Supreme Court Monthly Digest | October 2025
A comprehensive roundup of key Supreme Court rulings in October 2025, covering criminal law, service law, constitutional challenges, arbitration, motor accident compensation, environmental protection, taxation and landmark procedural clarifications across more than seventy judgments
What the Supreme Court Decided in October 2025: A Comprehensive Legal Digest
1. Section 27 of Competition Act: SC Clarifies Powers to Impose Behavioural & Structural Remedies
(Competition Commission of India v. Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation & Ors.)
Competition Law - Regulatory Authority - Anti-Competitive Agreements - Remedial Powers under Section 27 - The Supreme Court held that the Competition Commission of India can impose both monetary penalties and behavioural or structural remedies under Section 27 to end anti-competitive conduct. Setting aside the appellate tribunal’s order, it restored the CCI’s directions disqualifying federation members for two years, observing that effective remedies must ensure deterrence and compliance.
2. ‘Not Just Minimum Wages’: SC Enhances Compensation for CA Student’s Family in Motor Accident Case
(The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. K. Naveen Kumar & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act - Compensation - Loss of Earning Capacity - Assessment of Income - The Supreme Court ruled that accident compensation cannot be confined to minimum wages when evidence shows higher earning potential. Enhancing the award to over Rs. 60 lakhs for a CA student with 100% disability, the Court held that tribunals must assess future income realistically, based on prospects rather than qualification alone.
3. SC Cancels Bail in Rs. 6.25 Crore Land Fraud Case; Orders Judicial Officers to Undergo Training
(Satendra Kumar v. State of NCT of Delhi)
Criminal Law - Bail - Judicial Discipline - Accountability of Subordinate Courts - The Supreme Court quashed bail in a Rs. 6.25 crore land-fraud case and directed two Delhi judicial officers to undergo training. Holding that the orders were “perverse” and ignored settled bail principles, it cautioned that arbitrary grants of bail in serious offences erode public faith in the justice system.
4. SC Allows Out-of-State Lawyers to Be Appointed as District and Civil Judges in Telangana
(Rakesh Chaturvedi & Ors. v. High Court for the State of Telangana & Anr.)
Constitutional Law - Judicial Service - Eligibility of Advocates - Article 233 of the Constitution - Allowing appeals by non-state candidates, the Supreme Court directed Telangana High Court to appoint qualified advocates who cleared the recruitment exam. Treating it as a one-time exception, the Court clarified that this relief won’t serve as precedent and does not alter the validity of the State’s practice requirement.
5. Can a Mere Threat Prove Murder Conspiracy? SC Says No in 2006 Murder Case
(Ramesh Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Criminal Law - Conspiracy - Evidence - Standard of Proof - The Supreme Court held that a mere verbal threat, without any overt act or corroborative evidence, cannot prove conspiracy to commit murder under Sections 120A and 302 IPC. Setting aside the conviction, it said intention must be shown through conduct evidencing a meeting of minds.
6. SC Reinstates Assam Lecturer Terminated After 18 Years, Slams Misuse of Age Rules
(State of Assam & Ors. v. Ranjit Kumar Das)
Service Law - Appointment - Termination - Age Criteria - Delay and Laches - The Supreme Court ordered reinstatement of an Assam lecturer terminated after 18 years for alleged age irregularity. It held that the State cannot reopen eligibility decades later when records were verified at appointment, calling such action arbitrary and disruptive of settled service rights.
7. Natural Justice, Public Policy Cannot Be Compromised in Arbitral Awards: Supreme Court
(M/s Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt. Ltd. v. National Highways Authority of India)
Arbitration - Public Policy - Natural Justice - Section 34, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - The Supreme Court reaffirmed that awards violating natural justice or public policy are unsustainable. Upholding the Delhi High Court’s order setting aside the award, it said denial of hearing or disregard of material evidence amounts to patent illegality under Section 34.
8. Can an FIR Alone Prove Rash Driving in Motor Accident Claims? What the Supreme Court Said
(National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Raju Singh & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act - Compensation - Negligence - Evidentiary Standards - The Supreme Court held that an FIR alone cannot establish rash or negligent driving without corroboration. It said tribunals must assess all evidence, including eyewitness and mechanical reports, before fixing liability on drivers or insurers.
