Disciplinary Proceedings XI

In a battle between a mighty lion and a weak lamb, should Courts put those weak to sword for not having demonstrated ‘prejudice’ when a brazen violation of law declared by a Constitution Bench is brought to its notice? Why should those mighty not be made answerable as to why an enquiry report has not […]

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Ordinary Man

We observe a tendency on part of Members of Bar to rely upon a large number of decisions, whether relevant or irrelevant. Multiple decisions are cited on same proposition of law. This makes hearing time-consuming. Courts permit written submissions. Very long written submissions come on record. A high monetary stake should not result in unnecessarily […]

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Language of Courts II

“When you learn a language, you don’t just learn to speak and write a new language. You also learn to be open-minded, liberal, tolerant, kind and considerate towards all mankind.” Before language became a tool for learning, its earliest and primary purpose was, and will always remain to be, communication. Coming back to our case, […]

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Custodial Interrogation Evidence

Driver of Kashmir University-Ghulam Nabi Dar alleged, on 06.04.1990 at about 04.20 PM, Vice Chancellor-Dr. Mushir-ul-Haq and Personal Secretary-Abdul Gani Zargar were kidnapped by armed terrorists outside Sadarbal Gate. Subsequently, dead bodies of Dr. Mushir-ul- Haq and Abdul Gani Zargar were recovered on 10.04.1990. Investigation revealed, Hilal Beg, Chief Commander of Jammu & Kashmir Students […]

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Deep and Pervasive Control

Indian Council of Social Science Research is under total financial and administrative control of Ministry of Education, Government of India. Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development is under grant-in-aid of ICSSR. But, this itself cannot be called a ‘deep and pervasive control’. A ‘deep and pervasive control’ would require much more than just […]

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Review of Death Penalty XLIII

“We may reiterate, therefore, the certificate required under Section 65B(4) is a condition precedent to admissibility of evidence by way of electronic record, as correctly held in Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer, (2014) 10 SCC 473.” Arjun Panditrao Khotkar v. Kailash Kushanrao Gorantyal, (2020) 3 SCC 216 referred and Three-Judge Bench in Arjun Panditrao Khotkar […]

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Gravediggers at Chhindwada

It is said, death is a great leveller. A solemn truth. There is no material produced to show, Chhindwada Gram Panchayat has in any manner prescribed, the burial ground at Karkapal to be the burial ground for Christians from Chhindwada. Furthermore, no material has been produced to support, the graveyard in Chhindwada has been designated […]

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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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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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The Revival of Ray XCVI

Therefore, res judicata impacts not only actual matter determined, but every other matter which parties might or ought to have litigated and have decided as incidental to or essentially connected with subject matter of litigation. It includes every matter coming into legitimate purview of original action, both in respect of matters of claim and defence […]

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61.6 Grams of Charas

During course of hearing a practical test was conducted and it was found, said underwear was not of Andrew Salvatore’s size. _____ 04.04.1990: Andrew Salvatore, an Australian, travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai, while undergoing frisking, was found to be in possession of 55 grams and 6.6 grams of charas. _____ M.R. Ajayan has submitted, he […]

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