HARI OM @ HERO V. STATE OF UP

CITATION: AIR 2021 SC 402

BENCH: JUSTICES UU LALIT, INDU MALHOTRA AND KRISHNA MURARI 

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05 Jan 2021

CRIMINAL LAW

ISSUE: Whether the impugned judgment of death sentence was perverse and Appellants were entitled to benefit of the doubt.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that testimony and evidence against the accused are not free of doubts and defects. As the evidence shows that the accused would naturally be present inside the house where the crime had occurred. And the testimony shows inconsistencies on whether he had witnessed the incident, who is a 5-year-old child. And it is difficult to rely on lifted fingerprints when there was nothing on record regarding the competence of the police officer doing it. It cannot solely depend on the fact that fingerprints of the accused were present on an object.

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MURALI VS. STATE REP. BY THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE

CITATION: 2021 LATEST CASELAW 8 SC

BENCH- JUSTICES N.V RAMANA, SURYA KANT, AND ANIRUDDHA BOSE.

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05 JAN 2021

CRIMINAL LAW

ISSUE: Whether the Sentence of the Convict can be reduced because of an amicable settlement?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court observed that Section 324 and 307 IPC are not compoundable offences as per Section 320 of the Criminal Procedure Code. While referring to the case of Ram Pujan vs. State of UP [(1973) 2 SCC 456] and Ishwar Singh vs. State of MP [(2008) 15 SCC 667], with similar circumstances and the court had reduced the sentence of the convicts even in the serious non-compoundable offences. The court considered reducing the sentences of the convict because parties had made an amicable settlement. And at the time of the incident accused was less than 22 years ago and did not have any criminal antecedents. Accused served a significant portion of sentences, the court reduced the sentences for the convict.

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SREI EQUIPMENT FINANCE LTD. V. RAMJAN ALI & ORS.

CITATION: AIR 2021 SC 326

BENCH: JUSTICES ASHOK BHUSHAN, R. SUBHASH REDDY AND M.R.SHAH

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05 JAN 2021

CRIMINAL AND MOTOR VEHICLE LAW

ISSUE: Was the decision of the High Court to allow the application under Section 482 Cr. P.C and releasing the vehicle in favour of 2nd owner was sound in law or not?

JUDGMENT: The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and set aside the order of the High court. The court observed that the High court committed an error while directing the vehicle’s release favouring Ramjan. The high court ignored the application for release of the vehicle filed by SEF and an objection to Ramjan’s application of release. The objection was claiming ownership of the vehicle as the hypothecation entry was fraudulently removed. Court referred to Rule 61 of The Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 and directed Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sitapur to ensure that vehicle is received back from Ramajan and released in favour of SREI Equipment Finance on such terms and conditions.

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PADIA TIMBER COMPANY (P) LTD. V. VISAKHAPATNAM PORT TRUST

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 1

BENCH- JUSTICES NAVIN SINHA AND INDIRA BANERJEE

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05 JAN 2021

CONTRACT

ISSUE: Whether the acceptance of a conditional offer with a further condition results in a concluded contract?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that acceptance of an offer with variation is not an acceptance. When the acceptance is conditional, the offer can be withdrawn before the absolute acceptance. While relying on Haridwar Singh AIR 1972 SC 1242 case. It could not be said that there was a concluded contract as responded imposed a new condition. And there cannot be a question of breach of the contract.

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RAJEEV SURI V. DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 7

BENCH- JUSTICES AM KHANWILKAR, DINESH MAHESHWARI AND SANJIV KHANNA

DATE OF JUDGMENT05 JAN 2021

DELHI DEVELOPMENT ACT AND RULES, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW, CONSTITUTION OF INDIAN

ISSUES: Whether there is any violation of Municipal law of Delhi, Environmental law, and Public Trust Doctrine?

Whether Vista Project is proper or not?

JUDGMENT: The Supreme Court gave a green signal to Central Vista Project and held approval need to be taken by the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) to the Central Vista Project. The court directed the set up of smog towers and the use of smog guns at the construction site throughout the construction phase. Court also held that the public trust doctrine does not prohibit the government from utilizing the resources for the public interest which are held in public trust. It was also held that the absence of sufficient public participation in the clearing process does not make it unreasonable to quash the whole process.