9. ‘Workmen’s Compensation Act Can’t Apply in MV Act Claims’: SC Restores Full Compensation
(New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Smt. Usha Devi & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act - Compensation - Interplay with Workmen’s Compensation Act - Jurisdiction - The Supreme Court held that compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act cannot be reduced by applying principles from the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Restoring full compensation to dependants, it said both laws operate separately and the MV Act ensures broader relief.
10. If Trial Court Misreads Evidence, Appellate Court Can Interfere With Finding of Facts: SC
(State of Uttar Pradesh v. Rajesh Kumar Singh)
Criminal Law - Appeal - Reappreciation of Evidence - Powers of Appellate Court - The Supreme Court held that when a trial court ignores or misreads material evidence, the appellate court can reappraise facts and overturn findings. It clarified that appellate interference is warranted when conclusions are perverse or unsupported by record.
11. SC Lets Insurer Recover 50% Compensation from Truck Owner in Accidental Death Case
(National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Laxman Singh & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act - Compensation - Composite Negligence - Right of Recovery - The Supreme Court held that when negligence is apportioned between two vehicles, the insurer paying full compensation can recover 50 percent from the other owner or insurer. While affirming compensation to the claimant, the Court clarified that the principle of composite negligence applies equally in cases where multiple drivers contribute to the accident.
12. Restitution Explained: SC on Protecting Innocent Buyer in Invalid Auction
(Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Sanjay Aggarwal)
Civil Law - Restitution - Invalid Sale - Bona Fide Purchaser - Equity - The Supreme Court held that restitution must balance equities to protect innocent third-party buyers when a sale is later invalidated. Observing that the auction purchaser had acted bona fide and paid full consideration, the Court directed refund with interest and protection from coercive recovery, reaffirming that restitution cannot punish parties acting without fault.
13. ‘Court Cannot Be a Mute Spectator’: SC on Misconstruction of Its Decisions in GUVNL–Essar Power Dispute
(Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. v. Essar Power Gujarat Ltd.)
Constitutional Law - Judicial Review - Interpretation of Orders - Electricity Act, 2003 - The Supreme Court condemned the misconstruction of its earlier directions in the GUVNL-Essar Power matter and clarified that lower forums cannot deviate from its binding pronouncements. Emphasising that “the Court cannot be a mute spectator” when its orders are misinterpreted, it restored the proper understanding of tariff-determination issues under the Electricity Act.
14. Section 498A IPC: Supreme Court Clarifies Allegations Must Specify Acts of Cruelty
(Kanchan Devi v. State of Madhya Pradesh)
Criminal Law - Section 498A IPC - Matrimonial Offences - Particulars of Allegation - The Supreme Court reiterated that vague and omnibus allegations cannot sustain a prosecution under Section 498A. Quashing proceedings against distant relatives, it held that the complaint must clearly specify individual acts constituting cruelty and not rely on sweeping statements. The Court urged caution against mechanical implication of family members in matrimonial disputes.
15. No Shortcut in Summary Suit, Cannot File Defence Without Court’s Permission: Supreme Court
(M/s Virender Kumar v. Punjab National Bank)
Civil Procedure - Summary Suit - Leave to Defend - Order XXXVII CPC - The Supreme Court held that in a summary suit under Order XXXVII CPC, the defendant cannot file a written statement without first obtaining leave to defend. Dismissing the appeal, it observed that the summary procedure aims to ensure speedy adjudication of commercial claims and any deviation from prescribed steps undermines its purpose.
16. Can States Give Tax Benefits to Local Goods? Supreme Court Says Only If It’s Not Discriminatory
(State of Gujarat v. Reliance Industries Ltd.)
Constitutional Law - Taxation - Article 304(a) - Free Trade - Fiscal Incentives - The Supreme Court held that States may extend tax concessions to locally manufactured goods only if such incentives are non-discriminatory and do not impede free trade under Article 304(a). The Court clarified that fiscal benefits cannot be designed to give undue preference to intra-State products over those from other States.
17. High Courts Must Intervene If Criminal Law Used as a Tool for Civil Vendetta: Supreme Court
(Rajiv Gupta v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Criminal Law - Inherent Powers - Abuse of Process - Section 482 CrPC - The Supreme Court urged High Courts to exercise inherent powers where criminal proceedings are misused to settle civil or commercial disputes. It observed that when allegations lack criminal intent and stem from contractual disagreements, courts must step in to prevent harassment through the criminal process.
