Supreme Court Monthly Digest | November 2025
Key Supreme Court judgments from November 2025 distilled across criminal, civil, service and regulatory law
1. Vehicle Owner Need Not Verify Driver’s Licence with RTO: Supreme Court
(Hind Samachar Ltd. (Delhi Unit) v. National Insurance Company Ltd. & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act – Insurance Liability – Valid Licence – Owner’s Duty – The Supreme Court held that a vehicle owner is not legally obligated to verify a driver's licence with the RTO unless there is a specific reason to doubt its authenticity. Once the licence appears genuine on its face, the owner cannot be held negligent, and the insurer cannot avoid liability on the ground of non-verification. The Court reiterated that insurers must prove conscious and wilful breach to recover compensation.
2. SC Sets Free Death-Row Convict in Sexual Assault & Murder of 7-Year-Old
(Dashwanth Vs State of Tamil Nadu)
Criminal Law – Murder – Circumstantial Evidence – Benefit of Doubt – Acquitting a man on death row, the Supreme Court held that the conviction rested on incomplete circumstantial evidence that failed to establish an unbroken chain pointing only to the accused’s guilt. It emphasised that in capital cases, the standard of proof must exclude all reasonable doubt. As the prosecution’s theory was speculative and key links were missing, the death sentence was set aside.
3. SC Asks Law Commission to Consider Amendment to ‘Dependent’ Definition in Employees’ Compensation Act
(The New India Assurance Company Ltd vs Kogga & Ors)
Labour Law – Employees’ Compensation Act – Definition – Law Reform – Observing that the current definition of “dependent” under the Employees' Compensation Act leaves out several family members who may genuinely rely on the deceased worker, the Supreme Court urged the Law Commission to examine a possible statutory amendment. The Court highlighted that restrictive eligibility undermines the Act’s welfare purpose and leads to unjust denial of rightful compensation.
4. ‘Each Member of Unlawful Assembly Vicariously Liable’: SC Upholds Life Term for 3
(State of Maharashtra v. Pramod Patil)
Criminal Law – Unlawful Assembly – Section 149 IPC – Common Object – Upholding life imprisonment for three accused in a 1999 murder case, the Supreme Court reiterated that every member of an unlawful assembly is vicariously liable for acts committed in furtherance of its common object. It found that the eyewitness testimony consistently placed all appellants at the scene, demonstrating active participation and shared intention to commit the offence.
5. Even If You Own the Property, You Must Still Seek Possession: Supreme Court
(S. Santhana Lakshmi & Ors vs D. Rajammal Bench: Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and K. Vinod Chandran)
Property Law – Possession – Civil Procedure – Self-Help Prohibited – The Supreme Court held that ownership alone does not entitle a party to forcibly dispossess a person in occupation and that lawful recovery must be sought through appropriate civil proceedings. The Court stressed that self-help measures are impermissible in Indian law and that even rightful owners must follow due process to obtain possession.
6. SC Upholds Life Term for Gujarat Woman Who Set Niece-in-Law on Fire
(Jemaben Vs The State of Gujarat)
Criminal Law – Murder – Evidence – Sentencing – The Court affirmed the conviction and life sentence of a woman for burning her niece-in-law, noting that the prosecution had established guilt through consistent eyewitness accounts, medical evidence, and dying declaration. It held that the brutality of the act and absence of mitigating factors justified maintaining the punishment.
7. Courts Can Intervene in Tenders Only If Decision Is Arbitrary or Beyond NIT
(Kimberley Club Pvt Ltd Vs Krishi Utpadan Mandi Parishad)
Administrative Law – Tenders – Judicial Review – Arbitrariness – Setting aside an Allahabad High Court order, the Supreme Court held that judicial interference in tender matters is limited and may be invoked only when decisions are arbitrary, discriminatory, or contrary to the tender conditions. As the State’s evaluation adhered to the NIT and showed no mala fides, the High Court’s intervention was unjustified.