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THE CHAIRPERSON, GOVERNING BODY DAULAT RAM COLLEGE V. DR ASHA

CITATION: (2021) 3 SCC 121

BENCH- JUSTICES ASHOK BHUSHAN AND MR SHAH

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05 JAN 2021

SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

ISSUE: Whether the Principal or the Governing Body of the college has the power to appoint the Warden of the Hostel of the College?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court while examining the 1987 letter of UGC held that it did not confer any power on the Principal to appoint the warden. However, the Principal is entrusted with the overall internal administration of the college, so the Governing Body, while making appointments of the warden, should give due weight to the recommendation of the Principal. 

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KIRTI V. ORIENTAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD.

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 3

BENCH- JUSTICES N.V. RAMANA, S.A. NAZEER AND SURYA KANT

DATE OF JUDGMENT05 JAN 2021

INDIAN PENAL CODE AND MOTOR VEHICLE ACT 1988

ISSUE: Whether the value of housemakers should be considered equal to their office-going husbands for calculating the compensation?

Whether the subsequent death of a person will be a reason for the reduction of motor accident compensation?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held Grant of compensation on a pecuniary basis concerning a homemaker, which is a settled proposition of law. Court noted the gendered nature of housework where the percentage of women engaged is overwhelming as compared to men, so fixing of national income of a homemaker attains special significance. It recognizes the work, labour, and sacrifices of homemakers. Court also held that the deceased’s mother died subsequently will not be a reason for the reduction of motor accident compensation, as claims and legal liabilities crystallize at the time of the accident itself.

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BHAVEN CONSTRUCTION V. SARDAR SAROVAR NARMADA NIGAM LTD.

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 8

BENCH- JUSTICES SURYA KANT, N.V. RAMANA AND HRISHIKESH ROY

DATE OF JUDGMENT06 JAN 2021

ARBITRATION LAW

ISSUE: Whether the arbitral process could interfere under Article 226/227 of the Constitution?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court set aside the order of High Court of Judicature at Gujarat stating that High Court has erred in exercising its discretionary power available under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution. Court emphasized the intent of Section 5 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 by referring to the Deep Industries case 2019 SCC Online SC 1602. The State could not demonstrate an exceptional circumstance of “bad faith” to invoke Article 227.

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IREO GRACE REALTECH (P) LTD. V. ABHISHEK KHANNA

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 14

BENCH- JUSTICES D Y CHANDRACHUD, INDU MALHOTRA AND INDIRA BANERJEE

DATE OF JUDGMENT11 JAN 2021

REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) ACT, 2016 AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986

ISSUE: Whether the contract was one-sided and unfair for the allottees?

Whether Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 must be given primacy over the Consumer Protection Act, 1986?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that clause was one-sided and unreasonable in the Apartment Buyer‘s Agreement. It constitutes an unfair trade practice under Section 2(1) ® of the Consumer Protection Act. Court also held that the developer cannot compel the apartment buyers by such to be bound by such one-sided contractual terms. Court by referring M/s Imperia Structures Ltd. V. Anil Patni judgment upheld the applicability of provisions of Consumer Protection Act as an additional remedy under RERA. Stating Section 79 of the RERA Act does not bar the Consumer forum from the entertaining complaint on behalf of an allottee.

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HIGH COURT OF KERALA V. RESHMA A. & OTHERS ETC.

CITATION: (2021) 3 SCC 755

BENCH- JUSTICES DY CHANDRACHUD AND INDIRA BANERJEE

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 11 JAN 2021

SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

ISSUE: Whether Respondents and candidates of similar position who find a place in merit list approved by Governor could be appointed to vacancies arising within one year from date of approval of merit list, more than those specified in notification?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the division bench of the High Court while observing the case of Prem Singh (1996) 4 SCC 319. Stating that when selection advertises a specific number of posts, selection cannot exceed the number of posts that have been advertised. Court held that ‘probable’ mentioned in the advertisement has to be interpreted with constitutional requirements under Article 14 and Article 16. And will not include vacancies of the future year. So the court held that vacancies arising in the next year cannot be filled from the merit list from that year, if not being advertised.