18. ‘Candidate Can’t Be Punished for Commission’s Mistake’: SC Orders Reinstatement of Jharkhand Teacher
(Jharkhand Public Service Commission v. Sushma Kumari)
Service Law - Appointment - Administrative Error - Equitable Relief - The Supreme Court reinstated a teacher whose appointment was cancelled due to an error by the recruiting commission, holding that candidates cannot suffer for administrative lapses beyond their control. The Court said principles of fairness demand that genuine appointees not be penalised for departmental negligence.
19. ‘Something More Than What Meets the Eye’: SC Acquits Man Accused of Killing Mother
(Kailash Singh v. State of Rajasthan)
Criminal Law - Evidence - Circumstantial Proof - Benefit of Doubt - Setting aside a conviction for matricide, the Supreme Court held that mere suspicion, however strong, cannot substitute for proof. Observing that the prosecution evidence was inconsistent and “there was something more than what meets the eye,” the Court extended benefit of doubt and ordered acquittal.
20. SC Refuses to Quash Money Laundering Case Against JSW Steel Over Dealings with G Janardhana Reddy’s Mining Firm
(JSW Steel Ltd. v. Enforcement Directorate)
Criminal Law - Prevention of Money Laundering Act - Quashing - Corporate Liability - The Supreme Court declined to quash PMLA proceedings against JSW Steel in connection with its transactions with the Obulapuram Mining Company, observing that the allegations disclosed sufficient material for investigation. It reiterated that quashing is impermissible when the complaint prima facie reveals an offence under the statute.
21. Govt Can’t Withhold Retiral Dues for Not Vacating Official Residence: Supreme Court
(Union of India v. Kailash Chandra Joshi)
Service Law - Pension - Retiral Benefits - Occupation of Government Quarters - The Supreme Court held that withholding pension or gratuity for non-vacation of government accommodation is impermissible. It said dues are a statutory right, and recovery of market rent or damages can be made separately, but retirement benefits cannot be withheld as leverage for possession of quarters.
22. ‘Substantial Justice Can’t Be Sacrificed to Bureaucratic Delay’: Supreme Court
(M/s Sunrise Enterprises v. State of Maharashtra)
Constitutional Law - Administrative Delay - Condonation of Delay - Equitable Relief - The Supreme Court condoned delay in filing a special leave petition, observing that “substantial justice cannot be sacrificed at the altar of bureaucratic delay.” It held that courts should adopt a liberal approach where public authorities act bona fide and the delay does not prejudice the opposite party.
23. Can a State Restrict Tenders to Local Suppliers? Supreme Court Says No
(State of Jharkhand v. Shiv Traders)
Constitutional Law - Trade and Commerce - Article 301 - Tender Process - Equal Opportunity - The Supreme Court struck down a State policy restricting public procurement tenders to local suppliers, holding it violated free trade and non-discrimination under Articles 301 and 304. It ruled that competitive bidding must be open to all eligible participants across India unless a reasonable restriction is expressly backed by law.
24. ‘Courts Must Not Catch Litigants by Surprise’: SC Warns Against Orders Beyond Pleadings
(Ajay Kumar v. State of Haryana)
Civil Procedure - Natural Justice - Pleadings - Scope of Adjudication - The Supreme Court cautioned courts against granting relief not sought in pleadings, stating that litigants must have fair notice of issues decided. It held that orders beyond the scope of pleadings violate natural justice and amount to procedural impropriety.
25. ‘Suspicion Can’t Replace Proof’: Supreme Court Acquits 3 in 2007 Murder of 10-Year-Old Boy
(Ramesh Lal & Ors. v. State of Madhya Pradesh)
Criminal Law - Evidence - Circumstantial Proof - Benefit of Doubt - The Supreme Court acquitted three persons convicted of killing a child, reiterating that “suspicion cannot take the place of proof.” It found no complete chain of circumstances linking the accused to the crime and held that the prosecution’s case rested on assumptions rather than evidence.
26. ‘Honour’ Killing: Supreme Court Orders Release of Man on Remission After 22 Years
(Shankar v. State of Tamil Nadu)
Criminal Law - Remission - Honour Killing - Life Sentence - The Supreme Court directed the release of a man convicted of honour killing after 22 years in custody, holding he was entitled to remission under State policy. It observed that continued incarceration after completion of the prescribed period defeats the reformatory object of punishment and that remission cannot be denied arbitrarily in eligible cases.
