This week’s roundup travels across all the High Courts to provide you with cases about Karnataka MLA G. Janardhan Reddy’s bail in illegal mining case, Yamaha’s trade mark, Mamta Banerjee’s Coal Controversy, Split verdict in 2004 HCS Recruitment Scam, and much more.
ABETMENT TO SUICIDE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | [S.306 IPC] ‘Act of instigation must be such, where deceased has no choice, but to commit suicide’; FIR quashed
The Division Bench of Revati Mohite Dere* and Dr. Neela Gokhale, JJ., heard a writ petition preferred under Article 226 of the Constitution and under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 that sought the quashing of the FIR for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 306, 506(2) and 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’). The petitioner was accused of instigating the suicide of the deceased for harassment over a loan given by him to the deceased. The Court held that it was not possible from any angle to conclude that the petitioner instigated the deceased to commit suicide by demanding the payment of the amount borrowed by him or that the petitioner used abusive language or intimidated him. Read more HERE
BAIL
TELANGANA HIGH COURT | Karnataka MLA G. Janardhan Reddy’s conviction stayed and bail granted in illegal mining case
Two interlocutory applications were filed by the petitioner, Gali Janardhan Reddy, for the suspension of his conviction under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNSS’) and the sentence under Section 430(1) BNSS, made by the Principal Special Judge for CBI Cases, Hyderabad (‘Special Court’) vide judgment dated 6-5-2025 in relation with illegal mining. K. Lakshman, J., after referring to the contentions of the petitioner regarding his disqualification from the membership, held that if the suspension was not granted, he would lose the chance to contest the by-election of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and thereby would fail to represent the people of his constituency. The Court, thus, stayed his conviction and granted him bail. [Gali Janardhan Reddy v. State of Telangana, 2025 SCC OnLine TS 301] Read more HERE
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | Bail granted to Government Model College Guest Faculty accused of circulating alleged WhatsApp posts to hurt religious sentiments of other community
In an application filed by applicant, Guest Faculty at Government Model College, Dindori, under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) seeking regular bail in connection with FIR for circulation of certain posts and a video titled ‘Naya Ravan’ in a WhatsApp group, allegedly to hurt religious sentiments, a single-judge bench of Avanindra Kumar Singh, J., granted bail. Read more HERE
BANK SCAM
DELHI HIGH COURT | Two persons allegedly involved in Rs 1626 crore bank fraud case permitted to travel abroad
In an application filed by the Petitioners 1 and 2 under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, seeking suspension of Look Out Circular (‘LOC’) issued by Respondents, and for permitting Petitioners, allegedly involved in bank fraud case, to travel abroad, Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, J.*, stated that it found no reason to decline the request of Petitioners for travelling abroad. Hence, permitted petitioners to travel after fulfilling the conditions, similar to as imposed by the Trial Court in the previous orders. [Vineet Gupta v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4436] Read more HERE
CITIZENS, MIGRANTS AND ALIENS
MADRAS HIGH COURT | ‘Foreign national can’t be indefinitely restricted in India by LOC without being named as accused’; Completion of probe directed against Seychelles citizen within one year
In a writ petition directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (‘CBI’) to withdraw the Look Out Circular (‘LOC’) issued to the Assistant Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, Bureau of Immigration, against the petitioner in connection with a case pending before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, the Single Judge Bench of D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, J. observed that a foreign national cannot be compelled to remain in India indefinitely in connection with a criminal case, particularly when he has not even been named as an accused. Accordingly, the Court directed the investigating agencies to complete the probe against the petitioner, a citizen of Seychelles, within one year. It further ordered that, if no case is established against him upon conclusion of the investigation, the Lookout Circular issued against him shall be revoked. [Karthik Parthiban v. State, 2025 SCC OnLine Mad 2665] Read more HERE
CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, 1908
ORISSA HIGH COURT | [Order 39 Rule 7 CPC] Why Pleader Commissioner’s Report cannot be taken as evidence in civil suit
In the present case, the petitioner challenged the impugned order dated 20-2-2024 of the Civil Judge, Junior Division, Nimapara, whereby a Pleader Commissioner was appointed in terms of Order 39 Rule 7 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (‘CPC’). A Single Judge Bench of R.K. Pattanaik, J., opined that the report submitted by a Pleader Commissioner, appointed under Order 39 Rule 7 CPC for property inspection, could be used to determine interim applications, like those for injunctions but it could not be taken as evidence in deciding the merits of a civil suit. The said report was only meant to assist the court in limited matters such as inspection, preservation, or detention of the property. Read more HERE
COOPERATIVEE SOCIETIES
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Removal of bouncers hired to prevent housing society members from feeding stray dogs, ordered
