Prima Facie

Throughout the history of the use of the term in Latin, ‘prima facie’ meant only the most cursory, initial impression. It retained that meaning upon its adoption into colloquial English. The term ‘prima facie’ is used in the law both as an adjective and as an adverb. Common Law Courts which developed the judicial meaning […]

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First Information Report I

Manoj Kumar Sharma, serving in the Indian Air Force at the relevant time, got married to one Nandini on 27.04.1999. On 20.09.1999, Nandini Sharma committed suicide at her matrimonial home. Ambala Police closed the case after fulfilling the requirements of Section 174 of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 holding, there was no foul play […]

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Article 136 and Criminal Appeals III

“The jurisdiction which this Court exercises under Article 136 has its own self-imposed restrictions. It is sufficient to refer to this Court’s decision reported in Ganga Kumar Srivastava v. State of Bihar, (2005) 6 SCC 211 where this Court after referring to various decisions has laid down certain principles for exercising the power of this […]

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Internal Disturbance I

My Lord, Is the ‘Internal Disturbance’ in Manipur equivalent to a ‘War’? “In support of his contention that a war-like situation was and is prevailing in Manipur, Learned Attorney General submitted that, under Section 121 of IPC, ‘war’ is not necessarily conventional warfare between two nations and even organizing and joining an insurrection against Government […]

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Section 32-A of The NDPS Act

Section 32-A of The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 reads as follows: “32-A. No suspension, remission or commutation in any sentence awarded under this Act – Notwithstanding anything contained in The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or any other law for the time being in force but subject to the provisions of Section 33, […]

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Section 499, Indian Penal Code II

I am an Advocate, not an Academician. The practical impact of a Judgment interests me. Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India, [Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 184 of 2014] pronounced recently, is a significant weapon in my hand. Explanation 1 to Section 499 of The Indian Penal Code, 1860 reads as, “It may amount to defamation to […]

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