| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - Delhi HC Mandates Biometric Aadhaar Verification for GST Registration Nationwide |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:54:48 IST |
| Delhi High Court directed authorities to require biometric Aadhaar authentication before granting GST registration. The interim order came amid concerns over fraudulent registrations obtained using stolen or frozen PAN and Aadhaar details of unsuspecting citizens. |
| INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - Delhi High Court Restrains Beco's Ad Campaign Targeting HUL's Surf Excel and Vim |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:54:34 IST |
| Delhi High Court restrained Beco from continuing its campaign targeting HUL's Surf Excel and Vim. It held that comparative ads become unlawful when false, misleading or deceptive, and found Beco had prima facie failed to prove the truth of its claims. |
| INSOLVENCY - NCLAT: NCLT President Empowered to Transfer Cases from One Bench to Another |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:54:20 IST |
| NCLAT held that the NCLT President has the authority to transfer cases between benches across territorial jurisdictions. It ruled that such transfers are permissible when required under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. |
| FAMILY - Gauhati HC: Talaq-e-Hasan Valid, Requires Registration under Assam Marriage Act |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:54:08 IST |
| Gauhati High Court held that the jurisdictional Marriage & Divorce Registrar can register Talaq-E-Hassan after verifying compliance with the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024. The ruling came after a registrar refused to register the petitioner husband's talaq. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Advocates not Above Law, No Immunity from Lawful Police Inquiry |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:53:55 IST |
| Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that advocates cannot claim immunity from lawful police inquiries. As officers of the Court and persons versed in law, they are expected to assist investigating agencies when lawfully required to help uncover the truth. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Gujarat High Court: Bombay Public Trust Registration is Covered by Section 43 of the Waqf Act |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:53:42 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that a Muslim trust registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act is deemed a waqf under Section 43 of the Waqf Act. It rejected reliance on a 2011 CEO decision, noting no inquiry under Section 40 was shown to have been conducted. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Custodial Violence and Molestation Are Crimes, Not Police Duty |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:53:29 IST |
| Allahabad High Court upheld the rejection of discharge pleas by police personnel accused of custodial assault and molestation. It held that such acts cannot be treated as part of official duty and amount to crimes, noting allegations of victims being tied and repeatedly beaten in custody. |
| ENVIRONMENT - Uttarakhand HC: District Magistrate to Establish Public Helpline within 24 Hrs amid Water Pollution |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:53:17 IST |
| Uttarakhand High Court directed the Nainital District Magistrate to set up and publicise a helpline within 24 hours. It also ordered the Pollution Control Board to test water samples from affected villages and Nainital town and submit a report within a week. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court Quashes ITS Officer's 'Deadwood' Retirement, Orders Rs. 15 Lakh Payment |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:53:01 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside the compulsory retirement of an Indian Trade Service officer branded "deadwood" just months after promotion. It directed the Centre to pay former officer SS Das Rs. 9 lakh for reputational loss and Rs. 6 lakh as costs. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Finds Gaps in FSSAI's Proposed Warning Labels for Foods High in Fat, Sugar and Salt |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:52:45 IST |
| Supreme Court flagged gaps in FSSAI's plan for warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat. It sought a rollout timeline and questioned why the first phase would cover only foods high in at least two nutrients, instead of those high in any one. |
| PROPERTY - SC: Mere Long Possession Can't Establish Adverse Possession; Hostile Intent is Required |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:52:13 IST |
| SC held that long, uninterrupted possession alone does not establish adverse possession unless claimant proves when possession became hostile to the true owner. It also ruled that revenue entry showing rent-free possession for religious purposes does not itself prove completed religious dedication. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Rape Conviction Possible Without S.376 Charge if POCSO Case Fails on Age Proof |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:51:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that failure to prove a victim's age may defeat a POCSO charge but does not bar conviction for rape under Section 376 IPC. Even without a formal S.376 charge, conviction is possible as it is a cognate offence based on the same act. |
| SERVICE - MP High Court Quashes 70%-80%-90% Pay Rule for Class III, IV Staff during Probation |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:37:01 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court struck down State rules prescribing 70%, 80% and 90% of minimum pay during the first three probation years, holding that employees are entitled to full salary for work performed during the probation period. |
| CIVIL - MP High Court: Adult Woman Can Become Jain Saadhvi Despite Parents' Opposition |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:36:49 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court granted protection to a 20-year-old woman who chose to renounce worldly life and become a Jain Saadhvi, holding that as an adult citizen, she is free to practise her religion according to her own beliefs despite parental objection. |
| FAMILY - Chhattisgarh HC: Sharia Body can't Decide Muslim Woman's Marital Status or End Marriage |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:36:39 IST |
| Chhattisgarh High Court held that a private Sharia body has no legal authority to determine marital status or enforce individual rights. While leaving the validity of Talaq-e-Hasan open, it said religious bodies cannot decide or impose a person's legal status. |
| MRTP/ COMPETITION LAWS - CCI Rejects Kerala Private Bus Operators' Challenge to Free KSRTC Travel for Women |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:36:29 IST |
| CCI dismissed a challenge by private bus operators to Kerala's Priyadarshini Scheme, holding that a State-funded welfare measure offering free travel to women and transgender persons does not ordinarily attract competition law merely because it disadvantages private operators. |
| CAPITAL MARKET - SC Restores SEBI Fraud Proceedings against Vedanta over 2014 Share Buyback |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:36:19 IST |
| Supreme Court revived SEBI's fraud case against Vedanta over its 2014 share buyback, ruling that release of the escrow amount did not bar a separate fraud probe. It remanded the matter to SAT for a fresh decision on the fraud issue. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Acquits Two Murder Convicts, Finds Prosecution Story Suspicious |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:36:09 IST |
| Supreme Court acquitted two murder convicts, finding the prosecution's claim of taking the deceased's body to the police station instead of a hospital suspicious. It held that investigation lapses and infirm eyewitness evidence raised a reasonable possibility of innocence. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Outgoing Partner's Share Valued on Assessment Date, Not Dissolution Date |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:35:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that on dissolution of a partnership at will, an outgoing partner's share is not fixed on the dissolution date but must be determined according to the value of the partnership assets on the date of actual valuation. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Flags Excess Records as Cause of Delays in Corruption Case Prosecutions |
| Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:35:48 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that corruption prosecutions often remain pending for years, largely due to voluminous yet unnecessary and irrelevant evidence, which can overwhelm and burden courts, thereby impeding the timely disposal of cases. |
| MRTP/ COMPETITION LAWS - Delhi HC: Interested Parties can Join CCI Proceedings to Advance Public Interest |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:59:34 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a person, association or enterprise with sufficient interest may participate in CCI proceedings if it assists the Commission and advances public interest. It upheld BAI's participation in the cement cartelisation case challenged by UltraTech Cement. |
| ELECTION - Calcutta HC: Pending Election Petition can't Justify Keeping all EVM/VVPAT Machines |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:59:25 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that a pending election petition does not justify retaining all EVMs and VVPATs in a district. Only machines linked to the election under challenge need preservation, and unrelated electoral material may be identified and segregated. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta HC: Defamation Injunction Requires Truth Defence to Be Clearly Unsustainable |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:59:16 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that interim injunctions in defamation suits should not ordinarily be granted unless the defendant's plea of truth is certain to fail at trial. Applying the Bonnard Principle, it set aside an order restraining the defendants from sending allegedly defamatory emails. |
| CONSTITUTION - Allahabad HC: Parental Concern Cannot Override Adult's Choice of Life Partner |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:59:06 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that parental concern cannot override an adult's right to choose a life partner, protected under Article 21. The Court allowed a habeas corpus plea by a major woman who said she had voluntarily married and wished to live with her husband. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - P&H HC: Foreign Licence Alone Does Not Authorize Driving in India |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:58:56 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court held that a valid foreign driving licence alone does not permit driving in India without the required international permit or Indian authorisation. The ruling came while upholding an insurer's right to recover compensation from the driver and vehicle owner. |
| FAMILY - P&H HC: Senior Citizens Act cannot Remove Estranged Daughter-In-Law from Shared Home |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:58:46 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court held that the Senior Citizens Act cannot be invoked to settle matrimonial or property disputes or evict an estranged daughter-in-law who has a legal right to reside in the shared household. |
| CRIMINAL - Tripura HC: Police Report Not Contemplated By Rules Alone Cannot Be Basis to Deny Premature Release |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:58:36 IST |
| Tripura High Court set aside the denial of premature release to seven convicts who had served 15-21 years, holding that a Police Verification Report could not be relied upon when the State's 2025 rules governing premature release did not require such a report. |
| ENVIRONMENT - Madras High Court: Environmental, PCB Clearances Not Needed for Medical Essentiality Certificate |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:58:26 IST |
| Madras High Court held that environmental clearance and Pollution Control Board approval are not mandatory for obtaining an Essentiality Certificate, through which the State assesses whether establishing a medical college in a particular area is necessary. |
| CIVIL - Gauhati High Court: Local NGOs Cannot Lock Homes Over Alleged Liquor Law Violations |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:58:17 IST |
| Court observed that "The local NGOs may assist the law enforcing agencies in carrying out the purpose of Act of 2019 but it would be not permissible for them to take the law into their own hands, such as, keeping the house of alleged law breaker under lock and key, such as petitioners in this case." |
| BANKING - SC: Rajpal Yadav gets Relief from Surrender in Cheque Bounce Case Subject to Rs. 5 Crore Deposit |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:58:07 IST |
| Supreme Court granted actor Rajpal Yadav relief from surrender in multiple cheque bounce cases, subject to a Rs.5 crore deposit, while issuing conditional notice on his plea against conviction and three-month jail term. |
| SERVICE - SC: Service Rendered Before Regularization Must Be Counted for Pension Benefits |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:57:57 IST |
| Supreme Court held that contractual, ad hoc, daily-wage or work-charge service before regularization must count toward pension and retiral benefits, especially where service breaks are merely notional, artificial, or caused by administrative action or court orders. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - SC: Pre-2015 NH Act Awards Must Follow 1894 Act for Solatium and Interest |
| Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:57:47 IST |
| Supreme Court held that for NH Act compensation determined before January 1, 2015, solatium, interest and interest on solatium must be calculated under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, since the 2013 Act became applicable to NH Act acquisitions only from that date. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - Delhi High Court: DNA Evidence Proves Sexual Intercourse, Not Consent |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:09:51 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that while DNA evidence can establish that sexual intercourse occurred between the parties, it cannot determine whether the act was consensual, as it does not reveal the circumstances in which the intercourse took place. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K High Court: Possession of Allegedly Anti-National Book Cannot Justify Preventive Detention |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:09:41 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court held that an academic's mere possession of allegedly anti-national books cannot justify preventive detention, especially when authorities fail to show any specific subversive or prejudicial activity attributable to him. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Absence of 'Penetration' In Child Victim's Testimony Not Enough to Acquit Rape Accused |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:09:31 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a child victim's failure to use the word "penetration" cannot by itself justify acquittal in a rape case, and convicted a man of raping a four-and-a-half-year-old child after the trial court had acquitted him of rape charges. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Madras High Court Refuses Equal Recitation of Tamil Hymns With Sanskrit at Meenakshi Temple |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:09:22 IST |
| Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed pleas seeking to conduct sacred fire rituals and allow Tamil spiritual hymns to be recited on an equal footing with Sanskrit during the upcoming Kumbabishegam at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala High Court: Married Woman Cannot Claim Sex Was Based Solely on Promise of Marriage |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:09:12 IST |
| The Kerala High Court recently quashed criminal proceedings against a man accused under Section 69 BNS of having sexual intercourse with a married woman on an alleged promise of marriage. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: 'Sar Tan Se Juda' Hits Sovereignty, Unlike 'Allahu-Akbar', 'Jai Shri Ram' |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:09:03 IST |
| Allahabad High Court, rejecting Maulana Taukir Raza Khan's bail plea, held that "Sar Tan Se Juda" cannot be compared with religious slogans like "Allahu-Akbar," "Jo Bole So Nihal," "Jai Shri Ram" or "Har Har Mahadev." |
| INSOLVENCY - SC: Penalties on Insolvent Developers cannot be Recovered from Homebuyers as CIRP Costs |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:08:53 IST |
| Supreme Court held that time extension charges imposed on an insolvent developer cannot be recovered as CIRP costs from homebuyers, ruling that buyers and the new developer cannot be burdened with liabilities arising from the original developer's default. |
| COMPANY - Supreme Court: Companies Can Face Prosecution Without Individual Officers Being Named |
| Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:08:43 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a company may be prosecuted for an offence involving mens rea even if the responsible officer is not identified or arraigned, and that such absence alone cannot justify quashing proceedings under Section 482 CrPC. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: First-Time Juvenility Claims Reveal Gaps in JJ Act Implementation |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:47:16 IST |
| Supreme Court has noted a rise in juvenility pleas being raised for the first time before it, observing that the trend exposes serious gaps in the understanding and implementation of Juvenile Justice Acts by the police and trial courts. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court: Retaining Victim in a Specific Role Cannot Reduce Functional Disability |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:47:07 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that functional disability in motor accident claims must be assessed on the victim's earning capacity in the open labour market, and not merely on continued employment in a specially accommodated role. |
| BANKING - Supreme Court Upholds RBI's Power to Supersede Multi-State Co-op Bank Boards Beyond Six Months |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:46:57 IST |
| Supreme Court has ruled that the RBI can supersede the board of a multi-state co-operative bank beyond six months, holding that the Banking Regulation Act governs such banks despite the limit under Article 243ZL(1) of the Constitution. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: S.362 CrPC Cannot Limit HC's Inherent Power to Recall Judgment Causing Miscarriage of Justice |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:46:48 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Section 362 CrPC does not prevent a High Court from recalling its judgment under Section 482 to prevent miscarriage of justice, faulting it for refusing relief to a convict found to be a juvenile on the date of the offence. |
| EDUCATION - Supreme Court: NCTE Executive Committee Can Seek Annual Reports From Teacher Education Institutes |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:46:38 IST |
| Supreme Court affirms National Council for Teacher Education's power to seek annual Performance Appraisal Reports from Teacher Education Institutes, overturning the Delhi High Court ruling that had rejected the Executive Committee's authority to issue such notices. |
| CAPITAL MARKET - SC: Futures & Options Investors Cannot Recover Trading Losses From Professional Clearing Members |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:46:29 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that investors in the Futures and Options segment cannot claim reimbursement of trading losses from Professional Clearing Members, whose role is confined to facilitating the clearing and settlement of trades. |
| CIVIL - Chhattisgarh High Court: Backward Classes Commission Cannot Decide Private Commercial Disputes |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:46:19 IST |
| Chhattisgarh High Court has held that the State Backward Classes Commission cannot decide private commercial disputes or order recovery of money between private parties, adding that calling such a direction a recommendation does not change its true nature. |
| CRIMINAL - Sikkim High Court: POCSO Case not Quashed on Settlement after Survivor Turns Major |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:46:09 IST |
| Sikkim High Court has held that POCSO proceedings cannot be quashed solely on the basis of a settlement between the accused and the survivor, even where the survivor has subsequently attained majority. |
| FAMILY - Patna High Court: Mere Sight of Spouse in Compromising Position doesn't Prove Adultery |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:45:59 IST |
| Patna High Court has dismissed a husband's divorce plea based on adultery and cruelty, holding that merely finding a spouse in a "compromising position" does not by itself prove sexual intercourse with another person. |
| NARCOTICS - Allahabad High Court: IO's Mere Apprehension Cannot Justify Withholding Seized Items |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:45:49 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has held that an IO's oral suspicion that seized articles are proceeds of narcotics sales cannot justify withholding them, and set aside a trial court order refusing release of gold jewellery and Rs. 850 seized in an NDPS case. |
| CIVIL - Madras High Court Upholds Appointment of District Judges as Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Secretary |
| Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:45:38 IST |
| Madras High Court has upheld the amendment permitting serving and retired District Judges to be appointed as Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Secretary, holding that Section 9(1) sets only a minimum seniority requirement and does not bar eligible judicial officers. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Guilt cannot be Presumed Solely Due to Collusion Allegations against Investigating Officer |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:09:47 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that while a flawed investigation does not automatically benefit an accused, guilt cannot be presumed merely due to an uncooperative IO or allegations of collusion when the prosecution fails to produce reliable evidence proving guilt. |
| CUSTOMS - Supreme Court Quashes Rs. 425-Crore Customs Penalty Based on AI-Generated Fake Case Laws |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:09:38 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside a Rs. 425.27-crore customs penalty on a diamond trader after finding that the adjudicating authority had relied on non-existent or wrongly cited judicial precedents that appeared to be AI-generated or hallucinated. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Gujarat Prohibition Act Does not Bar Interim Seized Vehicle Release |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:09:28 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Section 98(2) of the Gujarat Prohibition Act does not impose an absolute bar on interim release of seized vehicles pending trial, even where liquor exceeds the prescribed limit, and ordered release of the truck on furnishing security. |
| BANKING - SC: Banks Can Invoke SARFAESI for Loans Acquired from NBFCs Outside the Act |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:09:19 IST |
| Supreme Court held that banks can invoke the SARFAESI Act to recover debts assigned to them by NBFCs, even if the NBFCs were not covered under the Act when the loans were originally granted. |
| CIVIL - SC: Limitation Act Inapplicable to Revisions under Karnataka Land Revenue Act |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:09:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the Limitation Act cannot override the limitation prescribed under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, while considering a revisional order directing a fresh land inquiry in Bengaluru beyond the statutory three-year period. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: Victims Need No Leave to Appeal Acquittal or Conviction for Lesser Offence |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:09:00 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a victim can appeal an acquittal or conviction for a lesser offence under Section 372 CrPC without seeking leave to appeal, unlike the State or a complainant challenging an acquittal. |
| ARBITRATION - Delhi High Court Lays Down Registry Directions for Dealing with Insufficiently Stamped Arbitral Award |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:08:50 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that an insufficiently stamped arbitral award must be impounded under the Indian Stamp Act, and belated payment of the stamp-duty deficit cannot cure the defect. It also ruled that the enforcing court cannot waive or reduce the statutory penalty. |