8. Delay Alone Not Ground to Set Aside Arbitral Award Unless It Impacts Fairness
(M/s Lancor Holdings Limited Vs Prem Kumar Menon and others)
Arbitration – Section 34 – Delay – Validity of Award – The Supreme Court ruled that delay in passing an arbitral award does not, by itself, vitiate proceedings unless it demonstrably affects fairness or reasoning. The Court reiterated the narrow scope of interference under Section 34, cautioning that courts cannot disturb awards merely because the decision was delayed.
9. ‘Mere Refusing to Marry Isn’t a Crime’: SC Quashes Suicide-Abetment Case
(Yadwinder Singh @ Sunny Vs State of Punjab & Anr)
Criminal Law – Abetment of Suicide – Relationship Disputes – Mens Rea – Quashing FIR proceedings, the Supreme Court held that refusal to marry does not constitute instigation or abetment to suicide. It observed that, absent deliberate intention or acts that directly provoke suicide, criminal liability cannot be imposed in matters arising out of failed relationships.
10. Pleas to Quash Domestic Violence Cases Maintainable at Any Stage: Supreme Court
(V Krishnamma & Ors Vs Garima Bais)
Criminal Law – Domestic Violence Act – Section 482 CrPC – Maintainability – The Court held that petitions for quashing domestic violence proceedings may be entertained at any stage, including execution. It underscored that when allegations are unsustainable or proceedings become oppressive, courts must intervene to prevent continued misuse of legal process
11. Missing Person Presumed Dead Only After 7 Years, Not From Date of Disappearance
(The Commissioner, Nagpur Municipal Corporation & Ors Vs Lalita & Ors.)
Evidence Act – Section 108 – Presumption of Death – Insurance Claims – The Supreme Court held that the statutory presumption of death arises only after seven full years have passed since disappearance, and the presumption operates prospectively, not retrospectively. Insurance liability, therefore, begins only after the statutory period lapses, not on the date the person went missing.
12. Railways Can’t Deny Compensation on Mere Technical Grounds
(Rajni And Another Vs Union of India And Another)
Railways Act – Untoward Incidents – Compensation – Liberal Interpretation – The Court held that compensation under the Railways Act cannot be denied for minor ticketing or documentation defects when an untoward incident is otherwise established. It emphasised that the statute is welfare-oriented and must be interpreted liberally in favour of victims and dependants.
13. You Can’t Claim Property Decades Later Based on Oral Gift (Hiba): Supreme Court
(Dharmrao Sharanappa Shabadi and Ors Vs Syeda Arifa Parveen)
Property Law – Muslim Law – Hiba – Evidentiary Requirements – The Supreme Court reiterated that a claim of oral gift (hiba) raised after decades lacks credibility unless supported by clear evidence of offer, acceptance, and delivery of possession. It held that such belated claims cannot disturb long-settled property arrangements.
14. Can Teachers Be Sacked for Not Clearing TET at Appointment? SC Says Not Always
(Uma Kant And Another Vs State of UP And Others)
Service Law – Teacher Eligibility Test – Appointment Validity – The Court held that teachers cannot automatically be terminated for not clearing TET at the time of appointment if authorities knowingly allowed them to join and continue service. It noted that long years of service and government acquiescence warrant equitable consideration.
15. Law Bars Private Buses on MP–UP Routes Overlapping UPSRTC Services: Supreme Court
(UP State Road Transport Corporation Through its Chief General Manager Vs Kashmiri Lal Batra & Ors.)
Transport Law – Stage Carriage Permits – Notified Routes – Statutory Bar – The Supreme Court held that private transport operators cannot ply buses on routes overlapping UPSRTC’s notified services, as statutes expressly prohibit such operations. It upheld the regulatory scheme protecting notified State undertakings.
16. Adani Enterprises v. GSECL: SC Reaffirms Minimal Judicial Interference in Arbitration Matters
(Adani Enterprises Ltd Vs Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd)
Arbitration – Section 34/37 – Limited Scope – Commercial Contracts – The Supreme Court reiterated that courts cannot re-examine evidence or rewrite contractual terms in arbitral disputes, and interference is justified only when findings are perverse or patently illegal. It reinforced the principle of deference to arbitral adjudication.
17. Functional Disability, Not Physical Percentage, Determines MV Act Compensation
(S Ettiappan Vs D Kumar & Anr.)
