Supreme Court Monthly Digest | September 2025
Missed the big rulings? This digest captures 99 SC judgments of September, 2025 - from housing rights to cheque bounce reforms, all in exam-ready headnotes
September saw 99 SC rulings on housing, bail, service law, arbitration and more
1. Can a Student Keep MBBS Seat After Fake Caste Certificate? Supreme Court Balances Equity
(State of Maharashtra v. Ankita Rajendra Wagh & Ors.)
Constitutional Law - Reservation - Admission - Caste Certificate - Fraudulent claim of Scheduled Tribe status - Supreme Court held that while admissions secured on the basis of false caste certificates are invalid, equity demands balancing the rights of bona fide students who have already completed substantial part of their education. Court emphasized that benefits of fraudulent reservation claims cannot be retained, but equities may be considered depending on facts.
2. ‘Mere Reference to Past Misconduct Not Basis of Dismissal’: SC Upholds Termination of Punjab Cop
(Surinder Singh v. State of Punjab)
Administrative Law - Service Law - Misconduct - Termination - Supreme Court clarified that dismissal of a government servant cannot be based merely on reference to past misconduct unless it forms part of the charge. However, termination upheld where independent proven charges justified penalty.
3. Supreme Court Relief for Exporters: Procedural Errors Cannot Deny Benefits Under Foreign Trade Policy
(Alpine Apparels Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India & Ors.)
Commercial Law - Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 - Export Incentives - Procedural Lapses - Court held that exporters should not be denied benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy merely for technical or procedural lapses, provided substantive eligibility conditions are met.
4. Supreme Court Clears APPSC Member of Misconduct Allegations in Presidential Reference
(In Re: Reference under Article 317(1) of the Constitution of India)
Constitutional Law - Presidential Reference - Article 317 - Removal of Member of Public Service Commission - Court, on a Presidential Reference, held that allegations of misconduct against a Member of Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission were unsubstantiated and did not warrant removal under Article 317(1).
5. Important for Child to Interact with Parents Even if Living Apart or in Foreign Countries: SC
(V. Divya v. R. Vijay Kumar)
Family Law - Custody - Visitation Rights - Welfare of Child - Supreme Court emphasized that the welfare of the child requires continued interaction with both parents, even when separated or residing abroad. Courts must facilitate meaningful contact unless contrary to child's best interests.
6. Can Power Companies and State Boards Privately Decide Electricity Tariffs? Supreme Court Clears the Air
(Southern Power Distribution Co. of Telangana Ltd. v. Sai Renewable Power Pvt. Ltd.)
Energy Law - Electricity Act, 2003 - Tariff Determination - Court held that tariff fixation under Section 62 of the Electricity Act is a statutory function vested in the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, and private agreements between power companies and boards cannot override regulatory framework.
7. Cheque Dishonour a Civil Wrong, Compoundable Anytime Under Section 147 NI Act: Supreme Court
(Nishant v. State of Gujarat)
Criminal Law - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 138 & Section 147 - Compounding of Offence - Supreme Court held that dishonour of cheque is essentially a civil wrong and the offence under Section 138 NI Act is compoundable at any stage of proceedings in view of Section 147.
8. 29 Years Later, Supreme Court Affirms Acquittal in Bihar ‘Honour Killings’ of Four Lovers
(State of Bihar v. Ram Kripal Singh & Ors.)
Criminal Law - Murder - Circumstantial Evidence - Delay in Appeal - Court upheld acquittal of accused in alleged honour killings, holding that prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Delay of nearly three decades also weighed in favour of accused.
9. SC/ST Act & Anticipatory Bail: Supreme Court’s Big Ruling Explained
(Prabhu v. State of Madhya Pradesh)
Criminal Law - Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 - Section 18 - Anticipatory Bail - Court held that bar under Section 18 of the SC/ST Act applies only when a prima facie case of offence under the Act is made out. Courts can grant anticipatory bail where allegations do not disclose such offence.
10. Supreme Court Rules No Vicarious Liability of Company Officers for IPC Offences
(Ravindranath Bajpe v. Mangalore Special Economic Zone Ltd. & Ors.)
Criminal Law - Penal Code - Vicarious Liability of Company Officers - Supreme Court held that unless specific statutory provision creates vicarious liability, company directors or officers cannot be prosecuted for IPC offences solely on the basis of their position.
11. Telangana Wins in SC: 4-Year Residency/Study Must for State Quota in Medical Colleges
(K. Vamsi Krishna v. State of Telangana & Ors.)
Constitutional Law - Education - Reservation - State Quota - Medical Admissions - Supreme Court upheld Telangana’s rule mandating four years of study/residency for eligibility under state quota in MBBS admissions, holding it to be a reasonable classification ensuring genuine state connection.