| MINES AND MINERALS - Gujarat HC: Illegal Mining Vehicle Complaints Must Be Filed Before Sessions Court, Not Magistrate |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:08:40 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that complaints involving vehicles seized for illegal mining must be filed before the Sessions Court under Rule 12(2)(b)(ii). If no complaint is filed within 45 days, the vehicle must be released without insisting on a bank guarantee. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H High Court: Re-Investigation Cannot Nullify Existing Acquittal Despite Breach of Stay Order |
| Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:08:29 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court held that an acquittal cannot be ignored merely because it was pronounced despite a stay order. Unless set aside by a competent court, re-investigation cannot be used to summon acquitted persons again under Section 300 CrPC. |
| CONSUMER - CCPA Fines Dial4Trade Rs. 10 Lakh for Online Ammonium Nitrate Listing Featuring Blast Images |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:05:37 IST |
| CCPA imposed a Rs. 10 lakh penalty on Dial4Trade Technologies for listing regulated ammonium nitrate without verifying licences or adequately warning buyers about legal restrictions on its purchase and possession. |
| INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - Bombay HC: Failure to Prove Exact Quantum of Loss Does Not Bar Compensation |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:05:27 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that compensation may be awarded even if the exact quantum of loss cannot be proved, provided the fact of loss is established. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala HC: Minor's Consent or Relationship with Accused Holds No Relevance under POCSO Act |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:05:18 IST |
| Kerala High Court reiterated that a minor's alleged love affair or consensual sexual relations with the accused cannot absolve him of liability under the POCSO Act, while upholding his conviction for aggravated sexual assault. |
| FAMILY - Bombay High Court: Child Welfare Prevails as 'Joint Parenting' is Not Recognised in Indian Law |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:05:07 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that 'joint parenting' is not recognised under Indian child custody laws, where the child's welfare is paramount, and quashed a Family Court order granting parents equal 50:50 visitation and vacation access. |
| SERVICE - Madras HC: Married Daughter Cannot be Denied Compassionate Appointment Solely for Her Marriage |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:04:58 IST |
| Madras High Court held that compassionate appointment cannot be denied to a daughter merely because she was married and living separately before her parent's death, ruling that such an approach is discriminatory and arbitrary. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala HC: Kissing a Child's Penis Constitutes Penetrative Sexual Assault under POCSO |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:04:47 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that kissing a child's penis constitutes penetrative sexual assault under Section 3(d) of the POCSO Act, while dismissing the appeal of a convict sentenced to 20 years for sexually assaulting a 14½-year-old boy. |
| CRIMINAL - Orissa HC: Article 22(1) Arrest Rights Pre-Exist, Written Grounds Ruling Not Prospective |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:04:36 IST |
| Orissa High Court held that the prospective operation of the Mihir Rajesh Shah ruling does not relieve police of the duty to furnish written grounds of arrest, as this right flows directly from Article 22(1) of the Constitution. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Litigant Cannot be Worse Off for Filing an Appeal under 'No Reformatio in Peius' |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:04:26 IST |
| Supreme Court reiterated that a litigant cannot be placed in a worse position for pursuing a legal remedy, holding that an enhanced penalty imposed after remand arising from the appellant's own appeal was unsustainable. |
| CONTEMPT OF COURT - SC: Clarificatory Statement Does Not Constitute a Binding Undertaking for Contempt Proceedings |
| Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:04:17 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a clarificatory statement made in court cannot amount to an unconditional undertaking for contempt unless it is a solemn, express and unequivocal commitment intended to be acted upon by the court. |
| PROPERTY - Delhi HC: GPA Holder Cannot Claim Ownership and Must Remit Sale Proceeds to Principal |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:54:11 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a GPA creates only an agency and does not transfer ownership in immovable property. It upheld a decree directing a GPA holder to pay Rs. 1.01 crore to his sister-in-law's legal heirs as her share of the property's sale proceeds. |
| EDUCATION - Calcutta High Court: State Cannot Deny CRMI Seats to Foreign Medical Graduates Citing Stipend Costs |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:54:01 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that the State cannot deny compulsory internship seats to Foreign Medical Graduates citing stipend costs, noting that internships may proceed without immediate payment and interns can later pursue their stipend claims. |
| FAMILY - Delhi High Court: Husband Cannot Reopen Settled Marital Disputes to Avoid Maintenance Liability |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:53:50 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a husband cannot reopen a marital dispute already finally decided to avoid maintenance under Section 125 CrPC. It dismissed his challenge to a Family Court order directing him to pay maintenance to his wife. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras High Court: Being an Advocate Does Not Mean a Person Cannot Commit an Offence |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:53:40 IST |
| Madras High Court refused to quash a case against a lawyer accused of instigating an attack over a land dispute, holding that being an advocate does not imply incapacity to commit an offence, which depends on the person's conduct and circumstances. |
| PROPERTY - Calcutta High Court: Third Parties Can Challenge Inaction Against Unauthorised Construction |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:53:29 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that third parties or public-spirited citizens may approach the writ court over municipal inaction against unauthorised construction, noting that illegal structures strain civic amenities and pose public safety risks. |
| CONSTITUTION - J&K High Court: Bar Associations are Not 'State' under Article 12 and are Outside Writ Jurisdiction |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:53:19 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court held that writ jurisdiction under Article 226 cannot be invoked to resolve a Bar Association's internal election disputes, as a Bar Association or Bar body is not "State" within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: Police Cannot Pick and Choose Among Accused Persons for Arrest |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:53:09 IST |
| Delhi High Court deprecated selective arrests, holding that police cannot pick and choose which accused to take into custody. It said the police must clearly state whether they intend to arrest an accused or not. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras High Court: False Posts Against a Minister are Not an Offence Without Intent to Cause Alarm |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:52:59 IST |
| Madras High Court quashed a case against a man accused of spreading false information about a Tamil Nadu Minister, holding that such statements do not constitute an offence in the absence of intent to cause harm, fear or alarm. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Informant's Consent is Not Required to Quash a Case Settled With the Victim |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:52:49 IST |
| Supreme Court held that criminal proceedings involving non-compoundable offences may be quashed after settlement with the actual victim, and the consent of an informant who is not the victim is not required. |
| CONSTITUTION - Supreme Court: Certiorari Can Quash a Tribunal Decision That is Grossly Perverse |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:52:38 IST |
| Supreme Court held that High Courts exercising certiorari jurisdiction under Article 226 may interfere with a Tribunal's order where its findings are unsupported by material or documentary evidence. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Multiple Cases Alone Cannot Justify an Externment Order |
| Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:52:26 IST |
| Supreme Court held that multiple cases alone cannot justify an externment order, calling it an extraordinary measure. It quashed the order against a man for failure to comply with the mandatory notice and hearing requirements under Section 8 of the Chhattisgarh Rajya Suraksha Adhiniyam, 1990. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Bombay HC Permits OTT Release of Hindi Film 'Bandar' Subject to Appropriate Disclaimers |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:36:52 IST |
| Bombay High Court permitted the OTT release of Anurag Kashyap's Bandar, subject to English and Hindi disclaimers. The order came in a rape survivor's suit alleging the film monetised her trauma. The Court allowed its scheduled digital premiere on August 28. |
| CONSUMER - CCPA Fines Rs. 1 Lakh Penalty on United Biscuits over Misleading 'Wholewheat' Claims |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:36:39 IST |
| CCPA fined United Biscuits Rs. 1 lakh for misleadingly marketing McVitie's Marie as "Wholewheat". It found the claim deceptive as the biscuits contained only 19.5% whole wheat flour, compared with 52% refined wheat flour (maida). |
| CRIMINAL - P&H HC: Immigration Fraud by Consultancies is a Growing Menace, Denies Pre-Arrest Bail Leniency |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:36:27 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court denied anticipatory bail to a man accused of cheating a woman of Rs. 5.8 lakh on the promise of sending her to Canada, observing that such immigration fraud undermines social trust and may involve human trafficking and cross-border fraud. |
| CRIMINAL - Karnataka HC Directs Trial Courts, Police to Furnish S.164 of CrPC Statement Copies to Accused |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:36:15 IST |
| Karnataka High Court acquitted a POCSO accused while issuing suo motu guidelines for investigating officers and trial courts on recording Section 164 CrPC/Section 183 BNSS statements and ensuring that such statements are mandatorily furnished to the accused. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC Upholds Life Term for Father who Raped Minor Daughter, Causing Pregnancy |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:36:03 IST |
| Calcutta High Court upheld the life sentence of a man convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act for repeatedly raping his minor daughter, observing that the offence is graver when a parent entrusted with care and security abuses that relationship through fear and control. |
| CRIMINAL - Tripura High Court Pulls Up State Over Failure to Implement Supreme Court's Open Prison Directions |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:35:51 IST |
| Tripura High Court pulled up the State for failing to assess prison infrastructure and prepare an action plan for Open Correctional Infrastructure, as directed by the Supreme Court in Suhas Chakma v. Union of India, despite the May 26, 2026 deadline. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC Rejects Reliance on 'Vedic Mantras', Commutes Death Sentence in Wife's Murder Case |
| Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:35:36 IST |
| Calcutta High Court faulted a trial court for relying on Vedic marriage mantras to classify a wife's murder as a "rarest of rare" case. It noted that the lower court was also influenced by the brutal daytime killing at her father's house in front of family members. |
| CUSTOMS - SC: Major Port Trusts Liable for Customs Duty on Pilfered Goods under Customs Act |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:11:29 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Mumbai Port Trust, though governed by the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963, is a 'custodian' under the Customs Act and is liable to pay customs duty on goods pilfered, lost or damaged while in its custody. |
| ELECTION - Bombay HC: Government Cannot Fix 'Politically Convenient' Election Dates sets Goa Poll Timeline |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:11:20 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that no government can choose a politically convenient election date when the Constitution fixes its periodicity, while upholding the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, paving the way for elections to 11 Municipal Councils. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H HC: Courts Cannot Reveal Identities of Children in Conflict With Law in Court Records |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:11:09 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court held that the identity of a Child in Conflict with Law cannot be disclosed in judgments, orders or public judicial records, ruling that Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 also applies to judicial proceedings. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta HC: Street Vendors Act Protects Lawful Vending, Not Illegal Encroachments |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:11:00 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that the Street Vendors Act, 2014 protects lawful vending but not unauthorised permanent structures or encroachments, while dismissing hawkers' associations' challenge to a KMC eviction notice. |
| CRIMINAL - Orissa HC Commutes Death Sentence, Says Emotion Cannot Override Established Law |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:10:51 IST |
| Orissa High Court commuted a man's death sentence for brutally murdering his wife and attempting to kill his daughter, holding that despite the barbarity of the crime, sentencing must balance aggravating and mitigating factors rather than rest on emotive considerations. |
| CRIMINAL - Calcutta HC: Minor's Consent has No Mitigating Effect in POCSO Sexual Assault Cases |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:10:41 IST |
| Calcutta High Court upheld a man's conviction and 10-year rigorous imprisonment under the POCSO Act, holding that a minor's consent to a physical relationship cannot be treated as a mitigating factor while sentencing for aggravated penetrative sexual assault. |
| CRIMINAL - Gujarat HC Grants Bail to Marriage Bureau Owner, Finds No Link to Alleged 'Looteri Dulhan' Gang |
| Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:10:31 IST |
| Gujarat High Court granted bail to a marriage bureau owner accused of cheating and breach of trust, noting that her role was confined to facilitating the complainant's nephew's marriage and no material linked her to the alleged 'Looteri Dulhan' gang. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H High Court: Counsel's Ignorance of Readily Available Prior Litigation Amounts to Dereliction |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:20:44 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court observed that an advocate cannot plead ignorance of prior litigation when such information is readily available on the Court's website, terming such conduct as bordering on professional dereliction. |
| CIVIL - Bombay High Court: Each Petitioner Must Pay Court Fee Where Causes of Action are Separate |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:20:33 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that joint writ petitions under Articles 226 or 227 require court fees to be paid by each petitioner where causes of action are individual. A single court fee is sufficient only when all petitioners share a common or identical cause of action. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad HC: Father's Custody Cannot be Denied without Proof of Guardianship Unfitness |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:20:22 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that a father, as the natural guardian of his minor daughter under Section 6 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, cannot be denied custody unless he is proved unfit to act as her guardian. |
| COMMERCIAL - Allahabad HC: Clarification Issued Before Decision Applies to Pending Tender Complaints |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:20:13 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that a clarificatory circular issued after a tender complaint but before its final decision ordinarily governs the pending dispute, unless it disturbs crystallised rights or was framed to defeat a specific complaint. |
| CIVIL - Rajasthan HC Bars Courts from Protecting those Responsible for Building Defects at their Own Peril |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:20:03 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court barred all courts in the State from granting protection to persons or officers allegedly responsible for structural defects in its Jodhpur building, unless such relief is granted by its Division Bench or the Supreme Court. |
| CONSTITUTION - P&H HC: 45-Day Delay in Informing Detenue of Representation Right Violates Article 22(5) |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:19:54 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed a woman's preventive detention under the PITNDPS Act, holding that delay in informing her of the right to represent to the Centre, and in forwarding and deciding her plea, violated Article 22(5). |
| FAMILY - Chhattisgarh HC: Maintenance for Autistic Child May Continue Beyond 18 Until Self-Sufficient |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:19:44 IST |
| Chhattisgarh High Court held that maintenance for a child with physical or mental disability does not automatically end at 18. The key test is whether the child, after attaining majority, is capable of earning a livelihood and maintaining himself. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: 'No Coercive Steps' Order Cannot Restrain Filing of Charge Sheet |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:19:35 IST |
| Supreme Court clarified that an interim "no coercive steps" order protects an accused's liberty in anticipatory bail proceedings but does not restrain the Investigating Officer from filing a charge sheet after completing the investigation. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - Supreme Court: General Fraud Allegations Cannot Extend Limitation under Section 74 CGST Act |
| Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:19:26 IST |
| Supreme Court quashed the GST SCN against Tata Steel, holding that Section 74 cannot be invoked merely by alleging fraud, wilful misstatement or suppression to extend limitation when the case otherwise falls under Section 73. |
| CRIMINAL - Gauhati HC: Res Judicata Applies to Paternity Finding; DNA Test Needs Strong Proof of Non-Access |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:46:06 IST |
| Gauhati High Court held that an earlier unchallenged finding of a physical relationship and birth of a child from it operates as res judicata on paternity in subsequent maintenance proceedings under Section 125 CrPC. |
| FAMILY - Rajasthan HC: Son's Coparcenary Claim Fails without Proof of Hindu Undivided Family |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:57 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court held that a son cannot claim rights merely by virtue of his relationship with his father where the inherited property is treated as the father's self-acquired property and there are no pleadings showing it continued as HUF or coparcenary property. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras HC: Pending Domestic Violence Case Alone Cannot Curtail Husband's Right to Travel Abroad |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:48 IST |
| Madras High Court held that a spouse cannot be denied foreign travel merely due to a pending matrimonial dispute. It granted relief to a husband, noting that DV Act proceedings remain civil in nature until an order under Section 31 is passed. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - Gujarat HC Orders Human Verification of AI-Generated Case Law in Tax Orders, Warns of Contempt |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:39 IST |
| Gujarat High Court quashed GST cancellation and appellate proceedings after finding that the tax officer had relied exclusively on AI-generated case laws, including non-existent and irrelevant authorities, and stressed the need for strict human verification. |
| NARCOTICS - Gauhati HC: 24-Hour Limit for Magistrate Production Starts From Initial Detention under NDPS Act |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:29 IST |
| Gauhati High Court held that the 24-hour period for producing an accused before a Magistrate starts from the initial detention under Section 42 of the NDPS Act, not from formal arrest, under Article 22(2) of the Constitution and Section 58 BNSS. |
| EDUCATION - Allahabad HC: Hijab Not Essential Islamic Practice, Rejects Plea to Wear It With School Uniform |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:21 IST |
| Allahabad High Court dismissed a Muslim student's plea to wear a hijab with her school uniform, holding that hijab was not shown to be an essential Islamic practice and that students cannot seek changes to a uniform, bona fide and non-discriminatory dress code. |
| FAMILY - Gauhati HC: Legal Heir Not Made Party Can Challenge Ex-Parte Succession Certificate |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:10 IST |
| Gauhati High Court held that Section 383 of the Indian Succession Act does not bar recourse to Order IX Rule 13 CPC where a succession certificate was granted ex parte against a legal heir who had not been impleaded as a party. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Bail in Serious Offences like Murder Cases Must be Supported by Clear and Justifiable Reasons |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:44:57 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside bail granted to two murder accused, holding that the orders reflected non-application of mind as the courts below failed to consider vital evidence that prima facie indicated their involvement in the offence. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Plaint Cannot Be Rejected Where Ad Valorem Court Fee Depends on Disputed Facts |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:44:48 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a plaint cannot be rejected under Order VII Rule 11 CPC for non-payment of ad valorem court fee where the liability to pay such fee depends on disputed facts, including possession and other issues requiring adjudication. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Divorce Settlement Waiver Bars Revival of Monetary Claim under DV Act |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:44:39 IST |
| Supreme Court quashed DV Act proceedings filed by a wife and daughter against the husband, holding that monetary claims, including maintenance, cannot be revived after the wife voluntarily relinquished them through a settlement agreement and affidavit before the Family Court. |
| SERVICE - SC: Amendments to Government Orders Must Be Construed Fairly to Prevent Hardship |
| Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:44:30 IST |
| Supreme Court held that amendments modifying service rules must be reasonably construed to prevent undue hardship. It ruled that a later change in qualification norms cannot unsettle an employee's promotion if the requisite qualification was acquired under the rules then in force. |
| BANKING - Rajasthan HC Frames Guidelines against Blanket Freezing Of Bank Accounts in Cybercrime Cases |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:16:13 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court issued guidelines against indiscriminate freezing of bank accounts in cybercrime cases, stressing that investigation must remain effective while protecting innocent citizens from blanket debit freezes and lien markings. |
| CIVIL - Gauhati High Court: State Cannot Challenge Ex-Parte Award After Failing to Ensure Appearance |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:16:04 IST |
| Gauhati High Court held that a State authority cannot challenge an ex parte award for lack of hearing when it had notice, engaged counsel, and still failed to ensure representation. |
| SERVICE - MP HC: Employment Secured Through Forged Records Gives No Right to Hold Public Office |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:15:54 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld cancellation of a Gram Rojgar Sahayak's appointment, holding that public employment obtained through forged records creates no right to hold public office. Manipulation of records to bypass the cut-off date rendered the appointment void ab initio. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Mere Presence or FIR Nomination is Insufficient for Conviction under Section 149 IPC |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:15:45 IST |
| Allahabad HC acquitted two accused, noting that mere mention in the FIR was insufficient for conviction under Section 149 IPC. The prosecution failed to establish their involvement in an unlawful assembly, common object, or any specific role in the offence. |
| PROPERTY - Rajasthan HC: Road Widening Demolition Requires Title Claims and Fair Hearing |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:15:35 IST |