27. Who Gets First Charge on Auction Money? SC Asks Karnataka HC to Decide Between EPFO and Banks
(Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation v. Canara Bank & Ors.)
Labour Law - Recovery - Priority of Claims - Section 11, EPF Act - SARFAESI Act - The Supreme Court remitted to the Karnataka High Court the question of priority between EPFO dues and secured creditors over auction proceeds of a defaulting company. It held that conflict between Section 11 of the EPF Act and the SARFAESI Act must be harmonised to determine who has the first charge on sale money.
28. 2023 Akola Riot Killing: SC Orders Mixed-Community SIT, Says Police ‘Failed Their Duty’
(Shaikh Usman v. State of Maharashtra)
Criminal Law - Communal Violence - Investigation - Special Investigation Team - The Supreme Court ordered constitution of a Special Investigation Team comprising officers from different communities to probe the 2023 Akola riot killing. Finding serious lapses in the initial probe, it observed that the local police had “failed in their duty” to ensure an impartial investigation in a sensitive communal case.
29. SC Expunges Adverse Remarks Passed Against Advocate by Madhya Pradesh High Court
(Deepak Patel v. High Court of Madhya Pradesh)
Constitutional Law - Judicial Conduct - Adverse Remarks - Professional Reputation - The Supreme Court expunged unwarranted observations made by the Madhya Pradesh High Court against an advocate, holding that courts must exercise restraint and record reasons before casting aspersions on counsel. It reiterated that judicial remarks should not impair professional standing without just cause.
30. Section 420 IPC: Supreme Court Clarifies When Cheating Offence Is Attracted
(Vikas Jain v. State of Delhi)
Criminal Law - Section 420 IPC - Cheating - Mens Rea - The Supreme Court clarified that the offence of cheating is made out only when deception exists at the inception of a transaction. It held that mere breach of contract or subsequent failure to honour terms does not constitute cheating unless intent to defraud is proved from the outset.
31. ‘Apparent Overwriting on Marksheet Can’t Prove Tampering’: SC Sets Aside Conviction of Undergraduate Student
(State of Bihar v. Pooja Kumari)
Criminal Law - Forgery - Academic Records - Burden of Proof - The Supreme Court set aside the conviction of a student accused of forgery in her university marksheet, holding that mere overwriting or discrepancy in figures cannot prove tampering without forensic or independent evidence. It ruled that suspicion alone cannot replace proof and acquitted the student of all charges.
32. Can You File Review Petition If Another Case Later Favors You? Supreme Court Says No
(Rajesh Chauhan v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Constitutional Law - Review Jurisdiction - Article 137 - Finality of Judgments - The Supreme Court held that a review petition cannot be filed merely because a later judgment takes a contrary view on similar facts. It reiterated that a review lies only for an error apparent on the face of record and not to re-argue issues already settled by final orders.
33. Supreme Court Upholds Telangana HC’s Decision to Quash Case Against Jerusalem Mathai in ‘Cash-for-Vote’ Row
(State of Telangana v. Jerusalem Mathai)
Criminal Law - Prevention of Corruption Act - Quashing of Proceedings - Political Offences - The Supreme Court upheld the Telangana High Court’s order quashing proceedings in the “cash-for-vote” case for want of sanction and absence of prima facie evidence. It observed that continuing the trial would amount to abuse of process when material facts did not disclose any offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
34. SC Fines Man ₹10 Lakh for Resisting Possession Despite ₹2-Crore Compensation
(Government of Haryana v. Raghubir Singh)
Land Acquisition - Execution - Abuse of Process - Costs - The Supreme Court imposed Rs. 10 lakh costs on a landowner who refused to vacate land despite receiving Rs. 2 crore compensation. Terming his conduct an abuse of process, it held that courts must curb attempts to delay possession after fair compensation is paid and final decrees attained.
35. Can a Convict Claim Juvenility Decades Later? Supreme Court Says Yes
(Vikas Yadav v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Juvenile Justice - Determination of Age - Section 9, JJ Act - Retrospective Application - The Supreme Court held that a claim of juvenility may be raised at any stage, even after conviction or exhaustion of appeals. It directed age verification of the petitioner and observed that the beneficial purpose of the Juvenile Justice Act extends to all cases where the accused was a minor on the date of offence.
