Misinterpretation of Uma Devi

It is a disconcerting reality. Secretary, State of Karnataka v. Uma Devi, (2006) 4 SCC 1 is often misinterpreted or misapplied to deny legitimate claims of long-serving employees. Government often cites and distorts Uma Devi’s spirit and purpose, effectively weaponizing it against employees who have rendered indispensable services over decades. Where appointments were not ‘illegal’ […]

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Section 52A of The NDPS Act

The evidence collected during course of investigation in a legal and proper manner and sought to be used in course of trial with regard to a seized contraband substance could not be simply brushed aside on ground of a procedural irregularity committed. Union of India v. Mohanlal, (2016) 3 SCC 379 nowhere held, non-compliance or […]

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Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage IV

After a few mediation sessions before Supreme Court Mediation Centre, Sandesh submitted before us, he was not interested in pursuing a mediated settlement before Supreme Court Mediation Centre. However, Rinku and Sandesh agreed to attempt a mediated settlement before a Retired Judge of this Court. Consequently, Retd. Justice S. Ravindra Bhat was appointed as a […]

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Review of Death Penalty XLII

We need to examine whether possibility of reformation is completely ruled out. Sambhubhai was 24, had no criminal antecedents and hails from a low socio-economic household as The Mitigation Investigation Report, filed by Project 39A, indicates. The Mitigation Report further indicates, Sambhubhai maintains family ties with his 64-year-old Mother who takes care of his 10-year-old […]

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Right to Property II

Court has consistently held, right to property requires, procedural safeguards be followed to ensure fairness and non-arbitrariness in decision-making especially in cases of acquisition by State. Therefore, delay in approaching Court, while a significant factor, cannot override necessity to address illegalities and protect right to property. Court must balance need for finality in legal proceedings […]

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Review of Death Penalty XLI

Constitution Bench in Triveniben v. State of Gujarat, (1989) 1 SCC 678 held, while considering delay in execution of Death Sentence, period consumed in judicial process culminating in confirmation of Death Sentence should not be taken into consideration. The question of execution arises only when Death Sentence becomes final.   An ‘inordinate’ delay in execution […]

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Aggrieved Person III

It is well settled, where a ‘citizen aggrieved’ by an action of Government Department has approached Court and obtained a declaration of law in his/her favour, others similarly situated ought to be extended benefit without need for them to go to Court [Amrit Lal Berry v. Collector of Central Excise, New Delhi, (1975) 4 SCC […]

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