| Rajasthan HC ordered a committee to assess title claims and grievances of persons facing eviction for road construction or widening, stressing that authorities must provide a fair hearing and follow due process before taking demolition action. |
| SERVICE - Bombay HC: ICC's 'No Sexual Element' Finding Can Be Challenged under POSH Act |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:15:26 IST |
| Bombay HC held that an Internal Complaints Committee's preliminary rejection of a POSH complaint on the ground of "no sexual element" qualifies as a recommendation under the Act and may be appealed before the Industrial Court. |
| MUNICIPAL TAX - Delhi HC: Writ Courts Cannot Prescribe Method for Determining Property Tax |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:15:17 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that writ courts cannot prescribe a methodology for fixing rateable value or property tax, as it falls within the statutory and administrative domain. It dismissed Khan Market Welfare Association's plea against NDMC. |
| CONSTITUTION - Allahabad HC Invalidates Key Provisions of Uttar Pradesh Tenancy Law |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:15:08 IST |
| Allahabad High Court struck down Sections 8, 9, 10, 38 and 42 of the UP Urban Premises Tenancy Act, 2021, holding them repugnant to central laws and invalid for want of Presidential assent. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - SC: Extended GST Limitation under S.74 Requires Notice to Specify Fraud or Concealment |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:14:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a GST notice invoking extended limitation under Section 74 must specify the facts and circumstances indicating fraud, wilful misstatement or suppression. A mere bald allegation of fraud or concealment is insufficient. |
| BANKING - SC: SARFAESI Auction Valid Despite EMD Shortfall Where 25% Price Was Paid on Auction Day |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:14:50 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a SARFAESI auction sale cannot be set aside merely for a shortfall in EMD where the purchaser deposits the mandatory 25% of the sale price on the auction day, making the EMD deficiency inconsequential. |
| PROPERTY - SC: Revenue Record Mutation Alone Cannot Defeat a Person's Property Title |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:14:41 IST |
| Supreme Court reiterated that entries in revenue records neither create nor extinguish title to immovable property. It set aside a finding that rights in joint family property stood extinguished merely because a subsequent revenue entry was made in another person's name. |
| CIVIL - SC: Advocate Must Protect Client Confidentiality Even after Client Turns Adversary |
| Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:14:32 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "An advocate's duty is not conditional upon the client's continued good behaviour towards the advocate. An advocate cannot use information received in confidence against his client, and the fact that she has since become his adversary makes no difference." |
| INSOLVENCY - Bombay HC Upholds IBBI's 0.25% Regulatory Fee on Insolvency Resolution Plans under IBC |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:41:32 IST |
| Bombay High Court upheld IBBI's power to levy a 0.25% regulatory fee on approved resolution plans as CIRP costs, affirming the validity of Regulation 31A of the IBBI Insolvency Resolution Process Regulations, 2016. |
| PROPERTY - Delhi HC: Writ Petition Maintainable Against ED ECIR, Search or Seizure under PMLA |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:41:23 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that an ECIR and consequential ED actions, including search and seizure under Section 17(1) PMLA, can be challenged under Article 226, observing that an ECIR is an internal administrative document amenable to judicial review. |
| INSURANCE - MP HC: Comprehensive Insurance Doesn't Mean Unlimited Passenger Liability Without Terms |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:41:12 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a package or comprehensive insurance policy does not automatically provide unlimited passenger liability coverage unless the policy terms expressly provide for such coverage. |
| SERVICE - P&H High Court: PSC Cannot Introduce Minimum Interview Marks After Medical Faculty Selection Begins |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:41:02 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed HPSC's introduction of minimum interview marks for Assistant Professor posts, holding that eligibility criteria cannot be altered after the selection process begins, especially after shortlisted candidates are published. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: S.34 IPC Applies if Co-Accused Shares a 'Functional Relationship' with Offence |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:40:53 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that Section 34 IPC applies only when a co-accused's participation has a functional link with the offence. Mere participation in the same incident does not make every accused liable for each offence committed during it. |
| SERVICE - SC: Government Cannot Revisit PSC Eligibility Decision When Service Rules Make it Final |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:40:43 IST |
| Supreme Court held that where service rules give finality to the Public Service Commission's eligibility decision, the government cannot reassess a candidate once the Commission has declared them eligible and recommended appointment. |
| FAMILY - SC: Wife's Income does not Reduce Father's Duty to Maintain Children |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:40:33 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside an Allahabad High Court order reducing interim maintenance, holding that child-support obligations cannot be divided arithmetically. A wife's income alone does not justify reducing the husband's liability to maintain the children. |
| CIVIL - SC Reduces Judicial Service Practice Norm to 1 Year; Mandates Training & Clerkship |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:40:23 IST |
| Supreme Court declined to review its May 2025 ruling requiring prior legal practice for judicial service but reduced the requirement from three years to one. Selected candidates must also undergo one year of judicial academy training and a one-year clerkship under judges. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Caste Abuse in Private Space without Public Presence is not SC/ST Act Offence |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:40:14 IST |
| Supreme Court quashed an SC/ST Act case against a school manager, holding that alleged caste-based abuses made inside an enclosed room without public access did not satisfy the statutory requirement of being made "in any place within public view." |
| CRIMINAL - SC: UP Gangsters Act Creates no Offence, Perpetuates Violence against Citizens |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:40:05 IST |
| Supreme Court declared the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act, 1986 "stillborn", holding that it creates no distinct offence and cannot justify prosecution merely by labelling someone a "gangster". The Court warned it could perpetuate violence against citizens. |
| LAW OF MEDICINE - SC: Police Cannot Probe Offences under Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:39:55 IST |
| Supreme Court held that police cannot independently register FIRs or investigate offences under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994. The Appropriate Authority must handle complaints, with police only assisting when required. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Filing a False FIR Alone does not Amount to Abetment of Suicide |
| Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:39:46 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that filing an FIR or issuing a maintenance notice, even if later found false, does not by itself amount to instigation to suicide. The Court quashed the FIR against the deceased man's in-laws, finding no ingredients of abetment to suicide. |
| CRIMINAL - Karnataka High Court: Stalking and Ruining Marriage Prospects Can Prima Facie Amount to Abetment |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:17:04 IST |
| Karnataka High Court held that persistent stalking, threats to circulate photos and sabotaging a woman's marriage prospects prima facie amounted to abetment to suicide, and refused to quash proceedings, leaving the allegations to be examined at trial. |
| SERVICE - MP HC: Employee Denying Charges Must Face Enquiry Even for Minor Penalty |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:16:55 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a regular departmental enquiry is mandatory when a government employee disputes factual allegations, and an opportunity of hearing must be given even where only a minor penalty is proposed. |
| FAMILY - Kerala HC: Christian Women May File Divorce Pleas Where They Reside |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:16:45 IST |
| Kerala HC ruled that Christian women can institute divorce proceedings before courts having jurisdiction over their place of residence under Section 3 of the Divorce Act, allowing them to seek divorce without being restricted to other territorial jurisdictions. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court: POCSO Allows Child Witness Cross-Examination but Bars Aggressive Questioning |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:16:28 IST |
| Delhi HC clarified that POCSO does not prohibit cross-examination of child witnesses, but requires safeguards against aggressive questioning and character assassination, ensuring the child's dignity is protected throughout the trial. |
| EDUCATION - Delhi HC: Exam Integrity is a Shared Duty of Candidates and Authorities |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:16:17 IST |
| Delhi HC stressed that exam integrity is shared responsibility of candidates and authorities. It upheld cancellation of a doctor's Fellowship of National Board Cardiac Electrophysiology candidature for misrepresenting her Doctorate of National Board Cardiology qualification & imposed Rs.1,000 costs. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Supreme Court Revisits the definition of "Industry": 9-Judge Bench Reformulates the 1978 Triple Test |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:16:07 IST |
| By a 5:4 majority, the Supreme Court reformulated the Bangalore Water Supply "triple test" for defining "industry" under the ID Act, 1947, clarifying that the new test will apply prospectively and will not affect concluded or pending cases. |
| SERVICE TAX - SC: Referral Fees Earned By Auto Dealers for Bank, Insurance Promotion Taxable as Service Tax |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:15:58 IST |
| Supreme Court held that referral charges earned by automobile dealers from banks and insurers for facilitating vehicle loans and insurance policies are taxable as "Business Auxiliary Service" under the Finance Act, 1994. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - SC: Criminal Acquittal Alone Cannot Prove Absence of Negligence in Accident Claims |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:15:42 IST |
| Supreme Court held that acquittal in a criminal case does not determine the outcome of MACT proceedings, as criminal trials and motor accident compensation claims operate independently and are governed by different standards of proof. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Police can Register FIR Despite Magistrate Rejecting S.156(3) CrPC Application |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:15:32 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "The rejection of an application under Section 156(3) of the Cr.PC cannot curtail or extinguish the independent statutory obligation cast upon the Police under Section 154 of the Cr.PC." |
| SERVICE - SC: RPF Employee Who Conceals Criminal Case Can be Discharged at Any Stage |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:15:22 IST |
| Supreme Court upheld the discharge of RPF and RPSF constables for concealing pending criminal cases during recruitment, reiterating that deliberate suppression of criminal antecedents reflects on an employee's character and can justify termination. |
| ENVIRONMENT - SC: Cut Power, Water to Bulk Waste Generators Violating Solid Waste Rules |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:15:12 IST |
| Supreme Court directed District Collectors nationwide to identify all Bulk Waste Generators within six weeks, warning that continued non-compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 may lead to coercive action, including temporary disconnection of water or electricity. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Bribe Recovery Alone Cannot Prove Guilt without Proof of Demand under PC Act |
| Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:15:01 IST |
| Supreme Court acquitted a former Talati-cum-Mantri and Gram Panchayat Peon in a corruption case, holding that the prosecution failed to prove the initial bribe demand beyond reasonable doubt. Mere recovery of currency from a co-accused was insufficient for conviction. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: False Marriage Promise Invalidates Consent Only if it Taints Consent |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:46:25 IST |
| Delhi High Court observed that a false promise of marriage makes consensual sex an offence only when it induced the sexual relationship. The Court clarified that merely consensual sexual relations between adults do not constitute the offence unless the consent was "tainted" by such an assurance. |
| ARBITRATION - Delhi HC Levies Rs.5 Lakh Costs on Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited over Sham Plea |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:46:12 IST |
| Delhi High Court imposed Rs. 5 lakh costs on DMRC for misusing Section 33 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, observing that its application sought re-adjudication of the entire dispute rather than correction of clerical, typographical or computational errors. |
| RIGHT TO INFORMATION - Bombay HC: Public Authorities Need Not Obtain Third-Party Information for RTI Applicants |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:45:59 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that public authorities are not legally required under the RTI Act to obtain information from private bodies for applicants. The Court quashed CIC orders directing SEBI to collect information from the BSE for RTI applicants. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Madras HC: No Place for Caste Discrimination in Temples, God Treats All Equally |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:45:46 IST |
| Madras HC, while examining claims of discriminatory treatment against non-Brahmin devotees at Kanchipuram's Devaraja Swamy Temple, held that caste-based discrimination has no place in temples and religious practices cannot justify unequal treatment. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: UAPA Default Bail Triggered after 180 Days, Not 90 under BNSS |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:45:33 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that the default bail period under the UAPA remains 180 days, not 90 days, even after the BNSS came into force. Default bail is granted when the investigating agency fails to file a chargesheet within the prescribed period. |
| COMMERCIAL - SC: Courts Should Not Interfere Late in Tender Processes; Challenges Must Be Prompt |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:45:19 IST |
| Supreme Court held that judicial interference in public procurement tenders at an advanced stage is unwarranted, observing that delayed challenges to tender conditions after substantial progress in evaluation would be unfair and unjust to otherwise eligible bidders. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Illegal Appointments Cannot Be Regularised Due to Long Service |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:45:05 IST |
| SC held that illegal appointment cannot gain legality through prolonged service, ruling that illegality cannot be cured by lapse of time. The judgment arose from appeals concerning the deputation and absorption of four Haryana Development and Panchayat Department officers into PW(B&R) Department. |
| INSURANCE - SC: Insurer Not Liable Beyond Sum Assured Without Advance Premium Payment |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:44:51 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an insurer is not liable for losses occurring after the insured's turnover exceeded the sum insured under a Marine Cargo Annual Turnover Policy, where the enhanced premium was not paid in advance, as barred by Section 64VB of the Insurance Act, 1938. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Sentences With Life Imprisonment Must Run Concurrently, Not Consecutively |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:44:37 IST |
| Supreme Court, while modifying a Madras High Court order, reiterated that where a convict receives life imprisonment for murder along with sentences for other offences, the sentences must run concurrently, not consecutively. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Abolish Hanging, Says Centre Can Explore Alternative Methods |
| Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:44:23 IST |
| Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging hanging as a method of execution, while allowing future constitutional review if medical or scientific evidence warrants it. The Union Government may also explore alternatives through an expert body to minimise pain and preserve dignity. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Bombay HC Directs Minimum Wages for Community Health Volunteers, Rejecting Honorarium-Based Pay |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:27:21 IST |
| Bombay HC held that Community Health Volunteers engaged by the Mumbai civic body are entitled to minimum wages for their duty hours. The Court ruled that calling their remuneration an "honorarium" or describing them as volunteers cannot deny their employee status for minimum-wage entitlement. |
| EDUCATION - Calcutta HC orders Urgent EWS Certificate Decision, Says Mother's Voter Deletion Irrelevant |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:27:09 IST |
| Calcutta High Court directed authorities to urgently consider a NEET-UG 2026 aspirant's request for an EWS certificate, holding that his mother's deletion from the voter list due to a name discrepancy cannot be considered while determining his eligibility. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala High Court Flags Misuse of POCSO in Marital Disputes and Acquits Man Accused of Rape |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:59 IST |
| Kerala High Court cautioned that the POCSO Act may be misused to settle scores during matrimonial disputes. While acquitting a man accused of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter, the Court noted several factors casting doubt on the allegations and the possibility of false implication. |
| EDUCATION - Delhi HC Bars JNU from Granting Student Admissions Using Deprivation Points |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:48 IST |
| Delhi High Court restrained JNU from finalising postgraduate admissions based on deprivation points, which award up to 36 additional marks based on candidates' previous schooling locations. JNU said the policy aims to ensure adequate representation of students from different regions. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras HC: Police Cannot Arbitrarily Bar Carrying Indian Flag at Peaceful Rallies |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:37 IST |
| Madras High Court held that citizens may carry the national flag during peaceful rallies, as displaying the tricolour is protected under Article 19(1)(a) as freedom of expression, and police cannot impose arbitrary restrictions on this fundamental right. |
| NARCOTICS - Supreme Court Issues Directions to Prevent Fake Sureties in Bail Cases Involving Foreigners |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:28 IST |
| Supreme Court issued directions on granting bail to foreign nationals accused of offences involving commercial quantities of narcotic drugs under the NDPS Act. The directions came while cancelling the bail of Nigerian national Chidiebere Kingsley Nawchara, accused of possessing about 5 kg of heroin. |
| ELECTION - Supreme Court Issues Directions to Curb Unaccounted Cash in Elections to Protect Democracy |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:18 IST |
| Supreme Court issued directions to curb the use of black money in elections, holding that unaccounted cash used to influence voters undermines free and fair elections and strikes at the very foundation of democracy. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Speedy Trial is Victim's Right; Gangsters Act Case Cannot Stall Other Trials |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:09 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the right to a speedy trial is not only that of the accused but also a valuable right of the victim. It set aside the Allahabad High Court's order staying a murder trial merely because proceedings under the UP Gangsters Act were pending. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Superior's Mere Reprimand Not Abetment of Suicide without Intent to Provoke Death |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:26:00 IST |
| SC held that administrative directions, disciplinary supervision, adverse remarks, or stern conduct by a superior officer do not, by themselves, amount to abetment of suicide under Section 306 IPC unless there is additional material showing a conscious intention to drive the subordinate to suicide. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - SC: S.69 Evidence Act Applies to Will Only if S.68 Attestation Proof is Impossible |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:25:50 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Section 69 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, cannot replace the ordinary mode of proving a Will under Section 68. Section 69 may be invoked only after the propounder establishes that no attesting witness can be found to prove the Will under Section 68. |
| PROPERTY - SC: No Remand if the Appellate Court Can Decide the Issue on Existing Evidence |
| Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:25:41 IST |
| Supreme Court reiterated that an appellate court should not routinely remand a case merely because a specific issue was not separately framed, if the existing pleadings, evidence, and issues on record are sufficient to enable the appellate court to decide the dispute. |
| CIVIL - Delhi HC: 2015 Commercial Courts Act Applicable to Suits Instituted Before its Enactment |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:50:51 IST |
| Delhi High Court stated that "We hold that the provisions of the Commercial Courts Act shall be applicable to suits filed prior to its commencement, even if the suits were converted or re-numbered into commercial suits only on a later date" |
| PROPERTY - Allahabad HC: Allottee Aware of Reduced Lease Area Not Entitled to Full Zero-Period Benefit |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:50:41 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that a developer who knowingly leased only part of scattered land, while the remaining land was unavailable, cannot claim the "zero period" benefit for the entire allotment, despite the authority's default. |
| CIVIL - P&H HC: Authorities Obligated to Act if Protests Escalate into Violence |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:50:31 IST |
| P&H HC observed that citizens have a right to peaceful protest, but once a demonstration becomes violent or threatens public safety, Authorities are legally obligated to undertake preventive and corrective measures to preserve public peace and order. |
| CONTRACT - SC Levies Rs. 10 Lakh Cost on Reliance Industries for Hindering 20-Year-Old NTPC Suit |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:50:20 IST |
| Supreme Court imposed Rs. 10 lakh costs on Reliance Industries Ltd. for prolonging NTPC's 20-year-old commercial suit, criticising its litigation strategy as the 2005 case remains at the evidence stage due to repeated objections. |
| TENANCY - SC Clarifies Whether Tenancy Ends after Landlord-Tenant Execute Agreement to Sell |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:50:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a tenancy does not automatically end merely because the landlord and tenant execute an agreement to sell. Its continuation depends on the agreement's terms or the parties' unequivocal conduct, and the Court laid down guiding principles for such disputes. |
| NARCOTICS - SC: S.42 NDPS Act Compliance Need Not be Absolute When Immediate Seizure is Required |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:49:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Section 42 of the NDPS Act must be assessed in light of urgency when narcotics information requires immediate interception of a moving vehicle. Finding substantial compliance with safeguards, it upheld the recovery despite procedural lapses. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Questions Union's Opposition to Global Food Package Labelling Norms |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:49:49 IST |
| Supreme Court criticised the Union's reluctance to adopt international standards for front-of-package warnings on high sugar, sodium and fat content, questioning whether India should remain underdeveloped amid rising obesity concerns and FSSAI's failure to implement FOPL. |
