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Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 — Section 436-A — Applicability — Undertrial detention exceeding half of maximum sentence — Section 436-A mandates release of undertrial prisoners who have undergone detention extending up to one-half of maximum period of imprisonment specified for the offence, unless further detention is ordered with reasons — Exception: This provision is explicitly inapplicable to offences for which the punishment of death has been specified as one of the possible punishments under that law. (Paras 7, 9.2, 11) Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) — Sections 8(c) read with 20(b)(ii)(C) and 29(1) — Conviction for possession of commercial quantity of ganja (23.500 kg) and conspiracy — Appeal against concurrent findings of lower courts — Absence of independent witnesses — Failure to secure independent witnesses is not fatal to the prosecution case, especially under the NDPS Act, if the testimonies of official witnesses are consistent, coherent, and credible, and no material doubt is raised in cross-examination. (Paras 12, 18, 20, 21, 22) Insurance Scheme — PMGKY Package — Requisition of Services of Private Doctors — The invocation of special laws (Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897) and implementing regulations (Maharashtra COVID-19 Regulations, 2020), coupled with executive actions such as the NMMC notice directing private dispensaries to remain open under threat of penal action (IPC S. 188), constitutes a “requisition” of services for doctors and health professionals under the scheme requirements — A narrow interpretation of “requisition” requiring specific individual appointment letters is rejected due to the compelling, emergent circumstances of the pandemic. (Paras 23-26, 30(a)) Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 — Scope and Applicability — Overriding Effect over State Rent Control Legislations — Whether PP Act 1971 prevails over State Rent Control Acts (such as Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999 or Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958) regarding eviction from ‘Public Premises’ defined under Section 2(e) — Both PP Act 1971 and State Rent Control Acts are special laws; conflict resolved by legislative purpose and policy, which dictates that PP Act 1971 must prevail — A person in unauthorised occupation of public premises cannot invoke the protection of the Rent Control Act. (Paras 2, 5.6.3, 5.7.1, 5.8.2, 13(i), 13(ii), 13(iv)) Income Tax Act, 1961 — Section 36(1)(viii) — Interpretation of “derived from” vs. “attributable to” — The phrase “derived from” connotes a requirement of a direct, first-degree nexus between the income and the specified business activity (providing long-term finance) — It is judicially settled that “derived from” is narrower than “attributable to,” thus excluding ancillary, incidental, or second-degree sources of income — If income is even a “step removed” from the core business, the nexus is broken (Paras 14, 15, 20, 33).

Land and Property Law—Whether having regard to notification vis-a-vis the expansion of the Indore development plan, the district committee in exercise of its delegated power can automatically extend the area of operation of the appellant despite the notification constituting it by the state whereby and whereunder its area of operation was limited to the one covered by the notification? NO.

2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3105 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.B. Sinha The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Markandey Katju Civil Appeal No. 2530 of 2007…

Murder—Trail of Blood–Since the accused persons were dragging the dead body of the deceased to the house of the accused, there was possibility of their clothes being strained with blood rather than leaving trail of blood. FIR–Delay in lodging of–Murder of deceased at night while he was with his wife in his home–There was no requirement for offering any such explanation.

  2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3101 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dr. Arijit Pasayat The Hon’ble Mr. Justice D.K. Jain Criminal Appeal No. 330-331…

Service Matters

Service and Labour Law—Transfer—Transfer is an exigency of service and is an administrative decision. Interference by the Courts with transfer orders should only be in very rare cases. Service and Labour Law–Transfer–There can be no hard and fast rule that every transfer at the instance of an M.P. or MLA would be vitiated.

2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3098 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice C.K. Thakker The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Markandey Katju Civil Appeal No. 4360 of 2007…

Service Matters

Service and Labour Law–Disciplinary proceedings can be continued even after the age of superannuation in terms of rules governing the terms and conditions of services of the employee. Service and Labour Law–Dismissal–While imposing the punishment, Disciplinary Authority observed that the terminal dues of the appellant were to be settled–Appellant cannot claim such dues as a matter of right.

2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3089 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.B. Sinha The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Markandey Katju Civil Appeal No. 971 of 2007…

Service and Labour Law–Compassionate Appointment–Appellant who was a minor applied for compassionate appointment – His case was not kept on live register–Authorities failed to discharge their duties which were binding in terms of provisions—Direction issued to offer appointment to the appellant in a suitable post with costs of Rs. 25000/- only.

  2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3082 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.B. Sinha The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Harjit Singh Bedi Civil Appeal No. 4339…

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