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NN GLOBAL MERCANTILE PVT LTD V. INDO UNIQUE FLAME LTD.

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 13

BENCH-  JUSTICES DY CHANDRACHUD, INDIRA BANERJEE AND INDU MALHOTRA

DATE OF JUDGMENT11 JAN 2021

INDIAN STAMP ACT, 1899

ISSUE: Does non-payment of the stamp duty in a commercial contract invalidate the arbitration clause? 

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that the arbitration agreement would not become invalid, unenforceable or non-existent. Even if the substantive contract is not admissible as evidence or cannot be acted upon because of non-payment of Stamp Duty. Court referred the matter to a constitutional bench after realizing that it differed from the earlier Supreme Court judgments of SMS Tea Estates Pvt. Ltd. v. Chandmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, Garware Wall Ropes Limited v. Coastal Marine Constructions and Engineering Limited and Vidya Drolia v. Durga Trading Corporation.

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ANVERSINH ALIAS KIRANSINH FATESINH ZALA V. STATE OF GUJARAT

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 19

BENCH- JUSTICES NV RAMANA, S. ABDUL NAZEER AND SURYA KANT

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 12 JAN 2021

CRIMINAL LAW

ISSUE: Whether a consensual affair can be a defence against the charge of kidnapping a minor?

Whether the punishment awarded is just, and ought to there be leniency given the unique circumstances?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that in the case of kidnapping, the element of enticement is important. And the same being is present in the case and the girl is a minor. Plea of a consensual affair cannot be a valid defence in the offence of kidnapping. For the leniency for the punishment, the court observed the case of Surendra Singh (2015) 1 SCC 222 reduced the quantum of sentence to the period of imprisonment already undergone by the accused. As there was no force was used in the act of kidnapping and there was no preplanning, use of any weapon, or any vulgar motive.

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THE MAVILAYI SERVICE COOPERATIVE BANK LTD. & ORS VS. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, CALICUT & ANR

CITATION: AIR 2021 SC 612

BENCH- JUSTICES R.F. NARIMAN, NAVIN SINHA AND K.M. JOSEPH

DATE OF JUDGMENT12 JAN 2021

TAXATION

ISSUE- The question arose as to the deductions that can be claimed under Section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Income Tax Act 1961, after the introduction of Section 80P(4) with effect from 01.04.2007.

JUDGEMENT: Allowing the appeals Supreme Court held that allowed the deduction contained in section 80P(2)(a)(i), notwithstanding that they may also be giving loans to their members which are not related to agriculture. Court held that object of Section 80P(4) is to exclude cooperative banks that function at par with other commercial banks. And the proviso cannot be used to cut down the language of the main enactment. Section 80P encourages and promotes the credit of the cooperative sector and must be liberally interpreted.

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ASHARAM TIWARI VS. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

CITATION: (2021) 2 SCC 608

BENCH- JUSTICES R.F. NARIMAN AND NAVIN SINHA 

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 12 JAN 2021

CRIMINAL LAW

ISSUE: Appellant contention was that at the time of the occurrence of crime, he possessed a lathi whereas the co-accused were armed pistols and therefore had no common intention.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the conviction and sentence of the Appellant under Sections 302/34, 324/34, 325/34 and 323, IPC. The court observed that the sequence of events and cumulative appreciation of evidence shows the common intention between all the accused. Court also noted that the quality of evidence is more important than the number of witnesses. So failure to examine any independent witness is inconsequential.

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HIMACHAL PRADESH BUS STAND MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY V. THE CENTRAL EMPOWERED COMMITTEE ETC. & ORS

CITATION: AIR 2021 SC 657

BENCH- JUSTICES DY CHANDRACHUD, INDU MALHOTRA AND INDIRA BANERJEE

DATE OF JUDGMENT12 JAN 2021

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

ISSUE: Whether NGT order of demolishing the structure of Hotel-cum-Restaurant in Bus Stand Complex was sustainable?

