Case Briefs Archives

Pursuing Master of Law Program not to be considered as a break in practice of an advocate: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court holds that pursuing Master of Law Program would not be considered as a break in practice of an advocate as per Resolution No. 160/2009 passed by Bar Council of India. Further, the advocate is not required to suspend his enrolment to pursue the said program.

Case Briefs High Courts

[Aarey Car Shed Project] Sending text messages to IAS officer regarding preservation of trees does not constitute offence under S. 186 IPC| Bombay High Court

The accused had pleaded with IAS officer Smt. Ashwini Bhide to look for alternatives so that the trees in the Aarey Forest area, which he has stated to be about 3,500 in number, can be saved during the construction of a car-shed on the same land.

Case Briefs High Courts

Surrender of right to use spectrum before commencement of Finance Act, 2016, not chargeable to service tax; Delhi High Court sets aside service tax demand of Rs. 56 crores against MTNL

The Delhi High Court set aside the demand for service tax of Rs. 56 crores against MTNL holding that the surrender of any right to use the spectrum before 14-5-2016, the date on which the Finance Act, 2016 came into force, will not be chargeable to service tax.

Case Briefs High Courts

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to conduct stakeholder consultation to make films disabled friendly; Delhi High Court on petition to subtitle movie ‘Pathaan’

The Delhi High Court directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with other relevant Ministries to hold the consultation with film producers, OTT platforms operating in India, television broadcasters, association of theater owners, organizations consisting of disabled persons, distributors of films and any other stakeholders it may consider appropriate.

Case Briefs High Courts

Resolution Professional under IBC is a ‘public servant’ under Prevention of Corruption Act: Jharkhand High Court

Jharkhand High Court clarified that Section 233 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (‘IBC Code’) gives protection to a resolution professional from criminal prosecution for acts in good faith, and not where he has been apprehended red-handed with the bribe amount.

Case Briefs Supreme Court

Community Certificate cannot be declared fake without hearing the certificate holder: Supreme Court

In the case at hand, as the right to be heard was denied to the community certificate holder, the burden of proof to disprove the nature of the certificate, had not been discharged. Hence, the Supreme Court presumed the community certificate to be genuine.

Case Briefs High Courts

Delhi High Court reprimands absolute bar on disclosure of RTI information to non-citizens for being contrary to the Constitution and object of RTI Act

The Delhi High Court stated that the Constitution of India conferred a large gamut of rights upon Indian citizens and there existed a smaller bouquet of rights which were also recognised and conferred in respect of non-citizens.

Case Briefs High Courts

No proper opportunity given to Defence Council for defending rape convict; Orissa High Court set aside conviction order

Orissa High Court said that a criminal trial is not an IPL T20 match where every ‘substitute player’ can be an ‘impact player’, engaging a new State Defence Council without providing him police papers is gross illegality.

Case Briefs High Courts

Allahabad HC frames Contempt charges against Kanpur Lawyers for continuing strike despite Court orders

7-Judge Bench of Allahabad High Court said that the Kanpur Lawyers by using abusive unparliamentary language and outrageous behavior during the strike period, scandalised and lowered the authority of the Court and undermined the sanctity of the Institution and the dignity of the entire district judiciary, have committed the contempt of Court.

Case Briefs Supreme Court

CIT can revise erroneous order by Assessing Officer causing prejudice to revenue; Supreme Court overrules it’s 2000 verdict

The Supreme Court stated that the erroneous assessment order had resulted in loss of the Revenue in the form of tax. Thus, the High Court had committed a very serious error in setting aside the order passed by the Commissioner passed in exercise of powers under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act.

Case Briefs High Courts

Meghalaya High Court upholds conviction of Ex- Meghalaya MLA Julius Dorphang for minor’s rape

The Meghalaya High Court said that society at large owes a huge apology to the brave young survivor for having failed one of its most precious and tender.

Case Briefs Tribunals/Commissions/Regulatory Bodies

[Sambhal cold storage collapse incident] NGT orders compensation to heirs of deceased and injured persons

If the business entity involved in hazardous activities fails to pay compensation, the State is liable to pay for the failure to ensure safety. Citizens are entitled to safety from hazards of business activities having potential for incidents which may cause death and injuries.

Case Briefs Tribunals/Commissions/Regulatory Bodies

“Law will take its own course”; NCLAT refuses to interfere with NCLT’s order approving Resolution Plan

NCLAT held that that the allocation of meagre amount in Resolution Plan to Creditors can be questioned when the plan value earmarked for them is less than the liquidation value but same is not the case in instant matter.

Case Briefs Supreme Court

E-filing in DRTs, DRATs | Supreme Court balances adoption of technology and access to justice; asks Centre to set up e-sewa kendras; seek Bar Association suggestions

CJI led bench observed that “Technology is an enabler and a facilitator. Hence, no segment of the citizens should be left behind in the adoption of technology, least of all, in terms of access to justice.”

Case Briefs High Courts

Delhi High Court imposes fine of INR 50,000 for filing a petition with an oblique motive to vilify judges

The Delhi High Court held that “the petition was a mala fide attempt to throw mud on the reputation of the incumbent and is a gross abuse of process.”

Case Briefs High Courts

Procedures for empanelment of lawyers in Banks not in compliance with Constitutional mandate; Madras HC directs Nationalised Banks to reform their system of selection

Madras High Court said that whether it is contractual employment, temporary engagements or otherwise, the procedure to be adopted by Banks must be transparent and in compliance with the mandates of the Constitution.

Case Briefs Supreme Court

Explained| Supreme Court’s judgment on classifying borrower’s accounts ‘fraudulent’ by Lender Banks vis-a-vis Audi Alteram Partem

‘Audi alteram partem application cannot be impliedly excluded under the Master Directions on Frauds.’

Case Briefs Supreme Court

[Enrolment fees] Supreme Court issues notices to Union Government, Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils

Supreme Court will be examining the validity of exorbitant enrolment fees charged by State Bar Councils

Case Briefs Tribunals/Commissions/Regulatory Bodies

Reopening of the assessment is indemonstrable in law as reasons inserted in Section 147 IT Act were not considered as evidence: ITAT

It is a trite law that the reasons, as recorded for reopening the reassessment, are to be examined on a standalone basis to determine the validity of proceedings under section 147 IT Act.

Case Briefs High Courts

Outstanding from forex fluctuations are not ‘proceeds of crime’ under the PMLA Act: Telangana High Court quashes ED case against Sukesh Gupta, Director of MBS Jewellers

The Telangana High Court quashed ED case against Sukesh Gupta and opined that the differential amount of rupee dollar fluctuation could be termed as an outstanding which could be recovered in a civil suit but could not be termed as ‘proceeds of crime’.