CRIMINAL LAW ROUNDUP: A quick recap of the top criminal cases from June 2025

Covering all the important criminal cases across various High Courts and the Supreme Court, this roundup provides a quick summary of cases, links to other roundups, latest legal updates in criminal law and a few top stories of the month.

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Criminal Law Roundup June 2025

This Criminal Law Roundup of June 2025 explores various important criminal cases, ranging from Preeti Rathi’s acid attack case to Patanjali’s misleading advertisements, from Narayan Sai’s bail to 2019 Howrah Court assault case, from scams and frauds to murder, and much more.

TOP STORIES

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. [Nishit Patel v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2397] Read more HERE

ACQUITTAL

SUPREME COURT | Two acquitted in 43-year-old murder case as suppression of evidence and unfair probe slammed

In a criminal appeal against Allahabad High Court’s decision in a 43-year-old murder case, whereby the conviction of the two accused persons for the offences punishable under Section 302 and Section 307 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘the IPC’), the Division Bench of Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih, JJ. allowed the appeal and acquitted the accused persons.[Sakhawat v. State of U.P., 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1205] Read more HERE

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | Police constable’s conviction in 31-year-old prisoner escape case, overturned

In a criminal revision petition filed by the accused against the conviction under Section 223 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) for the escape of undertrial prisoners, the Single Judge Bench of Farjand Ali, J. holding that criminal negligence under 223 of the IPC requires a substantial deviation from the standard of care expected out of reasonable person and the actions of the accused were driven by humanitarian concerns and not with intent or recklessness to facilitate escape, set aside the conviction and sentence order against the accused. [Mushtaq Ali v. State of Rajasthan, Criminal Revision Petition No. 1106/2006] Read more HERE

ALLAHBAD HIGH COURT | Two men walk acquitted in 1977 murder case after 43 years

In a criminal appeal filed by four convicts (only two surviving) against judgment and order of conviction passed by the Trial Court in 1982 whereby the convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 302/34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) and four years rigorous imprisonment under Section 307/34 of the IPC, the Division Bench of Vivek Kumar Birla and Nand Prabha Shukla*, JJ., allowed the appeals, holding that the Trial Court did not duly consider the lacuna or infirmity appearing in the prosecution case and relied upon the testimony of the witnesses/ victims without carefully scrutinizing their testimony. The Court held that the prosecution not only suppressed the genesis and origin of the occurrence but also failed to explain the injuries of the convicts. [Lakhan v. State, 2025 SCC OnLine All 3225] Read more HERE

ADULTERY

PATNA HIGH COURT | Isolated acts of immorality not ‘living in adultery’; Plea filed by husband against maintenance order, dismissed

In a Criminal Revision Petition filed by the petitioner against the order of the Family Court to pay maintenance to his wife and daughter, alleging adultery by his wife and disputing paternity of the daughter, the single judge Bench of Jitendra Kumar, J*., upheld the order of maintenance by the Family Court holding that, “‘Living in adultery’ denotes a continuous course of conduct and not isolated acts of immorality”. [Avadh Kishore Sah v. State of Bihar, 2025 SCC OnLine Pat 2160] Read more HERE

BAIL

SUPREME COURT | Misappropriation of bail surety amount | Anticipatory bail granted to former Nagaland Principal District Judge

While considering the instant petition challenging Gauhati High Court’s decision to deny anticipatory bail to a former District Judge in Nagaland pertaining to alleged misappropriation of bail surety amounts, the Division Bench of Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, JJ., granted pre-arrest ailbail the accused former District Judge stating that since Gauhati High Court had deemed it appropriate to call for the case diary for further examination, the petitioner should have been granted the benefit of pre-arrest bail till the matter is decided by the High Court. [Inalo Zhimomi v. State of Nagaland, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1364] Read more HERE

MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | ‘Attempt to disrupt communal harmony and reinstate Mughal Order’; Bail denied under UAPA

In a criminal appeal filed, by the appellant an enrolled advocate and volunteer associated with a Human Rights Organization, under Section 21 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, challenging the order passed by Special Judge, NIA Cases, Bhopal rejecting his regular bail application, a Division Bench of Vivek Agarwal* and Devnarayan Mishra, JJ., while acknowledging the alleged attempt to disrupt Communal Harmony and reinstate Mughal Order, held that, at this stage, there is no sufficient basis for interference in the trial process and refused to grant bail. [Wasid Khan v. State of M.P., 2025 SCC OnLine MP 4008] Read more HERE

DELHI HIGH COURT | Bail granted to film director falsely accused of rape; Trend of lodging false complaints of sexual offences, highlighted