36. SC Affirms Life Sentence for Man Convicted of Raping Minor from Scheduled Caste Community
(State of Madhya Pradesh v. Raju Singh)
Criminal Law - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act - Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act - Sentencing - The Supreme Court upheld the life sentence awarded to a man convicted of raping a minor belonging to a Scheduled Caste community, observing that the evidence was clear and consistent. It reiterated that courts must impose stringent punishment in sexual offences against vulnerable victims to preserve public confidence in justice.
37. Land Acquired for Singur ‘Nano’ Project to Be Restored Only to Farmers, Not Industrial Entities: SC
(State of West Bengal v. Tata Motors Ltd.)
Land Acquisition - Compensation - Restoration of Possession - Public Purpose - The Supreme Court clarified that land earlier acquired for the Singur “Nano” project must be restored solely to the original farmers and not to industrial entities or intermediaries. It reaffirmed that restitution of land to dispossessed cultivators was the core direction in the 2016 verdict and no deviation could be allowed under the guise of re-allotment.
38. Magistrate Empowered to Direct Voice Sample Even Without Explicit Provision in CrPC: SC
(Rajesh Ranjan @ Pappu Yadav v. State of Bihar)
Criminal Procedure – Investigation – Voice Sample – Inherent Powers of Magistrate – The Supreme Court held that a Magistrate can order an accused to provide a voice sample for investigation even though the CrPC contains no explicit provision. It reasoned that such power is incidental to the Magistrate’s duty to aid effective investigation and does not violate constitutional protections under Article 20(3).
39. ‘Unfortunate, Abuse of Process’: SC Quashes Criminal Proceedings in Civil Dispute
(Narayan Prasad v. State of Bihar)
Criminal Law - Quashing of FIR - Abuse of Process – Civil Transactions - The Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings arising from a contractual dispute, holding that criminal law cannot be used as a pressure tactic in civil matters. Calling the prosecution “unfortunate and an abuse of process,” it reiterated that courts must intervene when criminal machinery is invoked to settle commercial or personal scores.
40. SC Quashes Rajasthan HC Order for CBI Probe Against Ex-Minister Ramlal Jat, Says Criminal Courts Cannot Recall or Review Orders
(State of Rajasthan v. Ramlal Jat)
Criminal Procedure – Jurisdiction - Review of Orders - CBI Investigation – The Supreme Court set aside the Rajasthan High Court’s direction ordering a CBI probe against former minister Ramlal Jat, holding that criminal courts have no power to recall or review final orders once pronounced. It stressed that reconsideration of judicial orders lies only through statutory appeal or revision, not by invoking inherent powers.
41. Public Trust Doctrine Applies to Artificially Created Waterbodies Too: Supreme Court
(State of Tamil Nadu v. P. Shanmugam & Ors.)
Environmental Law – Public Trust Doctrine – Waterbodies – Land Encroachment – The Supreme Court held that the public trust doctrine extends to man-made tanks and lakes as much as natural ones, directing authorities to protect and restore encroached artificial waterbodies. It ruled that ecological preservation duties apply uniformly, regardless of whether a waterbody originated naturally or through human intervention.
42. Supreme Court Suspends Sentence of Occult Fraud Convict Pending Appeal Before Rajasthan HC
(Ram Lal v. State of Rajasthan)
Criminal Law – Suspension of Sentence – Pending Appeal – Bail – The Supreme Court suspended the sentence of a self-styled occultist convicted for fraud and cheating, noting that his appeal was still pending before the Rajasthan High Court. The Court observed that continued incarceration before adjudication of appeal would be unjust when the accused had already undergone a substantial part of the sentence.
43. All Emoluments Must Count in Motor Accident Compensation, Taxable or Not: Supreme Court
(National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Rakesh Kumar & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act - Compensation – Income Computation – Salary Components – Clarifying the law on income assessment, the Supreme Court held that every component of an employee’s earnings - whether taxable or not - must be considered while computing motor accident compensation. It rejected the insurer’s plea to exclude allowances and reiterated that just compensation under the Act covers total emoluments actually drawn.