| SERVICE - SC: Re-Employed Officers May be Classified Differently from Regular Officers |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:49:36 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that retired government officers re-employed after retirement can be considered a separate class from regular employees for pay fixation, observing that such classification does not infringe the equality protections under Articles 14 and 16. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - SC: Legal Representatives Entitled to Motor Accident Compensation without Financial Dependency |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:49:26 IST |
| Supreme Court reiterated that a deceased's legal representative can seek motor accident compensation even without financial dependency, holding that the absence of dependency does not extinguish the liability to pay compensation under the Act. |
| BANKING - SC: DRT Auction Sale Valid Despite Failure to Serve Order XXI Rule 22 Notice |
| Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:49:15 IST |
| SC ruled that notice under Order XXI Rule 22 CPC to judgment debtors' legal representatives is not required before a Debt Recovery Tribunal auction under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993, dismissing the objection over non-service of notice. |
| ELECTION - Madras HC Rejects Election Petition Challenging Colachel MLA Tharahai Cuthbert |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:47:28 IST |
| Madras High Court dismissed a petition challenging the election of MLA Tharahai Cuthbert from Colachel, observing that voters ultimately decide whom to elect and a candidate's belief that public service should have secured more votes cannot justify questioning the counting process. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - Delhi HC: Insolvency Professionals Must Collect & Deposit GST Even if they are Advocates |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:47:18 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that advocates acting as insolvency professionals must collect and deposit GST under the forward charge mechanism, requiring them to obtain GST registration and comply with applicable tax rules while providing insolvency and receivership services. |
| CYBER LAWS - Chandigarh Court Orders Meta to Take Down AI-Generated Video of Punjab MLA Sukhpal Khaira |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:47:07 IST |
| Chandigarh court directed Meta to remove a morphed, AI-generated video depicting Punjab MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in a women's dress, holding that he had established a prima facie case and would suffer irreparable harm if the content continued circulating online. |
| CIVIL - SC: Common Judgment in Suits by Same Plaintiff can be Challenged Through Composite Appeal |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:46:58 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a composite appeal against a common judgment in suits filed by the same plaintiff is maintainable, setting aside the Karnataka High Court's ruling that had interfered with the First Appellate Court's decision to entertain such an appeal. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Criticizes Courts For Conducting 'Mini-Trials' in Temporary Injunction Matters |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:46:45 IST |
| Supreme Court deprecated mini-trials at the stage of granting interim injunctions, holding that courts must limit their findings to whether a prima facie case exists, the balance of convenience favours relief, and irreparable injury would result without it. |
| ELECTRICITY - SC: Electricity Boards Liable for Electrocution Deaths under Strict, Not Absolute Liability |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:46:35 IST |
| Supreme Court held that electricity authorities face strict, not absolute liability for electrocution deaths or injuries. It overturned Karnataka HC orders imposing absolute liability on the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). |
| CIVIL - SC: Retired Judges Appointed to Central Industrial Tribunals Not Entitled to Pay Parity |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:46:26 IST |
| Supreme Court dismissed a plea by former judicial officers re-employed as Presiding Officers of Central Government Industrial Tribunals-cum-Labour Courts, seeking pay parity with members of other National Tribunals under the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. |
| CRIMINAL - SC Condemns Witch-Hunting, Says Superstition Continues to Override Constitutional Morality |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:46:16 IST |
| Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over the persistence of witch-hunting in India, observing that superstition, prejudice and irrational fear continue to override the rule of law, exposing vulnerable women to brutal violence and social ostracisation. |
| DIRECT TAXATION - Delhi HC: Courts Cannot Judge Sufficiency of Material For Issuing Look Out Circular |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:08:34 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that courts cannot sit in appeal over the subjective satisfaction of an authority issuing a Look Out Circular and cannot examine whether sufficient material existed to justify the LOC. |
| CIVIL - Kerala HC: NGO Funding Peaceful Protests Can't Justify FCRA Renewal Denial |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:08:22 IST |
| Kerala High Court granted relief to two NGOs whose FCRA renewal applications were rejected by the Centre based on an Intelligence Bureau report alleging that they funded protests at Vizhinjam Port and diverted funds through other NGOs. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC Affirms Teacher's POCSO Conviction, Urges Schools to Encourage Children to Speak Up |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:08:00 IST |
| Delhi High Court said educational institutions must make children conscious of their rights and create a supportive environment where they can freely report conduct that leaves them feeling threatened, uncomfortable or unsafe. |
| CONSTITUTION - Delhi HC Rejects Black Money Act Challenge, Imposes Rs. 60,000 Costs over Prosecution Avoidance |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:07:51 IST |
| Delhi High Court dismissed challenges to the constitutional validity of the proviso to Section 3(1) and Section 72(c) of the Black Money Act, holding them to be a "subterfuge to obviate prosecution," and imposed costs of Rs. 20,000 on each petitioner. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Unsuccessful Party Can Seek Post-Award Section 9 Relief in Exceptional Cases |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:07:40 IST |
| Supreme Court held that interim relief under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, may be granted at the instance of an award debtor to prevent unjust enrichment through a bank guarantee and preserve the efficacy of a pending Section 34 challenge. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Separate Appeals Unnecessary Against Common Judgment on Suit and Counterclaim |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:07:29 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a composite appeal under the Code of Civil Procedure is maintainable against a common judgment adjudicating both the original claim and counterclaim, and that separate appeals are not required. |
| LIMITATION - Supreme Court: Winding-Up Proceedings Period Cannot be Excluded under Section 14 Limitation Act |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:07:19 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the period spent pursuing winding-up proceedings cannot be excluded under Section 14 of the Limitation Act for filing a recovery suit, as the reliefs sought in the two proceedings are fundamentally different. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - Supreme Court: S.69 GST Arrest Order with "Reasons to Believe" Must Precede Arrest |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:07:09 IST |
| Supreme Court held that arrest under Section 69 of the CGST Act cannot be made unless the order containing the "reasons to believe" is communicated to the person concerned beforehand, making such communication mandatory. |
| BANKING - Supreme Court: Interest Accrued in Suspense Account After NPA Classification is Recoverable as Debt |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:06:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that interest credited to a suspense account after a borrower's account is classified as an NPA remains part of the "debt" due and is recoverable by banks while calculating the borrower's outstanding dues. |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: Uncrystallized Contractual Damages Not an Operational Debt under Section 9 IBC |
| Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:06:47 IST |
| Supreme Court held that damages arising from a breach of contract do not constitute "operational debt" under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, unless the claim has been adjudicated and crystallized by a competent court. |
| CIVIL - Allahabad HC: LPG Distributor has No Right to Retain Customers Enrolled for Oil Firms |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:06:44 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that an LPG distributor has no legitimate expectation to retain customers enrolled on behalf of Oil Marketing Companies. It upheld the 2025 customer-transfer policy, noting distributors cannot challenge agreed terms allowing curtailment of their customer base. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Allahabad HC: Court-Directed Award Cannot be Challenged for Not Computing Market Value |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:06:34 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that an award under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, framed pursuant to a judicial direction following the Supreme Court's decision in Delhi Airtech Services, cannot be challenged for computing market value otherwise than as of January 1, 2014. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Further Investigation Permissible Even After Final Report is Accepted |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:06:24 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that acceptance of a final report does not bar further investigation under Section 173(8) CrPC. It also clarified that an accused has no right to be heard during investigation or challenge how police conduct further investigation. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta HC: SLSA Cannot Adopt 'Big Brother' Approach Over Adult Victims' Compensation |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:06:14 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that adult victims receiving compensation under the West Bengal Victim Compensation Scheme can decide how to use the amount, and SLSA cannot impose arbitrary restrictions. It upheld the order setting aside the 75% deposit requirement for 10 years. |
| FAMILY - Delhi HC: Wife's Interim Maintenance Cannot be Based Solely on Husband's Income |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:06:04 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that interim maintenance cannot be awarded to a wife solely based on the husband's income. The Family Court must consider all relevant factors cumulatively, even where the husband is financially well-off. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay HC: Minor's Inability to Describe Sexual Act No Ground to Reject Her Testimony |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:05:54 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that a minor rape victim's testimony cannot be rejected merely because she could not properly describe the sexual act. It reversed the trial court's acquittal of Anil Gaikwad and convicted him in the 2012 case involving the six-year-old victim. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Acquits Man in Minor Rape Case, Flags HC's Medical Evidence Lapse |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:05:45 IST |
| Supreme Court restored Ram Singh's acquittal in the case involving allegations of rape of a five-year-old girl, setting aside the Himachal Pradesh High Court's contrary judgment after finding that it had failed to properly consider the medical and forensic evidence on record. |
| INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - Supreme Court Allows Cross-Examination on Brand Use Despite Written Statement Not Being on Record |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:05:35 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a defendant in a trademark suit can cross-examine the plaintiff on documents showing when the disputed brand was first used, even if the written statement is not on record, and set aside the High Court's order expunging the question. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Explains Four-Step Test to Quash Criminal Cases Using Defence Material |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:05:24 IST |
| Supreme Court held that criminal proceedings may be quashed at the pre-trial stage in exceptional cases based on unimpeachable defence material or official records showing that continuing the prosecution would amount to an abuse of the court's process. |
| CAPITAL MARKET - Supreme Court: Trading While Holding Confidential Information Indicates Insider Trading |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:05:12 IST |
| Supreme Court held that trading in securities while possessing UPSI attracts the presumption of insider trading under the SEBI Regulations, regardless of profit or loss. It allowed SEBI's appeal and restored its order against Tara Jewels Ltd.'s promoters. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Enquiry Needed Before Dismissal for Suppressing Criminal Antecedents |
| Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:05:01 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an employee's disclosure of criminal antecedents after joining service does not automatically warrant dismissal. The employer must conduct an enquiry to determine whether the suppression was deliberate and record a finding that continued employment is unfeasible. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Bombay HC: 0.1 Mg Above Alcohol Limit is Insufficient to Warrant a Drunken Driving Trial |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:52 IST |
| Bombay High Court quashed an FIR against a 25-year-old student under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, holding that prosecuting him when his breath alcohol reading was only 0.1 mg above the statutory limit would amount to an abuse of judicial process. |
| CIVIL - Rajasthan HC Takes Suo Motu Notice of Structural Defects After IIT Bombay Warns Dome May Collapse |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:43 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of structural defects in its Jodhpur building after IIT Bombay warned that the 21-metre-high Central Dome was at imminent risk of collapse, posing grave danger to people on the premises. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad HC: Denying Maintenance That Forces Wife into Destitution Violates Art 21 Right to Dignity |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:35 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that denying maintenance and forcing a wife into destitution violates her Article 21 right to live with dignity, observing that maintenance is meant to prevent deprivation that undermines a woman's constitutional right to a dignified life. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - Patna HC: Whatsapp Messages Need Section 65B Certificate, Oral Evidence is Insufficient |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:24 IST |
| Patna High Court ruled that WhatsApp messages cannot be admitted as electronic evidence without the mandatory Section 65B(4) certificate under the Indian Evidence Act, holding that oral evidence cannot cure its absence, while setting aside a divorce decree granted on cruelty grounds. |
| CIVIL - Madras HC Orders Interim Elected Panel to Manage State Bar Council Affairs Until New Committee Forms |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:12 IST |
| Madras High Court directed an interim committee of elected members of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to manage its affairs and enrolment functions until a permanent statutory committee is constituted, holding that governance should reflect the democratic mandate. |
| CYBER LAWS - Delhi HC Orders Removal of Derogatory Online Content Targeting Actress Tabu |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:03 IST |
| Delhi High Court directed Meta, Google, X, Reddit, eBay and GoDaddy to remove obscene or pornographic content targeting actress Tabu within 36 hours, citing personality rights, and ordered disclosure of anonymous uploaders' subscriber and IP details within three weeks. |
| EDUCATION - Bombay HC to Scrap Law College Intake Cuts if Mumbai University Follows Prescribed Timelines |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:37:53 IST |
| Bombay High Court approved a step-by-step plan allowing over 15 Mumbai University-affiliated law colleges to address faculty shortages and restore full student intake for 2026-27, after they challenged last-minute seat cuts and fines over non-approval of teachers and principals. |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - SC: Exporters with Pending Applications Prior to Rule 96(10) Omission Entitled to IGST Refund |
| Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:37:43 IST |
| Supreme Court has ruled that exporters with pending IGST refund applications when Rule 96(10) of the CGST Rules was omitted in 2024 can claim refunds without restrictions, settling the controversy over the rule's removal without a saving clause. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K HC: Circulating WhatsApp Message on Local COVID Cases Does Not Attract Section 505 IPC |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:02:43 IST |
| Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed a case against a man for sharing a WhatsApp message about COVID-19 cases, holding that panic caused by such a message alone does not constitute an offence under Section 505(2) IPC without intent to create enmity. |
| CIVIL - Bombay High Court Directs BCI to Scrutinise and Clear Pending Law College Affiliation Approvals |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:02:34 IST |
| Bombay High Court directed the BCI to scrutinize and process four law colleges' pending approval applications and grant approvals, if compliant, by August 6, 2026. It also directed the Directorate of Higher Education, Pune, to verify the approvals and include the colleges in its list. |
| CIVIL - Allahabad HC: Advocates Failing AIBE Within 2 Years of Provisional Enrolment Can't Continue Practice |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:02:25 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that advocates who graduated in 2009-10 or later and were provisionally enrolled with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh cannot practise if they fail to clear the AIBE within two years, including before any court, tribunal or authority. |
| SERVICE - Allahabad High Court: Regularization Claim Survives Employee's Death Through Legal Heirs |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:02:16 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that an employee's claim for regularization survives his death through legal heirs if the process began during his lifetime. The Court directed that consideration be undertaken, even notionally, to ensure consequential service benefits reach the legal heirs. |
| EDUCATION - Bombay HC: Questioning Other Varsities' Degrees Could Cause 'Anarchy and Chaos' in Education System |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:02:07 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that allowing one educational institution to question degrees conferred by another would cause "anarchy and chaos" in the education system, while quashing Shivaji University's refusal to approve a professor's appointment based on his Rajasthan university PhD. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Unpaid Consideration Alone Does Not Invalidate a Sale Deed |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:01:57 IST |
| Supreme Court held that actual payment of the sale consideration at the time of execution is not essential to complete a sale. Non-payment of the balance consideration is to be remedied through a money recovery suit, not cancellation of the sale deed. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Marking a Document as an Exhibit Does Not Prove its Contents |
| Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:01:47 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that merely marking a document as an exhibit does not prove its contents. The Court held that even prima facie relevant documents must be proved as required by law, and their admissibility cannot ordinarily be decided solely because they were exhibited. |
| SERVICE - Allahabad HC: Disagreement or Fair Criticism With Colleagues is Not Misconduct |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:53:36 IST |
| Allahabad HC ruled that service rules on workplace courtesy cannot treat every disagreement or legitimate criticism as misconduct. It held that discussing recruitment concerns in meeting does not amount to misconduct unless there is evidence of intent to harass, humiliate or undermine a colleague. |
| SERVICE - Allahabad High Court: Prior Agreement With Inquiry Report Doesn't Vitiate Disciplinary Proceedings |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:53:27 IST |
| Allahabad HC held that a disciplinary authority's agreement with an inquiry officer's findings in a show cause notice does not invalidate subsequent disciplinary proceedings. It observed that such agreement is a prerequisite for issuing the notice and does not indicate a predetermined outcome. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay High Court: The Notion of a "Perfect Victim" in Rape Cases is a Myth |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:53:18 IST |
| Bombay High Court, while convicting Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 rape case, rejected the notion that victims must behave in a particular way to be credible. The Court criticised the trial court for disbelieving the victim and accepting claims about her character. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC: Prior Sanction Not Required Where Cognizance Preceded 2018 PC Act Amendment |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:53:07 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that the 2018 amendment to Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act applies prospectively and does not affect cases where courts had already taken cognizance before July 26, 2018, meaning no prior sanction is required in such cases. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad High Court: Strong Suspicion, Not Proof of Guilt, is Sufficient to Frame Charges |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:52:53 IST |
| Allahabad High Court refused relief to a former GST officer in a corruption case, holding that at the stage of framing charges, the court only needs a strong suspicion that the accused committed the offence, and not proof of guilt, which is assessed during the trial. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC Awarded Rs. 4.75 Lakh Compensation Over Illegal Vehicle Confiscation in a Beef Case |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:52:41 IST |
| Allahabad HC quashed the confiscation of a vehicle under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, holding there was no evidence the cattle were being transported for slaughter. Finding the action based on assumptions, it also awarded Rs. 4.75 lakh compensation for the illegal confiscation. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras High Court: Advocates Cannot Hinder Police From Producing Arrested Lawyers Before a Court |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:52:21 IST |
| Madras HC held that while advocates may object to alleged police excesses during the arrest of lawyers, they cannot prevent police from producing arrested advocates before court. The ruling came while refusing to quash a case against 10 lawyers accused of obstructing such production in an NDPS case. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi High Court Quashed Cases over Allegations of Excess Lead Content in Maggi Noodles |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:52:11 IST |
| Delhi HC quashed criminal proceedings against food business operators in the 2015 Maggi Noodles case, holding that the prosecution's foundation had substantially eroded after subsequent judicial findings. The case alleged the noodles were unsafe due to lead content exceeding prescribed limits. |
| DEFENCE - SC Directs States/UTs to Grant Ex-Servicemen Quota to Cadets Disabled 40% or More in Training |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:52:01 IST |
| Supreme Court asked States and UTs to consider extending Ex-Military Personnel quota benefits to cadets discharged from training with disabilities of forty percent or more. It also upheld their entitlement to reservation under Section 34 of the RPwD Act. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: 'Washed-Off Theory' Inapplicable in Assessing Employee Retention Suitability |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:51:52 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that an employee's suitability for continued service must be assessed based on the complete service record, not merely recent performance. It held that the "washed-off theory" does not apply while determining retention in service. |