Motor Vehicles Act – Disability Assessment – Earning Capacity – The Court clarified that compensation must be based on functional disability affecting earning capacity, not merely the medical percentage of physical disability. It held that even lower physical disability may result in higher functional disability for certain occupations.
18. Section 156(3) CrPC: Magistrate’s Discretion to Order Investigation Explained
(Sadiq B Hanchinmani Vs The State of Karnataka & Ors.)
Criminal Procedure – Section 156(3) – Application of Judicial Mind – The Supreme Court held that Magistrates must apply judicial mind before ordering investigation under Section 156(3) and cannot treat it as a routine direction. It stressed the need for reasons reflecting satisfaction that police investigation is necessary.
19. ‘We Must Dare to Think of Alternatives’: SC Urges Blockchain Reform in Land Registration
(Samiullah Vs The State of Bihar & Ors.)
Property Law – Land Registration – Technology – Blockchain – Calling land fraud a systemic issue, the Supreme Court encouraged States to explore blockchain-backed registration systems. It emphasised that technological innovation can bring transparency, reduce manipulation, and modernise land governance.
20. SC Dismisses Actress Pavithra Gowda’s Review Plea in Renukaswamy Murder Case
(Pavithra Gowda vs The State of Karnataka & Ors.)
Criminal Procedure – Review – Limited Scope – Finality of Orders – The Supreme Court dismissed the review petition of actor Pavithra Gowda, reiterating that review jurisdiction is extremely narrow and cannot be invoked to rehear or re-argue settled findings absent error apparent on the face of the record.
21. Tender Process Gets Vitiated If Condition Limits Competition, Excludes Highest Bidder: Supreme Court
(M/s Shanti Construction Pvt Ltd vs The State of Odisha & Ors.)
Administrative Law – Tenders – Level Playing Field – Arbitrariness – The Supreme Court held that a tender condition that restricts healthy competition or unfairly excludes the highest or otherwise eligible bidder vitiates the entire process. It ruled that public procurement must ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunity, and that any clause artificially limiting participation is unconstitutional.
22. ‘Arbitrator Cannot Rewrite Contract’: SC Sets Aside Award in IRCTC Catering Dispute
(Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd vs M/s Brandavan Food Products)
Arbitration – Contractual Interpretation – Patent Illegality – Setting aside an arbitral award, the Court held that arbitrators cannot alter or rewrite commercial terms under the guise of interpretation. As the award imposed obligations not contemplated by the contract, the Court found it patently illegal and restored the original contractual allocation of risk.
23. SC Sets Aside Allahabad HC Order Dismissing Contempt Plea by KGMU Professor
(Prof. Ashish Wakhlu vs Prof. Soniya Nityanand & Other)
Contempt of Court – Execution of Orders – Judicial Review – The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in dismissing a professor’s contempt plea without examining whether its earlier directions had been complied with. It emphasised that courts must ensure meaningful enforcement of their orders and cannot reject contempt petitions mechanically.
24. Forceful DNA Testing Is Grave Intrusion on Privacy, Cannot Be Ordered Without “Eminent Need”: SC
(R Rajendran Vs Kamar Nisha)
Constitutional Law – Privacy – DNA Testing – Proportionality – The Court held that compulsory DNA testing is an extreme measure implicating fundamental privacy rights and may be ordered only when absolutely necessary for justice. It ruled that courts must weigh proportionality and cannot direct DNA tests merely to satisfy parties’ suspicions.
25. SC Brings Closure to 98-Year-Old Temple Dispute Between Kuruba Families in Andhra Pradesh
(Kapadam Sangalappa And Others Vs Kamatam Sangalappa And Others)
Property Law – Religious Endowments – Possession – Finality – Concluding a decades-long dispute between two Kuruba families, the Supreme Court upheld findings on ancestral possession and management. It held that historical evidence and long, undisputed control justified affirming the trial court’s decree to finally end nearly a century of litigation.
26. ‘Appeal Doesn’t Mean Stay’: SC Upholds Eviction of Coimbatore Tenants for 6-Year Rent Default
(K Subramaniam (Died) Through Lrs K S Balakrishnan & Ors vs M/s Krishna Mills Pvt Ltd.)
