This roundup traverses various High Courts dealing with a plethora of cases such as, Emami’s disparagement claim against Dabur, urs at Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus Dargah, land grant to International Arbitration & Mediation Centre Hyderabad, Hamar-Lab scam, deportation of a Pakistani couple, UGC Anti Ragging Regulations, and much more.
ABETMENT TO SUICIDE
ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT | Humiliation by act and words will not by itself constitute abetment of suicide; Accused acquitted
A criminal revision petition was filed by the petitioners challenging their conviction under Section 306 of Penal Code, 1860, (IPC) for abetting the suicide of the wife of petitioner 1. Lakhshmana Rao, J., acquitted the petitioners as the conviction of the petitioners under Section 306 IPC was not sustainable in law on grounds due to evidence failing to establish the requisite mens rea or any direct/proximate instigation to commit suicide. [Chilikuri Mariyadas v. State of A.P., 2025 SCC OnLine AP 2379] Read more HERE
ACQUITTAL
GUJARAT HIGH COURT | ‘Cannot always presume that dying person will not make false statement’: Acquittal of accused persons who burnt woman alive, upheld
In a criminal appeal petition filed under Section 378 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC), against a judgement dated 24-3-1999, where the accused had been acquitted of offences committed under Sections 302, 294, 452 and 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), the Division Bench of Vaibhavi D Nanavati* and Utkarsh Thakorbhai Desai, JJ, upheld the trial court’s order acquitting the persons accused of burning a woman alive. The Court stated that it cannot presume that in all cases, a dying person won’t make a false statement. A person cannot be convicted on the basis of a dying declaration which is doubtful of being voluntary and truthful and is not corroborated by any evidence. Read more HERE
ADVERTISEMENT
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | Emami’s disparagement claim against Dabur’s ‘Cool King’ advertisement, dismissed
In an appeal related to the dispute between Dabur and Emami, wherein Emami alleged that the use of word ‘Sadharan’ in the context of Dabur’s ‘Cool King’s advertisement, demeans and denigrates Emami’s products, , the Division Bench of Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya* and Uday Kumar, JJ, held that calling a product ‘sadharan’ did not amount to disparaging or denigrating it. Thus, the Court held that there was no direct or indirect reference to the product of Emami in the advertisement and accordingly, the dismissed the appeal claiming disparagement against Dabur’s ‘Cool King’ advertisement. Read more HERE
ADVOCATES
GUJARAT HIGH COURT | Suo motu contempt action taken against Senior Advocate for his appearance with a beer mug during virtual hearing
While taking suo motu cognizance based on a video clip of live streaming of proceedings circulated in the social media, where Senior Advocate was seen having a drink in a beer mug, the Division Bench of AS Supehia* and RT Vachhani, JJ, directed the Registry to issue notice to the Senior advocate and restricted his appearance through virtual mode before that bench. Read more HERE
ANCIENT AND PROTECTED MONUMENTS, ARCHAEOLOGY, ART AND ANTIQUITIES
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | Observance of Urs at Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus Dargah, denied
In an appeal filed contesting the rejection of his writ petition against the Archaeological Survey of India’s (‘ASI’) refusal to grant the petitioner permission to observe Urs at the Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus (‘the Dargah’), the Division Bench of Anand Pathak* and Hirdesh, JJ., rejected the appeal, holding that the monument was a centrally protected monument of national importance, no such permission for use could be granted to the petitioner. The Court also concurred that the petitioner did not come to the Court with clean hands. Read more HERE
ARBITRATION
TELANGANA HIGH COURT | Free allotment of land to International Arbitration & Mediation Centre, Hyderabad, set aside
In the public interest litigations (PIL) challenging three Government Orders, whereby the Government of Telangana allotted land in favour of the International Arbitration & Mediation Centre, Hyderabad (IAMC) and also granted financial assistance for Rs. 3 crores to IAMC, the Division Bench of K. Lakshman* and K. Sujana, JJ, stated that the said land was allotted without calculating and collecting the market value. Further, as on the date of allotment, the IAMC was not registered as a ‘Company’. Therefore, the Court stated that the allotment of land in favour of IAMC is vitiated on account of non-compliance of the applicable rules. Thus, the Court set aside the Government Order allocating land, free of cost, to IAMC, Hyderabad and further upheld the overnment Order for providing Rs. 3 crores as financial assistance and referring all government disputes above Rs. 3 crores to IAMC. Read more HERE
BAIL
ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT | “Live- in relationship concept has attracted young generation significantly, but its after-effects are evident”; Bail granted to man accused of raping minor live-in girlfriend
In a bail application filed by a man in an FIR registered under Sections 137(2), 87, 64(1), 61(2), 351(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNS’) and Section 3 and 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (‘POCSO’) for raping his minor live-in girlfriend on the false pretext of marriage, the Single Judge Bench of Siddharth, J., allowed the application, holding that the case was fit for grant of bail considering the nature of the case, evidence, overcrowding in jails, and the mandate under Article 21 of the Constitution. Read more HERE