12. Delivery of Arbitral Award to Appropriate Person Not Mere Formality: SC
(Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd. v. Navigant Technologies Pvt. Ltd.)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 31(5) - Delivery of Award - Supreme Court held that delivery of an arbitral award must be to a person competent and authorised to receive it on behalf of the party; mere dispatch to any officer is insufficient.
13. Supreme Court Rules Cash Loans Enforceable Without Bank Proof, Restores Rs 35 Lakh Decree (P. Velayutham v. K. Thangavelu)
Civil Law - Evidence - Cash Transactions - Negotiable Instruments - Court held that cash loans are enforceable even without bank entries, provided execution of promissory notes and consideration is proved by credible evidence; restored decree of Rs. 35 lakh loan recovery.
14. Supreme Court Rule Says, ‘No Road, No Tax’: Vehicles Confined to Private Premises Exempt from Motor Vehicle Levy
(M. Balakrishnan v. State of Tamil Nadu)
Taxation - Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Road Tax - Non-Use of Vehicle - Court held that no road tax can be levied on vehicles not intended for public road use and kept exclusively within private premises, as levy presupposes use of public roads.
15. Supreme Court Grants Bail to Brothers Accused of Repeated Rape of Minor
(State of Madhya Pradesh v. Ramkishan & Anr.)
Criminal Law - POCSO Act, 2012 - Bail - Repeated Sexual Assault Allegations - Supreme Court granted bail to accused, emphasizing presumption of innocence, prolonged incarceration, and need for balancing liberty with fair trial, while ensuring stringent conditions.
16. Supreme Court Slams Allahabad HC for Copy-Paste Orders Treating Witness Protection as Bail Substitute
(State of Uttar Pradesh v. Surya Kant Tiwari & Ors.)
Criminal Law - Bail - Witness Protection - Judicial Discipline - Court criticised High Court for mechanically granting bail using cut-paste orders and equating witness protection schemes with bail conditions; held that liberty must be balanced with societal interests through reasoned orders.
17. Functional Disability, Not Medical Disability, To Be Considered For Compensation Under Motor Vehicles Act: Supreme Court
(Rajkumar v. United India Insurance Co. Ltd.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Functional Disability - Loss of Earning Capacity - Supreme Court clarified that compensation should be assessed based on functional disability affecting earning capacity, not merely medical disability percentage.
18. Wages of Skilled Workman to Be Computed in Compensation to Minor Child in Motor Accident Cases: Supreme Court
(Shriram General Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Ankit Kumar)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Fatal Accidents - Income Assessment - Court held that while assessing compensation to minor children of deceased, wages of a skilled workman must be taken as basis, ensuring just and fair compensation.
19. Suspension of Sentence, Fine Can’t Be With Condition to Defeat Right of Appeal: SC
(Jitendra Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Criminal Procedure - Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 - Section 389 - Suspension of Sentence - Court held that conditions for suspension of sentence cannot nullify statutory right of appeal; fine or deposit orders cannot be imposed to frustrate remedy.
20. Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Section 276C(1) IT Act: Wilful Tax Evasion Must Be Proved, Quashes Prosecution in Settlement Case
(Sanjay Kumar Jain v. Income Tax Department)
Taxation - Income Tax Act, 1961 - Section 276C(1) - Prosecution - Wilful Attempt to Evade Tax - Court held that mere non-disclosure or error cannot attract prosecution; prosecution under Section 276C(1) requires proof of wilful attempt to evade tax.
21. Victim Died About 5 Months After Accident, SC Upholds HC’s Rejection of Compensation Claim for Death of Excise Guard
(Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Laxman Prasad & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Causation - Delay in Death After Accident - Supreme Court upheld rejection of compensation claim where victim died five months after accident, holding that causal connection between accident injuries and death was not established.
22. Supreme Court Rules Same Bench Cannot Decide Both Writ Petition and Writ Appeal
(M/s. KEC International Ltd. v. State of Tamil Nadu)
Constitutional Law - Judicial Discipline - Writ Jurisdiction - Appellate Review - Court held that same bench which decided writ petition cannot also hear writ appeal arising therefrom, to ensure impartiality and appellate scrutiny.
23. If One Can’t Be Appointed Arbitrator, He Cannot Nominate Another as Sole Arbitrator: SC
(Perkins Eastman Architects DPC v. HSCC (India) Ltd.)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 11 - Appointment of Arbitrator - Supreme Court reiterated that a person ineligible to act as arbitrator under Section 12(5) also cannot nominate another arbitrator, to maintain neutrality.
24. SC Ends ‘Royal’ Marriage After Fight Over 1951 Rolls Royce, Orders Rs 2.25 Crore Settlement
(Shivendra Singh v. Ritu Kumari)
Family Law - Divorce - Settlement - Property Dispute - Court dissolved marriage on ground of irretrievable breakdown and approved settlement of ₹2.25 crore between parties after protracted litigation over property, including vintage car.