The Division Bench of G.S. Kulkarni and Arif S. Doctor, JJ., heard a contempt petition by a resident of a cooperative society who alleged that the respondents had breached earlier orders of this Court wherein they were directed to not employ bouncers in order to stop the petitioner or any other member of the society from feeding the stray dogs. The Court disposed of the said petition when the respondents agreed to discontinue the duties of the two bouncers and to not remove the water bowls kept for the dogs. Read more HERE
CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Accused’s plea of transfer to ‘open prison’ in Preeti Rathi Acid Attack case, rejected
A writ petition was filed before the Division Bench of Vibha Kankanwadi* and Sanjay A. Deshmukh, JJ., to send the petitioner, Ankur Narayan Panwar, to open prison. The petitioner, while being searched after returning from furlough leave, was found possessing a mobile battery in his bag. He initially stated that his family, unaware of the prison rules, might have packed it along with the other items but at a later stage, blamed the duty staff, and alleged that he was not shown the battery when he asked for it. The Court, in Preeti Rathi Acid Attack case, after referring to the Notifications, Open Prison Rules, 1971 and the Prison Discipline contained in the manual, dismissed the petition and held that the transfer to an open prison could not be claimed as a matter of right, especially when there was a discipline issue on the part of the petitioner. [Ankur Narayan Panwar v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2324] Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Enquiry directed into 2012’s New Year eve party with liquor at children’s shelter home
In a public interest litigation by a social worker, Sangeeta Sandeep Punekar (the ‘petitioner’) in relation to a liquor party on a New Year eve, arranged at a children shelter home wherein half-naked girls were dancing in front of mentally deficient children, the Division Bench of Alok Aradhe*, C.J. and Sandeep V. Marne, J., directed Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Mumbai, to initiate an enquiry regarding the alleged party. Read more HERE
CRIMINAL TRIAL
KARNATAKA HIGH COURT | When alleged kidnapping of a pet cat ‘Daisy’ compelled admonishing symptomatic misuse of criminal process
In a matter revolving around alleged kidnapping of a pet cat named Daisy which subsequently led to filing of chargesheet against the petitioner accusing him of serious offences including insulting the modesty of a woman, the Bench of M. Nagaprasanna, J., while considering the issue, took to task the jurisdictional police for entertaining the complaint of a missing cat ostensibly for extraneous reasons. The Court said that the Police ought not to have entertained the complaint which did not indicate any cognizable offence at the outset. In fact, the complaint did not even indicate a non-cognizable offence. Mincing no words, the Court said that the instant case revealed the symptomatic misuse of criminal process where hurt feelings or robust grievances masquerade as legal wrongs. [Taha Husain v. State of Karnataka, 2025 SCC OnLine Kar 654] Read more HERE
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | WhatsApp chats can be admitted without consent as evidence in matrimonial disputes
In an appeal against the Family Court’s order permitting the husband, to mark WhatsApp chats procured without wife’s consent through an application installed on her phone, as exhibits in the matrimonial proceedings instituted by him under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, a single-judge bench of Ashish Shroti, J., upheld the Family Court’s order to admit the WhatsApp chats as evidence and emphasised that in matrimonial disputes, the relevance of evidence prevails over the means of its procurement. Read more HERE
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | Detailed directions issued for Investigating Authorities & Judicial Officers on Gang Violence and Organised Crime
In a writ petition filed by a man, who was being harassed by a gangster, seeking protection of his and his family’s life and liberty, the Single Judge Bench of Harpreet Singh Brar, J., allowed the petition, directing that the department concerned to take swift action towards providing protection to the petitioner and his family. The Court also provided detailed directions for the establishment of a criminal justice and legal response mechanism to counter gang violence and organised crime. Read more HERE
CRUELTY
MADRAS HIGH COURT | ‘Unsubstantiated sexual allegations against husband and father-in-law amounts to cruelty’: Woman’s Restitution of Conjugal Rights plea set aside, divorce granted
In a civil appeal filed under Section 19 of the Family Courts Act, 1984, read with Section 28 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, seeking to set aside the order and decree passed by the Additional Principal Family Court, Chennai, the Division Bench of J. Nisha Banu and R. Sakthivel*, JJ. set aside the orders of the Family Court. The petition filed by the husband seeking dissolution of marriage was allowed, while the petition filed by the wife for restitution of conjugal rights was dismissed. Consequently, the marriage between the parties was dissolved by a decree of divorce. Read more HERE
DOWRY DEATH
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Life sentence of husband upheld for wife’s death by setting her on fire; Cruel conduct highlighted