CHHATTISGARH HIGH COURT | “Granting him bail would embolden corrupt practices”: Bail denied to accused in Rs 411 Crore Hamar-Lab scam
In a bail application filed by an accused in the Hamar-Lab scam worth Rs 411 Crores, the Single Judge Bench of Ramesh Sinha, CJ., rejected the application, holding that the evidence prima facie disclosed that the investigation established the accused as the mastermind of the scam and the acts committed by him were not only grave economic offences but also crimes against the welfare of society at large. Read more HERE
ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT | 17-Day interim bail granted to murder convict to appear for Final semester L.L.B. Exams
In an application was filed by the petitioner/appellant/accused 2 under Section 430(1) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, seeking release on an interim bail by suspending the sentence of imprisonment imposed by the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Tirupati, a Division bench of V. Sujatha, and K. Suresh Reddy, JJ., granted interim bail for a limited period of 17 days commencing from 21-06-2025 to 07-07-2025 subject to certain conditions. Read more HERE
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | ‘Object of criminal justice not merely punitive but reformative and humane’; Bail granted to NDPS accused
In a bail application filed by the accused charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (‘NDPS’) Act, the Single Judge Bench of Farjand Ali, J., noting that his wife was pregnant and was expected to deliver a child within a few days in absence of family to assist, granted temporary bail on humanitarian grounds for 60 days. [Bhawani Pratap Singh v. State of Rajasthan, 2025 SCC OnLine Raj 2885] Read more HERE
CITIZENS, MIGRANTS AND ALIENS
JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH HIGH COURT | Deportation of Pakistani couple who lived in India since 1988, upheld
The petitioners, husband and wife, who were Pakistani nationals, were living in Srinagar, India since 1988 on valid visa. But in 1989, the Home Department issued a deportation order which was challenged by them through the present petition. A Single Judge Bench of Sindhu Sharma, J., opined that the petitioners acted in their own volition and acquired citizenship of a foreign Country and further there was no evidence to support that their request for grant of Indian citizenship was accepted and therefore the deportation orders issued by the Government were valid. Read more HERE
COMPENSATION
MADRAS HIGH COURT | Rs. 1 lakh compensation to a man for custodial torture by police officials, upheld
In the petitions filed by the police officials challenging the orders passed by the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the subsequent government order, regarding payment of compensation to the complainant for his human rights violation, the Division Bench of M. Jothiraman, J.* and Nisha Banu J., stated that the police officials, while enforcing the law, have the duty to uphold the dignity, rights, and liberties of individuals. Therefore, the Court found no error in the impugned orders and accordingly, upheld Rs. 1 lakhs compensation awarded to the complainant for custodial torture by the police officials. [D. Babu Rajendra Bose v. T.N. State Human Rights Commr., 2025 SCC OnLine Mad 3002] Read more HERE
ORISSA HIGH COURT | Rs 10 lakh compensation awarded for demolition of community centre in Cuttack
A writ petition was filed wherein the petitioner sought a direction to declare the demolition of the community structure as illegal, order its reconstruction at State expense, award compensation for loss and hardship suffered, and initiate proceedings against officials responsible for violating binding judicial orders and constitutional safeguards. A Single Judge Bench of Dr. S.K. Panigrahi, J., allowed the petition and observed that forcible dispossession of a person from their property, without adherence to due process of law, constituted not only a violation of their constitutional right under Article 300-A of the Constitution but also an affront to basic human rights. The Court held that the Tahasildar showed undue haste in demolishing the structure, without adhering to the guidelines issued and thus, ordered compensation of Rs 10 lakh. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Yes Bank directed to pay Rs 50,000 compensation for delay in opening bank account over Aadhaar insistence
A petition was filed wherein the petitioner claimed compensation for the delay caused by Respondent 1, Yes Bank (the ‘Bank’) in opening a bank account and its insistence on Aadhaar Card as a mandatory document to open a bank account despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in K.S. Puttaswamy (Aadhaar-5J.) v. Union of India, (2019) 1 SCC 1 (‘K.S. Puttaswamy Case’). The Division Bench of M.S. Sonak* and Jitendra Jain, JJ., held that there was an unjustified delay in opening a bank account over Aadhaar insistence and thus, ordered the Bank to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation to the petitioner. Read more HERE
GUJARAT HIGH COURT | ‘Duty of Electricity Board to ensure live wires don’t touch trees’; Rs. 6.25 Lakhs compensation for death due to electrocution, upheld
In a civil appeal filed against the judgment dated 22-11-2011 passed by the Principal Senior Civil Judge, Kutch-Bhuj, whereby Paschim Gujarat Vij were directed to pay Rs 6,25,000 as compensation for death caused by electrocution by live wires, A Single Judge Bench of Hemant M. Prachchhak*, J, opined that it was the duty of the electric board to make sure that no live wires were left hanging from trees. He also stated that it was the negligence on part of the electricity board that led to the untimely death of the young boy. Read more HERE