25. SC Clarifies Filing Another SLP After Dismissal Violates Rule of Law
(Union of India v. M/s. Gokul Agro Resources Ltd.)
Constitutional Law - Article 136 - Special Leave Petition - Finality of Litigation - Court held that once an SLP is dismissed, filing another SLP on same cause of action is impermissible, as it undermines rule of law and judicial discipline.
26. Functional Disability Assessed in Terms of Impact on Earning Capacity, Rules Supreme Court; Enhances Compensation to Ayurvedic Doctor
(Dr. Usha Sharma v. National Insurance Co. Ltd.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Functional Disability - Loss of Earning Capacity - Court enhanced compensation holding that disability must be assessed with reference to its effect on earning capacity, not only medical impairment percentage.
27. Who Pays Accident Victims — the Vehicle Owner or the Insurance Company? Supreme Court Clears the Air
(Shiv Kumar v. United India Insurance Co. Ltd.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Liability - Insurer vs. Owner - Supreme Court held that insurance company is primarily liable to pay compensation to accident victims, with right to recover from owner if there is breach of policy conditions.
28. SC: Arbitral Tribunal Can Grant Pendente Lite Interest Unless Expressly Barred
(Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt. Ltd. v. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 31(7)(a) - Interest - Pendente Lite - Court held that arbitral tribunals have power to grant pendente lite interest unless expressly prohibited by contract.
29. No Embargo on Cheque Dishonour Case Against Sick Company: Supreme Court
(Pawan Kumar v. Hindustan Cables Ltd.)
Criminal Law - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 138 - Proceedings Against Sick Companies - Supreme Court held that pendency of proceedings under Sick Industrial Companies Act does not bar cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 NI Act.
30. Supreme Court Restores Woman Promoter’s Shareholding in Family Company, Rules NCLT Has Wide Jurisdiction in Oppression and Mismanagement Cases
(Seema Gupta v. NCLT & Ors.)
Company Law - Companies Act, 2013 - Oppression and Mismanagement - Jurisdiction of NCLT - Court held that NCLT has wide jurisdiction under Sections 241–242 to protect minority shareholders and restore shareholding where oppression is established.
31. “Cannot Resile from Her Own Conduct”: Supreme Court Dismisses Woman’s Plea Against Compensation Disbursal in Motor Accident Case
(Sunita Devi v. National Insurance Co. Ltd.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Estoppel - Conduct of Claimant - Supreme Court held that a claimant who has consented to a mode of compensation disbursal cannot later resile and challenge the same. Principles of estoppel and approbate-reprobate bar inconsistent claims in motor accident cases.
32. Can a High Court Change Its Own Bail Order If the Supreme Court Is Already Looking Into It?
(State of Gujarat v. Salimbhai Abdulgaffar Sheikh)
Criminal Procedure - Bail - Judicial Discipline - Concurrent Jurisdiction - Supreme Court held that once the Supreme Court is seized of a matter, the High Court ought not to alter or vary its own bail order. Judicial comity requires restraint to avoid conflicting orders.
33. Documents Collected from Electronic Devices Not to Be Always Proved by Certificate in Evidence: SC
(Rajesh Kumar v. State of Haryana)
Evidence Act, 1872 - Section 65B - Electronic Records - Certificate Requirement - Supreme Court clarified that a certificate under Section 65B is mandatory only when electronic record is produced in secondary form. Where original device itself is produced or authenticity is otherwise established, certificate is not indispensable.
34. Power of Review Not to Be Exercised to Substitute a View: SC
(Union of India v. Sandhya Singh)
Civil Procedure - Review Jurisdiction - Limits - Error Apparent on Face of Record - Court reiterated that review is not an appeal in disguise. Unless there is an error apparent, review cannot be invoked to re-argue or substitute a different view from what was taken earlier.
35. Right of Private Defence Cannot Be Weighed in Golden Scale: Supreme Court Acquits Doctor Accused of Killing Assailant
(Dr. Om Prakash v. State of Rajasthan)
Criminal Law - IPC - Sections 96 to 100 - Right of Private Defence - Supreme Court acquitted an accused doctor charged with murder, holding that exercise of private defence must be judged in context of imminent threat and not by minute calibration. Courts should adopt practical, not pedantic, approach in assessing proportionality.
36. SC Quashes Rape Complaint Filed After 4 Years, Explains When Promise of Marriage Is Not Rape
(Anil Kumar v. State of Chhattisgarh)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 375 - Consent - Promise of Marriage - Supreme Court held that consensual sexual relations on a promise of marriage do not amount to rape if promise was genuine at inception but relationship failed subsequently. Delay of four years in lodging complaint also weighed against prosecution.
37. Publication of List of Financial Creditors Under IBC Cannot Be Reduced to a Meaningless Formality: Supreme Court
(IDBI Bank Ltd. v. Committee of Creditors of Jaypee Infratech Ltd.)