In a bail application filed by the applicant (‘accused’) seeking regular bail in the FIR registered for offences under Section 376/354-C/313/323/506 of Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), Girish Kathpalia, J., granted bail to a film director falsely accused of rape and stated that this was yet another case, reflecting the recent trend of lodging false complaints of sexual offences. Thus, considering the circumstances, the Court stated that it had no reason to deprive liberty to the accused any further. Therefore, the Court directed the accused to be released on bail subject to his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.10,000 with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the Trial Court or the area Magistrate or the Duty Magistrate. [Sanoj Kumar Mishra v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2025 SCC OnLine Del 3786] Read more HERE

BOMBAY HIGH COURT | ‘Now a mother of 25-days old child’; Anticipatory bail granted to woman alleged to have assaulted and killed a biker

In a case wherein, a pregnant woman and her husband were alleged to have assaulted a biker, who later succumbed to injuries in his brain, a Single Judge Bench of Ashwin D. Bhobe, J., after considering the nature of the allegations against the applicant, who was now a mother of 25 days old child, opined that the custodial interrogation of the application was not required. The Court thus, allowed the application and granted her pre-arrest bail. [Anam Ahmed Ansari v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2144] Read more HERE

PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | Anticipatory bail plea of Police officer accused of assaulting an Army Colonel, rejected

In an anticipatory bail application filed by a Police Officer, in an First Information Report (‘FIR’) registered under Sections 109, 115(2), 117(2), 126, 190, 191, 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNS’) in a Colonel’s assault case, a single judge Bench of Anoop Chitkara*, J., dismissed the application, citing prima facie involvement, gross misconduct, horrific nature of crime, crafty behaviour and cruelty on part of the accused by mercilessly beating the complainant and his son, causing both simple and grievous injuries. Read more HERE

CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | Bail and Police Protection granted in FIR against law student over alleged blasphemous post

In a petition filed by Shamishta Panoli (petitioner), a law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, seeking judicial intervention against the registration of FIR(s) and the arrest carried out pursuant to them alleging procedural impropriety, violation of fundamental rights under Article 22(1) of the Constitution, and interim bail. Raja Basu Chowdhury. J., granted her bail as offences alleged were bailable or punishable with less than seven years and that the petitioner was a young student with no risk of tampering with evidence. [Shamishta Panoli v. State of W.B., 2025 SCC OnLine Cal 4713] Read more HERE

BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Bail granted to a man allegedly involved in vehicle registration scam by forging documents

In a case wherein, the applicant was accused of being involved in vehicle registration scam by forging documents in State of Maharashtra, a Single Judge Bench of Ashwin D. Bhobe, J., stated that the applicant’s involvement was that of a dealer, and the two accused persons he allegedly was in touch with, were already released on bail by the Judicial Magistrate First Class, 44th Court, Andheri, Mumbai, by order dated 16-12-2024. The Court thus allowed the present application and granted pre-arrest bail to the applicant. [Mohd. Abdul Raheman Malik v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2223] Read more HERE

BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Merely stating bail proposal of accused is “under consideration” not sufficient to deprive co-accused benefit of parity

The present bail application was filed by the appellant under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (‘CrPC’), who was charged for multiple offences under Sections 306, 387, 506(2), 427 and 323 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), as well as charges under the provisions of Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2) and 3(4) of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (‘MCOCA’). A Single Judge Bench of Amit Borkar, J., held that the applicant was entitled to bail based on parity with the co-accused, who had already been granted bail by the same Court on the similar grounds. [Chetan Kisan Patil v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2403] Read more HERE

GUJARAT HIGH COURT | Temporary bail granted to Narayan Sai on ‘humanitarian grounds’ to meet ailing father Asaram Bapu

In an application filed by Narayan Sai seeking grant of bail, the Division Bench comprising of Ilesh J. Vora* and P. M. Raval, JJ, allowed Narayan Sai to be released on temporary bail of 5 days to meet his ailing old father Asaram Bapu. The bail was granted on humanitarian grounds considering that the father and son had not met each other personally since Narayan Sai’s incarceration in 2013. [Narayan Sai v. State of Gujarat, Crl. M.A. 1 of 2025 in CA 1756 of 2019] Read more HERE

GUAHATI HIGH COURT | ‘Magistrate may ascertain arrestee’s condition through video conferencing or personal visit’: Bail granted to hospitalised arrestee not produced in 24 hours

In a bail application filed by a hospitalised arrestee who was neither produced before a Magistrate nor remanded to custody, a Single Judge Bench of Mridul Kumar Kalita, J., allowed the application, holding that since the arrestee was neither granted bail nor remanded to judicial/police custody, his arrest stood vitiated after 24 hours. The Court further held that the non-production of the arrestee before the Magistrate amounted to a violation of his fundamental right to liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. [Bittu Kumar v. State of Assam, 2025 SCC OnLine Gau 2842] Read more HERE

ORISSA HIGH COURT | ‘Justice system should not be weaponised to punish emotional intimacy between peers’; Interim bail granted to POCSO accused

