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 […]

Read more "The Doctrine of Basic Structure III"

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 […]

Read more "Right to Property I"

Serpenti

Plaintiff and Defendant manufacture and deal in, inter alia, high-end luxury jewellery. Where a website permits purchase of goods or services, for consideration, every Court having jurisdiction over places from which, by access to website, commercial transactions could be effected and concluded would, prima facie, have jurisdiction to deal with a case of trademark infringement. […]

Read more "Serpenti"

Abandonment

It is fundamental, whenever a material alteration takes place in terms of the original contract, on account of any act of omission or commission on part of one party, it is open to the other party not to perform the original contract. This will not amount to abandonment. Moreover, abandonment is normally understood in context […]

Read more "Abandonment"

Burberry

Burberry Ltd. filed a suit under Sections 134 and 135 of The Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Section 55 of The Copyright Act, 1957 for a permanent injunction restraining Aditya Verma from violating proprietary rights. Learned ADJ, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi dismissed Burberry’s suit. Trial Court has completely misdirected itself in placing undue emphasis […]

Read more "Burberry"

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 […]

Read more "Non-Communicated File Notings II"

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 […]

Read more "Question of Law"

Disciplinary Proceedings VI

The purpose of a disciplinary proceeding by an employer is to enquire into an allegation of misconduct by an employee which results in a violation of service rules governing relationship of employment. Unlike a criminal prosecution, where charge has to be established beyond reasonable doubt, in a disciplinary proceeding, a charge of misconduct has to […]

Read more "Disciplinary Proceedings VI"

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 […]

Read more "Referred to Larger Bench XXVI: Offence"

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 […]

Read more "Hijab I"

5 Lakhs for Supreme Court I

Though both parties have addressed this Court at length on merits and have also taken us through voluminous documents, we do not find it necessary to go into those issues. Justice S. Murtaza Fazal Ali as well as Justice A.N. Sen in Shah Babulal Khimji v. Jayaben D. Kania, (1981) 4 SCC 8 have a […]

Read more "5 Lakhs for Supreme Court I"

Imperial Blender’s Casino

Plaintiff’s two products – BLENDERS PRIDE, IMPERIAL BLUE – and Defendant’s CASINOS PRIDE belong to same segment i.e., Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and, therefore, cater to same customer base. They are also available from same outlets. But, “one does not blend in a casino, and blenders don‘t play dice.” Arrangement of letters and overall […]

Read more "Imperial Blender’s Casino"

Bulls in Truck

Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Agar Malwa asked, whether there was motive of ‘slaughter of seventeen bulls’? No offence was made out. Abdul Vahab was acquitted. But, subsequently, there was a Confiscation Order, dated 09/08/2017, for Abdul’s Truck [MP/09/GF/2159], passed under Section 11(5) of The M.P. Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, 2004 and Rule 5 of […]

Read more "Bulls in Truck"

The Writ of Quo Warranto II

When a Writ of Quo Warranto will lie has been dealt with by this Court in Rajesh Awasthi v. Nand Lal Jaiswal, (2013) 1 SCC 501. Retd. Armed Forces Medical Association v. Union of India, (2006) 11 SCC 731 observed, strict rules of locus standi are relaxed to some extent in Quo Warranto proceedings. A […]

Read more "The Writ of Quo Warranto II"

Subordinate Officer

My Lord, District Magistrate or Chief Metropolitan Magistrate can appoint and authorize an Advocate under Section 14(1A) of The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002? Yes. It is well established, an Advocate is a guardian of constitutional morality and justice equally with a Judge. He bears responsibility towards […]

Read more "Subordinate Officer"

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 […]

Read more "Freebies"

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) […]

Read more "Morality of Orchestra Bars"