The appellant, who was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5000, for setting his wife on fire, filed an appeal for reduction of the punishment imposed on him under Section 302 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’). The Division Bench of Sarang V. Kotwal* and Shyam C. Chandak, JJ., refused to reduce his conviction to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The Court held that his actions were exceptionally cruel and took undue advantage of his wife and children’s vulnerability. It was held that such cruelty disqualifies him from seeking relief under Exception 4 of the Section 300 IPC. Read more HERE
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | ‘Mere possibility of contrary view doesn’t justify reversal of acquittal’; Acquittal in Dowry Death case, upheld
In an appeal filed by State of Rajasthan challenging the Additional Sessions Judge’s judgment of acquittal under Sections 302 and 304-B of the Penal code, 1860 (IPC) pertaining to murder and dowry death, but convicted the accused under Section 498-A IPC for cruelty, a Division Bench of Sunil Beniwal and Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati,* JJ., upheld the acquittal of the accused under Sections 302 and 304-B IPC as prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Court reiterated that in appeals against acquittal, the appellate court must respect plausible views taken by the trial court unless they are perverse or manifestly illegal. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | “It’s wife’s tendency to implicate husband and his family members to settle personal scores”: Dowry Harassment FIR against In-Laws, quashed
An application under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (‘CrPC’) was filed by Applicant 1 seeking quashment of an FIR lodged against him and his family members alleging mental and physical cruelty along with dowry related accusations invoking Sections 498-A, 323, 504 and 506 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) and Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. A Division Bench of Anil S. Kilor and Pravin S. Patil*, JJ., observed that the allegations made against the applicant’s family member were general in nature, lacking any specific details to disclose claims of harassment and the only specific accusations pertained to the husband. The Court thus partly allowed the criminal application by quashing and setting aside the case pending against Applicants 2 to 8 and rejecting the application in respect to Applicant 1. Read more HERE
EDUCATION LAW
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | Interim directions issued to provide Interpreter to 100% hearing-impaired student for academic and exam assistance
In a writ petition filed by 100% hearing-impaired student, seeking various reliefs concerning her education and examination support in a University under the State of Rajasthan, particularly, the non-availability of an interpreter and denial of home-based instruction, despite her disability, a single-judge bench of Anoop Kumar Dhand, J., issued interim directions to the respondent-University. [Manisha Mina v. State of Rajasthan, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2692] Read more HERE
KERALA HIGH COURT | Procedural delay by NCTE can’t prejudice institution’s academic year; Recognition of Majilis College’s ITE Programme for 2025—26, directed
In a writ petition filed by Majilis Arts and Science College, challenging National Council for Teacher Education’s (NCTE) delay in granting recognition for its Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITE Programme) course, the Bench of D. K. Singh, J. set aside an order dated 01-05-2025 that had wrongly mentioned 2026—27. The Court directed that the college’s recognition be treated for 2025-26, as the college had complied with all requirements on time, while NCTE failed to follow prescribed timelines. Read more HERE
ELECTION LAW
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Mere presence of dead persons’ names in the voting list does not mean votes are cast in their names
In the present election petition, the victory of Shobha Dinesh Bacchav (‘respondent 3’) in the General Elections to the 18th Lok Sabha and the voting to the Dhule Parliamentary Constituency was challenged by Subhash Ramrao Bhamre (‘election petitioner’) on the ground of illegal casting of votes. A Single Judge Bench of Arun R. Pedneker, J., dismissed the election petition stating that the allegations were not supported with any material evidence and therefore the Court could not conclude that just because the voter list contained the names of dead people, the votes were actually cast in their name. Read more HERE
ENVIRONMENT LAW
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | “If guilty, basis must be disclosed; if not, litigation is futile”; NGT directed to decide culpability before fastening liability in fire incident
In a writ petition challenging the National Green Tribunal’s order (NGT) dated 29-05-2025, vide which NGT observed to consider the petitioner’s plea for deletion of his name from the array of respondents at the final hearing and fastened liability upon him to pay interim compensation to the victims of the fire incident that occurred at the premises of Rajesh Fireworks, a Division Bench of Vivek Agarwal* and Avanindra Kumar Singh, JJ., set aside the NGT’s order and directed the NGT to hear and decide the plea regarding the petitioner’s culpability and involvement in liability in fire incident on its own merits. Read more HERE
KERALA HIGH COURT | Constitution of Ashtamudi Local Wetland Authority for protection and conservation of Ashtamudi Wetland, directed
In a Public Interest Litigation (‘PIL’) concerning the Ashtamudi wetland, which was notified as a Ramsar site in the year 2002, the Petitioner highlighted the depletion and deterioration of the wetland caused by various factors such as pollution from drainage discharge, encroachments, and other anthropogenic activities the division bench of Nitin Jamdar*, CJ and Basant Balaji, J. directed the constitution of the Ashtamudi Local Wetland Authority/Sub-Committee for the protection and conservation of the Ashtamudi wetland to work under the supervision of the State Wetland Authority. Read more HERE
