Supreme Court of India Judgements

March 12, 2026 10:50 am

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Use in Legal Proceedings — Reliance on AI-generated judgments by a court is a serious matter concerning the integrity of the judicial process — Such judgments, if non-existent or fake, amount to misconduct rather than a simple error of judgment — Supreme Court orders examination of consequences and accountability for such practices — Notice issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Bar Council of India to address this institutional concern. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) / Power Supply Agreement (PSA) — Interpretation of Contract — Surrounding Circumstances — Evidence Act, 1872, Sections 92, 94, 95 — Contractual terms can be clarified by attending circumstances and conduct of parties, even if contract is reduced to writing, to give meaning to terms that may otherwise be meaningless or unworkable. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — Section 31(7)(a) — Interest awarded by Arbitral Tribunal — Contractual bar — Where a contract expressly prohibits the award of pre-award and pendente lite interest, an Arbitral Tribunal cannot award such interest, even if termed as compensation, as the arbitrator is bound by the terms of the contract. Contract Act, 1872 — Section 133 — Discharge of surety by variance in terms of contract — A variance made without the surety’s consent in the terms of the contract between the principal debtor and the creditor discharges the surety only with respect to transactions occurring subsequent to the variance. The surety remains liable for the original amount guaranteed. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 — Committee of Creditors (CoC) — Commercial Wisdom — Legislative intent to vest decisive authority in CoC, which comprises financial creditors who bear economic consequences of failure — Decisions on viability, valuation, and haircuts are commercial, not judicial — Courts do not substitute their assessment for that of the CoC — Adjudicatory authority performs a supervisory role, ensuring statutory compliance and procedural fairness, but refrains from second-guessing economic bodies.

Artificial Intelligence Constitution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Use in Legal Proceedings — Reliance on AI-generated judgments by a court is a serious matter concerning the integrity of the judicial process — Such judgments, if non-existent or fake, amount to misconduct rather than a simple error of judgment — Supreme Court orders examination of consequences and accountability for such practices — Notice issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Bar Council of India to address this institutional concern.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Electricity Act

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) / Power Supply Agreement (PSA) — Interpretation of Contract — Surrounding Circumstances — Evidence Act, 1872, Sections 92, 94, 95 — Contractual terms can be clarified by attending circumstances and conduct of parties, even if contract is reduced to writing, to give meaning to terms that may otherwise be meaningless or unworkable.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Artificial Intelligence Constitution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Use in Legal Proceedings — Reliance on AI-generated judgments by a court is a serious matter concerning the integrity of the judicial process — Such judgments, if non-existent or fake, amount to misconduct rather than a simple error of judgment — Supreme Court orders examination of consequences and accountability for such practices — Notice issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Bar Council of India to address this institutional concern.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Electricity Act

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) / Power Supply Agreement (PSA) — Interpretation of Contract — Surrounding Circumstances — Evidence Act, 1872, Sections 92, 94, 95 — Contractual terms can be clarified by attending circumstances and conduct of parties, even if contract is reduced to writing, to give meaning to terms that may otherwise be meaningless or unworkable.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Arbitration

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — Section 31(7)(a) — Interest awarded by Arbitral Tribunal — Contractual bar — Where a contract expressly prohibits the award of pre-award and pendente lite interest, an Arbitral Tribunal cannot award such interest, even if termed as compensation, as the arbitrator is bound by the terms of the contract.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Corporate Tenders & Contracts

Contract Act, 1872 — Section 133 — Discharge of surety by variance in terms of contract — A variance made without the surety’s consent in the terms of the contract between the principal debtor and the creditor discharges the surety only with respect to transactions occurring subsequent to the variance. The surety remains liable for the original amount guaranteed.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

I B C

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 — Committee of Creditors (CoC) — Commercial Wisdom — Legislative intent to vest decisive authority in CoC, which comprises financial creditors who bear economic consequences of failure — Decisions on viability, valuation, and haircuts are commercial, not judicial — Courts do not substitute their assessment for that of the CoC — Adjudicatory authority performs a supervisory role, ensuring statutory compliance and procedural fairness, but refrains from second-guessing economic bodies.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Artificial Intelligence Constitution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Use in Legal Proceedings — Reliance on AI-generated judgments by a court is a serious matter concerning the integrity of the judicial process — Such judgments, if non-existent or fake, amount to misconduct rather than a simple error of judgment — Supreme Court orders examination of consequences and accountability for such practices — Notice issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Bar Council of India to address this institutional concern.