JUDGEMENT: Supreme Court held that the construction of the Hotel-cum-Restaurant structure in the Bus Stand Complex was illegal and a violation of the law. Permission of construction of a parking space and bus stand granted only McLeod Ganj. Court referred to the judgment of Hanuman Laxman Aroskar (2019) 15 SCC 401, Sudhakar Hegde 2020 SCC OnLine SC 328 and Lal Bahadur (2018) 15 SCC 407 while discussing the importance of protecting the environmental rule of law. 

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DIPIKA JAGATRAM SAHANI V. UNION OF INDIA

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 22

BENCH: JUSTICES ASHOK BHUSHAN, R. SUBHASH REDDY AND M.R. SHAH

DATE OF JUDGMENT13 JAN 2021

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

ISSUE: PIL under Article 32 of the Constitution had been filed questioning the closure of Anganwadi Centers across the country.

Whether there is a violation of the fundamental right to health or the right to live with dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that unless is any specific reasons for not opening, all Anganwadi centres beyond containment zones. It should be functioning. The court directed that Anganwadi Centres which had not yet opened should open the same on or before 31-01-2021 outside containment zones. The court stated that the decision for not opening Anganwadi Centres outside the containment zone should be taken only after the State Disaster Management Authority directs so. 

Court also stated that it is the statutory obligation of states and centre to provide nutritional support to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. And to take necessary steps to identify and provide meals for children who suffer from malnutrition.

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M/S VELLANKI FRAMEWORKS VS. THE COMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER, VISHAKHAPATNAM

CITATION: 2021 LATEST CASELAW 21 SC

BENCH- JUSTICES A.M KHANWILKAR AND DINESH MAHESHWARI.

DATE OF JUDGMENT13 JAN 2021

TAXATION

ISSUE: Whether the sales in question took place in the course of the import of the goods into the territory of India and qualify for exemption under Section 5(2) of the CST Act?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court stated appellant raised debit notes on the end-buyers, after clearing the goods by filing the bill of entry for home consumption. Once it is found that the appellant had been the importer of goods and had cleared them for home consumption. The movement of goods to such end-buyers would come under the transactions in the category of inter-State sales in terms of Section 3(a) of the CST Act. And the raising of such debit notes on the end-buyers is situated in different States. So the appellant was not entitled to the exemption of Section 5(2) of the CST Act. Court held that High Court has rightly denied such exemption to the appellant.

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ASHOK KUMAR V. STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 24       

BENCH- CJI S.A. BOBDE, AND JUSTICES A.S. BOPANNA AND V.RAMASUBRAMANIAN

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 18 JAN 2021

SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

ISSUE: Whether High Court erred in quashing administrative Order of Chief Justice prescribing certain qualifications for promotion to the post of Head Assistant?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court set order of Jammu and Kashmir High Court which quashed an administrative Order of the Chief Justice prescribing certain qualifications for promotion to the post of Head Assistant. Court held that it is permissible under Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution to differentiate between people drawn from different sources and integrated into one class based on educational qualifications. The high court erred in thinking the Chief Justice violated Article 14 by creating a distinction between graduates and non-graduates among the same category of persons who constituted a homogenous class. Higher educational qualifications could be the basis for barring promotion and restricting the scope of promotion.

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BAJRANGA V. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

CITATION:2021 SCC ONLINE SC 27

BENCH- JUSTICES DINESH MAHESHWARI, SANJAY KISHAN KAUL, AND HRISHIKESH ROY

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 19 JAN 2021

MADHYA PRADESH LAND REVENUE CODE, 1959, MADHYA PRADESH CEILING ON AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS ACT, 1960, AND CONSTITUTION

ISSUE: Whether obtaining possession was according to the procedure established by law? Whether Jurisdiction of Civil Court is barred?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the High Court stating that Respondent fails to serve the draft statement to Jenobai, who was an interested person under Section 11 (3) of the Ceiling Act about the land held in excess, so possession was not in according to the procedure established by law. The court observed that the issue of jurisdiction of Civil Court was decided by the Court in the case of Competent Authority, Tarana District, Ujjain (M.P) 1991 Supp (2) SCC 631. The proceedings of the acquisition have to be kept suspended under Section 11 (4) of the Ceiling Act until Jenobai’s civil suit is disposed of.

