Disciplinary Proceedings VIII

Anil Kumar Upadhyay was serving as a Head Constable (Ministerial) in 15th Battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal, Bongaigaon. He was charged under Section 43 of The Shashastra Seema Bal Act, 2007 for entering Mahila Barrack at around 00:15 AM on intervening night of 14th-15th April, 2013. He was imposed punishment of ‘removal from service’. His […]

Disciplinary Proceedings VII

M. Duraisamy was serving as a Postal Assistant. He committed fraud and admitted so. M. Duraisamy deposited entire defrauded amount. He was imposed penalty of ‘removal’. Central Administrative Tribunal modified punishment from ‘removal’ to ‘compulsory retirement’. Chairman & Managing Director, V.S.P. v. Goparaju Sri Prabhakara Hari Babu, (2008) 5 SCC 569 observed, once all procedural […]

Res Ipsa Loquitur I

The maxim ‘res ipsa loquitur’ is resorted to when an accident is shown to have occurred and cause of accident is primarily within knowledge of Defendant. The cause of accident being unknown does not prevent Plaintiff from recovering damages, if proper inference to be drawn from circumstances which are known is: it was caused by […]

Preventive Detention Statute III

The distinction between a disturbance to ‘law and order’ and a disturbance to ‘public order’ has been clearly settled by a Constitution Bench in Ram Manohar Lohia v. State of Bihar, AIR 1966 SC 740. Court has held, every ‘disorder’ does not meet threshold of a disturbance to ‘public order’, unless it affects community at […]

The Doctrine of Basic Structure III

“Basic Structure Doctrine is applicable in Kenya” had only Lady Justice, Fatuma Sichale’s Dissent. My Lord, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission v. David Ndii, Petition No. 12 of 2021 before Supreme Court of Kenya at Nairobi? 6-1, Friend. Lady Justice, P.M. Mwilu, Deputy Chief Justice & Vice-President of Supreme Court of Kenya: If there were […]

Right to Property I

While right to property is no longer a fundamental right [The Constitution (Forty Fourth Amendment) Act, 1978], right against deprivation of property, unless in accordance with procedure established by law, continues to be a constitutional right under Article 300-A. Nobody can be deprived of liberty or property without due process or authorization of law. The […]

Referred to Larger Bench XXVII: The Drastic Power of Rejecting a Plaint IV

A party should not be penalized for failing to adopt legal proceedings when facts or documents have been wilfully concealed from him. A party who had acted fraudulently should not be given benefit of limitation, running in its favor, by virtue of such frauds [Pallav Sheth v. Custodian, (2001) 7 SCC 549]. Section 17 of […]

Non-Communicated File Notings II

Union of India v. Avtar Singh, (1984) 3 SCC 589 held, a letter does not record a decision of Central Government under Section 33 of The Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954 so as to be a decision by Central Government. State of Orissa v. Mesco Steels Limited, (2013) 4 SCC 340 held, High […]

Question of Law

Phrases – such as: ‘question of law’ – are open textual expressions, used in statutes to convey a certain meaning which Legislature would not have intended to be read in a pedantic manner. When words allow narrow as well as wide interpretations, Courts have developed art and technique of finding correct meanings by looking at […]

Forum Shopping II

Predominantly, Indian Judiciary has time and again reiterated, ‘forum shopping’ take several hues and shades but concept of ‘forum shopping’ has not been rendered an exclusive definition in any Indian statute. Indian Judiciary’s observation and obiter dicta has aided in streamlining concept of ‘forum shopping’ in Indian legal system. Court has condemned practice of ‘forum […]

Referred to Larger Bench XXVI: Offence

The expression ‘offence’ in Section 19 of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 would include all ‘offences’ under The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 including ‘offence’ under Section 23. In our society, victims of ‘sexual offence’ are, more often than not, treated as an ‘abettor’, if not ‘perpetrator’, even […]

Ratio Decidendi III / The Revival of Ray LXXXIII

As to what is ratio decidendi has been succinctly explained by this Court in Regional Manager v. Pawan Kumar Dubey, (1976) 3 SCC 334. “Indeed, we do not think, principles of law declared and applied so often have really changed. But, application of same law to differing circumstances and facts of various cases, which have […]

The Revival of Ray LXXXII

7-Judge Bench of this Court in Samsher Singh v. State of Punjab, (1974) 2 SCC 831 has held: “The authority may, in some cases, be of view, conduct of probationer may result in dismissal or removal on an inquiry. But in those cases, authority may not hold an inquiry and may simply discharge probationer with […]

Hijab I

A person who seeks refuge under umbrella of Article 25 has to demonstrate not only ‘essential religious practice’ but also its engagement with constitutional values. There is absolutely no material placed on record to prima facie show wearing of Hijab is a part of an ‘essential religious practice’ in Islam. It is not so, if […]

Proportionality in Culture of Justification II

Whether, and if so where, an employee should be posted are matters which are governed by exigencies of service; an employee has no fundamental right or a vested right to claim a transfer or posting of their choice; individual convenience of persons who are employed in service is subject to overarching needs of administration. Court […]

Forum Shopping I

Court has noticed a rising trend of cases where parties have attempted to take ‘another bite at the cherry’ by initiating proceedings over various forums, particularly to circumvent jurisdiction of this Court. A purportedly ancillary remedy is urged in another forum as a dilatory tactic or as an attempt at ‘forum shopping’. One of us […]

Freebies

Court notices, medical practitioners have a quasi-fiduciary relationship with their patients. A doctor’s prescription is considered final, even if cost of such medication is unaffordable or barely within economic reach – such is level of trust reposed. Therefore, it is a matter of great public importance and concern, when it is demonstrated, a doctor’s prescription […]

Morality of Orchestra Bars

Orchestra Bars are required to secure premises and performance licenses. Court is no stranger to controversies relating to prohibition and restriction in participation of women from performances in establishments in Maharashtra: State of Maharashtra v. Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association, (2013) 8 SCC 519 – Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association v. State of Maharashtra, (2015) […]

The Rules of The Game Principle VI / Recruitment of Constable, Rifleman

By a Notification dated 03/12/2011, Staff Selection Commission invited applications for recruitment of Constables (GD) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as ITBP, BSF, CISF, CRPF and SSB and of Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles. My Lord, Candidates who have indicated preference to a Particular Service can be kept out of consideration for appointment […]

Involuntary Resignation

My Lord, Was Resignation of Ms. X, on 15/07/2014, Voluntary? We are only examining, i) correctness of Order of Transfer, ii) rejection of ‘representations’ and iii) question as to whether ‘resignation’ could be construed to be voluntary or not. Ms. X tendered a ‘resignation’ on 15/07/2014, which was accepted by Government of Madhya Pradesh, Law […]

The Last Word

A Diversion for Lawyers and Others

Nature of Judicial Power