In an application for interim bail under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (‘CrPC’) in connection with offences alleged under Sections 376(1)/ 376h(n)/ 313/ 323/ 294/ 417/ 344/ 506/ 34 of the Penal Code 1860, (‘IPC’) read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act, the Single Judge Bench of S.K. Panigrahi, J. allowed the application and directed to release the accused on interim bail considering whether continued incarceration of the accused was justified in light of a prior consensual relationship and subsequent familial resolution. [Hamid Sha v. State of Odisha, 2025 SCC OnLine Ori 2239] Read more HERE

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. [Nasheem Bano (Dr.) v. State of M.P., 2025 SCC OnLine MP 4180] Read more HERE

CONTEMPT OF COURT

SUPREME COURT | Calcutta High Court’s suo motu contempt proceedings against police officials in 2019 Howrah Court assault case, stayed

In a Special Leave Petition filed against the order of the Calcutta High Court, which had initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against police officials allegedly involved in the 2019 Howrah District Court assault on lawyers, the division bench of Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, JJ. stayed the High Court’s order. [Vishal Garg v. Registrar General, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1363] Read more HERE

CONVICTION

SIKKIM HIGH COURT | Life sentence of grandson confessed to killing 82-year-old grandmother by slitting her throat, upheld

In a criminal appeal, the appellant who was convicted by the Sessions Judge, Special Division-I, Gangtok District, Sikkim (‘trial court’) under Section 302 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) for murdering his grandmother (‘the deceased’) by slitting her throat with a sharp object, challenged the conviction and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. A Division Bench of Meenakshi Madan Rai* and Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, JJ., upheld the trial court’s decision, holding that even if the Court excluded the extra-judicial confession, though made entirely voluntarily by the appellant to the prosecution witnesses, the other evidence on record would establish that the prosecution had proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt through forensic evidence and consistent eyewitnesses. [Navin v. State of Sikkim, 2025 SCC OnLine Sikk 59] Read more HERE

CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

SUPREME COURT | Conviction of lawyer for outraging modesty of female judge during court proceedings, upheld

In a Special Leave Petition challenging the judgment of the Delhi High Court, which upheld the conviction of a lawyer for using abusive and inappropriate language towards a female judge during proceedings in a challan matter, the Division Bench of Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan, JJ. declined to grant any relief to the petitioner and refused to interfere with the impugned orders. However, at the request of counsel for the petitioner, the Court granted the petitioner two weeks’ time to surrender. [Sanjay Rathore v. State (Govt. of NCT Delhi), 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1351] Read more HERE

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | Comprehensive directives directed after steps in to protect rights of youth in Shelter Homes and abandoned care leavers

In an important case on rights of youth in Shelter Homes originating from a letter dated 20-05-2025 written by children residing at Balika Grah, Alwar, raising serious grievances regarding non-receipt of grant-in-aid and alleged exploitation by certain officials, a single-judge bench of Anoop Kumar Dhand, J., deeply disturbed by the plight of these children, recognised the larger systemic issues faced by care leavers in India and treated the letter as a public interest litigation. The Court issued a series of comprehensive and structural directives, forming a framework to address the challenges faced by Care Leavers. [Grievance of Girls staying at Balika Grah & Care Leavers fighting for their Identity & Rights after leaving Shelter Homes, In re, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2552] Read more HERE

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

DELHI HIGH COURT | Validity of amicable settlements in ‘In-Flight Staring’ FIR case, reinforced

A petition was filed by the petitioner under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, (BNSS) in the ‘In-Flight Staring’ row, seeking quashing of FIR dated 29-05-2024 registered at Police Station IGI Airport under Section 509 of Penal Code, 1860, (IPC) and all proceedings emanating therefrom. Ravinder Dudeja, J., quashed the FIR and held that no useful purpose will be served in continuing with the present FIR as both the parties have settled the matter amicably. [Prashant Pareek v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4233] Read more HERE

CRIMINAL TRIAL

SUPREME COURT | Circumstantial Evidence | Inability to explain certain situations can’t be made a basis to relieve prosecution from discharging its primary burden

While considering a matter wherein the appellant (convict) who was convicted for murdering his friend had challenged his conviction, the Division Bench of B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma*, JJ., took note of the inconsistent version of events presented by the prosecution and opined that accused person’s inability to explain certain circumstances, could not be made the basis to relieve the prosecution from discharging its primary burden of proving the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. [Vaibhav v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1304] Read more HERE

GAUHATI HIGH COURT | “S. 482 of BNSS is pari materia with S. 438 of CrPC”; Anticipatory bail pleas of four accused in minor girl’s rape & abduction case, partly allowed

In a batch of anticipatory bail applications filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023(‘BNSS’), for an FIR registered under Sections 61(2), 137(2), 303(2), 65(1), 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (‘BNS’), 2023, the Bench of Mridul Kumar Kalita, J., allowed three out of four applications, holding that though the custodial interrogation of the accused persons was not required, there was prima facie material against petitioner 1/ main accused under Section 65(1) of the BNS. Further, the Court discussed the interpretation of the word “and” appearing in Section 482(4) of the BNSS rather than “or” appearing in the same place in Section 438(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (‘CrPC’). [Sangeeta Sandeep Punekar v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2386] Read more HERE