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 - Section 21 - Committee of Creditors - Disclosure of Claims - Supreme Court held that publication of list of financial creditors is a substantive requirement ensuring transparency and participation, not a mere formality. Failure to publish renders CIRP proceedings vulnerable.
38. No Favourable Response to Treatment Doesn’t Mean Negligence by Doctor: SC Sets Aside NCDRC’s Order of Compensation
(Dr. Shyam Sundar v. NCDRC)
Consumer Protection - Medical Negligence - Standard of Care - Court held that mere failure of treatment or non-recovery of patient is not ipso facto negligence. Liability arises only when doctor’s conduct falls below standards of reasonable medical practice.
39. Arbitration Agreement Needs to Be in Writing Though Need Not Be Signed: SC
(M/s. B&T AG v. Ministry of Defence)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 7 - Validity of Agreement - Court clarified that an arbitration agreement must be in writing but need not necessarily be signed; exchange of correspondence, emails or other documentary evidence may suffice to establish consensus.
40. SC Upholds FIRs Against Ex-CBI Officers, Says “Those Who Investigate Must Also Be Investigated”
(Ranjit Sinha v. CBI & Ors.)
Criminal Law - Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 - Investigation - Accountability of Investigating Officers - Supreme Court refused to quash FIRs against former CBI officials, holding that investigating officers are equally accountable under criminal law. Rule of law demands that no official is above scrutiny.
41. Everyday Neighbourhood Quarrels Cannot Amount to Abetment to Suicide: Supreme Court Acquits Woman in Section 306 IPC Case
(Kamlesh Kumari v. State of Haryana)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 306 - Abetment to Suicide - Mens Rea - Supreme Court acquitted accused neighbour, holding that trivial, routine quarrels cannot constitute “abetment” unless intentional instigation is proved. Abetment requires active role and mens rea beyond mere discord.
42. Reserved vs General Quota: Supreme Court Rules SC/ST Candidates Using Relaxations Ineligible for General Seats
(State of Madhya Pradesh v. Manoj Kumar)
Constitutional Law - Reservation - Migration from Reserved to General Category - Court held that SC/ST candidates who avail relaxations in age or marks under reservation policy cannot simultaneously claim selection in general category where rules prohibit migration.
43. Supreme Court Declines Interference in Electricity Dispute, Upholds Expert Bodies’ Role
(Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. v. JSW Steel Ltd.)
Energy Law - Electricity Act, 2003 - Regulatory Jurisdiction - Tariff Disputes - Court declined interference in tariff dispute, reiterating that expert bodies like State Electricity Commissions are best placed to resolve technical issues. Judicial review is limited to jurisdictional errors.
44. SC Sets Aside Death Penalty in POCSO Case: When Does the “Rarest of Rare” Doctrine Truly Apply?
(State of Rajasthan v. Shambhu Lal)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 302 - Sentencing - Death Penalty - POCSO Act, 2012 - Supreme Court set aside death penalty imposed in child rape-murder case, holding that “rarest of rare” doctrine requires rigorous balancing of aggravating and mitigating factors. Life imprisonment adequate in absence of irreversible threat to society.
45. Supreme Court: No Automatic or Presumed Condonation of Delay When Statute Prescribes Time Limit in NI Act Cases
(Ravi Shankar v. State of Karnataka)
Criminal Law - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 142(b) - Limitation - Condonation of Delay - Court held that delay in filing complaint under Section 138 NI Act cannot be automatically condoned; courts must strictly adhere to statutory limitation unless sufficient cause is shown.
46. Project Ability Empowerment: SC Appoints 8 NLUs to Monitor Institutions Housing Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
(In Re: Project Ability Empowerment)
Constitutional Law - Article 21 - Disability Rights - Monitoring of Institutions - Court invoked right to life and dignity under Article 21, appointing eight National Law Universities as independent monitors of institutions for persons with cognitive disabilities, ensuring humane treatment and compliance with UNCRPD.
47. Can PwD Candidates with Higher Merit Move Up in Unreserved Category? SC Asks Union to Explain
(All India Federation of Disabled Students v. Union of India)
Constitutional Law - Reservation - Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 - Migration to Unreserved Category – Supreme Court sought Union’s response on whether PwD candidates securing higher merit can be considered in unreserved category, clarifying intersection of horizontal reservation with general merit.
48. Meeting Reasonable Expenses of Daughter’s Marriage, a Natural Extension of Man’s Duty: SC
(Sukhdev Singh v. Jaswinder Kaur)
Family Law - Maintenance - Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 - Section 20 - Court held that father’s obligation to maintain children includes meeting reasonable marriage expenses of daughter, treating it as a natural extension of parental duty.
49. SC: Sexual Harassment Complaint Must Be Filed Within Six Months; Time-Barred Complaints Liable to Be Rejected
(X v. Union of India)
Labour Law - Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 - Limitation - Supreme Court clarified that complaints under POSH Act must be filed within six months (Section 9), extendable by three months with reasons. Complaints beyond this period are barred.