Electricity Act

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) / Power Supply Agreement (PSA) — Interpretation of Contract — Surrounding Circumstances — Evidence Act, 1872, Sections 92, 94, 95 — Contractual terms can be clarified by attending circumstances and conduct of parties, even if contract is reduced to writing, to give meaning to terms that may otherwise be meaningless or unworkable.

Arbitration

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — Section 31(7)(a) — Interest awarded by Arbitral Tribunal — Contractual bar — Where a contract expressly prohibits the award of pre-award and pendente lite interest, an Arbitral Tribunal cannot award such interest, even if termed as compensation, as the arbitrator is bound by the terms of the contract.

Corporate Tenders & Contracts

Contract Act, 1872 — Section 133 — Discharge of surety by variance in terms of contract — A variance made without the surety’s consent in the terms of the contract between the principal debtor and the creditor discharges the surety only with respect to transactions occurring subsequent to the variance. The surety remains liable for the original amount guaranteed.

Service

Army Rules, 1954 – Rule 13(3)(III)(v) – Discharge from service – Offences for which the red ink entries are awarded, cannot be said to be such gross misconduct which would make the appellant indiscipline and liable to be discharged from service and that too, after a period of long service rendered by him – Order of discharge is wholly unjustified and not sustainable at law – Appeal allowed.

Acquittal

(IPC) – Section 409 – Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent -‘criminal breach of trust’ is defined under Section 405 IPC which provides, inter alia, that whoever being in any manner entrusted with property or with any dominion over a property, dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use that property, or dishonestly uses or disposes of that property contrary to law, or in violation of any law prescribing the mode in which such trust is to be discharged, or contravenes any legal contract, express or implied, etc. shall be held to have committed criminal breach of trust

Consumer

Consumer Protection Act, 1986 – Section 2(d)(ii) – Deficiency in service – Any loss arising out of inaction and negligence on the part of the Bank, such deficiency is compensable under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986

Service

Termination–Reservation–In advertisement, authorities failed to mention in regard to reservation for handicapped person at the outset–Appellants who were handicapped person were appointed–On Contempt petition State cancelled the selection and terminated the service–Service restored with backwages.

Artificial Intelligence Constitution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Use in Legal Proceedings — Reliance on AI-generated judgments by a court is a serious matter concerning the integrity of the judicial process — Such judgments, if non-existent or fake, amount to misconduct rather than a simple error of judgment — Supreme Court orders examination of consequences and accountability for such practices — Notice issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Bar Council of India to address this institutional concern.

Electricity Act

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) / Power Supply Agreement (PSA) — Interpretation of Contract — Surrounding Circumstances — Evidence Act, 1872, Sections 92, 94, 95 — Contractual terms can be clarified by attending circumstances and conduct of parties, even if contract is reduced to writing, to give meaning to terms that may otherwise be meaningless or unworkable.

Arbitration

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — Section 31(7)(a) — Interest awarded by Arbitral Tribunal — Contractual bar — Where a contract expressly prohibits the award of pre-award and pendente lite interest, an Arbitral Tribunal cannot award such interest, even if termed as compensation, as the arbitrator is bound by the terms of the contract.

Corporate Tenders & Contracts

Contract Act, 1872 — Section 133 — Discharge of surety by variance in terms of contract — A variance made without the surety’s consent in the terms of the contract between the principal debtor and the creditor discharges the surety only with respect to transactions occurring subsequent to the variance. The surety remains liable for the original amount guaranteed.

Cheque Dishonour

Complaint should contain averment that accused were incharge of the business of the company – Complainant bound to make statement on oath as to how offence was committed and accused persons were responsible therefor – Appellants were not Directors of the Company at the relevant time – Impugned order directing issue of process cannot be sustained and set aside.

May 29, 2017 sclaw

AIR 2006 SC 3086 : (2007) 2 BC 210 : (2006) 6 CompLJ 290 : (2006) CriLJ 4602 : (2006) 12 JT 20 : (2006) 9 SCALE 212 :…

C P C

Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (CPC) – Order 23, Rule 3A – Bar to suit – Suit for Declaration and injunction – Agreement to develop plot of trust and construction of community hall – A sum of Rs. 10,000/- was paid out of a sum of Rs. 3,00,000/- payable as consideration – Categorical finding of fact that earlier suit was filed with the knowledge and consent of all the trustees not disturbed

May 29, 2017 sclaw

(2006) 5 CTC 93 : (2006) 12 JT 69 : (2006) 9 SCALE 174 : (2006) 10 SCC 669 : (2006) 6 SCR 48 Supp SUPREME COURT OF INDIA…

Arbitration C P C

Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (CPC) – Order 3, Rule 1 – Appointment of pleader – Consent by Advocate for appointment of arbitrator despite stand taken by appellants in their written statement – Concession made by Advocate binding on party whom he represents.