Tenancy Law – Eviction – Appeal vs. Stay – Rent Default – Upholding the eviction decree, the Court clarified that filing an appeal does not automatically operate as a stay. Given six years of wilful rent default and no interim protection, eviction was fully justified.
27. ‘What’s Recorded in Court Stays on Record’: SC to Litigant Claiming Lawyer Spoke Without Permission
(Savita Vs Satyabhan Dixit)
Civil Procedure – Court Records – Agency of Counsel – Finality – The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea that a litigant’s lawyer made submissions without authorisation, holding that statements recorded in court proceedings are presumed correct. A party cannot later disown counsel’s submissions unless fraud or exceptional circumstances are shown.
28. Purchases to Maximise Profits Fall Outside ‘Consumer’ Protection: SC
(M/s Poly Medicure Ltd Vs M/s Brillio Technologies Pvt Ltd.)
Consumer Law – Commercial Purpose – Exclusion from Consumer Definition – The Supreme Court held that purchases made with the intention of profit-generation or commercial expansion fall outside the definition of “consumer” under the Consumer Protection Act. Claims arising from business-to-business transactions cannot be pursued before consumer fora.
29. SC Upholds Conviction for Sexual Assault on 4-Year-Old, Reduces Sentence to Six Years
(Dinesh Kumar Jaldhari v. State of Chhattisgarh)
Criminal Law – POCSO – Sentencing – Mitigating Circumstances – While affirming conviction based on consistent medical evidence and testimony, the Court reduced the sentence from ten years to six, noting mitigating factors and the proportionality principle. It stressed that sentencing must balance gravity with individual circumstances.
30. 50 Kg Cocaine Case: SC Sets Aside Bail, Says High Court Ignored NDPS Thresholds
(Union of India Vs Vigin K Varghese)
Criminal Law – NDPS Act – Bail – Section 37 Rigour – The Supreme Court cancelled bail granted in a 50 kg cocaine seizure, holding that the High Court ignored statutory restrictions requiring satisfaction of twin conditions. It reiterated that bail in commercial-quantity NDPS cases demands strict scrutiny.
31. Marriage Never Consummated, Wife Left in 2008: SC Upholds Divorce, Orders Rs. 50 Lakh Alimony
(Pankaj Shukla Vs Deepak Chaturvedi)
Family Law – Divorce – Irretrievable Breakdown – Permanent Alimony – The Court upheld a decree of divorce where the marriage had never been consummated and parties lived apart for over 15 years. Ordering Rs. 50 lakh permanent alimony, it held that long-dead marriages deserve humane closure with financial protection for the spouse.
32. SC Restores Dismissal of Postal Employee for Embezzlement, Says HC ‘Exceeded Judicial Review’
(Union of India And Ors Vs Indraj)
Service Law – Misconduct – Judicial Review – Proportionality – Restoring dismissal, the Court held that the High Court improperly reappreciated evidence in a disciplinary enquiry. It emphasised that judicial review does not permit second-guessing findings unless perversity or procedural illegality is shown.
33. SC Acquits Man Accused of Being Hired to Kill Woman After Property Dispute Win
(Govind Vs State of Haryana)
Criminal Law – Murder – Circumstantial Evidence – Benefit of Doubt – The Court acquitted the accused after finding the prosecution’s theory speculative and unsupported by a complete chain of evidence. It held that suspicion based on motive alone cannot substitute legal proof.
34. Kopargaon Sugar Mill v. National Insurance: SC Sets Aside NCDRC Decision on Boiler Blast Claim
(Kopargaon Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd (now known as Karmaveer Shankarrao Kale Shahkari Shakhar Karkhana Ltd) Vs National Insurance Co Ltd & Anr)
Insurance Law – Boiler Explosion – Claim Rejection – Interpretation of Policy – The Court held that the insurer wrongly repudiated a boiler blast claim, observing that policy exclusions were misapplied and evidence supported accidental failure. It restored compensation and criticised the NCDRC for overlooking material evidence.