50. ‘Don’t Become Surrogates for State Lethargy’: Supreme Court Sets Aside HC Order Condoning 3,966-Day Delay
(State of Bihar v. Sanjay Kumar Singh)
Civil Procedure - Limitation Act, 1963 - Condonation of Delay - Government Litigation - Court set aside High Court’s order condoning delay of nearly 11 years, cautioning courts not to become surrogates for State inaction. Government litigants must show bona fide reasons like any other litigant.
51. 20% Coal Price Hike Valid, Says Supreme Court: Interim Policy by Coal India Ltd Upheld
(Coal India Ltd. v. DLF Power Ltd.)
Commercial Law - Contractual Obligations - Interim Pricing Policy - Judicial Review - Supreme Court upheld Coal India Ltd.’s decision to increase coal prices by 20% under its interim policy, holding that policy decisions of State instrumentalities are subject only to limited judicial review and cannot be interfered with unless arbitrary, discriminatory, or mala fide.
52. SC Orders Reforms in Beggars’ Homes, Says Poverty Cannot Be Penalised
(In Re: Rehabilitation of Beggars)
Constitutional Law - Article 21 - Right to Life and Dignity - Criminalisation of Poverty – Court held that poverty and begging cannot be treated as crimes, and directed comprehensive reforms in beggars homes, stressing rehabilitation over penalisation.
53. Supreme Court Sets 2-Month Deadline for Bail Pleas, Cites Right to Liberty
(In Re: Speedy Consideration of Bail Applications)
Criminal Procedure - Bail - Speedy Trial - Article 21 - Supreme Court directed all High Courts to ensure that bail applications are decided within two months, reiterating that delay in adjudicating bail violates the right to personal liberty under Article 21.
54. ‘Lawmakers’ Expeditious Trials Cannot Bypass Procedural Safeguards’: SC Quashes Separate Trial of Cong MLA in Nuh Riots
(Aftab Ahmed v. State of Haryana)
Criminal Law - Fair Trial - Expeditious Proceedings - Procedural Safeguards - Court held that while speedy trials of legislators are desirable, they cannot override fair trial rights. Quashed order for separate trial of MLA accused in Nuh riots, citing violation of safeguards under CrPC.
55. Survival After Fatal Assault No Ground to Dilute Murder Charge: Supreme Court
(Rakesh v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 302 - Murder - Delay in Death - Supreme Court held that survival of a victim for some days after fatal assault does not dilute liability for murder, if intent and injuries inflicted were sufficient in the ordinary course to cause death.
56. Raja Sardar Singh’s Will Upheld: Supreme Court Hands Estate to Khetri Trust
(Khetri Trust v. State of Rajasthan)
Property Law - Wills - Testamentary Succession - Validity of Bequests - Supreme Court upheld validity of Raja Sardar Singh’s will and vested estate in Khetri Trust, reiterating that courts must give effect to clear testamentary intent unless vitiated by fraud, coercion, or incapacity.
57. SC: Reserved Category Candidates Using Age Relaxation Cannot Claim General Seats Where Rules Bar Migration
(State of Rajasthan v. Poonam Kumari)
Constitutional Law - Reservation - Age Relaxation - Migration to General Category - Court held that reserved category candidates availing age relaxation are ineligible for general seats if rules expressly prohibit migration, upholding principle of equality within reservation framework.
58. Supreme Court Declares Right to Housing a Fundamental Right, Warns Government Bodies and RERA Against Failing Homebuyers
(Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India)
Constitutional Law - Fundamental Rights - Article 21 - Housing as a Right - Supreme Court declared right to housing an integral part of right to life under Article 21, warning authorities and RERA against failing to protect homebuyers from delays and defaults by developers.
59. Supreme Court Slams Misuse of Criminal Law, Quashes Cheating FIR Filed to Settle Personal Scores
(Mukesh Kumar v. State of Haryana)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 420 - Abuse of Process - FIR Quashed - Court quashed a cheating FIR filed to pressurise in personal disputes, holding that criminal law cannot be misused as a tool for vengeance.
60. Supreme Court Clarifies: Video with 65B Certificate Is Admissible, No Mandatory Transcript
(Sanjay v. State of Maharashtra)
Evidence Act, 1872 - Section 65B - Admissibility of Electronic Evidence - Transcript Requirement - Supreme Court held that once a video recording is produced with a valid Section 65B certificate, it is admissible in evidence without mandatory requirement of accompanying transcript.
61. Supreme Court Declines Relief to Retired Employee Who Sought Promotion and Arrears 11 Years After Retirement
(Om Prakash Sharma v. State of Madhya Pradesh)
Administrative Law - Service Law - Promotion - Delay and Laches - Supreme Court refused relief to a retired employee claiming promotion and arrears after more than a decade, holding that stale claims cannot be entertained as they disturb settled service conditions and financial implications.