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | Plea challenging demolition drive on encroachments in Ummed Sagar Dam catchment area, dismissed
In a civil writ petition where 124 individuals residing at Khasra No. 5, Gali No. 8, Sundar Balaji Colony, Chopasni, under the jurisdiction of Municipal Corporation, Jodhpur, approached the Court challenging the demolition drive against them for allegedly encroaching in the catchment area of the Ummed Sagar Dam, a single-judge bench of Sunil Beniwal, J., dismissed the petition and held that there exists no illegality in the action initiated by the authorities to remove the encroachments from government land, especially land forming part of a vital water body. Read more HERE
HEALTH AND MEDICAL LAW
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | Suo motu cognizance taken and status report sought on shortage of Hospital Attendants, Nursing Staff at PGIMER, Chandigarh
The Division Bench of Anil Kshetarpal and Aman Chaudhary, JJ., took suo-motu cognizance of a news report mentioning the severe shortage of hospital attendants and nursing staff in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (‘PGIMER’), Chandigarh. Read more HERE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | No well-known mark status to ‘TikTok’
The petitioner challenged the order dated 31-10-2023 passed by Respondent 1-Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks, whereby an application for inclusion of the registered trade mark ‘TikTok’ in the list of well-known marks, was refused. Manish Pitale, J., affirmed the decision of the Registrar of Trade Marks to refuse inclusion of ‘TikTok’, a registered trade mark in the list of “well-known” under Rule 124 of the Trade Mark Rules, 2017 (‘2017 Rules’) as there was nationwide ban imposed on the petitioner’s application ‘TikTok’ by the Government of India pertaining to sovereignty and integrity of India, Defence of India, Security of State and Public Order. [Tiktok Ltd. v. Registrar of Trade Marks Mumbai, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2323] Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Order refusing ‘WR’ trade mark to Yamaha for similarity with Honda’s ‘WR-V’, quashed
In the present petition, Manish Pitale, J., dealt with the issue of refusal to register the trade mark ‘WR’ to the petitioner, Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (‘Yamaha’) by the Registrar/Examiner of Trade Marks (the ‘respondent’). The Registrar cited similarity with Honda’s ‘WR-V’ and stated that there would be a likelihood of confusion in the minds of public between the trade mark of Yamaha, of which the registration was sought, and similar trade marks already on the register. The Court quashed the cryptic order by the Registrar and directed him to advertise the application before acceptance as per Section 20(1) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 (‘the Act’). Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Interim relief granted to ‘SOCIAL’ restaurant against ‘SOCIAL TRIBE’ in trade mark dispute
The present interim application was filed by the applicant ‘SOCIAL’ seeking remedy for trade mark infringement and passing off. The defendant ‘SOCIAL TRIBE’ was using the mark in a manner which was deceptively similar to the one registered by the applicant. A Single Judge Bench of Sharmila U. Deshmukh, J., after comparing both the marks, held that adding the suffix ‘TRIBE’ to the word ‘SOCIAL’ did not change the fact that the defendant attempted to infringe the registered trade mark of the applicant. The Court granted injunctive relief to the applicant by restraining and prohibiting the defendant from infringing upon the applicant’s registered trade mark. Read more HERE
DELHI HIGH COURT | Interim injunction granted to VOLVO in a trade mark infringement case
In a suit filed by the plaintiffs for the grant of permanent injunction restraining the defendants from infringing upon the plaintiffs’ trade mark, A Single Judge Bench of Amit Bansal, J*, granted ex-parte ad interim injunction while observing that the defendants wilfully misused the plaintiffs’ trade mark to encash on the plaintiffs’ well-established goodwill and name. Read more HERE
JUDICIARY
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | ‘The Court cannot assume the role of an examiner, doing so would breach judicial propriety’; Re-evaluation ordered in Judicial Services Exam
In a writ petition seeking correction of the totaling of the Civil Law-I examination (‘Civil Law paper’); correct evaluation of an answer in the English subject examination ( ‘English paper’) attempted by the petitioner in the Punjab Civil Services (Judicial Branch) Examination 2016, a Division Bench of Sheel Nagu, CJ., and Sumeet Goel, J., allowed the writ petition and ordered re-evaluation of an answer by an examiner different from the one who previously examined for free and fair assessment.[ Rustam Garg v. Punjab & Haryana High Court, 2025 SCC OnLine P&H 2759] Read more HERE
MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, OTHER UNIONS AND CHILDREN
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | [Constructive Desertion] Divorce granted to husband due to his foundational deceit and concealment of prior marriages, set aside
In an appeal filed by the appellant (wife) challenging the judgment and decree dated 21-11-2019 and 18-12-2019, issued by the Additional District Judge in a matrimonial suit wherein the marriage was dissolved between the parties by divorce, the Division Bench of Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya and Uday Kumar, JJ. set aside the decree of divorce and held that divorce decree cannot be granted to a party (petitioner) who perpetrated foundational cruelty (e.g., deliberate marital deception) of greater magnitude than any alleged misconduct by the other spouse, even if the marriage is irretrievably broken down, as it would constitute a miscarriage of justice and violate the principle of “clean hands”. [Kamalika Majumdar Nee Das v. Subhapriya Majumdar, 2025 SCC OnLine Cal 4835] Read more HERE