35. Life Sentences Can’t Be Suspended Without Exceptional Circumstances: Supreme Court
(Chhotelal Yadav Vs State of Jharkhand & Anr)
Criminal Law – Sentence Suspension – Life Imprisonment – Exceptional Cases – The Supreme Court held that suspension of life sentences requires extraordinary reasons and cannot be granted mechanically. It stressed that gravity of offence and societal impact must be central considerations.
36. Can a 2005 Public Auction Be Challenged After 4 Years? SC Says No
(Kolanjiammal (D) Thr LRs Vs The Revenue Divisional Officer Perambalur District & Ors.)
Civil Law – Public Auction – Limitation – Challenge to Sale – The Court held that belated challenges to revenue auctions cannot be entertained after unreasonable delay. Since the bidder slept over rights for four years, the auction attained finality.
37. SC Reduces Sentence in NDPS Case After Doubt Over Weighing Procedure, Upholds Conviction
(Dharam Singh Vs The State of Himachal Pradesh)
Criminal Law – NDPS Act – Weighing Irregularity – Sentencing – While upholding conviction, the Court reduced the sentence because doubts were raised about proper weighing and sealing of contraband. It held that sentencing may be moderated where procedural lapses undermine certainty of quantity.
38. ‘Bail Rejections Can’t Be Challenged as Habeas Corpus’: SC Sets Aside MP HC Order
(State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors Vs Kusum Sahu)
Criminal Procedure – Habeas Corpus – Bail Rejection – Maintainability – The Court held that habeas corpus cannot be used to circumvent bail procedures or challenge bail refusals. It set aside the High Court order releasing the accused, reiterating that custody pursuant to judicial order is lawful.
39. SC Raises Compensation to ₹85 Lakh for 24-Year-Old Disabled in 2015 Accident
(Reshma Vs Dajiba Krishna Lad & Anr.)
Motor Vehicles Act – Compensation – Disability – Future Prospects – Enhancing compensation, the Court held that a young accident victim permanently disabled is entitled to higher assessment of income, future prospects, and functional disability. It recalculated damages at ₹85 lakh to ensure just recompense.
40. ‘Don’t Conclude Marriage Is Irretrievably Broken Down Just Because Couple Lives Apart’: Supreme Court
(Dr. Anita Vs Indresh Gopal Kohli)
Family Law – Divorce – Irretrievable Breakdown – Long Separation – The Supreme Court held that mere long separation does not automatically prove irretrievable breakdown of marriage and courts must assess the overall conduct and circumstances. It emphasised that breakdown is a factual conclusion, not a presumption arising only from physical distance.
41. Unauthorized Constructions Can’t Be Shielded, Yet Action Must Follow Fair Hearing: Supreme Court
(Gaurav Kohli and Others vs. State of Haryana and Others)
Municipal Law – Illegal Construction – Natural Justice – Demolition – The Court held that unauthorized constructions cannot be protected on equitable grounds, but demolition cannot be ordered without proper notice and hearing. Municipal authorities must act lawfully and ensure procedural fairness before taking coercive steps.
42. ‘Substance Abuse a Global Public Health Crisis’: SC Cancels Bail in 731-kg Ganja Seizure
(Union of India vs. Namdeo Ashruba Nakade)
Criminal Law – NDPS – Commercial Quantity – Bail Restrictions – Setting aside bail, the Court stressed that large-scale narcotics trafficking has grave societal consequences and requires strict adherence to NDPS thresholds. It held that lower courts must apply the statutory twin conditions rigorously in commercial quantity cases.
43. Property Suit Cannot Be Dismissed on Limitation Without Clear Bar: Supreme Court
(Babasaheb Ramdas Shirole & Ors Vs Rohit Enterprises & Ors)
Civil Procedure – Limitation – Maintainability – Property Disputes – The Supreme Court held that suits cannot be summarily rejected on limitation unless the bar is evident on the face of the pleadings. Where factual determination is required, courts must permit trial rather than dismissing claims at the threshold.
44. Indian Courts Have No Jurisdiction to Appoint Arbitrator for Foreign-Seated Arbitration: Supreme Court
(Balaji Steel Trade vs Fludor Benin S.A. & Ors.)