62. Karta of HUF Has Wide Discretion to Sell Joint Family Property for Legal Necessity: SC
(Ramesh Chandra v. Amar Singh)
Hindu Law - Joint Family - Karta’s Powers - Alienation of Property - Court reiterated that Karta of a Hindu Undivided Family has wide discretion to alienate joint family property for legal necessity or benefit of estate, and such sale is binding unless mala fide or for non-family purposes.
63. Touching Minor’s Private Parts Not Rape or Penetrative Sexual Assault: SC
(Santosh v. State of Maharashtra)
Criminal Law - POCSO Act, 2012 - Sections 3 & 7 - Definition of Sexual Assault - Supreme Court held that mere touching of minor’s private parts, without penetration, amounts to “sexual assault” under Section 7 POCSO, but not rape or penetrative assault under Section 3.
64. Can a Court Order a Bank to Grant a One-Time Settlement (OTS)? Supreme Court Clarifies
(Punjab National Bank v. Sandeep Kumar)
Banking Law - SARFAESI Act, 2002 - Loan Settlements - Judicial Intervention - Supreme Court clarified that courts cannot compel banks to accept or sanction one time settlements; discretion rests with banks, subject to guidelines, and judicial interference is limited to arbitrariness or mala fides.
65. SC Slams Mother for Misleading Courts, Hands Interim Custody of Minor to Father
(Deepak Kumar v. Anjali)
Family Law - Custody - Welfare of Child - Misleading Conduct by Parent - Court transferred interim custody of a minor to the father after finding that the mother had misled courts with false statements. Welfare of the child remains the paramount consideration in custody disputes.
66. 498A Case Filed 3 Years After Separation Abroad: Supreme Court Quashes FIR
(Rajesh Kumar v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 498A - Matrimonial Offences - Delay in Complaint - Supreme Court quashed FIR filed three years after parties had separated abroad, holding that such delayed complaints, without contemporaneous allegations, amount to abuse of process.
67. Court Cannot Release Seized Cash to One Complainant in Multi-Victim Cheating Case: SC
(State of Maharashtra v. Dinesh Sharma)
Criminal Procedure - CrPC - Section 451 - Seized Property - Distribution Among Victims - Supreme Court held that seized cash in cheating cases cannot be released to one complainant alone when multiple victims exist; distribution must await outcome of trial or appropriate legal mechanism.
68. Court Cannot Defer Execution of Arbitration Award Merely Due to Pending Section 37 Appeal: SC
(Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd. v. Pinkcity Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 36 - Execution of Award - Supreme Court clarified that arbitral awards are enforceable as decrees, and mere pendency of an appeal under Section 37 does not automatically stay execution unless stay is specifically granted.
69. Supreme Court Acquits Man in Kidnap-Cum-Murder Case, Cites Panchsheel Principles of Circumstantial Evidence
(Ravindra v. State of Bihar)
Criminal Law - Evidence - Circumstantial Evidence - Standard of Proof - Court acquitted accused in kidnap-cum-murder case, stressing adherence to five settled principles (“Panchsheel”) governing circumstantial evidence: chain must be complete and point only to guilt of accused.
70. Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Substitute Arbitrator Appointment Owing to Delay
(ONGC v. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 11 - Appointment of Substitute Arbitrator - Court upheld rejection of plea for appointment of substitute arbitrator, holding that delay and waiver disentitled the applicant from relief; timeliness is crucial in arbitral process.
71. ‘Unutilised Village Lands Vest with Proprietors’: Supreme Court Overturns 2022 Ruling in Haryana Village Land Dispute
(Ajit Singh v. State of Haryana)
Property Law - Vesting of Lands - Proprietary Rights - Supreme Court clarified that unutilised village common lands vest with proprietors and not the State, overturning a 2022 ruling. Court stressed that vesting must follow statutory scheme and historical rights of proprietors.
72. Does Placing a Genset in a Container Amount to ‘Manufacture’? Supreme Court Says Yes
(Commissioner of Central Excise v. Powerica Ltd.)
Taxation - Excise Duty - Manufacture - Section 2(f) Central Excise Act, 1944 - Court held that placing a generator set in a container amounts to “manufacture” as it results in a distinct commercial product, thus attracting excise duty under Section 2(f).
73. Supreme Court Clears AIFF Constitution Aimed at Professionalism and Efficiency in Sports
(All India Football Federation v. Union of India)
Sports Law - Governance - Autonomy of Sports Federations - Supreme Court approved new constitution of All India Football Federation, emphasising transparency, professionalism, and compliance with FIFA norms, balancing autonomy of federations with judicial oversight.