44. Ocular Evidence Prevails Over Medical Opinion Unless Unreliable: Supreme Court
(State of Karnataka v. Ravi Shetty)
Criminal Law - Evidence – Ocular Testimony – Medical Evidence – Conflict Resolution – The Supreme Court reaffirmed that trustworthy eyewitness accounts prevail over medical opinions unless the latter make the prosecution version impossible. Dismissing the appeal, it observed that courts should not discard credible ocular evidence merely due to minor inconsistencies with medical findings.
45. ‘High-handed, Arbitrary & Illegal,’ SC Sets Aside Termination of Jharkhand Teachers
(State of Jharkhand v. Poonam Kumari & Ors.)
Service Law – Termination – Natural Justice – Administrative Fairness – The Supreme Court struck down the termination of several Jharkhand teachers, calling the action “high-handed, arbitrary and illegal.” It held that the State acted without proper inquiry or notice, violating principles of natural justice, and directed reinstatement with continuity of service.
46. ‘CBI Probe Not Routine Remedy’: Supreme Court
(Krishna Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.)
Constitutional Law – Criminal Investigation - CBI Jurisdiction - Extraordinary Remedy – The Supreme Court reiterated that ordering a CBI probe is an extraordinary step to be taken only when State police investigation is tainted or ineffective. It held that mere allegations of bias cannot justify handing over every criminal case to the CBI and that such directions must be based on compelling circumstances.
47. Hindu Succession Act Doesn’t Apply to Tribal Daughters in Himachal: Supreme Court
(Prem Devi v. State of Himachal Pradesh)
Constitutional Law – Personal Law – Hindu Succession Act - Tribal Customary Law – The Supreme Court held that the Hindu Succession Act does not automatically extend to tribal communities in Himachal Pradesh unless the State Government issues a notification under Section 2(2). It upheld the application of customary inheritance laws among Scheduled Tribes, noting that Parliament intentionally left tribal property rights to be governed by local traditions.
48. SC Says High Courts Can’t Bypass Tribunals When Alternative Remedy Exists
(Rajendra Kumar v. Union of India)
Constitutional Law – Judicial Review – Article 226 – Alternative Remedy – The Supreme Court held that High Courts must ordinarily decline writ petitions when a statutory tribunal provides an effective remedy. It observed that direct interference under Article 226 is justified only in exceptional cases of jurisdictional error or violation of natural justice, not to bypass specialised fora.
49. Supreme Court Upholds 8-Year Sentence for Killing Rape Accused’s ‘Innocent’ Brother
(State of Madhya Pradesh v. Arun Singh)
Criminal Law – Culpable Homicide – Sentencing – Mitigating Circumstances – Upholding an eight-year sentence under Section 304 Part I IPC, the Supreme Court found that the accused had acted in rage while targeting the brother of a rape accused. It held that though the act was unlawful, absence of premeditation justified the modified sentence and not a harsher term.
50. ‘Termination After 8 Years Can’t Be Justified’: Supreme Court on Sacking of UP Judiciary Staff
(State of Uttar Pradesh v. Anita Verma & Ors.)
Service Law – Termination – Delay – Natural Justice – The Supreme Court set aside the termination of UP judicial staff made after eight years of service, terming the action arbitrary and belated. It observed that long-continued service creates legitimate expectation of stability and cannot be disturbed without compelling reasons or due process.
51. Arrested for a Reindeer Horn: Supreme Court Slams ‘Unlawful’ Airport Arrest of NRI
(Anand Kumar v. Union of India)
Constitutional Law – Personal Liberty – Illegal Arrest – Airport Authority Jurisdiction – The Supreme Court criticised the arbitrary arrest of an NRI at an Indian airport for allegedly carrying a reindeer horn, terming it a violation of personal liberty under Article 21. It observed that officials acted without jurisdiction and directed the authorities to ensure accountability and adherence to due process in airport enforcement actions.
52. Supreme Court Mandates High Courts’ Oversight as 8.8 Lakh Execution Petitions Languish
(All India Judges Association v. Union of India)
Civil Procedure – Execution of Decrees – Judicial Administration – Monitoring by High Courts – Expressing concern over pendency of over 8.8 lakh execution petitions nationwide, the Supreme Court directed all High Courts to frame monitoring mechanisms for timely disposal. It held that effective oversight and periodic review of subordinate courts’ performance are necessary to uphold litigants’ faith in civil justice delivery.