CONTEMPT OF COURT
MADRAS HIGH COURT | Contempt case against litigants closed after apology; Action ordered against advocate for obstructing execution of non-bailable warrants
In a suo motu contempt proceeding initiated under Section 14 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, pursuant to the High Court’s order dated 04-04-2025, the Single Judge Bench of P.T. Asha, J., observed that the Contemnors were unaware of the contents of the affidavit filed in their name and had tendered unconditional apologies. In light of this, the Court held that they had purged themselves of contempt. [High Court of Madras v. Krishnaveni, 2025 SCC OnLine Mad 2829] Read more HERE
CONVICTION
CHHATTISGARH HIGH COURT | ‘Difficult working conditions don’t give right to kill colleagues’; Conviction of CRPF personnel who killed 4 colleagues & injured many, upheld
In a criminal appeal filed by a Central Reserve Police Force (‘CRPF’) constable against his conviction under Sections 302 and 307 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), along with Sections 25(1B)(a) and 27(1) of the Arms Act, 1959(‘Arms Act’) for killing 4 and injuring 1 of his fellow personnel, the Division Bench of Ramesh Sinha*, CJ., and Bhibhu Datta Guru, J., rejected the appeal, holding that the prosecution successfully proved its case and the Trial Court made no error in convicting the accused. [Sant Kumar v. State of Chhattisgarh, 2025 SCC OnLine Chh 6198] Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | ‘Mercilessly assaulted deceased’; Man’s conviction for killing mother-in-law using tile, knife, and wooden plank, upheld
In the present case, an appeal was filed by the appellant-accused, wherein he challenged his conviction by the Sessions Judge (‘the trial Court’) for the offence of murder of his mother-in-law (the ‘deceased’) under Section 302 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) and contended that instead he should be punished under Section 304 Part II IPC for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The Division Bench of Nitin B. Suryawanshi and Sandipkumar C. More*, JJ., held that the deliberate attack using a tile, a wooden plank, and a knife, indicated the accused’s intention to cause death and therefore dismissed the appeal upholding the trial Court’s order of conviction. [Vijay v. State of Maharashtra, 2025 SCC OnLine Bom 2465] Read more HERE
CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
DELHI HIGH COURT | “Not only outraged her modesty but also attempted to rape by undressing”: Conviction of man who kidnapped, attempted to rape minor girl, upheld
In a criminal appeal filed against the conviction and sentence awarded by the Trial Court to the convict under Sections 354, 363, 366, 376, and 511 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), the Single Judge Bench of Rajnish Kumar, J., rejected the appeal, holding that the prosecution had been able to prove that the convict forcibly kidnapped the victim and attempted to rape her by undressing her. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Suo motu cognizance taken of transfer of girls attaining majority from observation homes in Aurangabad
The Court took suo motu cognizance based on a newspaper report wherein the issue of transferring girl inmates from observation homes in Aurangabad to other districts after they attained majority was addressed. The Division Bench of Vibha Kankanwadi and Sanjay A. Deshmukh, JJ., noted that the Child Welfare Committee declared the girls in observation homes as “child in need of care and protection” and opined that education being their fundamental right, could not be affected by the mere reason of them being transferred to another district because they attained majority. Read more HERE
PATNA HIGH COURT | State directed to formulate strategy against child trafficking in orchestra, theatre, and dance groups
In a Public Interest Litigation (‘PIL’) filed by the petitioners alleging that minor children were being subjected to trafficking and exploitation under the guise of orchestra/dance groups, the Division Bench of Ashutosh Kumar, ACJ* and Partha Sarthy, J., acknowledging the genuineness of the request directed the State to formulate a comprehensive multi-stakeholder strategy/State-wide Action Plan for the regulation, registration, and monitoring of such groups. Read more HERE
CRIMINAL TRIAL
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | Death sentence of man convicted for raping and killing a minor girl, commuted
In a criminal revision application filed for commutation of death sentence of the appellant, who was convicted for raping and killing a minor girl, the Division Bench of MD Shabbar Rashidi* and Debangsu Basak, JJ, opined that the death penalty should be resorted to in exceptional circumstances. Accordingly, the Court commuted the death sentence of the appellant to life imprisonment without remission for 20 years. Read more HERE
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | ‘No intention to cause death’; Conviction of man who killed wife with brick modified from murder to culpable homicide
In a criminal appeal filed against the Trial Court’s order convicting and sentencing the convict to life imprisonment under Section 302 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) for killing his wife, the Division Bench of Vijay Kumar Shukla and Prem Narayan Singh*, JJ., modified the conviction from one under Section 302 to Section 304-II of the IPC since the convict acted in the spur of the moment. Read more HERE
KERALA HIGH COURT | Can police refuse an FIR for an unsigned email complaint from abroad?