74. Cheque Bounce Cases: Supreme Court Says Legal Notice Must Match Cheque Amount Exactly
(Suresh Kumar v. State of Haryana)
Criminal Law - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 138 - Legal Notice Requirements - Court held that statutory notice under Section 138 must strictly correspond to the cheque amount; discrepancy renders proceedings unsustainable.
75. Due Process Non-Negotiable in Raids and Inspections: Supreme Court
(ABC Developers v. State of Gujarat)
Constitutional Law - Article 21 - Administrative Law - Search and Seizure - Supreme Court reiterated that raids and inspections must comply with due process safeguards; arbitrary intrusions violate fundamental right to privacy and dignity under Article 21.
76. Cultivating Tenants Cannot Be Evicted Without Proof of Land Damage: Supreme Court
(K. Ramachandran v. State of Tamil Nadu)
Tenancy Law - Agricultural Tenants - Eviction - Proof of Grounds - Court held that cultivating tenants cannot be evicted merely on allegation of damage to land; landlord must prove statutory grounds with cogent evidence before eviction.
77. ‘Clearing Training Exams Mandatory for Railway Job Confirmation’: SC Upholds Termination of Recruit
(Rajendra Prasad v. Union of India)
Service Law - Employment - Railways - Probation and Confirmation - Court upheld termination of railway recruit who failed to clear mandatory training examinations, holding that successful completion of training is an essential condition for confirmation in service.
78. Important to Prove Foundational Facts Before Invoking Presumption Under NDPS Act: SC
(Rakesh Kumar v. State of Himachal Pradesh)
Criminal Law - NDPS Act, 1985 - Section 35 & Section 54 - Presumption of Guilt - Court held that prosecution must first establish foundational facts of possession before statutory presumption of culpability under NDPS Act can be invoked. Burden shifts to accused only thereafter.
79. No Proof of RSS Link: SC Restores Bail in Shan Murder Case
(Mohammed Shafi v. State of Kerala)
Criminal Law - Bail - Political Allegations - Evidentiary Standards - Supreme Court restored bail granted to accused in Shan murder case, observing that unsubstantiated allegations of political links (RSS membership) cannot justify denial of bail without prima facie evidence.
80. SC Acquits Policeman’s Wife, Relatives in 2006 Murder of Colleague Over Loan Dispute
(Geeta Devi v. State of Bihar)
Criminal Law - IPC - Murder - Benefit of Doubt - Supreme Court acquitted wife and relatives of a policeman accused in 2006 murder case, holding that prosecution evidence was unreliable and chain of circumstances incomplete. Benefit of doubt extended to accused.
81. Jharkhand Woman Officer Wins in Supreme Court: Retrospective Promotion and Arrears After Sham Disciplinary Proceedings
(Anita Kumari v. State of Jharkhand)
Service Law - Promotion - Disciplinary Proceedings - Mala Fides - Supreme Court granted retrospective promotion and arrears to a woman officer, holding that sham disciplinary proceedings initiated against her were vitiated by mala fides. Delay in justice cannot deny accrued service benefits.
82. Borrowers' Right to Redeem vs Auction Rules: SC Points to SARFAESI Act-Rules Conflict
(Rajesh Agarwal v. Punjab National Bank)
Banking Law - SARFAESI Act, 2002 - Redemption of Secured Assets - Auction Proceedings - Supreme Court noted conflict between borrowers’ right to redeem under Section 13(8) SARFAESI Act and auction timelines under Rules, stressing need for harmonious construction to balance rights of borrowers and creditors.
83. SC Closes Door on Repeat SLPs: Says ‘Finality of Litigation Must Be Respected’
(Union of India v. K.K. Sharma)
Constitutional Law - Article 136 - Special Leave Petition - Abuse of Process - Court reiterated that filing successive SLPs on same cause of action is impermissible; finality of litigation is integral to rule of law.
84. Are Export Cargo Services Tax-Free? Supreme Court Says No, Service Tax Applies
(CCE v. All Cargo Logistics Ltd.)
Taxation - Finance Act, 1994 - Service Tax - Export Cargo Handling - Supreme Court held that service tax is leviable on cargo handling services at port even if goods are for export, as exemption applies only to services performed outside taxable territory.
85. Bar Councils Must Record Reasons Before Referring Complaints Against Advocates to Disciplinary Committee: SC
(Shiv Kumar v. Bar Council of India)
Legal Profession - Advocates Act, 1961 - Disciplinary Proceedings - Requirement of Reasons - Court held that State Bar Councils must record reasons while referring complaints against advocates to disciplinary committees under Section 35, ensuring fairness and accountability.
86. ‘Act of Vengeance’: SC Quashes Rape FIR Against Govt Servant
(Vikas Kumar v. State of Bihar)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 376 - Quashing of FIR - Abuse of Process - Supreme Court quashed a rape FIR filed against a government servant, finding it an act of vengeance and abuse of criminal process without supporting evidence.
