice.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH PURNI DEVI AND ANOTHER — Appellant Vs. BABU RAM AND ANOTHER — Respondent ( Before : Sanjay Karol and Aravind Kumar, JJ. ) Civil…

The suit raises substantial constitutional questions regarding the interpretation of Article 131 and the extent of a state’s right to borrow under Article 293 – The court finds the issues raised require interpretation by a larger bench and refers the matter accordingly – The interim injunction sought by Kerala is denied, with the court stating that the observations made are for the limited purpose of this decision and do not affect the final outcome of the suit.

(2024) INSC 253 SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH STATE OF KERALA — Appellant Vs. UNION OF INDIA — Respondent ( Before : Surya Kant and K.V. Viswanathan, J. )…

Penal Code, 1860 – Section 306 – Abetment of suicide – Citing precedents, the Court notes that mere harassment without proximate positive action leading to suicide does not constitute abetment – The Court quashes the proceedings against the appellant, stating no offence is made out against her, but allows the trial to proceed against other accused.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH AMUDHA — Appellant Vs. THE STATE REPRESENTED BY THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE AND ANOTHER — Respondent ( Before : Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal…

The Court considered the principles of anticipatory bail and the role of the accused, noting that the prime accused had been granted bail and the appellant’s role was secondary – The Court analyzed the factors to be considered for anticipatory bail, as laid out in previous judgments, focusing on the nature of the accusation and the role of the accused – The Supreme Court confirmed the order granting anticipatory bail to Petitioner, setting aside the order of cancellation, with the condition of cooperation in the investigation and trial.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH SABITA PAUL AND OTHER — Appellant Vs. THE STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ANOTHER — Respondent ( Before : Vikram Nath and Sanjay Karol,…

Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 – Section 7(1) – Selection Committee – The Court analyzes the 2023 Act in light of the Constitution and previous judgments, particularly focusing on the principle of proportionality and the power of judicial review – The Court declines to grant a stay, citing the importance of maintaining the election schedule and the assumption that constitutional post holders will adhere to their roles in accordance with the Constitution – The observations are tentative as the matter is sub-judice. ORDE

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH DR. JAYA THAKUR AND OTHERS — Appellant Vs. UNION OF INDIA AND ANOTHER — Respondent ( Before : Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, JJ.…

Civil Procedure Code, 1908 – Sections 10, 16 and 20 – Suits to be instituted where subject-matter situate – The court refers to Section 16 and Section 20 of the CPC, emphasizing that suits related to immovable property should be instituted where the property is located – The court analyzes the provisions of the CPC and prior case law to determine jurisdiction and the applicability of Section 10 of the CPC – The court dismisses the petitioner’s transfer petition and allows the respondent’s petition, ordering the transfer of the petitioner’s suit to Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH M/S ACME PAPERS LTD. AND OTHERS — Appellant Vs. M/S. CHINTAMAN DEVELOPERS PVT. LTD. AND OTHERS — Respondent ( Before : Sudhanshu Dhulia and…

Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) – Sections 302, 363,342 and 201 – Juvenile Justice(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 – Sections 2(13) and 6 –The Court analyzed relevant provisions of the JJ Act, emphasizing the mandatory nature of preliminary assessments for CICLs accused of heinous offences – The Court quashed the impugned judgment and ordered the appellant’s release, noting that the proceedings against him were vitiated due to the violation of the JJ Act.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH THIRUMOORTHY — Appellant Vs. STATE REPRESENTED BY THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE — Respondent ( Before : B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, JJ. ) Criminal…

CBI investigation for justice – The Court finds the investigation ineffective and is inclined to transfer the case to the CBI, noting the need for a credible investigation and the fundamental rights of the appellants – The Court discusses the circumstances under which investigations can be transferred to the CBI, emphasizing the sparing use of this power and the need for complete justice – The Court sets aside the High Court’s order dismissing the transfer to the CBI and directs the CBI to take over the investigation, ensuring a thorough inquiry and the pursuit of justice.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH AWUNGSHI CHIRMAYO AND ANOTHER — Appellant Vs. GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI AND OTHERS — Respondent ( Before : J.K. Maheshwari and Sudhanshu Dhulia,…

Grant of Bail – Supreme Court found that the High Court’s order lacked legal sustenance as it did not properly consider the detailed evidence against respondent no.2. – The Supreme Court emphasized the need for brief reasons in bail decisions, as established by precedent – The appeal is allowed, the High Court’s order was set aside, and respondent no.2 was given three weeks to surrender – The order does not prejudice subsequent proceedings or bar fresh bail applications.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DIVISION BENCH RAM MURTI SHARMA — Appellant Vs. STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANOTHER — Respondent ( Before : Sudhansu Dhulia and Rajesh Bindal, JJ. )…

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