In a case filed by an Indian citizen residing in Australia, where the police had refused to register FIR on online complaint on the grounds that it was unsigned and sent via email from abroad, and that the petitioner’s personal presence could not be secured, the Single Judge Bench of Kauser Edappagath, J. held that the police could not refuse to register a First Information Report (‘FIR’) merely because the complaint was submitted through email from a foreign country without a physical signature. Read more HERE
CULTURAL RIGHTS
MADRAS HIGH COURT | Explained | Split verdict on animal sacrifice and other religious issues concerning Thiruparankundram Hills
In a series of petitions primarily seeking directions to prevent the respondents (Sikandar Badusha Avuliah Dargah, Thiruparankundram) from performing any form of animal sacrifice in entire Thiruparankundram Hill at any point of time from and also from serving food prepared by animal sacrifice; the division bench of J. Nisha Banu* and S. Srimathy**, JJ., delivered a split verdict on the issue. [M. Kannan v. Collector, 2025 SCC OnLine Mad 2946] Read more HERE
MEGHALAYA HIGH COURT | Single Judge directed to amicably resolve dispute over stone configuration believed to be ‘Shiva Linga’ in Mawjymbuin cave
In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding a stone configuration found in the Mawjymbuin cave which was believed to be a ‘Shiva Linga’, the Division Bench of I.P. Mukerji, CJ* and W. Diengdoh, J, directed a Single Judge bench of the Court to attempt to resolve the matter amicably through mediated settlement. [Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram v. State of Meghalaya, 2025 SCC OnLine Megh 672] Read more HERE
KARNATAKA HIGH COURT | One community can’t compel another community to do an act they despise citing traditional roles
The instant matter pertained to petitioner’s prayer seeking directions for the respondents to consider their representation regarding ban on public festivities including ‘Alai Bhosai Kunitha’ during Muharrum in Tumkur village, Vadagera taluk, Yadgiri district. The single Judge Bench of M.I. Arun, J., while considering the issue, opined that the State should promote festivities which spread peace and communal harmony between several communities, but, however, when it is not possible, the decision is best left to the State authorities. It was pointed out that as per the circumstances prevalent in the instant case, the State authorities must decide whether the festivities are required to be gone ahead with or not. The Court further said that a community has a right to celebrate a festival without provoking the other communities. However, a particular community cannot force another community to do an act which they despise, only on the ground that it has been done traditionally by them. Read more HERE
DOWRY
GUJARAT HIGH COURT | Demanding to arrange money to meet legal expense of husband’s bail does not constitute ‘dowry’; Acquittal in dowry death case, upheld
In a criminal appeal filed against the judgment dated 6-7-2013 passed by the trial court, whereby the accused persons were acquitted of the charges under Sections 304(B), 306, 498(A) and 114 of the Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), the Division Bench of Cheekati Manavendranath Roy* and D. M. Vyas, JJ, upheld the trial court order and stated that a demand made to the wife to arrange for money to meet the legal expenses for applying bail of the husband does not amount to ‘dowry’ under Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | ‘Classic case of misuse of S.498-A IPC’; Dowry harassment case quashed, highlighted improper police investigation
An application was filed by Applicant 1 (‘husband’) and his family for the quashment of an FIR lodged against them in relation to a dowry harassment case instituted by Respondent 3 (‘wife’) under Sections 498-A, 323, 504 and 506 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’). The Division Bench of Vibha Kankanwadi* and Sanjay A. Deshmukh, JJ., observed that the wife was not able to prove the accusations and there were contradictions in her statements. Thus, the Court quashed and set aside the case against the husband and his family and flagged serious flaws in the police investigation, asserting that continued prosecution would amount to an abuse of the legal process. Read more HERE
EDUCATION LAW
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT | Power Outage During NEET UG 2025: Re-test, re-evaluation of ranks, and delay in counselling, ordered
In a batch of writ petitions challenging the difficulties faced by the students due to power outage in 12 examination centres in Madhya Pradesh during the NEET Undergraduate (UG) Examination, 2025 (‘the exam’), the Single Judge Bench of Subodh Abhyankar, J., allowed the petitions, holding that the petitioner(s) had made out a case for interference under Article 14 as they, without there being any fault on their part, were put into a disadvantageous position due to power outage. Accordingly, the Court directed the National Testing Agency (‘NTA’) to expeditiously conduct a re-test and evaluate the ranks of the petitioners according to the re-test scores. Accordingly, the counselling was also delayed to account for the re-test scores. Read more HERE