KERALA HIGH COURT | Couples may be divorced as husband and wife, but never as parents, their responsibilities continue for life
In a contempt case filed by a father under the impression that the mother is not allowing the child to interact with him, in spite of the directions in the judgment earlier delivered. the division bench of Devan Ramachandran* and M.B. Snehalatha, JJ. issued the following directions: (a) The contempt case was closed. (b) The father was granted full liberty to participate in the child’s therapy sessions and to monitor her educational progress and personal life. However, the Court made it clear that this must be done without causing the child any distress, and with the understanding that the father’s obligation was to provide her with the utmost care and protection, free from any threat or intimidation. Read more HERE
KERLA HIGH COURT | Registrar cannot cancel marriage certificate unless registration is proven fraudulent or improper
In a matter concerning the cancellation of marriage registration as the marriage was not somenised under any personal or special law, the Single Judge Bench of CS Dias, J. held that a Registrar of Marriages cannot cancel a marriage certificate unless it is proved that the registration was either fraudulent or improperly made. Read more HERE
GUAHATI HIGH COURT | Relief granted to woman driven out of matrimonial home due to lighter complexion of child
In an application seeking quashing of the impugned order whereby the Sessions Court denied maintenance to the petitioner-wife for the child, the Single Judge Bench of Parthivjyoti Saikia, J., allowed the application, holding that the wife was driven out of the matrimonial house due to the child’s complexion not matching the parents and thus, the wife had shown sufficient reason for living separately. [Mustt. Lozzatan Begum v. Shahidul Islam, 2025 SCC OnLine Gau 2898] Read more HERE
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | ‘Court flooded with litigation due to ignorance of SOPs’; Circulation of SOPs directed regarding run-away couples seeking protection
In a writ petition filed by a run-away couple seeking protection of their lives and personal liberty from their families and relatives, a Single Judge Bench of Rohit Kapoor, J., disposed of the petition with a direction to the 2nd Respondent to forward the petitioners’ police representation to the authority concerned and ensure that the same was decided per the SOPs. [Kamalpreet Kaur v. State of Punjab, 2025 SCC OnLine P&H 2777] Read more HERE
ORISSA HIGH COURT | Divorce upheld on husband being called ‘nikhatu, kempa’ by wife for his physical infirmity
A Division Bench comprising of B.P. Routray* and Chittaranjan Dash, JJ., dealt with a matrimonial application wherein the appellant-wife was accused of using derogatory remarks towards her husband-the respondent ridiculing him over his disability. The Court upheld the Family Court’s decision granting divorce which stated derogatory terms like “Nikhatu” and “Kempa” constituted mental cruelty, which was a valid ground for divorce. [X v. Y, 2025 SCC OnLine Ori 2325] Read more HERE
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
PATNA HIGH COURT | ‘Was only present during operation as team member’; 22-year-old medical negligence case against a female gynecologist, quashed
In a Petition under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (‘CrPC’) for quashing the Trial Court’s order dismissing the application of discharge filed by a female gynecologist under Section 227 of the CrPC, the Single Judge Bench of Chandra Shekhar Jha, J*., relying upon the Supreme Court’s decisions in Devendra Nath Padhi and Bhajan Lal, to secure the ends of justice quashed the 22 year medical negligence case against her. The Court considered that the present accused, the wife of the operating Doctor was only present in the operation theatre as part of the team. [Mamta Sinha (Dr.) v. State of Bihar, 2025 SCC OnLine Pat 2170] Read more HERE
KERALA HIGH COURT | Reopening of Cosmetiq Hospital allowed after closure over alleged medical negligence in Liposuction Case
In a plea filed by a doctor, the proprietor and plastic surgeon at Cosmetiq Hospital, claiming that the closure of the hospital had made it impossible to continue post-surgical treatment for patients, a Single Judge Bench of V.G. Arun, J. permitted the reopening of Cosmetiq Hospital in Kazhakkuttam. The hospital had been shut down following a tragic incident in which a woman allegedly lost her fingers and toes after undergoing a cosmetic procedure at the facility. [Bibilash B.S. (Dr.) v. State of Kerala, 2025 SCC OnLine Ker 3677] Read more HERE
NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS
DELHI HIGH COURT | Cheque Dishonour due to Frozen Account not Offence Under NI Act; “Account maintained” under Section 138 NI Act, interpreted
In a petition filed under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, seeking to quash summons dated 18-09-2024 and the consequential proceedings arising out of complaint initiated under Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, Ravinder Dudeja, J., quashed the summoning order as the reason for dishonor as “insufficient funds” was that the petitioners’ account was frozen by the CGST Department, and thus, it could not be said to be “maintained” by them at the relevant time. [Best Buildwell (P) Ltd. v. R.D. Sales, 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4267] Read more HERE