Arbitration – Foreign-Seated Arbitration – Section 11 – Jurisdiction – The Court held that Indian courts lack authority to appoint arbitrators in foreign-seated arbitrations governed by Part II of the Arbitration Act. Parties must adhere to the seat doctrine, and intervention under Section 11 is impermissible.
45. ‘Drunk Drivers Can’t Go Scot-Free’: SC Flags Impact of UP Law Abating MV Act Trials
(S Rajaseekaran Vs Union of India & Ors)
Motor Vehicles Act – Criminal Liability – State Amendments – Public Safety – The Supreme Court expressed concern that a UP amendment abating MV Act prosecutions could allow drunk-driving offenders to escape accountability. It underscored that criminal negligence on roads cannot be trivialised and sought legislative reconsideration.
46. Serving Judicial Officers Don’t Need 3 Years’ Bar Practice to Apply in Other States: SC
(All India Judges Association & Ors Vs Union of India & Ors.)
Service Law – Judicial Service Rules – Bar Practice Requirement – The Court held that the requirement of three years’ bar practice applies only to advocates and not to serving judicial officers seeking appointment in another State. Judicial experience is equivalent, and excluding such candidates is arbitrary.
47. Can a Trial Court Direct Tenants to Clear Arrears During Eviction Suits? SC Says Yes
(Atul J Doshi & Ors Vs Pramukh Properties And Developers Pvt Ltd.)
Tenancy Law – Order XV-A CPC – Interim Directions – Arrears – The Supreme Court held that trial courts can direct tenants to deposit rent arrears during pendency of eviction suits under Order XV-A CPC. Such interim directions ensure fairness and prevent dilatory tactics by defaulting tenants.
48. Laws Cannot Be Applied Mechanically; Justice Needs Human, Not AI, Interpretation: Supreme Court
(P U Sidhique & Ors Vs Zakariya)
Judicial Process – Interpretation – Human Decision-Making – Rule of Law – The Court cautioned that statutory interpretation demands human judgment, context sensitivity and moral reasoning. It stressed that rigid, mechanical, or automated application of law - AI-driven or otherwise - cannot replace judicial evaluation.
49. ‘Every Sour Relationship Can’t Be Branded Rape’: SC Quashes Case Against Advocate
(Samadhan S/o Sitaram Manmothe Vs State of Maharashtra & Another)
Criminal Law – Rape – Consent – Relationship Disputes – The Supreme Court quashed rape charges arising out of a failed relationship, holding that misunderstandings or emotional fallout cannot be criminalised as sexual assault. It reiterated that consent vitiation must be clearly established and not inferred from breakups.
50. ‘Vindictive Litigation Strains Courts’: SC Quashes Cheating Case
(Inder Chand Bagri Vs Jagdish Prasad Bagri & Another)
Criminal Law – Cheating – Abuse of Process – Quashing – The Court quashed a cheating FIR after finding that the dispute was purely civil and the criminal complaint was filed vindictively. It warned against misusing criminal law to settle personal scores or pressurise parties.
51. Can NCLT Reject Section 7 IBC Application for Wrong Affidavit Date? SC Says No
(Livein Aqua Solutions Private Limited Vs HDFC Bank Limited)
Insolvency – Section 7 IBC – Technical Defects – Maintainability – The Supreme Court held that trivial defects like incorrect affidavit dates cannot justify rejection of a Section 7 insolvency petition. Substantive rights cannot be defeated by curable procedural irregularities.
52. Stay on Conviction Can’t Be Granted Merely Because Sentence Is Suspended: Supreme Court
(Victim Father Vs State of Rajasthan & Anr.)
Criminal Procedure – Stay on Conviction – Distinction from Sentence Suspension – The Supreme Court held that staying conviction requires exceptional circumstances beyond suspension of sentence. As conviction carries legal consequences, courts must exercise this power sparingly.
53. High Courts Cannot Use Article 226 to Interfere with Civil Court Orders: Supreme Court
(Shri Digant Vs M/s P D T Trading Co & Ors.)