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT | NTA directed to decide afresh the case of a JEE (Main), 2025 aspirant accused of using unfair means
In a writ petition filed by a JEE (Main) 2025 aspirant (petitioner), challenging the respondent’s decision to withhold his result for alleged use of Unfair Means and debar him from academic sessions 2025-26 and 2026-27 without affording him an opportunity of hearing, the single Judge Bench of Anoop Kumar Dhand, J., emphasizing the principle of natural justice, directed the respondent to take a fresh decision after providing due opportunity of hearing to the petitioner. Read more HERE
KERALA HIGH COURT | ‘UGC Anti Ragging Regulations not enough to curb ragging in its entirety’; State urged to enact stringent law with severe punishment
In two writ petitions arising from the tragic death of a 21-year-old student, who had been subjected to physical abuse and a public trial, amounting to ragging, the Single Judge Bench of D.K. Singh, J. expressed grave concern over the ineffectiveness of the UGC Anti-ragging Regulations. Despite being stringent, these regulations failed to deter unruly student behavior. The Court, therefore, recommended that the State enact a more stringent law, prescribing severe punishments for ragging activities in educational institutions. This law would be aimed at curbing the menace of ragging and preventing further loss of life caused by the rowdy conduct of undisciplined students. The State was urged to ensure that the guilty parties faced appropriate punishment. Read more HERE
ENCROACHMENT
JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH HIGH COURT | Removal of commercial encroachments, illegal Rehris and roadside food joints in Jammu City, directed
While considering a public interest litigation (‘PIL’), in respect of the illegal encroachments made by the shopkeepers in JDA Shopping Complex, near City Chowk, Jammu. The Division Bench of Arun Palli, CJ., and Rajnesh Oswal*, J., directed that the encroachments on public pathways, roads, streets, and nullahs by shopkeepers, street vendors, or any other commercial establishments should not be permitted under any circumstances. [Court of its own motion v. State (UT of J&K), 2025 SCC OnLine J&K 627] Read more HERE
ENVIRONMENT LAW
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | Not necessary to have multi-member appellate body under Water or Air Act after formation of NGT
In a writ petition filed seeking quashing of two notifications dated 20-11-2019 amending the Haryana (Prevention and Control of Water Pollution) Rules, 1978 (‘Water Rules’) and the Haryana Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983 (‘Air Rules’), the Division Bench of Sheel Nagu*, CJ., and H.S. Grewal, J., rejected the writ petition, holding that the impugned notifications did not violate the law that the composition of Appellate Authorities in environmental matters ought to be manned by technical personnel in addition to judicial members. Read more HERE
FALSE PROMISE TO MARRY
KERALA HIGH COURT | Rape on false promise to marry can’t be claimed if both parties aware of existing marriage
In a bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNSS’), for the offences punishable under Sections 84 and 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNS’), a Single Judge Bench of Bechu Kurian Thomas, J. concluded that the entire circumstances must be considered, especially when a married woman enters into a physical relationship with another person. If both parties are aware of the existing marriage, it cannot be alleged that sexual intercourse occurred based on a promise to marry. Read more HERE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Interim injunction granted to ‘Parachute’ against ‘CocoPlus’ in trade mark dispute
In the present case, the plaintiff-Marico Ltd. filed an interim application against Defendant 1-Zee Hygine Products (P) Ltd., seeking interim reliefs for infringement of its registered trade mark/trade dress, copyright in the artistic work, and passing off of its three products “PARACHUTE”, “PARACHUTE ADVANSED” and “PARACHUTE JASMINE/PARACHUTE ADVANSED JASMINE”. A Single Judge Bench of Sharmila U. Deshmukh, J., held that the defendant had prima facie infringed the plaintiff’s proprietary rights and thus restrained the defendants from using marks, packaging, labels, artistic works, and trade dress deceptively similar to plaintiff’s registered trade mark. Read more HERE
DELHI HIGH COURT | Dynamic+ Injunction granted to JioStar against rogue websites for streaming India-England 2025 series without authorization
A suit was filed by JioStar India Private Limited (plaintiff), formerly known as Star India Pvt. Ltd., seeking injunctive and consequential reliefs against multiple defendants, primarily rogue websites, for infringement of its exclusive digital media rights pertaining to the upcoming India Tour of England 2025. Saurabh Banerjee, J., granted an ex parte ad interim dynamic+ injunction in favour of the plaintiff, restraining the identified rogue websites as well as any other similar infringing platforms that may emerge during the live broadcast of the matches from unlawfully streaming, communicating, or making available the plaintiff’s copyrighted content. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Assignment of music rights in perpetuity includes exploitation in non-physical mediums