| ARBITRATION - Supreme Court: Non-Signatory Can Be Bound By an Agreement if Involved in Performing the Contract |
| Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:51:42 IST |
| SC held that a non-signatory's involvement in performing the underlying contract is a relevant factor in deciding whether they are bound by an arbitration agreement. It set aside the Delhi High Court's ruling that excluded Respondent No. 1 from arbitration solely because he was not a signatory. |
| ARBITRATION - Bombay HC: Pre-2015 Unilateral Arbitrator Appointments Remain Valid if Authorised by Contract |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:43:42 IST |
| Bombay High Court ruled that pre-October 23, 2015 unilateral arbitrator appointments remain legally valid when supported by contractual terms. However, appointments made without an arbitration clause or consent of the other party would be considered invalid. |
| BANKING - P&H HC: Cheque Bounce Cases Remain Compoundable Even After Appellate Courts Uphold Conviction |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:43:29 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that cheque bounce cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act can be compounded even after a conviction is upheld in appeal. It also clarified that courts may waive compounding costs only in exceptional circumstances. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Allahabad High Court Upholds Transfer of a Dissolved Society's Assets to its Successor Company |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:43:18 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has held that a dissolved society may validly transfer its assets, liabilities and functions to a Section 25 of Companies Act, 1956. It ruled that the Societies Registration Act permits such a transfer once at least three-fifths of the members approve the society's dissolution. |
| CRIMINAL - Karnataka HC Allows ECIR Challenge under Article 226, Rejects ED's Immunity Claim |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:43:07 IST |
| Karnataka High Court has held that an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) can be challenged under Article 226 of the Constitution. It ruled that the Enforcement Directorate cannot shield an ECIR from judicial review by merely calling it an internal administrative document. |
| LAW OF MEDICINE - Delhi HC: Minor's Signature Alone Cannot Establish Consent for Pregnancy Termination |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:42:56 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a minor's signature alone, even if authentic, cannot be treated as valid consent for pregnancy termination under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The Court stated that written consent of the minor's guardian is mandatory under the law. |
| CIVIL - Rajasthan HC: Funds Collected From an Illegal Toll Plaza Must Be Used For Tree Plantation |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:42:46 IST |
| Rajasthan HC has directed the Project Director of the Rajasthan State Highways Authority to decide within three months a plea seeking relocation of an allegedly illegal toll plaza. It also ordered that toll collections be preserved and considered for funding tree plantation in nearby public areas. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Trial Courts Cannot Examine Witnesses to Generate Fresh Evidence Before Cognizance |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:42:32 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has held that trial courts cannot examine witnesses to generate fresh evidence before taking cognizance under Section 190 CrPC. It said courts must decide on the material already on record, as collecting additional evidence is the investigating agency's role. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Gujarat High Court: Res Judicata Prevents Trustees from Reopening Trust Property Disputes |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:42:22 IST |
| Gujarat High Court has held that a trust application over disputed trust property is not maintainable if the issue has already been conclusively decided in earlier proceedings, even when the subsequent case is filed by a different set of trustees. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Clarifies Principles Governing Witness Recall under Order 18 Rule 17 of CPC |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:42:09 IST |
| Supreme Court has reiterated that under Order XVIII Rule 17 of the CPC, courts may recall a witness only to seek clarification through the court's own examination. The provision cannot be used to allow either party to conduct further cross-examination of the witness. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Judgments Operate Retrospectively Unless Made Prospective |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:41:59 IST |
| Supreme Court observed that "If a decision of the Apex Court does not expressly provide its application to be prospective, then it is settled law that all decisions of this Court are retrospective in application…" |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court Explains that Comprehensive Motor Insurance Covers Occupants of a Vehicle |
| Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:41:47 IST |
| Supreme Court has ruled that a comprehensive motor insurance policy covers the vehicle owner and occupants, unlike a basic third-party policy. It also urged insurers to introduce a standardised opt-in system for additional covers while buying insurance, while upholding compensation in the case. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Employee Who Accepts Resignation Benefits Cannot Later Challenge its Acceptance |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:03:43 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that an employee who voluntarily resigns, accepts all consequential benefits and joins fresh employment cannot later seek reinstatement by citing a technical defect in the resignation's acceptance. It ruled that any defect can be cured by subsequent ratification. |
| ENVIRONMENT - Supreme Court Directs Centre to Issue Environmental Compensation Norms under SWM Rules 2026 |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:03:33 IST |
| Supreme Court outlined key principles for assessing environmental compensation under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and directed the Centre to issue detailed guidelines. It stressed that the priority must now be effective implementation through strong institutional mechanisms. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Acquits Murder Convict Jailed for 22 Years, Points to Criminal Justice System Failure |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:03:23 IST |
| Supreme Court acquitted a murder convict after 22 years in jail, holding that the case exposed a collective failure of the criminal justice system. It said the trial court and High Court failed to properly assess the evidence, resulting in prolonged incarceration and custodial torture. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Supreme Court: Media Can Report Court Proceedings Without Sharing Audio or Video Clips |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:03:13 IST |
| Supreme Court has clarified that recognised news organisations may report court proceedings despite its interim order restricting the sharing of audio-video clips. It said the restriction applies only to the use and uploading of such clips in news reports, not to reporting on hearings. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court Proposes Denying Fuel to Vehicles Without Valid Insurance |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:03:00 IST |
| Supreme Court has proposed a pilot scheme to make fuel supply conditional on valid vehicle insurance. It also urged IRDAI to extend compulsory third-party insurance for new cars and two-wheelers after noting that over half of vehicles lack insurance coverage. |
| INSURANCE - Allahabad HC: Insurance Company Cannot Challenge Welfare Scheme Compensation Through Writ |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:02:48 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has held that an insurance company cannot invoke Article 226 to challenge compensation awarded under a government welfare scheme. It ruled that disputes arising from an MoU with the State are contractual and must be pursued before a civil, commercial or arbitral forum. |
| CRIMINAL - MP High Court: Criminal Record Alone Doesn't Attract Organised Crime Charge under BNS |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:02:37 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh High Court held that an accused's criminal record alone cannot justify invoking Section 111 of the BNS. It said the prosecution must first establish the essential elements of organised crime and cautioned against routine use of the provision without meeting these requirements. |
| CIVIL - Kerala HC: Online Publication of Interim Orders is Not Valid Service for Contempt Proceedings |
| Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:02:26 IST |
| Kerala High Court held that uploading an interim order online does not amount to legal service on parties. It also directed that all judicial orders, including interim directions, should preferably be uploaded on the same day they are pronounced. |
| SERVICE - P&H High Court Criticises Punjab For Spending on Freebies and Ads While Delaying Employee Dues |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:17:07 IST |
| P&H HC directed the Punjab government to clear pending DA/DR dues of employees and pensioners, observing that it cannot cite financial constraints while spending heavily on freebies & advertisements. The Court also restrained the State from unproductive advertising until the dues are paid. |
| DIRECT TAXATION - Bombay HC Criticises ITAT for Delays in Pronouncing Orders Beyond 90-Day Limit |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:16:57 IST |
| Bombay High Court criticised the ITAT for repeatedly delaying order pronouncements beyond the 90-day limit under Rule 34 of the Income Tax (Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 1963, and directed all benches to strictly comply with the prescribed deadline. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad High Court Upholds Conviction, Says a Reliable Dying Declaration Alone Can Sustain Guilt |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:16:46 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has upheld the life sentence of two women convicted of setting a married woman ablaze, holding that a voluntary, truthful and properly recorded dying declaration made in a fit state of mind can, by itself, form the basis for conviction. |
| EDUCATION - Chhattisgarh High Court: NEET OMR Tampering Allegations Cannot Rest on Mere Suspicion |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:16:36 IST |
| Chhattisgarh High Court has held that allegations of NEET OMR sheet tampering require substantive evidence and cannot rest on mere suspicion. The Court also ruled that candidates must first use the prescribed grievance mechanism before invoking the High Court's writ jurisdiction. |
| CIVIL - P&H HC: Courts Cannot Grant Protection to a Minor's Live-In Relationship Prohibited By Law |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:16:24 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a plea for police protection by a minor girl and her adult partner, holding that granting such relief would indirectly legitimise a relationship involving a minor, which is expressly prohibited under the statutory framework. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - J&K and Ladakh High Court: Private Trust Cannot Oppose Wakf Takeover Without Legal Authority |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:16:12 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court has held that a private trust managing a shrine without lawful authority cannot challenge its takeover by Wakaf authorities under the Jammu and Kashmir Wakaf Act, 2001. The Court upheld the authorities' action in taking over the shrine and declaring it Wakaf property. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court Awards Rs.83.38 Lakh to Child Left Paralysed, Stressing Impact on the Victim's Future |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:16:03 IST |
| Supreme Court enhanced compensation to Rs. 83.38 lakh for a child left permanently paralysed in a motor accident, holding that damages must reflect the loss of future earning capacity and the long-term impact of disability, not merely the percentage of medical disability. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Section 498A IPC Applies to Live-In Relationships in Nature of Marriage |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:15:54 IST |
| SC has held that S.498A IPC applies to live-in relationships that are in the nature of marriage, ruling that excluding such women would be discriminatory. The Court clarified that the provision applies only where the relationship reflects an intent to marry and qualifies as a marriage-like union. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Specific Performance of an Agreement to Sell May be Denied After a Long Delay |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:15:45 IST |
| SC has ruled that specific performance of agreement to sell is not automatic and may be denied if the purchaser fails to continuously prove readiness and willingness to perform the contract. The Court added that long delay in adjudication is also a relevant factor in refusing such equitable relief. |
| CONTRACT - Supreme Court: Breach of Contract is Not Cheating Unless Fraud Existed From the Outset |
| Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:15:36 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that a breach of contract cannot attract charges of cheating without proof of dishonest intention at the inception of the transaction, and quashed the criminal case, holding the dispute under the Joint Development Agreement was essentially civil. |
| CAPITAL MARKET - SEBI Prohibits Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka from Securities Market for One Year |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:21:24 IST |
| SEBI has barred former Zee Entertainment executives Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka from the securities market for one year after finding that ZEEL's Hyderabad land was used to secure loans for promoter-linked entities without board approval or disclosure. ZEEL has been barred for two months. |
| CIVIL - Kerala High Court Clarifies NCL Status for Child of Rs.1.12 Crore Private-Sector Earner |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:21:12 IST |
| Kerala High Court ruled that private-sector salary must be considered while deciding non-creamy layer status, ruling that children of affluent private employees cannot claim reservation benefits merely because equivalent private-sector posts are not officially notified. |
| CYBER LAWS - Delhi High Court Safeguards Yuvraj Singh's Personality Rights, Orders Deepfake Takedown |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:21:03 IST |
| Delhi HC granted an interim injunction safeguarding Yuvraj Singh's personality rights and prohibited identified as well as John Doe defendants from exploiting his name, image, voice, likeness or other identity attributes without consent, including through AI-generated deepfakes. |
| BANKING - Orissa High Court Criticizes Magistrate for Defying Direction in Cheque Bounce Case |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:20:53 IST |
| Orissa High Court described the Magistrate's conduct as "judicial harakiri" for failing to determine the maintainability of a Section 138 NI Act cheque bounce case despite a specific High Court direction, calling it a violation of judicial discipline and hierarchical propriety. |
| BANKING - Calcutta High Court: Section 141 NI Act Does Not Apply to Sole Proprietorships |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:20:44 IST |
| Calcutta High Court has held that Section 141 of the NI Act does not apply to sole proprietorships, as they have no separate legal identity. It ruled that family members who are neither cheque signatories nor account holders cannot be prosecuted for cheque dishonour under Section 138. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Administrative Action Can't Be Invalidated Solely for Lacking Formal Order |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:20:34 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that an administrative action cannot be invalidated merely because it is issued as a circular or communication instead of a formal order, provided the authority is legally empowered to exercise such power under the relevant statute. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Prior Testimony is Inadmissible without Section 299 CrPC Order against Absconder |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:20:24 IST |
| Supreme Court set aside a murder conviction, holding that testimony recorded in an earlier trial cannot be used against an absconding accused unless a Section 299 CrPC (now Section 335 BNSS) order had first established absconding and no immediate prospect of arrest. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Wife May Be Denied Interim Maintenance if Husband Ex Facie Establishes Adultery |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:20:15 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that interim maintenance under Section 125 CrPC may be denied if the husband ex facie establishes the wife's adulterous relationship at the interim stage, holding that such a plea need not await final adjudication. |
| RIGHT TO INFORMATION - Supreme Court Stays CIC Decision Declaring NSE Subject to the RTI Act |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:20:05 IST |
| Supreme Court has issued notice on NSE's appeal against the Delhi High Court judgment declaring it a "public authority" under the RTI Act. It also stayed the 2007 CIC order, upheld by the High Court, which directed that the NSE be treated as a public authority. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: People Abandon Cattle on Roads But Object to Their Use For Food |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:19:56 IST |
| Supreme Court noted that cattle are frequently left unattended on roads after losing their economic utility, but their use for food provokes strong public objection, while the Court examined measures to tackle accidents involving stray cattle. |
| DIRECT TAXATION - Supreme Court: Cruise Voyages Remain Shipping Business under Section 44B Despite Onboard Services |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:19:46 IST |
| SC has held that a foreign cruise ship operator providing hospitality and entertainment services during voyages remains engaged in the shipping business under Section 44B of the Income Tax Act. Its taxable income must therefore be computed on the presumptive basis prescribed under the provision. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Ad Valorem Court Fees Apply to Appeals Seeking Statutory Land Acquisition Benefits |
| Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:19:36 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that an appeal under the Land Acquisition Act seeking exclusion of statutory benefits from compensation, without disputing the compensation amount itself, must be accompanied by ad valorem court fees under Section 8 of the Court Fees Act. |
| EDUCATION - Meghalaya HC: Meritorious Candidate Cannot Be Denied Admission For a Two-Minute Delay |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:20:11 IST |
| Meghalaya High Court directed NEIAH to admit a postgraduate Homeopathy aspirant in the next academic session, holding that cancelling his candidature over a two-minute delay in reporting for counselling was arbitrary and caused severe injustice to a meritorious candidate. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - J&K&L High Court: Interest on Delayed Gratuity is Not a Mandatory Pre-Deposit For an Appeal |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:20:03 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court held that although interest on delayed gratuity is recoverable, it cannot be made a mandatory pre-deposit for an appeal, as the Payment of Gratuity Act requires deposit only of the gratuity amount determined by the Controlling Authority. |
| SERVICE - Bombay HC: False Travel Distance Claim Alone Doesn't Constitute Misappropriation |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:19:46 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that an incorrect travel distance claim for transport allowance alone does not constitute misappropriation. It added that courts may interfere with a dismissal if mitigating circumstances exist and the punishment is shockingly disproportionate to the misconduct proved. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay HC: Externment under the Police Act Requires Satisfaction About a Gang's Activities |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:19:35 IST |
| Bombay High Court ruled that an externment order under Section 55 of the Maharashtra Police Act must be based on the activities of the gang or group, not solely on an individual member's conduct. It clarified that only Section 56 deals with the behaviour of a particular individual. |
| FAMILY - Patna HC: Pressure to Sign Divorce and Child Custody does not Amount to Cruelty |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:19:20 IST |
| Patna High Court ruled that insisting a spouse sign divorce and child custody papers during matrimonial negotiations does not constitute cruelty under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It held that such conduct neither involves unlawful demands nor meets the legal threshold for the offence. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Lift Makers, Operators and Owners Share Responsibility for User Safety |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:18:56 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that manufacturers, operators and building owners share joint liability for ensuring elevator safety. Holding that elevators function as common carriers, it observed that passengers are wholly dependent on their operation and must receive the highest degree of protection. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court: Reach Stacker isn't a Motor Vehicle; MACT Claim Not Maintainable |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:18:44 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that a Reach Stacker operating in Inland Container Depots does not qualify as a motor vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It held that a person injured in an accident involving the machine cannot seek compensation before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). |
| FAMILY - SC Explains How a Deceased Christian Wife's Property Devolves under the Indian Succession Act |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:18:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that property purchased by a husband in his wife's name remains her exclusive property. On her death, it devolves as part of her estate under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and cannot be treated as the husband's estate for applying Section 33. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - SC Asked the Centre to Promote Awareness About the Consequences of Driving With an Expired Licence |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:17:59 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an insurer is not liable if the driver lacked a valid licence at the time of the accident and urged the Union Road Transport Ministry to launch nationwide awareness campaigns and simplify the process for issuing and renewing driving licences. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Appeal U/S 374 CrPC/415 BNSS is Not Maintainable Against Sessions Court's Reversal of Acquittal |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:17:49 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that no appeal under Section 374 CrPC lies against a conviction recorded by a Sessions Court after setting aside an acquittal. It clarified that the aggrieved person must challenge such a decision by filing a revision petition before the High Court. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - SC Asked the Centre to Promote Awareness About the Consequences of Driving With an Expired Licence |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:17:38 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an insurer is not liable if the driver lacked a valid licence at the time of the accident and urged the Union Road Transport Ministry to launch nationwide awareness campaigns and simplify the process for issuing and renewing driving licences. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Appeal U/S 374 CrPC/415 BNSS is Not Maintainable Against Sessions Court's Reversal of Acquittal |
| Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:17:26 IST |
| Supreme Court ruled that no appeal under Section 374 CrPC lies against a conviction recorded by a Sessions Court after setting aside an acquittal. It clarified that the aggrieved person must challenge such a decision by filing a revision petition before the High Court. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras High Court: Cryptic Calls or Wireless Messages About Crime Alone do Not Amount to FIR |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:56:05 IST |