JHARKHAND HIGH COURT | Interim stay ordered on investigation against Bokaro Steel Plant officials in a protester’s death

In an application filed to quash the First Information Report (‘FIR’) registered under Sections 126(2), 127(2), 115(2), 117(2), 109, 103, and 161(1) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNS’) against Director in charge Bokaro Steel Plant and the Executive Director (P&A) Bokaro Steel in connection with the death of a protester, the Single Judge Bench of Ananda Sen, J., passed an interim order directing the respondents not to proceed with the investigation and further no coercive steps be taken against the petitioners. [Birendera Kumar Tiwari v. State of Jharkhand, 2025 SCC OnLine Jhar 2724] Read more HERE

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

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. [Ran Veer v. State of Haryana, 2025 SCC OnLine P&H 2593] Read more HERE

CRUELTY

SUPREME COURT | ‘Allegations are generic and rather ambiguous’; S. 498A IPC case against husband and in-laws for lack of prima facie evidence, quashed

In a set of two criminal appeals against Delhi High Court’s decision, whereby the Trial Court’s decision to discharge the accused-husband of the offences under Sections 498-A of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) was set aside, the Division Bench of B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, JJ. held that the allegations made by the wife were generic and unsubstantiated, and no prima facie case of cruelty was made out. It further clarified that the complaint filed in 2002 was within the limitation period as per Section 468 of the CrPC and quashed the proceedings in exercise of powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. [Ghanshyam Soni v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1301] Read more HERE

BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Accused husband under Section 498-A IPC permitted to travel to USA to resume his job

The present petition was filed under Article 227 of the Constitution of India read with Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, challenging the order dated 14-5-2025 passed by the Court of the Sessions Judge, Pandharpur in a case, wherein the application dated 23-4-2025 filed by the petitioner-husband seeking permission to travel to the USA to resume his job, was rejected. A Single Judge Bench of Ashwin D. Bhobe, J., in view of the settlement arrived between the petitioner and Respondent 2-wife, set aside the order dated 14-5-2025 and granted permission to the petitioner to travel to the USA, subject to abiding by the terms and conditions agreed on between the parties and the directions imposed by this Court. [Sukrutkumar Babasaheb Bhandare v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2147] Read more HERE

ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT | False 498-A complaint and acquittal amount to ‘mental cruelty’: Divorce affirmed after 29 years of separation

An appeal was filed by the appellant (wife) against respondent (husband) challenging the decree of divorce dated 08-05-2006, passed by the Principal Senior Civil Judge, Guntur, under Sections 13(1)(ia) and 13(1)(ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, on the grounds of cruelty and desertion contending that the Trial Court erred in concluding that she had treated the respondent with cruelty. A divison bench of Ravinath Tilhari and Challa Gunaranjan, JJ., upheld the divorce in view of false implication in criminal case amounted to mental cruelty and furnished a ground for divorce under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act. [# v. $, 2025 SCC OnLine AP 1929] Read more HERE

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. [V.Rajesh v. S. Anupriya, 2025 SCC OnLine Mad 2734] Read more HERE

ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT | [Transgender Rights] Whether S. 498-A IPC complaint by trans-woman in a heterosexual marriage is legally maintainable?

The instant petitions were filed by the petitioners (Accused Nos.1, 2 & 3 and 4 respectively) under Section 482 of Criminal Procedure Code seeking quashment of proceedings against them in a complaint before the Court of II Additional Munsif Magistrate, Ongole, for the offence punishable under Section 498-A read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Venkata Jyothirmai Pratapa, J., quashed the criminal proceedings for lacking the essential ingredients to constitute the alleged offences and held that a trans woman in a heterosexual relationship has the right to be recognised as a woman and a spouse for the purposes of matrimonial and penal law. [Viswanathan Krishna Murthy v. State of Andhra Pradesh, 2025 SCC OnLine AP 2281] 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. [X v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2388] 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. [State of Rajasthan v. Jadawali, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2690] 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. [X v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2396] Read more HERE

FALSE PROMISE TO MARRY

SUPREME COURT | ‘Complainant’s manipulative nature clearly established’; FIR against person accused of sexual intercourse under false promise of marriage, quashed

While considering the instant appeal challenging Telangana High Court’s refusal to quash the FIR filed against the accused in a false promise for marraige case for offences punishable under Section 376(2)(n) of the Penal Code, 1860 and Section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989; the Division Bench of Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta*, JJ., set aside the impugned judgment and quashed the FIR against the accused. Perusing the facts of the case, the Court opined that allowing prosecution of the accused to continue in the impugned FIR would be nothing short of a travesty of justice in addition to being a gross abuse of the process of Court. The Court held that the impugned FIR was nothing but a bundle of lies full of fabricated and malicious unsubstantiated allegations levelled by the complainant. “The facts on record clearly establish the vindictive and manipulative tendencies of the complainant and these aspects have a great bearing on the controversy”. [Batlanki Keshav (Kesava) Kumar Anurag v. State of Telangana, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1258] Read more HERE