A suit was filed by the plaintiff that involved a dispute over the exploitation of musical works and songs from cinematographic films produced by Ralhan Productions. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants were exploiting these works without proper authorization after the expiry of the assignment agreements. A Single Judge Bench of Manish Pitale, J., clarified the scope of perpetual assignments of rights and held that a contractual stipulation permitting an assignee to exploit film songs “by any and every means whatsoever” covered digital mediums including exploitation of works in non-physical mediums. Read more HERE
INVESTIGATION
HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT | TIP necessary if accused persons and witnesses are strangers
In the present batch of appeals preferred by the accused persons under Section 374(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (‘CrPC’), the judgment passed by the Additional Sessions Judge (‘trial Court’) was challenged whereby the appellants were convicted and sentenced under Sections 147, 332, 333, 353 and 506(II) read with Section 149 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’). A Single Judge Bench of Sushil Kukreja, J., observed that there were major contradictions in the statements of the prosecution witnesses and serious lapses in the investigation as the Test Identification Parade (‘TIP’) was not conducted. The Court quashed and set aside the judgment of conviction and acquitted the accused persons. Read more HERE
LABOUR LAW
DELHI HIGH COURT | Ruling on post-employment restrictions and employees’ right to livelihood
An appeal was filed by the appellant under Section 104 read with Order XLIII Rule 1(R) of Civil Procedure Code, being aggrieved by the order dated 03-06-2025 (impugned order), passed by the District Judge-06 (South), Saket Courts, South Delhi in a suit. Tejas Karia, J., quashed the injunction restraining the appellant from working with the client entity and allowed the appeal, ruling that post-employment restrictions such as non-compete clauses cannot be enforced to curb an employee’s fundamental right to livelihood. [Varun Tyagi v. Daffodil Software (P) Ltd., 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4589] Read more HERE
MAINTAINANCE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | Working wife entitled to maintenance matching matrimonial standards of living
A writ petition was filed by the petitioner-husband challenging the Family Court’s order directing him to pay interim maintenance of Rs 15,000 per month to his wife-the respondent during the pendency of their divorce proceedings under Section 13(1)(i-a) and 13(1)(i-b) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (‘HMA’), where he contended that the wife was already employed and therefore not entitled to maintenance. A Single Judge Bench of Manjusha Deshpande, J., held that there was a huge disparity in the income of the husband and wife, which could not be compared, and thus, the wife was certainly entitled to be maintained with the same standard of living as she was accustomed to before their separation. Read more HERE
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | Cricketer Mohammed Shami directed to pay ₹4 lakhs monthly to ex-wife
A revisional application was filed by the ex wife of cricketer Mohammed Shami challenging the judgment and order dated 18-01-2023 passed by the Additional District Judge, Fast Track Court, Alipore, in Criminal Appeal arisen from an order passed by the Magistrate in her application under Section 23 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, wherein the Magistrate had refused her prayer for interim monetary relief, granting such relief only to her minor daughter. Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee, J., held that a sum of ₹1,50,000/- per month to be paid by the opposite party to the wife and ₹250,000 to the daughter as monthly maintenance to ensure financial stability for both the petitioners, till disposal of the main application. Read more HERE
MEDICAL AND HEALTH LAW
HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT | Medical claims under beneficial State policy should not be denied on flimsy or irrelevant grounds
In a petition seeking full medical reimbursement for the treatment of the petitioner’s wife at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh (‘PGIMER’), the petitioner had claimed an amount of ₹2,93,295. However, the respondents disbursed only ₹2,08,495, deducting ₹84,800 on the ground that a ceiling limit applied to knee and hip implants under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, as per an Office Memorandum issued in 1995, the Division Bench of Vivek Singh Thakur* and Ranjan Sharma, JJ. observed that no such ceiling was in force at the time of the treatment. The Court held that once a medical claim is otherwise admissible under a beneficial policy of the State, it should not be denied on flimsy grounds or irrelevant considerations. Accordingly, the Bench directed the authorities to release the withheld amount of ₹84,800 to the petitioner. [Ishwar Dass v. State of H.P., 2025 SCC OnLine HP 2108] Read more HERE
NDPS
ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT | ‘Ganja’ under NDPS Act excludes seeds and leaves; Bail granted in 32 kg seizure case
A criminal petition was filed by the petitioner and his wife under Sections 480 and 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking regular bail in a criminal case registered for offences under Sections 20(b)(ii)(C), 25 read with Section 8(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (“NDPS Act”). Venkata Jyothirmai Pratapa, J., granted bail to the petitioner not merely on leniency but owing to substantive legal shortcomings in the prosecution’s compliance with the NDPS Act’s procedural requirements. [Killo Subbarao v. State of A.P., 2025 SCC OnLine AP 2280] Read more HERE
POCSO
UTTARANCHAL HIGH COURT | Retrial of a blind man accused under POCSO, ordered
In a criminal appeal filed by the blind accused for setting aside conviction and 20-year sentence under Sections 376 and 354-A of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) and Sections 4 and 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (‘POCSO Act’), the Division Bench of G. Narendar*, C.J., and Alok Mahra, J., observing that the denial of trial documents in Braille script to the blind accused is a violation of his right to a fair trial and access to justice, set aside the conviction order and sentence. Furthermore, the Court remitted the matter to the Trial Court for a retrial of the blind man accused under POCSO. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | ‘Merely saying ‘I Love You’ does not show sexual intent’; Man acquitted in POCSO case
The present appeal was filed by the appellant-accused, challenging the judgment and order dated 18-8-2017 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Nagpur, whereby he was convicted for offences under Sections 354-A(i) of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (the ‘POCSO Act’). A Single Judge Bench of Urmila Joshi Phalke, J., allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction of the accused, observing that there was not a single circumstance indicating that the accused’s real intention was to establish sexual contact with the victim. Further, the Court opined that “intention” was an inner compartment of a person’s mind and thus, the appellant merely saying the words ‘I love you’, did not show that he uttered them with sexual intent. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | POCSO cases cannot be quashed in consensual adolescent relationships unless Centre clarifies its stand
An application was filed by the applicant for quashing the proceedings pending under Sections 376(2)(n) and 376(3) of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), Sections 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (the ‘POCSO Act’) and Sections 9 and 11 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and stated that there was consensual love relation between him and the 17-year-old girl. The Division Bench of Vibha Kankanwadi* and Sanjay A. Deshmukh, JJ., rejected the application and held that unless the matter was clarified by the Central Government upon the directions issued by the Supreme Court in Right to Privacy of Adolescents, In Re, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1200 (‘Right to Privacy of Adolescents Case’), the Court would not consider cases relating to consensual adolescent relationships. Read more HERE
QUASHMENT OF PROCEEDINGS/ FIR
JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH HIGH COURT | Charge-sheet can not be quashed based on plea of alibi
A petition was filed by the petitioners where they challenged the charge sheet emanating from FIR for offences under Sections 142, 148, 323, and 506 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’) stating that they were not present on spot at the time of the incident. A Single Judge Bench of Sanjay Dhar, J., dismissed the petition and held that the veracity of the contention of the plea of alibi could only be delved into by the Trial Court. Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | FIR over construction and naming a public square/chowk ‘Tipu Sultan’, refused to be quashed
The present application was filed by the applicant-MLA, seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him under Sections 153-A, 295-A, 504, 505(1) and 506 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’), wherein he was accused of constructing a raised platform without obtaining the requisite permission and naming it ‘Tipu Sultan Chowk’, an act which allegedly incited communal tension between two communities. The Division Bench comprising Vibha Kankanwadi* and Sanjay A. Deshmukh, JJ., refused to quash the FIR while exercising their powers under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (‘CrPC’). The Court held that the investigation was ongoing to determine who had erected the construction and whether proper permission had been obtained, while emphasizing that a public square could not be named by an MLA without following the procedures given in the Maharashtra Municipalities Act, 1965 ( the ‘1965 Act’) and the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949 (the ‘1949 Act’). Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT | ‘Misunderstanding cannot lead to filing FIR in heinous crime like rape; compromise unacceptable’; FIR refused to be quashed