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RAMA NARANG V. RAMESH NARANG

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 29

BENCH- JUSTICES B.R. GAVAI

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 19 JAN 2021

CONTEMPT

ISSUE: Petitioner contended that it would be contempt to invoke the jurisdiction of the CLB and entertaining the said proceedings.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that while relying in the case of Niaz Mohammed (1994) 6 SCC 332 action on civil contempt, the petitioner has to satisfy the court that there has been a willful for bringing disobedience of any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other processes of the Court. Petitioner failed to make out a case of willful, deliberate disobedience by the Court. Supreme Court dismissed the Contempt Petition. Court also stated that merely taking recourse to the statutory remedy available to the respondents would not amount to contempt.

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NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF INDIA V. PANDARINATHAN GOVINDARAJULU

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 28

BENCH- JUSTICES AJAY RASTOGI, L. NAGESWARA RAO, AND HEMANT GUPTA

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 19 JAN 2021

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

ISSUE: Whether segmentation is permissible for National Highway projects beyond a distance of 100 km and, if permissible, under what circumstances.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court dismissed the Appeal by stating that NHAI strictly conforms to the EIA notifications for the acquisition of land restricting 40 meters on the existing alignments and 60 meters on realignments and also directed to re-afforestation as the requirement of the existing laws. Court held for the NH 45-A Villuppuram-Nagapattinam Highway, in the places where the land acquisition is not more than 40 meters on existing alignments and 60 meters on realignments. There is no requirement for environmental clearance. The court observed that development should not be at the cost of the environment and development should be done while ensuring the protection of the environment. The court gave instruction to form an Expert Committee to examine segmentation is permissible for National Highway projects beyond a distance of 100 km and, if permissible, under what circumstances.

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MANISH KUMAR V. UNION OF INDIA

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE 30

BENCH- JUSTICES ROHINTON FALI NARIMAN, NAVIN SINHA AND K.M. JOSEPH

DATE OF JUDGMENT19 JAN 2021

INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE     

ISSUE:  The petitioners challenged the constitutional validity of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Act 2020, which inserted three provisos to Section 7(1), an additional explanation to Section 11, and Section 32 A in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court upheld first and third Proviso to Section 7, Explanation II to Section 11 and Section 32 A. As for the second proviso to Section 7, Court referred to the State of Gujarat and Another vs. Shree Ambica Mills (1974) 3 SCC 656 and stated that mere difficulty in complying with the provision cannot be a reason for striking down the law. Court clarified threshold mentioned under proviso has to be met on the date of the application.

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LAKHVIR SINGH V. STATE OF PUNJAB

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 25

BENCH- JUSTICES SANJAY KISHAN KAUL AND HRISHIKESH ROY

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 19 JAN 2021

CRIMINAL LAW 

ISSUE: A compromise deed was between the complainant and the appellants where the complainant did not want to pursue any legal action against the appellants and had no objection to their release on bail. But the state contended that Section 397 of IPC provides a minimum sentence of 7 years and it cannot be reduced below that period. So appellant applied for the benefit under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958.

JUDGMENT  Supreme Court held while referring to the case of CCE v. Bahubali (1979) 2 SCC 279 that benefits under Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 was not excluded under Section 397 of IPC because of the mandatory minimum sentence. Court observing the appellants settlement with the victim and appellant had served about half of his sentence. There was no adverse report against the appellant about the conduct in jail. The court directed release on probation under Section 4 of the Act furnishing a bond and two sureties.

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X V. STATE OF JHARKHAND

CTATION: 2021 LATEST CASELAW 31 SC

BENCH- JUSTICES ASHOK BHUSHAN, R. SUBHASH REDDY AND M.R. SHAH

DATE OF JUDGMENT20 JAN 2021

INDIAN PENAL CODE AND CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

The writ petition was filed by a rape victim whose identity was disclosed by the media. After her identity is exposed as a victim no one is ready to give her accommodation on rent.