PRISONERS
DELHI HIGH COURT | State directed to reconsider premature release of a prisoner incarcerated for more than 21 years; Reconstitution of Sentence Review Board suggested
In a petition filed by the petitioner seeking premature release from prison, as he had suffered incarceration for more than 21 years with remission after his conviction, Girish Kathpalia, J., stated that the composition of Sentence Review Board (‘SRB’) needs be re-examined by the authorities concerned so as to make the exercise of sentence review meaningful and commensurate to the laudable philosophy of reformation of criminal. The Court further directed the State to consider afresh the petitioner’s case for premature release as per the policy framed by the Delhi Government in 2004 (‘2004 policy’) and the parameters laid down and discussed in the present case. The Court further suggested that the competent authority should deliberate upon the composition of Sentence Review Board and reconstitute the same and should also further finetune the 2004 policy on the lines discussed in the present case. [Vikram Yadav v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4501] Read more HERE
QUASHMENT OF PROCEEDINGS/FIR
UTTARANCHAL HIGH COURT | Criminal proceedings quashed against Patanjali Ayurved for alleged misleading advertisements
In an application under Section 528 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNSS’), filed by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (‘Patanjali’) against criminal proceedings under Sections 3, 4 and 7 of the Drugs and Magical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 (‘1954 Act’) and the summoning order therein vis-a-vis matter of misleading advertisements, a Single Judge Bench of Vivek Bharti Sharma, J., observing that there were no specific allegations to show that the advertisements were misleading and non-application of judicial mind in taking cognizance of the criminal case, quashed the criminal proceedings and set aside the summoning order. [Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. v. State of Uttarakhand, 2025 SCC OnLine Utt 1713] Read more HERE
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | “Mere knowledge of offender’s whereabouts not harbouring”: FIR quashed against father & brother of absconder
In a petition filed seeking quashing of an FIR filed under Sections 212 and 216 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) against the father and brother of the absconder, the Single Judge Bench of Manisha Batra, J., allowed the petition, holding that the allegations were vague and the evidence was insufficient to infer that the accused person harboured the absconder. The Court also reiterated that simple denial of the whereabouts of an offender by his family members does not amount to harbouring such family members. Read more HERE
PATNA HIGH COURT | Case against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over alleged disrespect to National Anthem during ‘Sepak Takraw’ World Cup inauguration, quashed
In a petition filed under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNSS’) filed by Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar, to quash the complaint case for insulting the National Anthem while inaugurating the World Cup event of ‘Sepak takraw’, the Single Judge Bench of Chandra Shekhar Jha, J., held that the allegations were completely baseless and frivolous and filed to gain cheap popularity in politics by tarnishing the image of Nitish Kumar. Hence, the Court quashed the complaint case and the notice issued thereunder. Read more HERE
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | ECL order on Mamata Banerjee’s coal controversy set aside; ECL directed to pay ₹25 lakh compensation
An appeal was filed by Mamata Banerjee and her son seeking enforcement of the entitlements due to her late husband Badal Banerjee under the Land Loser Scheme of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), following the acquisition of his land for mining purposes and ECL’s subsequent denial of coal allotment. A Division Bench of Tapabrata Chakraborty and Reetobroto Kumar Mitra, JJ., set aside the order of the Single Judge and held that Mr. Banerjee was indeed a beneficiary under the Land Loser Scheme, as evidenced by uncontroverted admissions and official documents of ECL, and directed the company to compensate the appellants with a sum of ₹25 lakhs in lieu of the undelivered coal. [Mamata Banerjee v. Eastern Coalfields Ltd., 2025 SCC OnLine Cal 4421] Read more HERE
RENT CONTROL AND EVICTION
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | Rent Appellate Tribunal can’t keep judgment reserved indefinitely after conclusion of arguments
In a writ petition challenging the delay by the Rent Appellate Tribunal in pronouncing the reserved judgment which violates the petitioner’s right to speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, a single-judge bench of Anoop Kumar Dhand, J., acknowledged the inordinate delay and directed the Rent Appellate Tribunal to pronounce the judgment expeditiously as early as possible, preferably within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. The Court held that the judgment can’t be kept reserved indefinitely after conclusion of arguments. [Ramswaroop v. Moolchand Saini, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2691] Read more HERE
RIGHT TO INFORMATION
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Maharashtra State Information Commission shall decide second appeals/complaints under RTI Act as expeditiously as possible