Constitutional Law – Article 226 – Alternate Remedy – Civil Court Orders – The Court held that High Courts cannot bypass civil court hierarchy by invoking Article 226 to review or upset civil court orders. Litigants must pursue statutory appellate remedies unless there is patent lack of jurisdiction.
54. 56% Vehicles Uninsured: Supreme Court Seeks Govt, IRDA Plan to Improve Compliance
(National Insurance Company Limited v. Smt Thungala Dhana Laxmi & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act – Insurance Compliance – Public Safety – Policy Directions – Alarmed that 56% vehicles in India remain uninsured, the Court sought coordinated action plans from the Centre and IRDAI. It stressed that mandatory insurance is crucial to protect victims of road accidents.
55. Supreme Court Flags ‘Growing Trend’ of Succeeding Benches Altering Earlier Verdicts
(Sk Md Anisur Rahaman Vs The State of West Bengal & Anr.)
Judicial Discipline – Precedent – Coordinate Bench Consistency – The Court expressed concern that coordinate benches increasingly deviate from earlier binding decisions, causing legal uncertainty. It reiterated that benches of equal strength must either follow existing precedent or refer the matter to a larger bench.
56. SC Enhances Compensation in Jintur MIDC Land Acquisition (1990s Case)
(Ashok s/o Vitthalrao Jagtap Vs The State of Maharashtra and Ors.)
Land Acquisition – Compensation – Market Value – Escalation – Enhancing compensation, the Court held that the High Court undervalued the land despite evidence of rising market rates. It recalculated compensation to reflect fair market value applicable to the acquisition period.
57. Many States/UTs Still Non-Compliant with Organ Transplant Framework: SC Issues Directions
(Indian Society of Organ Transplantation Vs Union of India & Ors.)
Health Law – Transplant Regulations – State Compliance – Enforcement – The Supreme Court noted widespread non-compliance with national transplant rules across States/UTs and issued detailed directions for infrastructure, committees and reporting. It emphasised safeguarding ethical transplantation practices.
58. Income Tax Returns Filed After Death Still Valid for Motor Accident Claims: Supreme Court
(Sayar & Ors Vs Ramkaran & Ors.)
Motor Vehicles Act – Compensation – Evidence of Income – Posthumous ITRs – The Court held that income tax returns filed after a victim’s death by legal representatives are admissible for computing income and assessing compensation. It emphasised that procedural limitations cannot defeat substantive justice.
59. Money Decree Can’t Be Stayed Unless Egregiously Perverse or Patently Illegal: Supreme Court
(Popular Caterers Vs Ameet Mehta & Ors.)
Civil Procedure – Execution – Stay of Money Decrees – High Threshold – The Court held that stay of executable money decrees can be granted only in rare cases involving glaring illegality. Routine stays undermine finality of decrees and frustrate rightful recovery.
60. ‘Appeals Can Get Interim Relief Even If Suit Was Dismissed’: SC Sets Aside Gujarat HC Order
(Mohammadhanif Mohammadibrahim Patel & Ors Vs Pallaviben Rajendra Kumar Patel & Ors.)
Civil Procedure – Appeals – Interim Injunction – Dismissal of Suit – The Supreme Court held that appellate courts may grant interim relief even when the trial court dismissed the suit, provided prima facie case, balance of convenience, and risk of irreparable harm support protection pending appeal.
61. ‘Plea of Res Judicata Must Be Addressed Upfront’: SC Sets Aside High Court Order
(Shahid Alam Vs Arun Kumar Yadav @ Balmiki Yadav & Ors.)
Civil Procedure – Res Judicata – Maintainability – Duty to Decide Preliminary Issues – The Court held that when a plea of res judicata is raised, courts must adjudicate it as a preliminary issue. Skipping this inquiry leads to unnecessary trials and procedural irregularity.
62. Section 138 NI Act Is ‘Quasi-Criminal’ and Compoundable: SC Sets Aside Conviction After Settlement
(Virender Singh Dongwal Vs Manju Aggarwal)
Negotiable Instruments Act – Cheque Bounce – Compounding – Settlement – Setting aside conviction, the Court reiterated that cheque dishonour offences are quasi-criminal and primarily compensatory. Once parties reach a lawful settlement, continuation of prosecution serves no purpose.