ISSUE: The writ petition was invoked for the matter of rehabilitation of the petitioner. 

Seeking direction for the respondent to protect the petitioner and her children's life.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court referred to Nipun Saxena and another vs. Union of India and others, (2019) 2 SCC 703, A rape victim suffers not only a mental trauma but also discrimination from the society. Court held that Section 228-A of the Penal Code, 1860 disclosure of the identity of the victim an offence.

Certain directions were issued by the Court, The Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi to ensure the children of the petitioner get free education in any Government Institution. To provide house under Central or State Scheme. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi will have to check the Police security provided that has been given to the petitioner and take proper measures.

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HARYANA SPACE APPLICATION CENTRE (HARSAC) AND ANR. V. M/S PAN INDIA CONSULTANTS PVT LTD.

CITATION: (2021) 3 SCC 103

BENCH- JUSTICES INDU MALHOTRA L. NAGESWARA RAO, AND AJAY RASTOGI

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 20 JAN 2021

ARBITRATION

ISSUE: Challenge on the order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where on an application filed under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, extension of 3 months was granted to enable parties to conclude their arguments and a further period of 1 month for the arbitral tribunal to pass the Award.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court appointed a sole arbitrator under Section 29A (6) after taking parties consent to the substitution of the existing tribunal. It was observed that even after 4 years of constitution of arbitral tribunal award was not pronounced. And the constitution of the arbitral tribunal was against the provision of the Act, as the nominee arbitrator of the petitioner had a controlling influence over the Petitioner Company, which was barred under Section 12 sub-section 5 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

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STATE OF UTTARAKHAND V. SURESHWATI

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 34

BENCH- JUSTICES INDU MALHOTRA L. NAGESWARA RAO, AND  NAVIN SINHA

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 20 JAN 2021

LABOUR LAW

ISSUE: The complaint was filed of illegal retrenchment and Petitioner alleged that the Respondent had abandoned her service when she got married and moved to Dehradun.

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court allowed the appeal and set judgment of Uttaranchal High Court. Held that had failed to discharge the onus of proof that she had been working continuously as claimed by her, by relying on the case of Bhavnagar Municipal Corpn v. Jadega Govubha Chhanubha (2014) 16 SCC 130, where it is stated to show that termination of the services of a workman to be held illegal on account of non-payment of retrenchment compensation. The workmen have to show continuous service of the employer i.e., 240 days for within the meaning of Section 25-B of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Court also noted where an employer has failed to enquire dismissal or discharge of a workman, he can justify the same before the labour court and this was done by the employer in the present matter. And sufficient evidence was shown by the Petitioner before the Labour Court to prove that the Respondent had abandoned her service from 01.07.1997 when she got married.

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IN RE: ADVOCATE ON RECORD INCLUDES A PROPRIETARY FIRM ETC

CITATION: 2021 LATEST CASELAW 34 SC

BENCH- JUSTICES DINESH MAHESHWARI, SANJAY KISHAN KAUL, AND HRISHIKESH ROY.

DATE OF JUDGMENT20 JAN 2021

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

ISSUE: Whether an Advocate on Record can have an entry in the Advocate on Record register in the form of his style of carrying on the profession?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that different styles of writing names for Advocate on Record can be done by amending the Rules, which the Court was not willing to interfere with the present case. The Supreme Court had permitted the style of writing of the Petitioner to state “Law Chambers of Siddharth Murarka sole proprietor Siddharth Rajkumar Murarka” along with his registration number in his letterhead and while filing the Vakalatnama.

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INDIAN BANK AND ANOTHER V. MAHAVEER KHARIWAL

CITATION: (2021) 2 SCC 632

BENCH- JUSTICES ASHOK BHUSHAN, R. SUBHASH REDDY AND M.R. SHAH

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 22 JAN 2021

SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

ISSUE: Whether rejection of the request of the employee for voluntary retirement was legal and in consonance with Regulation 29 of Pension Regulations, 1995?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that bank decision for rejecting the request of employee’s voluntary retirement application with a request for curtailment of notice of 3 months was bad in law and not in accordance with Pension Regulations, 1995. Regulation 29 mentions that appointing authority has to decide before the expiry of the period specified in the notice and if does not refuse to grant permission for retirement before the expiry period. It shall be deemed acceptance of the voluntary retirement application on the expiry date. Rejection on the 90th day from the date of submitting the voluntary retirement application was not on merits. 