The petitioners prayed before this Court to issue a writ/order/direction in the nature of mandamus, to direct the respondent, to inform the petitioners about the detailed roadmap charted by it, whereby the second appeals and complaints filed before it were disposed of within 45 days from the date of filing thereof. The Division Bench of Alok Aradhe*, C.J., and Sandeep V. Marne, J., after taking note that the Right to Information Act, 2005 (‘the 2005 Act’) did not contain any time limit for deciding second appeals, stated that Respondent 1 should make an endeavour to decide the second appeals/complaints under the RTI Act as expeditiously as possible. [Shailesh Gandhi v. Maharashtra State Information Commission, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2325] Read more HERE
SCS, STS, OBCS AND MINORITIES
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | ‘State of West Bengal acting in hot haste, reintroducing struck-down reservations; OBC reclassification, stayed
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed seeking to restrain the State of West Bengal and its instrumentalities from implementing a fresh benchmark survey and issuing notifications for classification and reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in alleged violation of the Calcutta High Court’s earlier judgment dated 22-05-2024, which had struck down the identification of 77 OBC classes and held that only the State Legislature, not the Executive, could exercise such powers under the 2012 Act. A Division Bench of Rajasekhar Mantha and Tapabrata Chakraborty, JJ., directed that multiple executive notifications relating to sub-categorisation of OBCs and enhanced reservation be stayed till the end of July 2025 or until further orders. Read more HERE
SERVICE LAW
GAUHATI HIGH COURT | ‘In merit-cum-seniority there is greater emphasis on merit’; Promotional exercise of New India Assurance Ltd. held valid
In a civil writ petition challenging the notice dated 16-01-2024 of the Promotion Exercise 2024-25 to the cadre of Scale VII issued by the New India Assurance Co. Ltd. (‘NIAC’) on the ground of it being illegal and violative of the Promotion Policy 2006, the Single Judge Bench of Kardak Ete, J*., finding no procedural infirmity or illegality in the promotion exercise dismissed the petition holding that the principle of ‘merit-cum-seniority’ lays greater emphasis on merit and ability and seniority plays a less significant role and is to be given weight only when merit and ability are approximately equal. [Lathrang Born Buam v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine Gau 2945] Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Prolonged unauthorised absence from work constitutes voluntary abandonment of service and not termination
A Single Judge Bench of Anil L. Pansare, J., quashed and set aside Industrial Court orders that had directed reinstatement and back wages for several employees who had stayed away from duty without authorisation. The Court held that prolonged unauthorised absence from work, despite multiple opportunities to resume duty, amounted to voluntary abandonment of service and did not constitute termination/retrenchment under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (the Act). Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Zilla Parishad ordered to release Rs 18,33,300 gratuity to its retired employee alleged to have used filthy language towards senior officers
The Petitioner-Zilla Parishad, Amravati challenged the judgment and order dated 3-12-2022 passed by the Controlling Authority under the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (‘the Act’), directing the petitioner to pay the respondent gratuity of Rs 18,33,300 along with interest @10%p.a. A Single Judge Bench of M.S. Jawalkar, J., stated that gratuity could not be withheld under Section 4(6) of the Act as no ingredient of Section 4(6)(a) were present and further opined that as per Section 4(6)(b), the gratuity might be fully or partially forfeited when the employee’s service was terminated for his riotous or disorderly conduct or any other act of violence on his part or if the services of the employee had been terminated for any act which constituted an offence involving moral turpitude. The Court stated that since the respondent’s services were not terminated he was entitled for gratuity. Read more HERE
DELHI HIGH COURT | MP Govt directed to release retiral dues of late IAS officer who was repeatedly victimised even after death
In a writ petition filed by the aggrieved brother of a late IAS officer challenging the judgment dated 30-4-2024, passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, New Delhi (‘the Tribunal’), Navin Chawla, J*, while upholding the order of the Tribunal directed the State of Madhya Pradesh (‘the petitioner’) to release the retiral dues withheld by them observing that the late IAS officer was the victim of arbitrary and vexatious actions of the petitioner. Read more HERE
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | 2004 HCS Recruitment Scam | Split verdict and referred to Larger Bench
In a significant decision regarding the contentious 2004 Haryana Civil Services (Executive Branch) recruitment, a Division Bench comprising Sanjeev Prakash Sharma* and Meenakshi I. Mehta*, JJ. delivered a split verdict regarding allegations of irregularities in the selection process and discriminatory denial of appointment and referred the matter to a larger bench. Read more HERE
JHARKHAND HIGH COURT | JPSC directed to pay Rs 1 lakh to a Schedule Tribe candidate who was denied employment over a fee glitch
In a Letters Patent Appeal (‘LPA’) filed by Jharkhand Public Service Commission (‘JPSC’) against the order of a single judge holding the respondent, a Scheduled Tribe (‘ST’) candidate, entitled to an appointment as Assistant Professor in the Nagpuri language, the Division Bench of M. S. Ramachandra Rao, C.J.*, and Rajesh Shankar, J., noting the backwardness and myriad issues faced by the community and that it would be a travesty of justice to not appoint a deserving candidate like the respondent due to a fee glitch which was only discovered later, dismissed the LPA and directed the JPSC to pay the respondent Rs 1 lakh as costs. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Interference refused with 2008 Civil Services appointment after 2016 legislative reforms allowed reservation for mental disability