May 29, 2017 sclaw

AIR 2006 SC 3335 : (2006) 3 ARBLR 603 : (2006) 12 JT 25 : (2006) 9 SCALE 217 : (2006) 8 SCC 279 : (2006) 6 SCR 93…

C P C

Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (CPC) – Order 39, Rules 1 and 2 – Temporary injunction – Court apart from finding out prima facie case would consider balance of convenience, irreparable injury and a triable issue

May 29, 2017 sclaw

AIR 2006 SC 3275 : (2006) 12 JT 447 : (2006) 9 SCALE 275 : (2006) 8 SCC 367 : (2006) 6 SCR 103 Supp : (2006) AIRSCW 4773…

C P C

Despite service of notice by registered post, defendant did not appear – Court competent to ask defendant to pay portion of decretal amount while setting aside ex parte decree, but condition imposed should not be unreasonable or harshly excessive

May 29, 2017 sclaw

AIR 2007 SC 67 : (2007) 1 CTC 81 : (2006) 12 JT 9 : (2006) 9 SCALE 223 : (2006) 12 SCC 104 : (2006) 7 SCR 163…

Consumer

Insurance company, despite report of investigator, failed to establish that the case of appellants was not justified and not covered by insurance policy – Insurance company had approved appellant’s claim for Rs. 20,43,605/- – Insurance company directed to pay to appellants balance amount of Rs. 97,83,827/- together with interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from the date of claim till payment.

May 29, 2017 sclaw

(2006) ACJ 2547 : AIR 2006 SC 3261 : (2006) 6 CompLJ 281 : (2006) 4 CPJ 3 : (2006) 12 JT 98 : (2006) 9 SCALE 293 :…

Labour Cases

Division Bench of High Court held that in absence of evidence doctrine of res ipsa loquitur was not applicable – Question whether Labour Court erred in not invoking doctrine of res ipsa loquitur – Matter remitted back to Labour Court to decide applicability of res ipsa loquitur.

May 29, 2017 sclaw

AIR 2006 SC 3273 : (2006) 111 FLR 364 : (2006) 3 LLJ 788 : (2006) 9 SCALE 352 : (2006) 8 SCC 52 : (2006) SCC(L&S) 1788 :…

State Laws

Interpretation of Statutes—Mere use of word may or shall is not conclusive. The question whether a particular provision of a statute is directory or mandatory cannot be resolved by laying down any general rule of universal application.

May 28, 2017 sclaw

2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3048 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice C.K. Thakker The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Altamas Kabir Civil Appeal No. 4466 of…

State Laws

Electricity Law–One Meter Reading Inspection Report should not be construed as single violation of the commercial restrictions irrespective of the fact that a number of contraventions might have been made by consumers during the period covered by the said report.

May 28, 2017 sclaw

2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3044 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Before The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arijit Pasayat The Hon’ble Mr. Justice P. Sathasivam Civil Appeal No. 4465 of…

State Laws

Sanction of Building–Before making the Zonal Plan and the Master Plan, the Authority was required to give an opportunity of hearing to the persons who may be affected thereby.

May 28, 2017 sclaw

2007(4) LAW HERALD (SC) 3042 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. 4344…

You missed

Artificial Intelligence Constitution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Use in Legal Proceedings — Reliance on AI-generated judgments by a court is a serious matter concerning the integrity of the judicial process — Such judgments, if non-existent or fake, amount to misconduct rather than a simple error of judgment — Supreme Court orders examination of consequences and accountability for such practices — Notice issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and Bar Council of India to address this institutional concern.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Electricity Act

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) / Power Supply Agreement (PSA) — Interpretation of Contract — Surrounding Circumstances — Evidence Act, 1872, Sections 92, 94, 95 — Contractual terms can be clarified by attending circumstances and conduct of parties, even if contract is reduced to writing, to give meaning to terms that may otherwise be meaningless or unworkable.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Arbitration

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — Section 31(7)(a) — Interest awarded by Arbitral Tribunal — Contractual bar — Where a contract expressly prohibits the award of pre-award and pendente lite interest, an Arbitral Tribunal cannot award such interest, even if termed as compensation, as the arbitrator is bound by the terms of the contract.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw

Corporate Tenders & Contracts

Contract Act, 1872 — Section 133 — Discharge of surety by variance in terms of contract — A variance made without the surety’s consent in the terms of the contract between the principal debtor and the creditor discharges the surety only with respect to transactions occurring subsequent to the variance. The surety remains liable for the original amount guaranteed.

Mar 4, 2026 sclaw