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ANKITA MEENA V. UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 36

BENCH- CJI SA BOBDE AND JUSTICES AS BOPANNA AND V. RAMASUBRAMANIAN

DATE OF JUDGMENT: 22 JAN 2021

RULE OF LEGAL EDUCATION, BCI

ISSUE: Whether the petitioner is entitled to obtain her degree and mark sheet?

JUDGMENT: In the present matter, University had declared the results of the 4th and 6th Semester examinations of the Applicant. But the results of the 5th Semester Examination of the Applicant were not declared by University. Applicant reached Supreme Court to seek direction for the declaration of the results of the applicant for the 5th Semester Examination by the Respondent. And grant the provisional degree with a consolidated mark sheet and character certificate. Supreme Court directed Respondent to declare the applicant of the results and issue the provisional degree along with necessary certificates if she had passed the examinations, subject to the applicant clearing other formalities.

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ANJALI BRAHMAWAR CHAUHAN V. NAVIN CHAUHAN

BENCH- FORMER CJI S.A. BOBDE, AND JUSTICES L. NAGESWARA RAO AND VINEET SARAN

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 38

DATE OF JUDGMENT DATE22 JAN 2021

FAMILY LAW CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF PETITION

ISSUE: Whether proceeding by video conferencing is permissible in matrimonial-related cases? 

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court directed the Family Court of Gautam Budh Nagar, to conduct proceedings by video conferencing. The court stated that in normal circumstances we would not have directed video conferencing in respect of matrimonial matters. However, due to the pandemic, the functioning of the Courts has been stopped since March 2020. And proceeding in all the Courts is conducted through video conferencing.

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ASSAM INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORP. LTD. V. GILLAPUKRI TEA CO. LTD.

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 44

BENCH- JUSTICES S. ABDUL NAZEER AND SANJIV KHANNA

DATE OF JUDGMENT28 JAN 2021

LAND ACQUISITION LAWS

ISSUE: Whether an award in respect of the first respondent’s land was approved by the Government on 05/03/2010 or the approval was for the estimation only?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that the letter dated 05.03.2010 mentions a land acquisition estimate and not an award. But it is clear by a combined reading of letter dated 30.01.2010, in which approval of award was sought, and the latter conduct of the parties the award stood approved on 05.03.2010. 

However, in respect of the second award on 04.01.2014 Court stated that the State Government couldn't reinitiate acquisition proceedings in respect of land which had already been acquired by referring to the judgment of D. Hanumanth SA (2010) 10 SCC 656.

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AMRUTA BEN HIMANSHU KUMAR SHAH V. HIMANSHU KUMAR PARVINCHANDRA SHAH

CITATION: 2021 SCC ONLINE SC 46

BENCH- JUSTICE V. RAMASUBRAMANIAN

JUDGMENT DATE29 JAN 2021

HINDU MARRIAGE ACT

ISSUE: Petition for transfer the proceedings restitution of conjugal rights when in the stage of judgment and once request for transfer already rejected. Can the second petition for the transfer be maintained?

JUDGMENT: Supreme Court held that dismissal of a petition for transfer may not act as res judicata when a fresh petition is filed if there is a change of circumstances. However, when a case is at its final stage, Court will be extremely reluctant to order the transfer, as it may derail the entire process. Hence Court rejected the Transfer petition. The court issued some directions which will the Petitioner to overcome the problems.

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Relevant Links:

  • To Read Important Supreme Court Judgements of February 2021, Click Here
  • To Read Important Supreme Court Judgements of March 2021, Click Here

About the Author: This Case Brief is prepared by Mr. Naveen Toppo, a 5th-year law student at the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi and is an intern at MyLawman. He can be reached at naveennusrl@gmail.com

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