53. ‘High Court Held a Mini-Trial’: SC Restores Cheating Case Against Ex-MLA Over Fake Caste Certificate
(State of Maharashtra v. Sunil Patil)
Criminal Law – Cheating – Caste Certificate – Quashing of FIR – The Supreme Court restored criminal proceedings against a former MLA accused of using a fake caste certificate, finding that the High Court had prematurely assessed evidence like in a “mini-trial.” It held that factual disputes must be tested at trial, not dismissed summarily under Section 482 CrPC.
54. ‘False Explanation Adds to Guilt’: SC Restores Conviction in 1997 Dowry Death Case
(State of Haryana v. Suman Rani & Anr.)
Criminal Law – Dowry Death – Evidence – Presumption under Section 113B, Evidence Act – The Supreme Court reinstated the conviction of two persons in a 1997 dowry death case, observing that their false explanation regarding the woman’s death strengthened the prosecution’s case. It held that when the defence version is false, the presumption under Section 113B operates more firmly against the accused.
55. Waited Too Long to Act? SC Rejects Man’s Arbitration Plea as Time-Barred
(Rohit Mehta v. M/s Horizon Developers Pvt. Ltd.)
Arbitration – Limitation – Section 11, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 – The Supreme Court dismissed an arbitration petition filed after an unexplained delay of over three years, holding it barred by limitation. It ruled that the right to seek appointment of an arbitrator arises when disputes are first asserted and cannot be revived by subsequent correspondence or silence.
56. Doctrine of Merger Not of Rigid & Universal Application: Supreme Court
(Union of India v. R.K. Sharma)
Constitutional Law – Doctrine of Merger – Judicial Hierarchy – Appellate Jurisdiction – The Supreme Court clarified that the doctrine of merger is not a rigid or universal principle and does not automatically apply to every appellate or revisional order. It held that merger depends on the nature of the jurisdiction exercised and whether the superior court has dealt with the merits of the matter.
57. Mutation Entries Don’t Confer Ownership, Serve Only Fiscal Purpose: Supreme Court
(State of Haryana v. Suresh Chand)
Property Law – Land Revenue – Mutation Entries – Ownership Rights – The Supreme Court reiterated that mutation entries are made only for fiscal purposes and do not confer ownership or title. It held that title to property must be established through registered documents or lawful possession, not by entries in revenue records.
58. Can a Rape Case Filed on Promise of Marriage Be Settled Amicably? SC Says Yes, Allows Plea
(Rajesh Kumar v. State of Bihar)
Criminal Law – Rape – Consent – Settlement – Section 482 CrPC – The Supreme Court allowed quashing of a rape case filed on the ground of false promise of marriage, noting that the parties had amicably settled and subsequently married. It held that in exceptional circumstances, continuation of such proceedings serves no purpose when the prosecutrix voluntarily supports the settlement.
59. SC Refers AYUSH-Doctors’ Retirement Age Dispute to Larger Bench
(Dr. Pankaj Kumar & Ors. v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Service Law – Retirement Age – AYUSH Practitioners – Constitutional Validity – The Supreme Court referred to a larger Bench the issue of whether AYUSH doctors are entitled to parity in retirement age with allopathic practitioners. The Bench observed that conflicting High Court views require authoritative settlement on the scope of equality and policy classification in public service.
60. ‘Stop Filing Technical Appeals’: Supreme Court Pulls Up Insurers for Delaying Workmen’s Compensation
(National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Smt. Anita Devi & Ors.)
Labour Law – Workmen’s Compensation – Delay in Payment – Frivolous Appeals – The Supreme Court criticised insurance companies for filing technical appeals to delay compensation to workers’ dependants. Dismissing the insurer’s appeal, it observed that such litigation frustrates the beneficial object of the Workmen’s Compensation Act and directed expeditious payment of dues.
61. Testimony of ‘Partially Reliable Witness’ Needs Independent, Credible Corroboration: Supreme Court
(State of Uttar Pradesh v. Dinesh Kumar)
Criminal Law – Evidence – Appreciation of Testimony – Corroboration – The Supreme Court held that where a witness is found partly reliable, conviction cannot rest solely on such testimony without independent corroboration. It observed that courts must carefully separate truth from exaggeration and seek credible supporting evidence before recording a finding of guilt.