The present application under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (‘CrPC’) was filed by the applicants, seeking to quash the FIR and criminal proceedings arising from a case registered under Sections 376-D, 366, 354-A, 323 and 506 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’). The complaint was filed by a married woman who alleged that she was abducted, drugged and raped, however later, both the parties claimed that the incident was a misunderstanding and sought to quash the case based on compromise. The Division Bench of Vibha Kankanwadi* and Sanjay A. Deshmukh, JJ., rejected the application and held that the offence that was registered was under the category of heinous crime and the terms of compromise were unacceptable for quashing the proceedings since such type of compromises were not in the interest of the society. Read more HERE
SECURITIES, MARKETS AND EXCHANGES
PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT | PILs seeking action against online opinion trading platforms rejected due to adequate statutory framework; Stressed need to discourage Indiscriminate PILs
In a batch of public interest litigations (‘PILs’) seeking ban on online ‘opinion trading’ platforms in the state of Haryana, the Division Bench of Sheel Nagu, CJ., and Sumeet Goel*, J., rejected the petitions, holding that since adequate statutory frameworks exist for redressal of the mentioned grievances, there was no occasion for this Court to entertain these petitions under its extraordinary writ jurisdiction. [Anuj Malik v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine P&H 3069] Read more HERE
SERVICE LAW
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT | West Bengal Govt restrainined from providing financial assistance to terminated non-teaching staffs
In a writ petition challenging the West Bengal Livelihood Social Security Interim Scheme, 2025 (impugned scheme) that aimed to provide cash assistance to Group C and Group D of the non-teaching staff, whose jobs had been terminated overnight, a Single Judge Bench of Amrita Sinha*, J, opined that permitting the State to proceed with the impugned scheme would tacitly support fraudulent activity, cheating and corruption. Therefore, the Court granted an interim stay on the operation of the scheme and accordingly, restrained the West Bengal Government from providing financial assistance to the non-teaching staff of Groups C and D. [Prokash Mandal v. State of W.B., 2025 SCC OnLine Cal 5037] Read more HERE
HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT | Every govt. employee, during their life career, must be given sub-cadre, hard or tribal area posting
In the present petition, the petitioner stated that she was transferred from Dhalog, Chamba, to Devikothi, Chamba, which was a hard area and she had already served in a sub-cadre area and prayed for a posting near Nagali where her husband was working. A Single Judge Bench of Sandeep Sharma, J., directed the State to ensure that transfers were made strictly in accordance with the transfer policy of the Government of Himachal Pradesh and emphasised that every government employee should be posted to a difficult area once during their service and that political influence should not be allowed in the matter. Read more HERE
MADRAS HIGH COURT | ‘Maternity leave during bond service must be counted towards bond period’; College directed to return Doctor’s withheld certificates
In a writ appeal filed under Clause 15 of Letters Patent, to set aside the order passed in the writ petition and consequently direct the Dean, Thanjavur Medical College, to return the Under Graduation and Post-Graduation Education Certificates of the petitioner, the division bench of G.R.Swaminathan* and K.Rajasekar, JJ. held that the maternity leave availed by a doctor while rendering mandatory bond service at a Government hospital must be counted towards the bond period. Further, the College was directed to return the appellant’s original certificates within four weeks from the date of receipt of the order. Read more HERE
ORISSA HIGH COURT | Denying maternity benefit to contractual employee is abhorrent to humanity and womanhood
The present writ appeal was filed by the State challenging a Single Judge’s order, wherein it had directed the grant of maternity leave to a woman engaged on a contractual basis under the Health and Family Welfare Department. The Division Bench of Dixit Krishna Shripad* and M.S. Sahoo, JJ., held that denying maternity benefit based on nature of employment was abhorrent to the notions of humanity and womanhood and further observed that the concept of maternity leave was structured on the principle of “zero separation” between a lactating mother and her breastfeeding baby. Read more HERE
STAMP ACT, 1899
GUJARAT HIGH COURT | Insufficiently stamped sale deed cannot be admitted or received into evidence
In an application for issuance of the writ of mandamus/certiorari to quash or set aside the order of the trial court rejecting the appellant’s application to exhibit the sale deed entered between Defendant 1 and Defendants 4-9 (‘respondents’), a Single Judge Bench of Maulik J Shelat*, J, opined that an insufficiently stamped sale deed could not be admitted into evidence or exhibited as part of evidence. Read more HERE