87. Accident Claim Petitions Must Include Quotations for Artificial Limbs: SC
(Ajay Kumar v. National Insurance Co. Ltd.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Disability Claims - Artificial Limbs - Court directed that claim petitions must include quotations for artificial limbs to enable tribunals to assess future medical expenses realistically.
88. SC Orders Builder to Refund Plot Seeker with 18% Interest in Delayed Possession Case
(Ravi Sharma v. Ansal Housing Ltd.)
Consumer Protection - Housing - Delayed Possession - Refund with Interest - Supreme Court directed builder to refund plot seeker’s money with 18% interest for delay in possession, reiterating that consumer rights in housing projects must be protected against unfair trade practices.
89. Section 31(7) Arbitration Act: SC Says No Extra or Compound Interest Beyond Agreement
(State of Gujarat v. Patel Engineering Ltd.)
Arbitration - Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 31(7) - Interest on Awards - Supreme Court clarified that arbitral tribunals cannot award compound interest or rates beyond what is stipulated in the agreement; discretion is confined to contract terms.
90. Can Senior Citizens’ Tribunal Order Eviction of Children? Supreme Court Says Yes
(Vimla Devi v. Union of India)
Family Law - Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 - Eviction Orders - Supreme Court upheld power of Maintenance Tribunal to order eviction of children from property of senior citizens where necessary to protect their life and dignity under the Act.
91. Supreme Court Pushes for Day-to-Day Hearings in Rape, Sensitive Cases
(In Re: Expeditious Trial of Sexual Offence Cases)
Criminal Law - POCSO Act, 2012 - Rape Trials - Speedy Justice - Supreme Court directed trial courts to conduct day-to-day hearings in rape and other sensitive cases, stressing that delays defeat justice and re-traumatise victims.
92. SC Issues Slew of Directions to Streamline Cheque Dishonour Cases
(Makwana Mangaldas Tulsidas v. State of Gujarat)
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 138 - Guidelines for effective disposal - Supreme Court issued guidelines to streamline cheque dishonour proceedings, including clubbing of complaints, use of summary trials, and reliance on affidavits to reduce pendency.
93. SC Rejects Plea to Club FIRs in Investor Fraud Case
(Ramesh Kumar v. State of Maharashtra)
Criminal Law - FIRs - Investor Fraud - Clubbing of Complaints - Supreme Court refused to club multiple FIRs registered against accused in an investor fraud case, holding that each FIR pertained to distinct transactions and complainants. Unless they arise from the same occurrence, separate FIRs are maintainable.
94. Legal Heirs Can Pursue Motor Accident Compensation Despite Victim’s Death from Unrelated Causes: Supreme Court
(National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Kamlesh & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Compensation - Survival of Claim - Legal Heirs - Supreme Court held that legal heirs are entitled to pursue motor accident compensation claims even if the injured victim dies subsequently from causes unconnected with the accident. Right to compensation survives to the estate of the deceased.
95. SC Sets Aside Uttarakhand HC Acquittal in 2002 Murder Case, Orders Fresh Hearing
(State of Uttarakhand v. Shyam Lal & Ors.)
Criminal Law - IPC - Murder - Appellate Review - Acquittal - Supreme Court set aside Uttarakhand High Court’s acquittal of accused in a 2002 murder case, directing fresh hearing of the appeal. Court held that the High Court had failed to adequately appreciate material evidence on record.
96. Scope of Discharge Plea Limited; Can’t Look Beyond Charge Sheet: Supreme Court
(Ramesh Kumar v. State of Madhya Pradesh)
Criminal Procedure - Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 - Section 239 - Discharge Application - Supreme Court clarified that at the stage of considering discharge, courts must confine themselves to material in the police report and documents forwarded under Section 173 CrPC, and cannot conduct a roving inquiry into evidence.
97. Supreme Court Sets Aside Rajasthan HC’s Interim Protection in Rape Case
(Jagdish Godara v. State of Rajasthan & Anr.)
Criminal Law - CrPC / Section 482 - Quashing - Interim Protection - Supreme Court held that once a High Court dismisses a petition under Section 482 CrPC, it becomes functus officio, and cannot later revisit or alter that order by granting interim protection.
98. SC Converts Murder Conviction to Culpable Homicide in 1986 Triple Murder Case
(State of Rajasthan v. X & Ors.)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 300 - Section 299 - Supreme Court reduced the conviction from murder (Section 300) to culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 299), finding absence of requisite “intention to kill” under rarest circumstances.
99. Section 498-A IPC: Supreme Court Clarifies What Counts as ‘Cruelty’ in Matrimonial Disputes
(Ramesh Kumar v. Wife & Ors.)
Criminal Law - IPC - Section 498-A Cruelty - Harassment / Mental Torture - Supreme Court clarified that “cruelty” under Section 498-A must involve conduct that is oppressive, causing grave mental or physical harm, or driving the woman to suicidal tendency. Mere discord or trivial differences do not qualify.