| Madras High Court held that information received by the police about a crime does not automatically constitute a First Information Report. It said such information must satisfy the statutory requirements under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to be treated as an FIR. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Karnataka HC: Bengaluru-Mysuru Corridor Could be Biggest Scam, Farmers Deprived of Land |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:55:56 IST |
| Karnataka High Court said the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project may be "one of the biggest scams" in the State while dismissing appeals by NICE and KIADB. It upheld the quashing of land acquisition, citing the failure to determine compensation for over two decades. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Karnataka HC Upholds RTO's Power to Cancel Registration Secured by False Documents |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:55:46 IST |
| Karnataka High Court set aside a Single Judge's order quashing the seizure of a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 allegedly registered using fabricated documents to evade tax. It held that the registration was fraudulent and the transport authorities acted within their statutory powers. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras High Court Directs State and Judiciary to Expedite Rape and POCSO Trials |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:55:37 IST |
| Madras High Court directed the State Government and judiciary to accelerate the investigation and trial of rape and POCSO cases, stressing strict adherence to the timelines prescribed under Section 346 BNSS and Section 35 of the POCSO Act. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Kerala High Court Directs Stronger Audit and Financial Oversight in Guruvayur Devaswom |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:55:27 IST |
| Kerala High Court directed the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee to ensure audits are conducted in strict compliance with the Guruvayur Devaswom Act. The Court also ordered immediate corrective measures after identifying deficiencies in the concurrent audit mechanism under the Act. |
| FAMILY - Madras High Court: Seeking Divorce over Wife's Accidental Hip Injury is Inhumane |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:55:18 IST |
| Madras High Court held that seeking divorce solely because a wife suffered an accidental hip injury is inhumane and contrary to constitutional values, observing that such an approach unfairly discriminates against persons with health conditions and lacks compassion. |
| CRIMINAL - SC Grants Bail to Two UAPA Accused, Citing 12-Year Incarceration and Violation of Article 21 |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:55:08 IST |
| Supreme Court granted bail to two UAPA accused, holding that their nearly 12-year incarceration without any likelihood of an early conclusion of the trial violated their fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Dismisses Lokpal's Plea Against Delhi HC Order Quashing Probe into Defence Secretary |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:54:59 IST |
| SC refused to entertain the Lokpal's plea against the Delhi High Court's order quashing a CBI preliminary enquiry into alleged irregularities in National Productivity Council promotions. The High Court held that public servants must be heard before action under Section 20(3) of the Lokpal Act. |
| PROPERTY - Supreme Court: Courts May Grant Lesser Relief under Order VII Rule 7 CPC, But Not a Different Claim |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:54:49 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Order VII Rule 7 CPC allows courts to grant a lesser or alternative relief arising from the pleaded and proved facts, but cannot be used to award partition in a title declaration suit, as it rests on a separate cause of action requiring an independent factual basis. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Service Benefits Can't be Refused Due to Missing ACRs Not Attributable to Employees |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:54:39 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a judicial officer wrongfully discharged from service cannot be denied Selection Scale and Super Time Scale due to missing ACRs for that period. It ruled that an employer cannot benefit from its own wrong and must assess entitlement based on available valid ACRs. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Upholds the Constitutionality of Life Sentences Without Remission Until Natural Death |
| Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:54:26 IST |
| Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of sentences requiring imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's natural life, dismissing petitions challenging such punishments. It also rejected pleas by four groups of convicts, including former death row prisoners, against such sentences. |
| CIVIL - Allahabad High Court: Surcharge Recovery From Pradhan Must Follow Panchayat Raj Act Procedure |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:13:03 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that surcharge under Section 27 of the U.P. Panchayat Raj Act can be imposed on a Pradhan only after an inquiry by the Chief Audit Officer. It ruled that a District Magistrate-appointed committee lacks jurisdiction, making the resulting recovery order invalid. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC Directs IB Probe into 4 Lucknow Lawyers, Raises Concern over Lawyer-Police Nexus |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:12:54 IST |
| Allahabad High Court directed the Intelligence Bureau to conduct a discreet inquiry into four advocates accused of assaulting a litigant and harassing three lawyers, including two women, at the Lucknow district court, and barred them from entering the court until further orders. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Suspension of Sentence Plea Need Not Take Priority if Appeal is Ready |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:12:44 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that if parties are ready to argue a criminal appeal or revision on merits, an application for suspension of sentence need not be prioritized, and the court may instead proceed with the final disposal of the appeal or revision. |
| CIVIL - P&H High Court Issues Directions on LADC Scheme After Reviewing Lawyers' Objections |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:12:35 IST |
| P&H HC issued seven guidelines for Judicial Officers & District Legal Services Authority Secretaries to strengthen transparency & effective functioning of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System. Directions were issued after concerns were raised regarding alleged misuse of the scheme in pending PIL. |
| CIVIL - Bombay HC Quashes Order against Taiwan National, Says Online Study Didn't Breach Visa Rules |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:12:23 IST |
| Bombay High Court quashed an order directing a Taiwan national to leave India, holding that pursuing online educational courses while on an employment visa did not violate visa conditions, and noting he later re-entered India on a student visa to study law at Government Law College, Mumbai. |
| CONTEMPT OF COURT - Bombay HC: Alleged Illegal Arrest Alone Cannot Trigger Contempt Action Against Police |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:12:13 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that mere claims of arrest being contrary to Supreme Court guidelines in cases like Arnesh Kumar and Joginder Kumar do not amount to contempt by police officials. It declined to initiate contempt proceedings against Mumbai Police officers over an IT Act-related arrest. |
| CONSTITUTION - Supreme Court: National Commission for Scheduled Castes Lacks Power to Pass Binding Orders |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:12:04 IST |
| SC ruled that National Commission for Scheduled Castes cannot pass enforceable orders in service matters, holding that its powers under Article 338 are limited to making recommendations and offering advice. It consequently overturned the Bombay High Court's judgment affirming the NCSC's directions. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Halts Coercive Measures in CJP Protest Cases, Directs Release of Minors |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:11:54 IST |
| SC ordered that no coercive measures be initiated against persons participating in the CJP protests across various States & directed the immediate release of detained minors. It excluded individuals with criminal antecedents from this relief & allowed investigations in registered FIRs to continue. |
| CIVIL - SC: Successive Impleadment Applications are Barred by Res Judicata under Different CPC Provisions |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:11:45 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a second impleadment application under Order XXII Rule 10 CPC is barred by res judicata if an earlier plea under Order I Rule 10 was rejected on merits and both applications involve the same parties, cause of action, and relief before a competent court. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - SC: Recoveries U/S 27 of Evidence Act Alone Cannot Sustain Conviction; 1988 Murder Acquittal Restored |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:11:35 IST |
| Supreme Court restored the acquittal of six men in a 1988 murder case, holding that recoveries under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (now Section 23 BSA) alone cannot sustain a conviction unless independently linked to the crime by reliable evidence. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Accused Person's Advocate Cannot Remain Present During Entire Police Interrogation |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:53:21 IST |
| Clarifying the scope of Section 38 of the BNSS, the Supreme Court held that an arrested person has the right to meet an advocate of their choice during police interrogation, but the provision does not permit the lawyer's continuous physical presence throughout the questioning. |
| INSOLVENCY - Supreme Court: IBC Moratorium Doesn't Shield Promoters, Directors From Consumer Complaints |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:53:12 IST |
| SC held that a moratorium under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, against a residential project developer does not bar consumer complaints against its promoters or directors, and such complaints cannot be rejected solely because insolvency proceedings are pending against the company. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Registration Certificate Alone Can't Secure Interim Release of Seized Vehicles |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:53:02 IST |
| Supreme Court held that registration certificate alone does not determine entitlement to interim custody of a seized vehicle under Sections 451 and 457 of the CrPC. Court observed that "Registration is a relevant factor, but it is evidentiary and not conclusive of entitlement to interim possession." |
| GOODS AND SERVICES TAX - SC Upholds Validity of Section 16(2)(c) of CGST Act, Says ITC Depends on Supplier's Tax Payment |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:52:53 IST |
| Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 16(2)(c) of the CGST Act, 2017, holding that a buyer can claim Input Tax Credit only if the supplier has actually deposited the collected GST with the government, while dismissing petitions challenging the Gujarat High Court's ruling. |
| CIVIL - Karnataka High Court: Police Assistance to Enforce Injunction Not Barred by Res Judicata |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:52:42 IST |
| Karnataka High Court held that seeking police assistance to enforce an interim injunction is a continuing procedural remedy and is not barred by the doctrine of res judicata merely because similar applications for police protection were filed earlier. |
| CRIMINAL - Rajasthan HC: Teacher's Reprimand for Poor Attendance and Performance is Not Abetment of Suicide |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:52:33 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court quashed charges under Section 305 IPC against teachers, holding that reprimanding a student for poor attendance, academic performance or indiscipline does not amount to abetment of suicide unless there is evidence of instigation, intentional aid or the requisite mens rea. |
| CYBER LAWS - Delhi High Court: Copyright Owners and ISPs Cannot Unilaterally Declare a Website 'Rogue' |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:52:23 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that neither copyright owners nor internet intermediaries can unilaterally declare a website a "rogue website" for blocking. While right holders need not approach the Court each time a piracy site resurfaces under a new domain, the final determination must rest with the Court. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC Reduces Cop's Sentence in 1984 Attempt-to-Murder Case, Awards Rs. 35,000 to Victim |
| Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:51:57 IST |
| Allahabad High Court upheld the conviction of a former police constable in a 1984 attempt-to-murder case but reduced his jail term from six years to four years. It also directed that Rs. 35,000 be paid to the victim as compensation from the enhanced fine of Rs. 40,000 imposed on the convict. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Supreme Court: TRAI Can Enforce Telecom Regulations Without Adjudicating Disputes |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:48:18 IST |
| Supreme Court held that TRAI's power under the TRAI Act to issue notices and directions for enforcing compliance with its regulations does not amount to adjudicating disputes between telecom service providers. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: High Court Cannot Overturn Acquittal Solely Due to a Different Possible View |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:48:08 IST |
| SC ruled that a High Court cannot reverse a trial court's acquittal merely by adopting a different interpretation of the evidence. It set aside the Himachal Pradesh High Court's murder conviction, holding that no perversity was shown in the trial court's findings before overturning the acquittal. |
| CONSUMER - Supreme Court: States with Under 1,000 Consumer Cases Can Abolish Select District Commissions |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:47:58 IST |
| Supreme Court clarified that States with fewer than 1,000 pending consumer cases may abolish certain District Consumer Commissions and assign their functions to serving judicial officers, subject to the prior approval of the concerned High Court. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Transfer of Defrauded Funds To Accused's Account Alone Cannot Warrant Clubbing FIRs |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:47:48 IST |
| SC refused to club multiple FIRs against a cyber fraud accused, holding that the mere transfer of defrauded funds to the accused's bank account does not establish the incidents as part of the same transaction, especially when different complainants were allegedly cheated on separate occasions. |
| PROPERTY - Supreme Court: MHADA can Enforce Developer's Rehabilitation Commitments |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:47:39 IST |
| SC held that MHADA can enforce developer's obligation to provide permanent alternate accommodation to occupants of redeveloped cessed buildings and directed Mumbai developer to execute Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreement and hand over three flats to occupant's legal heirs within two months. |
| INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - Delhi HC Differs with DPIIT Paper, Says ChatGPT Injunction Would Hurt AI Development |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:47:29 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that an injunction against OpenAI's ChatGPT would harm India's LLM development and millions of users, observing that publicly available data is essential for AI models, while rejecting ANI Media's plea for interim relief over alleged unauthorised use of its news content. |
| CONTEMPT OF COURT - Allahabad HC Summons UP Home Secretary Over Delay in Custodial Death Compensation Guidelines |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:47:18 IST |
| Allahabad High Court summoned Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad over the State's failure to frame guidelines for compensation in custodial death cases, observing he is liable for action under the Contempt of Courts Act and directing his appearance on July 31. |
| LIMITATION - J&K&L High Court: Limitation Must be Decided Before Hearing Appeal Against 31-Year-Old Mutation |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:47:09 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court held that a revenue appellate authority must first decide whether a delayed appeal is maintainable before examining its merits, ruling that entertaining and allowing an appeal against a 1959 mutation after 31 years without deciding limitation was a jurisdictional error. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Bombay HC Quashes Wakf Property Mutation as Enemy Property, Mandates Due Process |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:46:59 IST |
| Bom HC quashed orders directing Wakf properties to be mutated as enemy property, holding that such action requires a prior inquiry, determination of jurisdictional facts, and a hearing for affected parties, and that Sec 22A of Enemy Property Act cannot override High Court orders under Article 226. |
| LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL - Jharkhand HC: Interest under Employees' Compensation Act Runs From Date of Accident |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:46:49 IST |
| Jharkhand HC held that interest under the Employees' Compensation Act is payable from the date of the accident and that employer who unjustifiably delays payment is liable for penalty. The Court awarded interest from the accident date, imposed 50% penalty, and granted funeral expenses to the widow. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras HC Grants Anticipatory Bail to Man Accused of Watching CM Vijay's Unreleased Film Online |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:46:39 IST |
| Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to a man accused of viewing a leaked online copy of CM Vijay's "Jana Nayagan" before its official release, observing that no direct role was attributed to him and the investigation had already been completed. |
| CRIMINAL - Uttarakhand HC: Severity of POCSO Charges Alone Cannot Deny Juvenile Bail |
| Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:46:30 IST |
| Uttarakhand High Court granted bail to a juvenile accused in a POCSO case, holding that the seriousness of the alleged offence alone cannot justify denial of bail unless the statutory exceptions under Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act apply, and found no material supporting such exceptions. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Gujarat HC: Whatsapp Forward of Fake Newspaper Clipping Not Forgery Absent Proof of Fabrication |
| Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:49:42 IST |
| Gujarat High Court ruled that sharing a fake newspaper clipping through WhatsApp cannot by itself amount to forgery in the absence of proof that the sender created or falsified it, and therefore quashed the FIR registered against the accused. |
| CRIMINAL - Delhi HC Acquits Man in 2006 Rape Case, Says Names Like Ram or Mohammad do Not Define Virtue |
| Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:49:32 IST |
| Delhi High Court acquitted a man convicted of kidnapping and raping a 13-year-old girl, holding that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. It cited material inconsistencies in the evidence and inconclusive forensic findings while granting him the benefit of doubt. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Complaint Dismissed Before Cognisance is Not an Acquittal & is Challengeable U/S 528 BNSS |
| Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:49:21 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court held that only dismissal of a criminal complaint after issuance of process amounts to an acquittal under Section 279 BNSS. A pre-cognizance dismissal is not an acquittal and may be challenged through revision or under Section 528 BNSS. |
| EDUCATION - Bombay HC: Child of Single Mother Can't be Denied RTE Quota over Deceased Father's Caste Certificate |
| Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:49:11 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that a child seeking admission under the RTE Act cannot be denied quota benefits for failing to produce the caste certificate of a deceased father. The Court ruled that the mother's caste certificate is sufficient in such cases. |
| CIVIL - SC Orders Bihar Government to Remove Ganga Riverbank Encroachments in Patna Within Six Weeks |
| Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:49:01 IST |
| Supreme Court gave the Bihar government six weeks to remove all unauthorised structures and encroachments between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat along the Ganga in Patna. It directed that the order be enforced regardless of any interim orders passed by the High Court or district courts. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Promotion Remains Valid Even if an Employee's Grade Pay Stays Unchanged |
| Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:48:51 IST |
| Supreme Court held that promotions earned by Railway Guards within the Guard cadre count for determining eligibility under the MACPS. It ruled that employees promoted up to the post of Mail/Express Guard are not entitled to any further financial upgradation under the scheme. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Kerala High Court Orders DGP to Set Up Special Squads Across Districts for Hit-and-Run Cases |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:23:17 IST |
| Kerala HC ordered the State Police Chief to establish special squads in every district to investigate hit-and-run cases. Observing that delayed tracing of offenders often stalls investigations, it directed coordinated action by police, cyber units, and technology to locate absconding vehicles. |
| FAMILY - Calcutta High Court: Trial Courts Can't Compel Mediation in Mutual Consent Divorce Cases |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:23:06 IST |
| Calcutta High Court ruled that courts cannot compel parties in a mutual consent divorce to undergo mediation or reject their plea for refusing it. It therefore quashed the trial court's order dismissing the joint divorce petition under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. |
| FAMILY - Calcutta High Court: Child Marriage Allegation Alone Cannot Justify Ordering a POCSO FIR |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:22:57 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held that a divorce court hearing a mutual consent petition under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act cannot direct registration of a POCSO case. It set aside a trial court order that dismissed the divorce plea over alleged child marriage and ordered a POCSO FIR. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L High Court: Death of Sole Accused Brings Disproportionate Assets Attachment Case to an End |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:22:45 IST |
| J&K&L High Court ruled that attachment proceedings in a disproportionate assets case cannot continue independently of the criminal prosecution. It held that the death of the sole accused before the investigation concludes also terminates all related attachment proceedings. |
| NARCOTICS - Supreme Court: Section 50 NDPS Act Inapplicable to Recovery from Articles Carried by Accused |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:22:35 IST |
| SC observed that "The protection u/s 50 is confined to cases where the recovery is sought to be effected through the personal search of the accused. It has no application where the search is of an article, such as a bag, container, suitcase or any other object, which the accused may be carrying". |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court: Murder Inside a Vehicle Does Not Qualify For Motor Accident Compensation |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:22:25 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the mere involvement of a motor vehicle in events leading to a person's death does not entitle claimants to compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. Compensation is payable only when there is a clear and direct nexus between the vehicle's use and the death. |
| EDUCATION - SC Grants One-Time Relief, Allows Law Students to Take Exams Despite Attendance Shortage |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:22:14 IST |
| Supreme Court granted one-time relief to law students whose academic session was ongoing when the Delhi High Court relaxed attendance norms, holding they cannot be barred from appearing in final examinations for that session solely due to shortage of attendance. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Article 142 Cannot Override a Concluded and Acted-Upon Settlement Between Parties |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:22:04 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Article 142 cannot be used to alter a concluded and acted-upon settlement between parties. It dismissed a wife's plea seeking to modify a divorce settlement by directing her husband to create an additional corpus of Rs.6-6.5 crore for their son's higher education. |