SUPREME COURT | ‘A consensual relationship turning sour not ground for criminal prosecution’: Rape case against 25-year-old, quashed

In an appeal filed against the judgment of the Bombay High Court , wherein the petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (‘CrPC’) seeking quashing of criminal proceedings was dismissed, involving allegations under Sections 376, 376(2)(n), 377, 504, and 506 of the Penal Code (‘IPC’), 1860, the Division Bench of B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma*, JJ. observed that the present case did not involve a false promise to marry from the outset. The Court held that a consensual relationship, which subsequently deteriorates or results in estrangement between the parties, cannot form the basis for invoking the criminal machinery of the State. It further emphasised that such actions unnecessarily burden the courts and irreversibly damage the reputation of individuals accused of serious offences. [Amol Bhagwan Nehul v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1230] Read more HERE

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | ‘Possibility of accused exploiting victim’s fear can’t be ruled out’; FIRs alleging rape on false promise of marriage, refused to be quashed

In a writ petition seeking quashment of three FIRs alleging rape on false promise of marriage, a Single-Judge bench of Kuldeep Mathur, J., refused to quash the FIR and held that FIRs disclose prima facie material supporting allegations of rape and deceit, particularly involving false promises of marriage, therefore should not be quashed prematurely. [Arpit Naraniwal v. State of Rajasthan, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2593] Read more HERE

GAMBLING, LOTTERIES AND PRIZE COMPETITIONS

MADRAS HIGH COURT | Verdict on State’s power to regulate online real money games

In a writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, declaring Section 5(2) read with Section 14(1)(c) of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022 (‘Act, 2022’) along with Regulation 4(iii) and Regulation (viii) of Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulation, 2025 as arbitrary, void, illegal and unconstitutional, the division bench of S.M. Subramaniam* and K. Rajasekar, JJ. upheld the validity of the impugned Act and the Regulations introduced by the State of Tamil Nadu, which provide reasonable restrictions relating to time limits, age restrictions, and other regulatory measures concerning the playing of online games. [Play Games 24 × 7 (P) Ltd. v. State of T.N., 2025 SCC OnLine Mad 2615] Read more HERE

INVESTIGATION

SUPREME COURT | Investigating Agencies’ authority to summon Lawyers under scrutiny, as issue referred to CJI for detailed consideration

In a special leave petition raising a question of grave public importance, namely, whether and under what circumstances Investigating Agencies can directly summon a counsel representing a party in an ongoing case, the Division Bench of K.V. Viswanathan and N.K. Singh, JJ. observed that the issue, along with other related questions that may arise, required comprehensive consideration, as it directly impacts the efficacy of the administration of justice and the ability of lawyers to discharge their professional duties conscientiously and without fear. [Ashwinkumar Govindbhai Prajapati v. State of Gujarat, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1384] Read more HERE

SUPREME COURT | ‘Under no circumstances, is an involuntary or forced narco-analysis test permissible under law’; Patna High Court’s order permitting involuntary test, set aside

In a criminal appeal against Patna High Court’s decision, which had allowed narco-analysis testing of accused persons during an ongoing criminal investigation, the Division Bench of Sanjay Karol and Prasanna B. Varale, JJ. held that compelling an accused to undergo such a test without free consent violates their fundamental rights under Articles 20(3) and 21 of the Constitution. Reaffirming its decision in Selvi v. State of Karnataka, (2010) 7 SCC 263, the Court reiterated that involuntary administration of narco-analysis tests is unconstitutional and any information obtained therefrom cannot be used as evidence. [Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1326] Read more HERE

JUVENILES

PATNA HIGH COURT | ‘Punishment of juvenile in conflict with law is not the purpose of juvenile justice’; Order of conviction against juvenile under Arms Act, set aside

In a Criminal Revision Petition against the order of the Sessions Court dismissing an appeal from the conviction order of the Juvenile Justice Board (‘JJ Board’) under Sections 25(1-B)(a) and 26 read with 35 of the Arms Act 1959, the Single Judge Bench of Jitendra Kumar, J., set aside the order of conviction and sentencing observing that children are the future of the society and the aim of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children Act), 2000 (‘JJ Act’) is not to punish the juvenile but reform and rehabilitate them. [Diwakar Singh v. State of Bihar, 2025 SCC OnLine Pat 2146] 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

MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY

DELHI HIGH COURT | Directives on hospital lapses mandating timely MTP in rape victim cases issued