The Division Bench of M.S. Sonak* and Jitendra Jain, JJ., heard a writ petition filed by Vishwas Haridas Jadhavar (‘petitioner’) with a plea that he be appointed to the Civil Services based on his performance in the 2008 UPSC Civil Services examination. He suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder (‘OCD’) which was not recognised as a disability for the purpose of reservation under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (‘1995 Act’) but was later given recognition under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (‘2016 Act’). The Court held that since the matter was already decided by Delhi High Court, this matter was barred by res judicata and reasoned that a change in the legislative framework under the 2016 Act would not revive any selection process which was already concluded. Read more HERE
GAUHATI HIGH COURT | Contractual music teacher directed to approach Governor for exercise of discretionary powers for pension relief
In a writ petition filed by an ad-hoc music teacher against the rejection of her regularisation request or alternatively, seeking grant of voluntary/compulsory retirement along with payment of her pension and pensionary benefits, the Single Judge Bench of Robin Phukan, J., allowed the petition, holding that though the petitioner’s prayer for regularization of her service or voluntary retirement and pensionary benefits could not be granted under the existing law, her case could be considered by the Governor under Rules 31 and 235 of the Assam Service (Pension) Rules, 1969 (‘the Rules’). Accordingly, the petitioner was granted liberty to approach the Director of Secondary Education, Assam (‘DSE’) to file a representation addressing the Governor. Read more HERE
MADRAS HIGH COURT | Matrimonial disputes constitute ‘misconduct’ under TN Government Servants’ Conduct Rules; Govt. departments can initiate disciplinary proceedings
In a writ appeal filed under Clause 15 of Letters Patent to set aside the order, dated 01-02-2018, wherein the Court opined that the criminal case registered in a matrimonial dispute may not be an impediment for continuance of the government contractual employment, the division bench of S.M. Subramaniam and Dr. A.D.Maria Clete, JJ. clarified that, under the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973, matrimonial disputes constitute misconduct, thereby authorizing government departments to initiate disciplinary proceedings in such circumstances. In the present appeal, it was observed that the respondent’s contract had expired in 2017. Consequently, the Court found that the impugned order was inconsistent with these legal principles and the Conduct Rules and hence allowed the appeal. Read more HERE
TAX
SIKKIM HIGH COURT | Refund of Rs 4.37 crore ordered; unutilized input tax credit to SICPA India (P) on its business closure
A tax related writ petition was brought before this Court under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution, wherein the petitioner claimed a refund of Rs 4.37 crore in unutilised Input Tax Credit (‘ITC’) after closure of their business under Section 49(6) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (‘CGST Act’). A Single Judge Bench of Meenakshi Madan Bai, J., opined that while Section 54(3) laid down specific circumstances for refund of ITC, it did not contain an express bar in Section 49(6) read with Section 54 and 54(3) CGST Act on granting refund upon business closure. The Court thus ordered that the petitioners were entitled to the refund of unutilized ITC claimed by them. [SICPA India (P) Ltd. v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine Sikk 61] Read more HERE
TELANGANA HIGH COURT | Explained | “Open terrace”, “open portico” excluded to calculate built-up area for deductions under S. 80-IB of IT Act
In a batch of appeals filed by Appellant 1, Modi Builders and Realtors (P) Ltd. (‘the assessee’), under Section 260-A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (‘the Act’), the Division Bench of P. Sam Koshy* and Narsing Rao Nandikonda, JJ., dealt with the question of law whether terrace or balcony in the form of open to sky or portico without walls would be added while computing the built up area for determining the eligibility for deduction under Section 80-IB(10) of the Act. The Court held that both “open terrace” and “open portico” have nowhere been mentioned to be a part of the built-up area as defined in Section 80-IB(14)(a). Thus, an open terrace could never be a balcony or a projection and similarly an open portico would never be included within the inner measurement of a residential unit. [Modi Builders & Realtors (P) Ltd. v. CIT, 2025 SCC OnLine TS 283] Read more HERE
JHARKHAND HIGH COURT | ‘Notice under Section 61 JGST Act cannot be issued for mere sale of goods at concessional rates’; GST-ASMT 10 notices quashed
In a series of writ petitions filed against the GST-ASMT-10 notices issued under Section 61 of Jharkhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (‘JGST Act’) to the petitioners for selling their goods at prices lower than the prevalent market prices, the Division Bench of M.S. Ramachandra Rao, C.J. and Deepak Roshan, J*., quashed the notices holding that no action under JGST Act can be taken merely because of difference in transaction value at which the petitioners have sold the goods with that of prevalent market value of goods. [Sri. Ram Stone Works v. State of Jharkhand, 2025 SCC OnLine Jhar 2169] Read more HERE