Soumya Yadav, Author at SCC Times

Unreliable DNA, Doubtful Victim Testimony, Contradictions, Delay, No TIP: Bombay HC Acquits Rape Accused as Investigation Lapses Pile Up

The Bombay High Court noted that since the FIR was registered under Section 376 IPC without prima facie examination of the allegations and given the unexplained delay and contradictions in the victim’s statements, the prosecution case lacked legal foundation and the conviction was liable to be set aside.

Penalty under RTI Act unsustainable without mala fide

Case Briefs High Courts

Penalty under RTI Act Unsustainable Without Finding of Mala Fide: Chhattisgarh HC Quashes State Information Commission’s ₹25,000 Order

The High Court noted that since the State Information Commission failed to record any findings on mala fide denial, unreasonable delay, or contumacious conduct, the penalty order lacked legal foundation and was therefore liable to be quashed.

Events & Collaborations

Cyprus Eurasia Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Center: What CEDRAC Does and Why It Matters — Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026

CEDRAC was showcased by Christodoulos Christodoulou, reflecting its evolution into a more active and operational institution. His remarks underscored CEDRAC’s commitment to neutrality, procedural flexibility, and the institutional support that strengthens its role in international arbitration

Events & Collaborations

When EU Law and International Arbitration Collide: Achmea Spillover, Sovereignty Concerns and Enforcement Resistance at Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026

The evolving friction between EU law and international arbitration formed the core of discussions during the second session of Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026, with experts analysing the aftermath of Achmea, challenges to arbitral enforcement, and the increasing assertion of sovereignty and public policy concerns across jurisdictions.

Events & Collaborations

“Move from Case Count to Credibility”: LCIA Director General Kevin Nash on the Future of Arbitration Institutions at Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026

Day 2 of Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026 saw Kevin Nash urge arbitral institutions to move from case count to credibility, emphasising that their legitimacy now rests on trust, fairness, innovation, and principled design in an arbitration landscape shaped by sanctions, AI, and evolving user expectations.

Events & Collaborations

“Arbitration Is a People-Driven Profession Built on Trust”: Stavros Pavlou’s Welcome Address at Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026

At Day 2 of Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026, Stavros Pavlou highlighted Cyprus’ growing role as a regional arbitration hub, noting the impact of geopolitical tensions, technology, and enforcement trends, while stressing that arbitration remains a people-driven profession built on trust and integrity.

Events & Collaborations

Human Judgment vs AI Efficiency: The Question That Opened Cyprus Arbitration Day 2026

The inaugural session of the 4th edition of Cyprus Arbitration Day set the tone with discussions on the evolving international arbitration landscape, the influence of AI in dispute resolution, the importance of human judgment, and Cyprus’ emergence as a regional hub linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Case Briefs High Courts

Prolonged Custody Without Trial Violates Article 21: Orissa HC Releases Sushanta Dhalasamanta on Bail in 2004 Murder Case After a Decade of Incarceration

Court cites violation of speedy trial rights under Article 21, hostile witnesses, and prolonged delay in concluding prosecution evidence as reasons for granting bail

Case Briefs High Courts

Children’s rights are constitutional obligations, not charity: Bombay HC Directs Maharashtra to Frame Salary Grant Policy for NGO-Run children’s homes

The High Court noted Maharashtra extends financial assistance under Ladki Bahin Yojana hence, it cannot deny salary grants to staff caring for children in need of protection, failing the test of reasonableness under Article 14.

proportional allocation of VJNT vacancies

Case Briefs High Courts

Unfilled Reserved Vacancies Must Go to Other Reserved Categories in Proportion, Not on Common Merit List: Bombay HC on VJNT Reservation

Bombay HC rules on inter-transferability of unfilled VJNT vacancies under Section 4(3), Maharashtra State Public Services Reservation Act, 2001.

Tribunal & Commissions Roundup Jan—Apr 2026

Legal RoundUp Tribunals/Regulatory Bodies/Commissions Monthly Roundup

Intel Penalised, Rajinikanth’s Tax Case, Hanging Glaciers and More: Tribunal & Commission Jan—Apr 2026 Roundup

The first quarter of 2026 saw important rulings across India’s Tribunals and Commissions, emphasising compliance, fairness, and accountability, covering electricity, taxation, competition, environment, insolvency, consumer rights, and human rights.

Case Briefs High Courts

Bombay HC quashes FIR over ‘Ya Allah! Rasgulla! Dahi Bhalla!’ remark; No offence under S. 295-A IPC

“The words “Ya Allah! Rasgulla! Dahi Bhalla” by themselves are neutral in ordinary social use, and mere mention of food items in a comic act cannot amount to insult of religion.”

Case Briefs High Courts

Patna HC Sets Aside POCSO Conviction, Rules Expression “Bad Work” is Insufficient to Presume Penetrative Sexual Assault

“Merely on the presence of semen on the pant of the victim and on the basis of the ocular evidence that some ‘bad work’ was done, it cannot be presumed that penetrative sexual assault to some extent was committed upon her.”

Case Briefs High Courts

“From 2046 to July 2026”: Bombay HC recalls and corrects earlier adjournment of defamation suit

In a procedural clarification, the Bombay High Court directed corrections to its earlier order and reiterated that the defamation suit, already deferred until 2046, must be read together with the corrected order.

Case Briefs High Courts

“Victims Wait Years for Justice”: Bombay HC Calls for Special Appellate Tribunal for Motor Accident & Railway Compensation Appeals

“The huge pendency in the High Court results in these appeals being disposed of after at least 8 to 10 years from the date of filing, and this again results in severe prejudice to the claimants.”

Case Briefs High Courts

“Transgenders are Also Children of God”: Madras High Court Issues Welfare Directions Following Self-Immolation Incident

“The members of the transgender community continue to face entrenched social stigma, resulting in deprivation of basic dignity and meaningful livelihood opportunities.”

Case Briefs High Courts

ICC Cannot Record Instigator of False POSH Complaint as “Unknown Source” When Identity is Clearly Disclosed: Bombay HC

“The Inquiry Report also recorded the reply of the petitioner and the statement of the complainant that she was threatened with dire consequences by the instigator and forced to sign the complaint letter against the petitioner.”

Case Briefs High Courts

Employee Should Not Suffer for Employer’s Failure in EPF Compliance : Bombay HC quashes rejection of pension claims

Employees cannot be denied higher pension benefits due to employer or record-keeping lapses; authorities must assess claims based on all available evidence and adopt a practical, non-technical approach.

Case Briefs High Courts

Public Roads Not for Disproportionate Industrial Use: Jharkhand HC Directs Parking Compliance by Industries; Flags need for Trauma Care Facilities

“Such public roads are built and maintained through taxpayers’ funds. Therefore, there must be an equitable use of such roads, particularly by industries established for commercial gains.”

Case Briefs High Courts

Chhattisgarh HC set asides BSNL’s arbitral award for patent illegality in loss of profit claim; Directs refund of security deposit

“An arbitral tribunal, being a creature of contract, cannot grant relief in disregard of contractual stipulations.”