A petition was filed by Minor S through her mother (petitioner) under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking urgent directions for the medical termination of pregnancy following repeated refusals by AIIMS, Delhi, to conduct necessary medical procedures without a court order, despite express consent from the Child Welfare Committee and the victim’s guardian. Swarana Kanta Sharma, J., directed AIIMS to immediately carry out the medical termination of pregnancy, having found critical lapses in medical protocol, conflicting gestational assessments, and unwarranted procedural hurdles such as the insistence on identity proof and ossification testing during pregnancy. [S v. State, 2025 SCC OnLine Del 3863] Read more HERE

PRISONS, PRISONERS, AND PROBATION OF OFFENDERS

KERALA HIGH COURT | 7-day parole granted to convict for son’s admission, citing importance of father’s support in education

In a writ petition filed by a convict’s wife seeking parole for her husband to enable him to assist in arranging their son’s admission, a Single Judge Bench of P.V. Kunhikrishnan, J. gave the following directions: The petitioner’s husband was directed to be released on emergency leave for a period of one week — from 12-06-2025 to 18-06-2025, subject to the condition that he executes a bond of Rs. 1,00,000/- with two solvent sureties for the like amount, to the satisfaction of the jail authorities. The convict was directed to report back to the prison by 4:00 PM on 18-06-2025 without fail. [Shafeena P.H. v. State of Kerala, 2025 SCC OnLine Ker 3614] Read more HERE

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

PCPNDT ACT

PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | Doctors in 19-year-old PCPNDT case due to procedural lapse acquitted

In a revision petition filed by a genetic clinic and its Directors/doctors against their conviction under Sections 4(3) read with Rule 9, 5(1)(b) and 23 of the Pre-Conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (‘the Act’) as well as the judgment modifying their sentence, a Single Judge Bench of Jasjit Singh Bedi, J., allowed the petition, holding that the complaint ought to have been filed by a three-member committee as per Section 17(3)(b) which was not done in the present prenatal procedural lapse case, thus, the complaint was not maintainable and the subsequent proceedings and conviction stood vitiated. Read more HERE

PMLA

BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Maharashtra Minister and Senior NCP Leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s CA discharged in money laundering case

A Single Judge Bench of R.N. Laddha, J., heard a revision application by Shyam Radhakrishna Malpani (‘the applicant’) challenging the order dated 17-3-2021 of the Additional Sessions Judge (Special Judge) rejecting the discharge application filed by him in a money laundering case against Bhujbal’s in connection with the Maharashtra Sadan scam. The Court opined that it would be unreasonable to expect the applicant, merely by virtue of being an auditor to assume the role of an investigator or to be under an obligation to examine and investigate the genuineness of the documents provided to him by the companies’ authorised persons. The Court held that there was no substantive proof to establish the applicant’s involvement in the said scam, thus quashed the impugned order dated 17-3-2021. [Shyam Radhakrishna Malpani v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2404] Read more HERE

POCSO

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | Victim attaining majority during trial not entitled to “Child-Specific” safeguards under Section 33(2) of POCSO Act

In separate criminal miscellaneous petitions involving common question of law as to ‘whether the procedural safeguard under Section 33(2) of the POCSO Act, 2012, which requires that questions during examination be routed through the Special Court, continues to apply once the victim attains the age of majority during the pendency of trial,’ a single-judge bench of Farjand Ali, J., quashed the orders passed by the Special Courts in all three petitions and held that “the procedural mechanisms of Section 33(2) must be confined to those who continue to remain children at the time of their testimony. Once that status changes, so must the procedure.” [Jasaram Pander v. State of Rajasthan, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2508] Read more HERE

DELHI HIGH COURT | FIR quashed in POCSO case considering victim’s privacy and future prospects including marriage; Accused directed to do community service

In a petition filed by the petitioner (‘accused’) under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking to quash FIR registered under Sections 354/354C/506/509/384/34 of the Penal Code, 1860 and Section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, Sanjeev Narula, J., stated that the victim had unequivocally expressed her desire to move on from this chapter, and had articulated social and emotional burden that the continued pendency of this criminal case might place upon her. Thus, the Court quashed the present FIR and directed the accused to do community service at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital for a month. [X15 v. Y3, 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4045] Read more HERE

MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | Accused can’t said to be “brutal” though “barbaric”; Death sentence commuted to 25 yrs imprisonment in 4-yr-old minor rape case

In a criminal appeal against the conviction and death sentence of by the Special Judge (POCSO), Khandwa, for the rape and attempted murder of a four-year-old girl under various sections of IPC and POCSO Act, a Division Bench of Vivek Agarwal and Devnarayan Mishra,* JJ., upheld the conviction for grave offences against a minor, but declined to confirm the death sentence, emphasising that the case did not meet the “rarest of rare” threshold necessary for imposing capital punishment. [In Reference v. Rajaram, 2025 SCC OnLine MP 4416] Read more HERE

DELHI HIGH COURT | ‘In absence of any documentary proof of date of birth, ossification test is required’; Conviction under POCSO Act, set aside