62. Non-Resident Firms Need Not Have India Office to Be Taxable: Supreme Court
(Commissioner of Income Tax v. ABC Engineering Ltd.)
Tax Law – Income Tax – Permanent Establishment – Non-Resident Entities – The Supreme Court ruled that non-resident companies can be taxable in India on income arising from activities within the country even without a physical office here. It held that tax liability depends on the source of income and economic nexus, not merely on the existence of a registered establishment.
63. ‘Unstamped Document Can Still Be Evidence Once Duty Paid’: Supreme Court Clarifies
(M/s Sharma Enterprises v. Rajesh Kumar)
Evidence Act – Stamp Duty – Admissibility of Documents – Clarifying Section 35 of the Stamp Act, the Supreme Court held that an unstamped document can be admitted in evidence once the deficit duty and penalty are paid. It observed that non-stamping is a curable defect and does not render the document void if the party rectifies the omission during trial.
64. Section 197 CrPC: SC Sets Aside HC Order Granting Protection to Police in Alleged Fake Encounter Case
(State of Gujarat v. Rahim Khan)
Criminal Law – Section 197 CrPC – Sanction for Prosecution – Fake Encounter – The Supreme Court held that protection under Section 197 CrPC cannot be invoked when the acts alleged are not reasonably connected with official duty. Setting aside the High Court’s order, it allowed prosecution of police officers accused in a fake encounter case, observing that sanction is not a shield for criminal acts.
65. ‘Employees Can’t Suffer from Organisation’s Lethargy’: SC Upholds Higher Gratuity for Assam Financial Corporation Staff
(Assam Financial Corporation v. Union of India)
Labour Law – Gratuity – Delay in Payment – Public Sector Undertakings – The Supreme Court upheld the grant of higher gratuity to employees of Assam Financial Corporation, holding that workers cannot be penalised for administrative delays by the employer. It stressed that gratuity is a vested right and must be paid expeditiously with statutory interest.
66. SC Dissolves 15-Year Dead Marriage; Husband to Pay ₹1 Crore Alimony and Support Son’s Education
(Rohit Kapoor v. Anjali Kapoor)
Family Law – Divorce – Irretrievable Breakdown – Permanent Alimony – The Supreme Court dissolved a 15-year “dead marriage” invoking Article 142, directing the husband to pay ₹1 crore as permanent alimony and bear educational expenses of the minor son. It held that continuing a long-irretrievably broken marriage serves no purpose and equitable compensation must safeguard the wife’s and child’s future.
67. POCSO Act: Supreme Court to Consider If Women Can Be Tried for ‘Penetrative Sexual Assault’
(XYZ v. State of Kerala)
Criminal Law – POCSO Act – Gender Neutrality – Reference to Larger Bench – The Supreme Court referred to a larger Bench the question whether women can be prosecuted for penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act. The Court noted that the statute defines the offender as a “man,” raising a constitutional issue on gender neutrality in sexual offence laws.
68. ‘Minor’s Consent to Sex Immaterial’: SC Upholds Conviction in Rape Case
(State of Madhya Pradesh v. Rahul Singh)
Criminal Law – Rape – Consent – POCSO Act – The Supreme Court upheld conviction of an accused for sexual intercourse with a 16 year old, holding that the victim’s consent is immaterial under the POCSO Act. It reiterated that consent of a minor has no legal value, and the protection of children under the statute is absolute.
69. Supreme Court Sets Aside HC Order Letting Bank Staff Work Beyond 58
(Punjab National Bank v. Rakesh Sharma & Ors.)
Service Law – Retirement Age – Bank Employees – Industrial Law – The Supreme Court quashed a High Court order permitting bank employees to continue beyond the prescribed retirement age of 58. It held that courts cannot rewrite service conditions fixed by policy and that parity with government staff is not a vested right.
70. Supreme Court Bars Double Taxation on Works Contracts, Upholds Deduction for Sub-Contractors Under KVAT Act
(State of Karnataka v. Larsen & Toubro Ltd.)
Tax Law – Works Contract – Deduction – KVAT Act – Double Taxation – The Supreme Court held that turnover relating to sub-contractors cannot be taxed twice under the Karnataka VAT Act. It ruled that once the main contractor has paid tax on the contract value, sub-contractors are entitled to deduction to avoid double taxation of the same transaction.