| PROPERTY - Supreme Court tells Parsvnath Developers to Comply with Haryana RERA Orders or Face Jail |
| Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:21:54 IST |
| Supreme Court strongly criticized Parsvnath Developers for repeatedly failing to comply with orders issued by the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) while hearing a plea filed by homebuyers of the Parsvnath Exotica project in Sector 53, Gurugram. |
| CIVIL - Delhi High Court: Sonam Wangchuk's Transfer to Chosen Hospital Will Safeguard Fundamental Rights |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:53 IST |
| Delhi HC directed that activist Sonam Wangchuk be shifted to Medanta Hospital, observing that the transfer would protect his fundamental rights. It noted a consensus among government and private doctors that continuous medical supervision was necessary due to his ongoing hunger strike. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Bombay HC: Registrar Lacks Authority to Decide Title Disputes under Maharashtra Co-Operative Act |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:43 IST |
| Bombay HC held that Registrar's powers under Section 79 of Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act are purely supervisory and cannot be exercised to decide property title or ownership disputes. It further ruled that Deputy Registrar cannot bypass statutory adjudicatory process under Section 79(2). |
| CONSTITUTION - J&K&L High Court: Writs Lie Against Cooperative Banks Performing Public Functions |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:32 IST |
| Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that writ jurisdiction under Article 226 depends on the presence of a public law element, not Article 12 status. It ruled that a cooperative bank performing public functions under RBI regulation is amenable to writ jurisdiction. |
| ENVIRONMENT - Gauhati High Court: Wildlife Law Doesn't Bar Trade in Unprotected Ornamental Fish Species |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:21 IST |
| Gauhati High Court held that fishing, cultivation and trade in ornamental fish not protected under wildlife laws are permissible, but the ban continues for the endangered Channa barca. It also ruled that no expert committee is needed, as scientific material for identification is already available. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta HC: Aadhaar Card Prima Facie Establishes Occupation; Demolition Without Notice is Unlawful |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:12 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that although an Aadhaar Card is not conclusive proof of residence or ownership, it serves as prima facie evidence of occupation under the Public Premises Act, 1971. It restrained authorities from carrying out demolition or eviction without following the statutory procedure. |
| BANKING - J&K&L High Court: Mere Admission of Issuing Cheque is Not a Plea of Guilt under S.138 NI Act |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:02 IST |
| Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that admitting cheque issuance or offering settlement under Section 251 CrPC does not amount to a guilty plea. It ruled that only a voluntary, unequivocal admission covering all ingredients of the offence can justify conviction without trial. |
| FAMILY - SC Upheld Husband's Conviction For Murdering His Wife over an Extramarital Affair |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:55:52 IST |
| SC upheld the husband's conviction for murdering his wife, ruling that repeated phone calls exchanges with his lover formed reliable circumstantial evidence proving the extramarital affair and establishing the motive to eliminate his wife as an obstacle to their relationship. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Terror Cases Cannot Curtail Constitutional Safeguards and the Right to Fair Trial |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:55:42 IST |
| SC reaffirmed that constitutional safeguards & right to fair trial remain inviolable even in terrorism cases. It observed that while attacks on innocent civilians evoke fear & public outrage, such prosecutions demand stricter adherence to constitutional principles, not relaxation of legal standards. |
| FERA - Supreme Court: Cognisance of FERA Complaint is Invalid Without Prior Notice to the Accused |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:55:32 IST |
| SC held that Magistrate cannot take cognisance of a complaint under FERA unless mandatory opportunity notice is first served on the accused. It consequently quashed the complaints and summoning orders against Standard Chartered Bank and its officer for non-compliance with Section 61(2) of the Act. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Under JJ Act, Murder Falls Within Heinous Offences; S. 302 IPC Prescribes Minimum Life Sentence |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:55:20 IST |
| SC held that murder under Section 302 IPC (now Section 103(1) BNS) is a "heinous offence" under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. It ruled that although no minimum sentence is expressly provided, imprisonment for life is the implied minimum punishment under the provision. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Wrong Statement in Pleadings is Not Always a False Statement, Perjury Case Quashed |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:55:10 IST |
| Supreme Court quashed perjury proceedings against a litigant and his counsel, holding that every wrong statement in pleadings cannot be treated as a false statement unless there is evidence of a deliberate falsehood, even if the error is attributed to a typographical mistake. |
| CIVIL - SC: Revisional Jurisdiction Cannot Correct Factual Errors Despite Alleged Concealment |
| Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:55:00 IST |
| Supreme Court held that revisional jurisdiction cannot be invoked to correct mere errors of fact or law unless they involve a jurisdictional error, and set aside the Punjab and Haryana High Court's judgment overturning concurrent eviction orders passed by the Rent Controller and Appellate Authority. |
| CRIMINAL - Kerala Court Sentences Nenmara Double Murder Convict Chenthamara to Death |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:43:20 IST |
| Palakkad Sessions Court sentenced Chenthamara to death in the Nenmara double murder case, holding that he posed a continuing threat to society with no scope for reformation. The Court also imposed a Rs.20 lakh fine, directing compensation to the victims' legal heirs. |
| DEFENCE - Gurugram Court Sentences IAF Veteran Over 'Coward' Remark Against Ex-Army Officer |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:43:10 IST |
| Gurugram court awarded four months' imprisonment to a retired IAF Group Captain for referring to a former Deputy Army Chief as a "coward." It held that the statement damaged the decorated officer's reputation and amounted to defamation punishable under Section 500 IPC. |
| EDUCATION - Delhi HC: Parents Fined Rs.2 Lakh over False Birth Date for School Admission |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:43:01 IST |
| Delhi HC ruled that a child cannot be penalised for parents furnishing an incorrect date of birth to obtain school admission. While directing correction of the student's records and CBSE certificate, the Court imposed Rs.2 lakh costs on the parents for submitting false information. |
| CIVIL - Delhi HC Lifts Gag Order on the Wire; Prior Restraint in Defamation Not Sustainable |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:52 IST |
| Delhi HC recalled its direction restraining The Wire from publishing similar future content, holding that prior restraint in defamation matters is legally unsustainable. However, it retained the interim order directing removal of the disputed article and related social media posts pending trial. |
| CIVIL - Kerala HC Orders SIT to Conclude Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe After National Metallurgical Lab Report |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:43 IST |
| Kerala High Court noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has received the final scientific report from the CSIR National Metallurgical Laboratory in the Sabarimala gold theft case. It directed the SIT to complete the investigation into the alleged gold misappropriation. |
| CIVIL - Punjab & Haryana HC Calls For Wisdom Amid Lawyers' Strike over LADCS |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:34 IST |
| While considering a petition over the indefinite lawyers' strike against the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS), the Punjab & Haryana High Court said it hoped wiser heads would prevail, as the ongoing protest was hindering access to justice for litigants. |
| FAMILY - Karnataka HC: Major Unmarried Daughter can Claim PG Education Costs under Domestic Violence Act |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:24 IST |
| Karnataka High Court ruled that a father must meet the postgraduate education expenses of his unmarried daughter under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, holding that a parent's duty to support a child's education continues even after the child attains majority. |
| CIVIL - Bombay HC: Officials, Not Taxpayers, Must Pay For Losses From Illegal Project Cancellations |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:14 IST |
| Bombay HC, while hearing a plea over the abrupt halt of a multi-level parking project near Mumba Devi Temple, observed that losses arising from unlawful government decisions should be recovered from the salaries of responsible officials instead of being borne by the State exchequer. |
| BANKING - Rajasthan High Court: NI and Commercial Court Proceedings Equal, Grants Accused Original Records |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:05 IST |
| Rajasthan HC ruled that Negotiable Instruments Act and Commercial Court proceedings carry equal legal status. It held that an accused cannot be refused access to original records needed for defence, observing that a fair trial includes the right to effectively cross-examine and present a defence. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Reduces Gang Rape Convict's Sentence to 20 Years, Cites Reform Prospects |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:41:55 IST |
| SC commuted a gang rape convict's sentence from imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment, observing that his age of 25 years at the time of the offence, absence of prior criminal record and satisfactory conduct in prison justified the reduction. |
| SERVICE TAX - Supreme Court Revives over Rs.16 Crore Service Tax Demand Against BPCL and HPCL in CNG Sales Case |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:41:46 IST |
| Supreme Court restored service tax demands exceeding Rs.16 crore against BPCL and HPCL, holding they acted as commission agents for Mahanagar Gas Ltd. in selling CNG. The Court ruled their role qualified as "Business Auxiliary Service" under the Finance Act, as they only promoted sales. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Supreme Court Raises Concerns over MACT Rulings, Seeks Clear and Well-Reasoned Findings |
| Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:41:36 IST |
| Supreme Court has stressed that Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) must issue well-reasoned decisions, noting that many orders merely repeat pleadings and evidence without explaining the basis of their conclusions. It said compensation rulings must rest on clear and adequate reasoning. |
| FAMILY - Karnataka HC: Husband Cannot Obtain Divorce Solely on the Ground of Losing Interest in Marriage |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:55 IST |
| Karnataka High Court refused to dissolve a 21-year-old marriage, holding that a husband cannot seek divorce merely because he has lost interest in the relationship. It further observed that he cannot be permitted to take advantage of his own wrong to secure dissolution. |
| CRIMINAL - J&K&L HC: Juvenile Acts Cannot Justify Preventive Detention After Attaining Majority |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:46 IST |
| J&K and Ladakh High Court held that alleged acts committed during juvenility cannot justify preventive detention after a person attains majority. The Court said juvenile offences cannot permanently stigmatise a person or later become grounds for detention under the Public Safety Act. |
| CONTRACT - Gujarat High Court: Section 208 Cannot Validate Acts After the Principal's Death |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:37 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that a power of attorney ends immediately upon the principal's death, regardless of whether the holder knew of it. It ruled that Section 208 of the Contract Act cannot validate acts done by a power of attorney holder after the principal's death. |
| CIVIL - Bombay HC: Civil Courts Can Examine Territorial Jurisdiction Afresh Despite Prior Leave |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:27 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that the City Civil Court can examine territorial jurisdiction afresh after a suit is transferred due to enhanced pecuniary jurisdiction. It said prior leave under Clause XII of the Letters Patent does not bar the court from returning the plaint if jurisdiction is lacking. |
| PROPERTY - Rajasthan High Court: Authorities Cannot Permit Land Conversion Against the Master Plan |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:17 IST |
| Rajasthan High Court ruled that authorities cannot permit land use, conversion, regularisation or grant pattas in violation of the Master Plan, holding that land notified as a Green Belt must be governed strictly by its provisions, failing which such actions are liable to be quashed. |
| CIVIL - Delhi High Court Declines Interim Relief to Sonam Wangchuk, Upholds His Hospitalization |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:08 IST |
| Delhi High Court refused interim relief to Sonam Wangchuk, holding that his admission to Safdarjung Hospital was prompted by his deteriorating health and was not arbitrary, as he remained under medical supervision and had consented to the administration of electrolytes. |
| ELECTION - Supreme Court: Nominated Town Panchayat Members Have No Voting Rights in Council Polls |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:58 IST |
| Supreme Court held that nominated Town Panchayat members cannot vote in Karnataka Legislative Council elections from Local Authorities' Constituencies. It upheld the High Court's ruling, saying their inclusion in the electoral roll is contrary to the constitutional scheme. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Clarifies that Swear Words and Vulgar Expletives Alone do Not Constitute Obscenity |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:48 IST |
| Supreme Court clarified that abusive language, swear words and vulgar expletives alone do not constitute obscenity under Section 294 IPC, holding that the offence requires expressions that are lascivious, appeal to prurient interests, and have the tendency to deprave or corrupt susceptible minds. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Courts and Prosecutors Must Expedite Trials For Jailed Accused |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:38 IST |
| Supreme Court granted bail to a murder accused who remained in custody for over nine years, holding that courts and the prosecution are duty-bound to ensure an expeditious trial when an accused is incarcerated, and observing that the prolonged delay had shocked its judicial conscience. |
| CIVIL - SC: Railways are Not Liable Unless Owner-Risk Goods Were Counted or Weighed |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:28 IST |
| Supreme Court held that Railways cannot be held liable for short delivery of a consignment booked at the owner's risk rate unless the goods were counted or weighed before transport, holding that such liability arises only after assuming responsibility for the quantity entrusted. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: High Courts Cannot Reappreciate Evidence in Certiorari Jurisdiction |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:19 IST |
| Supreme Court held that High Courts cannot use certiorari jurisdiction under Article 226 to reassess evidence or revisit factual findings of subordinate courts, as the writ is intended only to correct jurisdictional errors and not to function as an appellate forum. |
| INSOLVENCY - SC Recommended Amending IBC to Ensure Fair Repayment Protection for MSME Operational Creditors |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:10 IST |
| While reaffirming the clean slate principle under the IBC, the Supreme Court urged the Law Commission and the Legislature to consider amendments that provide a fairer repayment framework for MSMEs and other small operational creditors, noting their disadvantage under the existing insolvency regime. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Explains How Testimony of a Dead Witness Can be Used Against an Absconding Accused |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:01 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a deceased witness's earlier testimony can be used against an accused who absconded if the conditions under Section 299 CrPC are met. The Court said the provision is an exception that preserves prosecution evidence when an accused deliberately evades trial. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Employers Cannot Deny Compassionate Appointments Through Delays |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:59:49 IST |
| Supreme Court held that an employer cannot delay deciding a medical voluntary retirement application until the employee crosses the age limit and then deny compassionate appointment to the employee's dependent. It said such delays would unfairly defeat the purpose of a welfare scheme. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court Urged Railways to Drop the Term Second-Class Passengers |
| Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:59:40 IST |
| Supreme Court advised Indian Railways to review its use of the term "second-class passenger," observing that the classification should refer to the coach rather than the traveller, as describing individuals in this manner is inconsistent with the constitutional principles of equality and dignity. |
| DEFENCE - Cal HC: BSF Cannot Deny DIG Rank to an Officer Injured in 1995 Road Accident After Earlier Promotion |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:31:36 IST |
| Calcutta HC held that the BSF cannot refuse promotion to the post of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) on the basis of an officer's medical category when the same injury had not barred his advancement to higher ranks in three previous promotions after the 1995 road accident. |
| SERVICE - Del HC: Master's Candidates Without the Prescribed Bachelor's Degree are Ineligible as Govt Teacher |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:31:26 IST |
| Delhi HC held that a Master's degree cannot substitute the prescribed Bachelor's qualification for recruitment. Setting aside the CAT order, it ruled that candidates with a BA (Pass) and a Master's in Home Science were ineligible for TGT posts requiring a Bachelor's degree in the subject. |
| CIVIL - Bombay HC: Possessory Suit U/S 6 of the SRA is Maintainable Despite a Licensor-Licensee Relationship |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:31:16 IST |
| Bombay HC held that a Civil Court can entertain a suit under Section 6 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963 for restoration of possession despite a licensor-licensee relationship, holding that Section 41 of the Presidency Small Causes Courts Act, 1882 does not bar claims based on unlawful dispossession. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad HC: Working Mother with Child Custody Cannot Shift Entire Maintenance Liability to Father |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:31:06 IST |
| Allahabad High Court has held that a working mother who secures custody of her minor child by asserting her financial ability cannot place the entire burden of the child's maintenance solely on the father. It accordingly dismissed a revision plea challenging a Family Court's maintenance order. |
| CONSUMER - CCI Rejects Allegations of Collusion Involving Reliance Jio and More Than 4,500 Entities |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:30:56 IST |
| Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed a complaint alleging anti-competitive conduct by Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd. and over 4,500 entities, holding that the claims were vague, speculative and unsupported by any material, and accordingly closed the proceedings. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Delhi HC Urges Law to Regulate Media, Notes Anyone with a Mobile Phone Can Claim to be a Journalist |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:30:46 IST |
| Delhi HC observed that press freedom cannot protect irresponsible journalism or conduct affecting public order. Noting that anyone with a mobile phone can claim to be a journalist without accountability, it urged enactment of a legal framework to regulate the media while safeguarding press freedom. |
| CIVIL - Madras HC: Coordinate Bench Cannot Reopen Issue Already Settled by Another Division Bench |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:30:37 IST |
| Madras High Court has held that a Division Bench cannot disagree with the reasoning of another coordinate Bench on an issue already settled. It said a judgment of a Bench of equal strength remains binding unless overruled by a larger Bench or reversed by the Supreme Court. |
| PROPERTY - SC Clarifies When a Probate Application Filed After a Testator's Death is Time-Barred |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:30:28 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that a probate application need not be filed within three years of the testator's death. It clarified that the right to seek probate arises only when it becomes necessary, such as when the validity or effect of the Will is challenged by a hostile claim. |
| CONTRACT - Supreme Court: Refund Clause in Sale Agreement Does Not Extinguish Right to Specific Performance |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:30:19 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a refund clause for earnest money in an agreement to sell does not by itself bar the purchaser from seeking specific performance, as such a provision does not absolve the seller of the obligation to fulfil the contract. |
| FAMILY - SC: Section 22 of Hindu Succession Act Preference For Class-I Heirs Applies to Agricultural Land |
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:30:10 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the preferential right of Class-I heirs under Section 22 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 extends to agricultural land, affirming that co-heirs retain the statutory right to purchase such property when another heir proposes its transfer. |
| FAMILY - Delhi High Court: Wife Entitled to Interim Maintenance During Pending Appeal Against Divorce Decree |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:47:35 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that a wife is entitled to interim maintenance during the pendency of an appeal against a divorce decree under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. It directed an Army officer to continue paying 30% of his gross salary, after statutory deductions, until the appeal is decided. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras HC: Intimate Relationship Doesn't Establish Consent if Woman Was Deceived or Blackmailed |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:47:26 IST |
| Madras High Court held that an intimate relationship cannot be treated as proof of consent where a woman's participation is secured through deception, coercion, intimidation or blackmail, and while upholding the man's conviction, affirmed his imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. |
| CONSUMER - CCPA Imposes Rs.1 Lakh Penalty on SpiceJet Over Dark Patterns Used for Loyalty Programme Consent |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:47:16 IST |
| Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) fined SpiceJet Rs.1 lakh for using pre-ticked checkboxes to secure consumer consent for its loyalty programme and promotional messages, holding that the practice undermined consumer choice and violated the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad HC: Mother Receiving Maintenance from Real Son Cannot Claim it from Step-Son |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:47:06 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that a mother receiving maintenance from her biological son under Section 125 CrPC cannot seek additional maintenance from her step-son for the same purpose. It dismissed her plea to make the step-son jointly liable despite an existing ?8,000 monthly maintenance order. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay High Court Orders DGP to Assess CCTV Systems and Footage Preservation at Police Stations |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:46:56 IST |
| Bombay High Court directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to review CCTV functionality in all Maharashtra police stations and submit a report detailing whether the cameras are operational and the duration for which CCTV footage is preserved. |
| FAMILY - Gujarat High Court: Ancient Hindu Law Did Not Recognise Adoption of Girls Before HAMA |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:46:45 IST |