In an appeal filed by the appellant (‘accused’) under Section 415 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 assailing the judgment of conviction and order on sentence, whereby the appellant was convicted in a FIR registered under Sections 376 of the Penal Code, 1860 and Section 6 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (‘POCSO Act’), Amit Sharma, J., stated that when as per the prosecution’s case, the survivor’s age was approximately 17 years at the time of the incident, therefore in absence of any documentary proof of the date of birth, the ossification test as per Section 94(2)(iii) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (‘JJ Act’) ought to have been conducted. [Karan Kumar v. State, 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4239] Read more HERE

POLICE

KERALA HIGH COURT | Police cannot invade homes of history-sheeters at odd hours under pretext of surveillance

In a criminal miscellaneous case filed by an alleged history sheeter seeking quashing of first information report (‘FIR’) registered against him for obstructing the police from performing their official duties, punishable under Section 117(e) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, the Single Judge Bench of V.G. Arun, J. held that under the guise of surveillance, the police cannot engage in late-night visits or forcibly enter the homes of history-sheeters. [Prasath C. v. State of Kerala, 2025 SCC OnLine Ker 4089] Read more HERE

PATNA HIGH COURT | S. 197 CrPC | Police officer, allegedly exceeding official duty, is safeguarded by prior sanction if acts reasonably linked to official functions

In a petition filed by the accused police officer against an order denying discharge under Section 245 of the Criminal Procedure Code (‘CrPC’) for offences punishable under Sections 341, 323, 504, 506, and 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), the Single Judge Bench of Chandra Shekhar Jha, J., placing reliance on G.C. Manjunath v. Seetaram, (2025) 5 SCC 390, and D.T. Virupakshappa v. C. Subash, (2015) 12 SCC 231, and observing that allegations of misconduct against public servants, even if exceeding official duties, remain protected by Section 197 of the CrPC if a reasonable nexus exists between their discharge of official functions; and quashed the complaint against the accused police officer. [Abhay Narayan Singh v. State of Bihar, 2025 SCC OnLine Pat 2224] Read more HERE

QUASHMENT OF FIR/PROCEEDINGS

SUPREME COURT | Case under UP Gangsters Act quashed; Slammed ‘rubber-stamping’ approval of gang-chart without application of mind

In two criminal appeals filed against the judgment passed by the Allahabad High Court, whereby the High Court rejected the application filed by the accused under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (‘CrPC’) for quashing of the proceedings of Special Sessions Trial arising out of First Information Report (‘FIR’) under Sections 2 and 3 respectively of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters & Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 (‘Act of 1986’), the division bench of JB Pardiwala* and Manoj Misra,JJ. viewed that continuation of criminal proceedings against the accused would result in undue harassment when there is no material against him and will result in the abuse of process of law. Accordingly, the impugned judgment and order of the High Court, as well as the order rejecting the application for recall of non-bailable warrants, were set aside. Consequently, the criminal proceedings were quashed. [Vinod Bihari Lal v. State of U.P., 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1216] Read more HERE

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. [Chaman Lal Kanda v. State of Punjab, 2025 SCC OnLine P&H 3010] 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. [Nitish Kumar v. State of Bihar, 2025 SCC OnLine Pat 2212] 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

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | “Farmers’ protest against Jawai Dam water distribution as democratic dissent stemmed from genuine resentment”; FIR quashed

In a batch of petitions seeking quashment of FIR stemmed from farmers’ protest against Jawai Dam water distribution, a single-judge bench of Farjand Ali, J., quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings and stated that “every individual has the constitutional right to raise his voice against the actions of a public officer, especially if those actions directly impact their rights or livelihood.” [Ajaypal Singh v. State of Rajasthan, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2600] Read more HERE

CHATTISGARH HIGH COURT | FIR against Guru Ghasidas University professors who allegedly forced Hindu students to offer namaz at NSS camp refused to be quashed

In a set of petitions filed by Assistant Professors at Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur (‘the University’) seeking quashing of an FIR registered against them under Sections 190, 196(1)(b), 197(1)(b), 197(1)(c), 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNS’) and Section 4 of Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968 (‘CFRA’), the Division Bench of Ramesh Sinha*, CJ., Mohan Pandey, J., dismissed the petitions, holding that since the professors were already on bail, the investigation was going on, and the chargesheet has not been filed yet, it would not be appropriate to make any observations on the merits of the case. [Dilip Jha v. State of Chhattisgarh, 2025 SCC OnLine Chh 5954] Read more HERE

DELHI HIGH COURT | ‘Every degree awarded after graduation cannot be termed as post-graduation’; Appointment of NCISM, Chairperson quashed

