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Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 166 — Claim Petition — Standard of Proof — In motor vehicle accident claims, the standard of proof is based on preponderance of probabilities, not proof beyond reasonable doubt — However, claimants must establish three elements: (i) occurrence of accident; (ii) involvement of the specific offending vehicle; and (iii) rash and negligent act of the driver — Mere occurrence of the accident alone is insufficient if the involvement of the vehicle and negligence are not established. (Paras 5, 7, 8, 16) Service Law — Compassionate Appointment — Nature of right — Appointment on compassionate bases is a concession, not a matter of right, and serves as an exception to the general rule of public employment under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India — Core objective is to enable the dependent family to tide over sudden financial crisis following the death of the employee, providing relief against destitution — It is not intended to provide a post much less a post held by the deceased or a higher post based on educational qualification. (Paras 3, 7, 7.1, 7.3, 11) Goods and Services Tax (GST) — Exemption Notification — Notification No. 9/2017- Integrated Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 — Entry 13 — Exemption on services by way of renting of residential dwelling for use as residence — Renting residential property as hostel to students/working professionals — Conditions for exemption: renting service, residential dwelling, and use as residence — The term “residential dwelling” is not defined under GST laws but refers to any residential accommodation for long-term stay, excluding commercial places, hotels, guesthouses for temporary stay — Property comprising 42 rooms rented out and sub-leased for use as hostel accommodation is considered a “residential dwelling” as its nature and use remain residential, not commercial accommodation like a hotel. (Paras 36, 46, 47, 50) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — Section 31(7)(a) and (b) — Power of Arbitral Tribunal to grant interest — Party Autonomy — Pre-award (pendente lite) interest — Section 31(7)(a) mandates that the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion to award interest on the sum awarded (from date cause of action arose till date of award) is subject to the agreement between the parties (“unless otherwise agreed by the parties”) — When parties specify a contractual rate of interest in the agreement, subject to no legal bar, this stipulation takes precedence over the Arbitrator’s discretion to deem a rate “reasonable” — Arbitral Tribunal is bound by the contractual terms regarding interest once agreed upon, and the borrower cannot later challenge the rate as unconscionable or against public policy, especially in commercial transactions between parties of equal bargaining power — Post-award interest is governed by Section 31(7)(b) (Paras 51, 53, 56, 64, 65, 70). Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC) — Section 319 — Summoning of Additional Accused — Nature and Scope of Power — The power under Section 319 CrPC is extraordinary and discretionary, intended to be exercised sparingly, but it is an enabling provision aimed at ensuring that no guilty person escapes the process of law — The prerequisite for its exercise is that it must appear from the evidence adduced during inquiry or trial that a person not already arraigned as an accused has committed an offence — The object is to ensure a fair and complete trial and give effect to the maxim ‘judex damnatur cum nocens absolvitur’ (Judge is condemned when guilty is acquitted). (Paras 6, 7)

Landlord and Tenant—Estoppel—That tenant during the continuance of the tenancy is debarred on the doctrine of estoppel from denying the title of his landlord through whom he claims tenancy. Eviction—Sub-letting—Original tenant had constructed his own house elsewhere he has been residing with his wife, the accommodation of his nephew in the suit premises did amount to sub-letting,

2017(2) Law Herald (SC) 1318 : 2017 LawHerald.Org 906 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Mishra The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amitava Roy Civil Appeal…

Consumer Protection Act, 1986, S.12–Education–Misleading advertisement-Institute did not file any documentary evidence that it was recognized by the Government in any manner and was affiliated with any state or central university-Contention that Diploma Course in Veterinary pharmacy is not governed by any statute; not accepted-Order directing refund of fee with interest upheld.

2017(1) Law Herald (SC) 371 (NCDRC) : 2016 LawHeiald.Org 2450 IN THE NATIONAL CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION Before  The Hon’ble Mrs. Presiding Member M. Shreesha Revision Petition No. 1662 of…

Rape—Minor Victim—Delay in lodging FIR—Sexual assault on a girl aged nine years by her uncle—Incident came into light after 3 years—Accused convicted. Rape—Safe Testimony—Seeking corroboration to a statement before relying upon the same as a rule, in such cases, would literally amount to adding insult to injury.

2017(1) Law Herald (SC) 360 : 2016 LawHerald.Org 2503 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr, Justice A.K. Sikri The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre Criminal…

Security Interest (Enforcement) Rules, 2002, R.8–Auction Sale-Symbolic Possession-No advertisement was published in the newspaper in terms of Rule 8(2) of the Rules and no possession notice under Rule 8(1) was affixed on the said property-Auction Sale though confirmed but set aside-Sale certificate quashed.

2017(1) Law Herald (SC) 356 : 2016 LawHerald.Org 2534 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil R. Dave  The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Uday Umesh Lalit…

Service Law—Sporting a beard—Muslim Airman—Religion of personnel does not prohibit the cutting off the hair or shaving off the face of its members-Permission held to be rightly declined, Service Law-Sporting of beard-Armed Forces-Appellant, an Airman belonging to Muslim Religion sought permission to sport a broad on religious grounds-Permission declined-Order upheld-Held;

2017(1) Law Herald (SC) 351 : 2016 LawHerald.Org 2533 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Chief Justice T.S. Thakur The Hon’ble Mr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud The…

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