| Gujarat High Court held that under ancient Hindu law, before the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, only the adoption of a son was legally recognised. It ruled that a woman adopted before the Act could not claim rights over her adoptive father's property and dismissed her appeal. |
| MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION - Ahead of Rath Yatra, Orissa High Court Stays Release of 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' Over Peace Concerns |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:46:34 IST |
| Orissa High Court stayed the July 17 release of the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath', based on fictional depictions of Lord Jagannath, citing concerns that it could disturb public peace ahead of the Rath Yatra on July 16, and directed the producer to halt its release temporarily. |
| PROPERTY - Supreme Court: Property in Sale Deed Cannot Be Altered by Rectification Without Transferor's Consent |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:46:24 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a rectification deed cannot alter the identity of a property without the original seller's consent. It also ruled that courts cannot decide cases on grounds or arguments that were never pleaded or advanced by the parties. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Supreme Court: Landowners Cannot Claim Denial of Hearing After Failing to Avail the Opportunity |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:46:15 IST |
| Supreme Court dismissed landowners' appeals against land acquisition for the Jaipur Metro Rail Project, holding that they abandoned their right to a hearing under Section 5A of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 by failing to appear before the Land Acquisition Officer and remaining silent thereafter. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court: Magistrate Cannot Order Filing of Chargesheet After Police Submit Closure Report |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:46:05 IST |
| Supreme Court reaffirmed that a Magistrate cannot direct the police to file a charge sheet after receiving a closure report. It held that only the Investigating Officer can decide whether a case is fit for trial, while the Magistrate may accept, reject, or seek further investigation. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Acquits Three Men in 1979 Murder Case, Finding Serious Flaws in the Prosecution Case |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:45:54 IST |
| Supreme Court acquitted three men convicted in a 1977 Uttar Pradesh murder case, holding that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. It cited unexplained FIR delays, inconsistencies in its registration, and doubts over the presence of the alleged eyewitnesses. |
| CIVIL - Supreme Court: Appellate Courts Cannot Overturn Trial Court Verdicts Without Independent Reasons |
| Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:45:45 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a first appellate court cannot reverse a trial court's judgment by merely calling it erroneous. It must independently assess the evidence, record its own reasons, and, while reversing factual findings, act as a friend, philosopher, and guide to subordinate courts. |
| CONSUMER - CCPA Fines Chaayos Rs.50,000 for Default Inclusion of Service Charge in Bills |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:45:25 IST |
| Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a Rs.50,000 penalty on Chaayos for automatically adding service charges to customers' bills through its software system, holding that a default charge included in bills cannot be treated as a voluntary payment by consumers. |
| ARBITRATION - SC: Rejection of Section 16 Application by Arbitral Tribunal Not Challengeable under Article 227 |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:45:15 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a High Court cannot exercise its supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 to interfere with an arbitral tribunal's order rejecting a Section 16 application challenging the tribunal's jurisdiction under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. |
| LAW OF EVIDENCE - SC: Section 68 of Evidence Act Does Not Require Attesting Witnesses to Prove Registered Sale Deeds |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:45:05 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a registered sale deed need not be proved through an attesting witness under the proviso to Section 68 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, as a sale deed is not a document that the law requires to be compulsorily attested. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Recovery of a Weapon Alone is Insufficient to Prove Guilt Without Conscious Possession |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:44:55 IST |
| Supreme Court held that mere recovery of a weapon from a person's house is insufficient to establish guilt under the Arms Act unless the prosecution proves the accused had conscious possession and dominion over the weapon. |
| MINES AND MINERALS - SC: Government Can Revise Royalty under the MMDR Act Despite a Silent Lease Deed |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:44:44 IST |
| Supreme Court held that the government's power to periodically revise royalty rates under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is not affected merely because the mining lease deed is silent on royalty revision. |
| CRIMINAL - Madras HC: Repeated Intimacy Alone Doesn't Prove Consent; Coercion & Deception Must be Examined |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:44:34 IST |
| Madras High Court upheld a life sentence for a man who sexually intimidated multiple women using their intimate images, holding that mere non-resistance or repeated physical intimacy does not establish consent or a consensual relationship. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad HC: Proclaimed Offenders Get Anticipatory Bail Only in Rare and Exceptional Cases |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:44:23 IST |
| Allahabad HC held that an accused declared a proclaimed offender after evading investigation or court proceedings is generally ineligible for anticipatory bail. Such relief may be granted only where the accused demonstrates rare, exceptional, and legally justifiable circumstances. |
| CIVIL - Kerala HC: Foreign Counsel Cannot Conduct Cross-Examination Before Commissioners |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:44:13 IST |
| Kerala High Court ruled that foreign lawyers are not permitted to question witnesses before advocate commissioners, holding that recording evidence is a function reserved for advocates authorised to practise in India. |
| CYBER LAWS - MP HC: Timely Coordination Between Police, Banks and Telecom Bodies is Crucial in Cyber Fraud |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:44:03 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh HC observed that cyber fraud investigations demand immediate and coordinated action, as delays can undermine recovery efforts. To strengthen the investigation process, it directed the inclusion of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the RBI and the Department of Telecommunications. |
| CIVIL - Madras HC: Travel Costs Must be Reimbursed to Independent Special Public Prosecutors |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:43:12 IST |
| Madras High Court held that an independent advocate appointed as a Special Public Prosecutor has the right to claim travel expenses from the State. It said the advocate should not have to bear official travel costs from the professional fee paid for conducting the prosecution. |
| FAMILY - MP HC: Major Unmarried Daughter Need Not Prove Disability to Claim Maintenance if Unable to Earn |
| Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:43:02 IST |
| Madhya Pradesh HC upheld a Family Court's order granting Rs. 2,000 as interim maintenance to an unmarried adult daughter. It clarified that under Section 20(3) of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, she only needs to show she cannot support herself and is not required to prove any disability. |
| MRTP/ COMPETITION LAWS - CCI Penalised HP Rs.138.85 Crore for Unfairly Manipulating Government Tenders |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:51 IST |
| Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed penalties totalling Rs.138.85 crore on HP India Sales Pvt. Ltd. for manipulating Government e-Marketplace (GeM) tenders for personal computers and printer supplies. It also imposed separate penalties on the company's resellers and officials. |
| RIGHT TO INFORMATION - Karnataka HC: Century Club Qualifies as a Public Authority under the RTI Act Due to Land Grant |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:41 IST |
| Karnataka HC held that Bengaluru's Century Club is a public authority under the Right to Information Act, upholding the Karnataka Information Commission's decision. It ruled that the land granted by the Mysuru Maharaja amounted to substantial financing, making the club subject to the RTI Act. |
| FAMILY - Kerala HC: Social Customs Alone Cannot Prove Bride Entrusted Gold to Husband or In-Laws |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:32 IST |
| Kerala HC held that courts cannot presume a bride entrusted her gold or money to her husband or in-laws based solely on social customs. It ruled that claims for return of such assets must be supported by oral, documentary, or circumstantial evidence proving entrustment and misappropriation. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad HC: Wife's Maintenance Need Not be Fixed at 25% of Husband's Net Income |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:22 IST |
| Allahabad HC held that awarding a wife 25% of the husband's net income as maintenance is only a guiding principle, not a mandatory rule. It clarified that courts may award a higher or lower amount based on the facts of each case, with net income calculated after taxes and mandatory deductions. |
| CIVIL - J&K&L HC: Unamended Pleading Loses Effect After Amendment; Party Cannot Benefit From Own Default |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:12 IST |
| J&K&L High Court has held that once a court allows amendment of pleadings and directs a fresh filing within a stipulated time, the unamended pleading loses its legal efficacy. It said a party cannot rely on its own default or misrepresent facts to defeat the purpose of the amendment. |
| CONTRACT - SC: Contractual Clauses Denying Interest on Security Deposits Does Not Violate Public Policy |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:02 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a commercial contract clause denying interest on a security deposit is not unlawful or against public policy. Setting aside the Punjab and Haryana High Court's ruling, it reaffirmed that such contractual terms are valid unless they violate the law. |
| CRIMINAL - SC: Children's Court Cannot Try Child as Adult Without Passing a Reasoned Order under JJ Act |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:10:53 IST |
| Supreme Court held that a Children's Court must pass a reasoned order under Section 19(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act before trying a child as an adult. Declaring this mandatory, it set aside a murder conviction after finding the trial invalid due to non-compliance with the statutory procedure. |
| INSOLVENCY - SC: Pre-2016 Debt Recovery Tribunal Recovery Certificates Cannot Support Insolvency Notices |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:10:42 IST |
| Supreme Court has ruled that a recovery certificate issued by Debts Recovery Tribunal before the 2016 amendment to the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act cannot be relied upon as a decree or order to initiate insolvency proceedings under Section 9(2) of the Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909. |
| CIVIL - SC: Plaintiff's Reply to Counterclaim in Commercial Suits Must Meet Written Statement Deadline |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:10:32 IST |
| SC has held that plaintiffs in commercial suits must file replies to defendants' counterclaims within the same mandatory 120-day limit applicable to written statements, ruling that the strict timeline under the Commercial Courts Act applies equally to ensure speedy disposal of commercial disputes. |
| CAPITAL MARKET - SC: Market Integrity is Paramount; Rule Violators Cannot Escape Liability by Citing Investor Gains |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:10:22 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that the integrity of the securities market is paramount and regulatory violations cannot be excused merely because investors earned profits. It said investor gains or losses are irrelevant in deciding whether a breach of securities market rules has occurred. |
| SERVICE - Supreme Court: Promotion Suitability Must be Decided by Experts, Courts Cannot Create New Methods |
| Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:10:13 IST |
| Supreme Court has held that when a statute prescribes a specific method to assess a candidate's suitability for promotion, courts cannot replace it with a different methodology or read into the law words that the legislature has not included. |
| TRUSTS AND SOCIETIES - Bombay High Court: Strangers May be Impleaded in Co-Operative Society Disputes if Necessary |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:13:11 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that Co-operative Courts may implead persons who are not parties under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act if their presence is necessary for effective adjudication. However, such power cannot be used to expand the dispute or the court's jurisdiction. |
| MOTOR VEHICLES - Uttarakhand High Court: Smell of Alcohol Alone Cannot Prove Drunken Driving |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:13:01 IST |
| Uttarakhand HC held that the smell of alcohol alone, without a blood test or breathalyser proving the statutory limit was exceeded, cannot establish drunken driving. It consequently set aside the charge under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita while partly allowing the revision petition. |
| CRIMINAL - Allahabad High Court: An Alibi Must be Proved at Trial and Cannot be Accepted by the IO Alone |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:12:49 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that an accused's plea of alibi must be proved during trial through evidence and cannot be accepted by an Investigating Officer to file a final report. It ruled that relying on witness statements supporting an alibi at the investigation stage would be a gross illegality. |
| SERVICE - Delhi High Court Holds Multiple Sclerosis is a Specified Disability under the RPWD Act |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:12:38 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that multiple sclerosis is a specified disability under the RPWD Act and upheld PwD reservation benefits for an SSC candidate with multiple sclerosis and low vision. The Court dismissed the SSC's challenge to the candidate's appointment under the PwD quota. |
| EXCISE - Calcutta High Court: Joint Settlement of Liquor Licence is Allowed if All Eligible Heirs Consent |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:12:26 IST |
| Calcutta High Court upheld the joint settlement of a country spirit shop licence in favour of two eligible grandsons of the deceased licensee. It held that the applicable rules permit licences to one or more heirs and that prior experience is not a statutory requirement. |
| CIVIL - Calcutta High Court: Punjab National Bank Liable to Compensate Farmers For Crop Insurance Lapse |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:12:16 IST |
| Calcutta High Court held Punjab National Bank liable to compensate farmers after its failure to complete mandatory formalities under the Bangla Shasya Bima scheme left them without crop insurance. The Court found the bank's negligence deprived farmers of coverage despite premium deductions. |
| CIVIL - Bombay High Court: Revenue Officers Cannot Decide Caste Status to Remove Tribal Land Protections |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:12:06 IST |
| Bombay HC held that revenue officers cannot determine a person's caste or tribe status while exercising powers under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. It ruled that only the Caste Scrutiny Committee can decide Scheduled Tribe status, and revenue authorities cannot deny statutory tribal protections. |
| CIVIL - Delhi High Court: UP Passport Disputes Cannot be Filed in Delhi Only Because MEA is Based There |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:11:55 IST |
| Delhi High Court held that passport disputes cannot be filed in Delhi merely because the Ministry of External Affairs is located there. It ruled that territorial jurisdiction under Article 226 depends on where the cause of action arises and dismissed a plea seeking passport corrections. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad High Court: Strict Proof of Marriage is Unnecessary if Couple Lived as Husband and Wife |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:11:45 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that strict proof of a valid marriage is not necessary to claim maintenance under Section 125 CrPC if a man and woman have lived together as husband and wife and their relationship is otherwise established. |
| CRIMINAL - Bombay High Court: No Prior Sanction is Required to Prosecute Police For Custodial Assault |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:11:35 IST |
| Bombay High Court held that assaulting a suspect to extract a confession can never be considered an official duty of a police officer. Refusing to discharge three policemen accused of custodial assault, the Court ruled that no prior sanction is required to prosecute them. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H High Court: Second Anticipatory Bail Plea is Not Maintainable After Supreme Court Rejection |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:11:25 IST |
| Punjab and Haryana High Court held that a second anticipatory bail plea is not maintainable after the earlier plea has been rejected up to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled that a subsequent compromise between the parties cannot override or nullify binding judicial directions. |
| SERVICE - J&K&L High Court: Maternity Leave is a Constitutional Right and Cannot be Treated as State Charity |
| Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:11:14 IST |
| J&K&L High Court held that maternity leave is a constitutional right rooted in women's dignity, not State charity. It ruled that women doctors in government medical colleges cannot be denied salaries during maternity leave through an executive order, calling such action administrative overreach. |
| TENANCY - Supreme Court Orders Merged Bank's Eviction For Transferring Tenancy Without Landlord's Consent |
| Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:31:50 IST |
| SC held that a tenant bank's amalgamation with another bank amounts to a transfer of tenancy. It restored Punjab National Bank's eviction, ruling that Hindustan Commercial Bank's tenancy was transferred without the landlord's written consent, attracting eviction under the Delhi Rent Control Act. |
| CIVIL - SC: Voluminous Documents are No Excuse For Their Delayed Production under Commercial Courts Act |
| Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:31:41 IST |
| SC ruled that the sheer quantity of documents cannot, by itself; justify filing evidence after the prescribed timeline under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015. The Court clarified that parties seeking to submit records beyond the deadline must establish valid and sufficient reasons for the delay. |
| CRIMINAL - Supreme Court Revives POCSO Case Against Headmistress, Says Verifying Abuse Claims is No Excuse |
| Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:31:32 IST |
| SC held that a school official cannot avoid liability under the POCSO Act by privately verifying a child's sexual abuse complaint instead of reporting it. It ruled that failure to report under Section 19 attracts criminal liability under Section 21, punishable with imprisonment, fine, or both. |
| SERVICE - Uttarakhand HC: Previous Service Pay Protection Does Not Confer Right to Career Progression Benefits |
| Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:31:22 IST |
| Uttarakhand HC ruled that safeguarding an employee's pay based on earlier service does not automatically require that period to be considered for Assured Career Progression benefits. It held that pay protection and ACP eligibility are governed by separate rules and serve different purposes. |
| LAND ACQUISITION - Bombay HC: Municipal Council Must Pay for Land Used as DP Road Despite Fund Shortage |
| Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:31:12 IST |
| Bombay HC ruled that a Municipal Council cannot deny compensation due to financial hardship where private land has long been used as a Development Plan road without acquisition. It held that a landowner's right to fair compensation cannot depend on the authority's financial capacity. |
| FAMILY - Allahabad High Court: Husband's Liability under the Domestic Violence Act Continues Despite Divorce |
| Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:31:02 IST |
| Allahabad High Court held that "An act of domestic violence once committed, subsequent decree of divorce will not absolve the liability of the husband from the offence committed or to deny the benefit to which the aggrieved person is entitled under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005." |
| ELECTION - Madras HC: Election Plea Becomes Infructuous After Assembly Term Ends, Barring Corruption |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:11:11 IST |
| Madras HC dismissed an election challenge to the 2021 Assembly result, holding that petitions based on grounds other than corrupt practices become infructuous once the Assembly's tenure ends. As both candidates lost in the subsequent election, the Court found no surviving issue for adjudication. |
| CRIMINAL - P&H HC: BNSS Pre-Cognizance Hearing Doesn't Apply to Serious Fraud Investigation Office Cases |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:11:02 IST |
| P&H HC has ruled that the pre-cognizance hearing under Section 223 of the BNSS does not apply to prosecutions initiated by the SFIO under the Companies Act. It held that an SFIO investigation report is deemed a police report, excluding procedural safeguards meant for complaint cases. |
| CYBER LAWS - Bombay HC Orders Removal of AI-Made Deepfakes and Morphed Images of Preity Zinta |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:54 IST |
| Bombay HC has ordered the removal of AI-generated deepfakes, morphed images, and manipulated videos of actor Preity Zinta, finding that such content prima facie violated her privacy, personality, publicity, and moral rights while harming her public reputation. |
| EDUCATION - Madras HC: Private Schools Fall Outside RTI but Must Disclose Fee Structure |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:43 IST |
| Madras HC has ruled that private unaided schools, though not covered as "public authorities" under the RTI Act, must publicly display their fee structure and other prescribed information. The Court said this obligation arises from the Tamil Nadu Private Schools law and its corresponding Rules. |
| LIMITATION - Allahabad HC: Limitation Cannot be Extended Through Belated Representations or Letters |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:33 IST |
| Allahabad HC ruled that repeatedly sending letters or delayed representations cannot extend the statutory limitation period unless the State acknowledges liability. It also held that writ petitions under Article 226 are generally not maintainable for recovery of disputed contractual monetary claims. |
| ARBITRATION - Delhi HC Clarifies if Whatsapp Acknowledgment Can Make an Arbitral Award Binding |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:21 IST |
| Delhi HC ruled that a party who acknowledges an arbitral award on WhatsApp and acts in accordance with it cannot later challenge the award after execution proceedings begin. The Court dismissed plea to set aside the award, holding that the challenge was filed beyond the statutory limitation period. |
| CRIMINAL - Rajasthan HC Clarifies Criminal Writ Petitions Have No Separate Constitutional Status |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:12 IST |
| Rajasthan HC clarified that the Constitution does not recognize a separate category of "criminal writ petitions." It held that writs arising from criminal matters should not be registered under a distinct criminal designation and must instead be treated and listed simply as writ petitions. |
| CIVIL - Kerala HC Approves New Public Prosecutor Appointment Guidelines After a Minor Revision |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:10:02 IST |
| Ker HC approved State's draft rules for appointing District Government Pleaders, Public Prosecutors & Additional Public Prosecutors after ordering one revision. It directed that Clause 3 replace "due regard" with "due primacy" to give District Judge's views greater significance in selection process. |
| FAMILY - SC: Oraon Tribe Custom Doesn't Allow Uncle-In-Law to Adopt Niece's Husband as Ghar Damad |
| Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:09:52 IST |
| Supreme Court has ruled that an uncle-in-law cannot induct his niece's husband as a ghar damad under the customary law of the Oraon tribal community. Setting aside concurrent rulings of three courts, it held that no recognized custom permits such an arrangement. |