In a petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution seeking to quash and set aside the appointment of Respondent 5 to the post of Chairperson, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (‘NCISM’), the Division Bench of Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, CJ.*, and Tushar Rao Gedela, J., stated that every degree awarded by a University after graduation could not be termed to be a “post-graduation qualification” for the reason that in the domain of higher education in our country ‘Post-Graduate Degree’ had acquired a special meaning and significance. Therefore, the Court stated that the appointment of Respondent 5 as Chairperson of National NCISM for Indian System of Medicine was contrary to Section 4(2) of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020 (‘NCISM Act, 2020’), and accordingly quashed and set aside the appointment of Respondent 5 as NCISM, Chairperson. [Ved Prakash Tyagi (Dr.) v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4260] Read more HERE

JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH HIGH COURT | ‘No need to await accused’s proof, when allegations fall within General Exceptions’; FIR against Revenue Officials acting under court orders, quashed

In a petition challenging the order dated 25-03-2022 passed by the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Vailoo directing the registration of an FIR against the petitioners (Revenue Officers) under Sections 447, 354, and 506 IPC for forcibly entering into the ‘named Darul Arifa Hazrat Khadijatul Qubra’ trust premises, harassing female students and using threats., a single-judge bench of Sanjay Dhar, J., allowed the petition and quashed the Magistrate’s order, the FIR and all proceedings stemming from them as they suffered from procedural illegality and were motivated by malice against public officials acting under lawful directions. [Syed Muiz Qadri v. State (UT of J&K), 2025 SCC OnLine J&K 564] Read more HERE

SCAMS AND FRAUDS

SUPREME COURT | Discharge order based on defence material held impermissible in Rs. 21 Crore MSP fraud case involving Cotton Corporation of India officer

In a batch of civil appeals by the Central Bureau of Investigation against Andhra Pradesh High Court’s decision, the Division Bench of Pankaj Mithal and SVN Bhatti delineated the contours of a magistrate’s discretion under Section 239 of the CrPC, and set aside concurrent findings of discharge by the Special Court and High Court, reiterated that reliance on material produced by the accused at the stage of discharge is impermissible in law. The Court emphasised that the threshold under Section 239 must be assessed solely on the basis of the police report and accompanying documents filed under Section 173 CrPC. [State v. Eluri Srinivasa Chakravarthi, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1215] Read more HERE

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

GUJARAT HIGH COURT | Sai Infosystem Ltd’s Sunil Kakkad allowed to travel to UAE for business amid ongoing multi-crore bank fraud case

In a civil application filed by Sunil Surendrakumar Kakkad, Director and Promoter of Sai Infosystem (India) Ltd. (‘Sai Infosystem’), seeking suspension of the lookout circular issued against him by the respondent Bank and permit him to travel to UAE for exploring business opportunities., the Single Judge Bench of Devan M. Desai, J., allowed the petition, holding that due to the lack of any serious contentions raised by the respondents, the application ought to be considered. Thus, the Court allowed Sunil to travel subject to certain conditions. [Sunil Surendrakumar Kakkad v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine Guj 1977] Read more HERE

PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | “No rare & exceptional case showing that investigation was tainted”; Transfer of cheating case against dentists by Kenyan woman to CBI, refused

In a writ petition filed by a dentist seeking transfer of a cheating case filed against her and her husband by a Kenyan woman who was allegedly cheated for dental treatment, a Single Judge Bench of Manisha Batra, JJ., dismissed the petition, holding that no rare and exceptional case was made out to show that the investigation was tainted thus, transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (‘CBI’) was not warranted. [Rosy Arora (Dr.) v. State (UT of Chandigarh), 2025 SCC OnLine P&H 2634] Read more HERE

BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Bail granted to woman alleged to have cheated of Rs. 2.45 crores; Highlighted well-being of her children and non-violent nature of crime

In a case wherein the applicant, a mother of two children, along with three other accused persons, was alleged to have cheated the complainants of Rs 2.45 crore, a Single Judge Bench of Ashwin D. Bhobe, J., considering the well-being of the applicant’s minor children and that the offence alleged was a non-violent crime, granted bail to the woman. The applicant along with her husband and two other co-accused persons, was involved in cheating various complainants of Rs 2.45 crore, by gaining their trust and forging documents. The applicant was arrested on 4-4-2025 and was in police custody till 11-4-2025 and since then, had been in judicial custody. Thereafter, the applicant filed a bail application, but the same was rejected by the Additional Sessions Judge-6, Nashik vide order dated 7-5-2025. [Nilam Divesh Narodiya v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2215] Read more HERE

TERRORISM

JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH HIGH COURT | Return ordered of 63-year-old woman deported to Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack

In a writ petition filed on behalf of a 63 years old woman who was deported to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack seeking that she be retrieved back to Jammu and Kashmir considering her age and health concerns, a Single Judge Bench of Rahul Bharti, J., directed the Government of India to bring the woman back from her deportation, after considering the exceptional nature of facts and circumstances of the case. [Rakshanda Rashid v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine J&K 617] Read more HERE

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