Important Landmark Judgments by Supreme Court in 2024

Introduction

The Indian judiciary has always been changing the legal landscape through the interpretations of laws, delivering justice, equality, and fairness in all spheres of life. Legal cases dealing with various areas, like criminal law, constitutional law, family law, environmental law, and many more, reflect the dynamic evolution of Indian legal principles. Not only do these landmark judgments set precedents but also clarify ambiguities in the legal provisions, guiding future adjudications.
This article gives details of some of the major legal cases that arose in different domains, focusing more on their facts, issues, legal reasoning, and judgments. From this, we see that such selected cases encompass a rather wide range of subjects of matters, from criminal offences to constitutional challenges regarding rights to citizens regarding the environment and family matters. For that reason, through those analyses, we understand more how the courts balance private rights with public interests to keep accountability and uphold a constitutional framework.
Here are cases from which it may be possible to highlight the role played by the judiciary as custodian of constitutional values and social justice. Through judicial decisions, it protects rights, upholds the law, and helps further democratic ideals. In fact, its judgments also manifest the dynamic nature of law in contemporary society, adapting legal principles to the novel challenges involved.
As we move ahead to analyze these cases, we will delve into the legalities that define each case, understand issues at stake, and explore how the judiciary's reasoning goes on to impact future legal frameworks.

Criminal Law

Navas @ Mulanavas v. State of Kerala
Facts: Navas, the accused, was said to have committed murder by stabbing a local businessman with a sharp weapon during a fight about a financial transaction. He was found with many knife wounds, resulting in death. Eyewitness testimony incriminated him against his will; this further proof of DNA profiling corroborates him as one involved with the crime.

Issues:

Whether circumstantial evidence was sufficient to prove the guilt of the accused.

Whether forensic evidence that includes DNA is reliable, valid, and admissible at court.

Analysis: The prosecution used circumstantial evidence of the presence of the defendant at the crime scene; his motive emanated from a financial misunderstanding; the forensic analysis matches the DNA of the accused with traces found at the crime scene. The defence argued the lack of direct evidence directly linking Navas to murder.

Reasoning: The court had evaluated the chain of circumstantial evidence and concluded it was coherent and pointed toward the guilt of the accused. The DNA evidence served as a good connecting factor and established the fact that the suspect was indeed at the crime scene and took part in the crime.

Judgment: The case was filed for murder by the High Court under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code against Navas. The conviction is valid because the offence is severe and the grounds are pretty strong.

Achin Gupta v. State of Haryana & Anr.
Facts: Achin Gupta was charged with grievous harm to a fellow student who had an argument turn personal. The victim sustained various injuries, including breaking of the arm. Defence held that the injury resulted from accident and was not deliberate but a momentary outburst of emotions on their part, whereas prosecution maintained it was a planned attack.

Issues:

Whether the attack was intentional or accidental.

Whether the injuries were consistent with a deliberate assault or the result of a sudden quarrel.

Analysis: Medical reports that explained the degree of severity and nature of injuries were reviewed by the court. Eyewitness accounts asserted that Achin assaulted the victim after a heated dispute. The prosecution supported claims that the attack was a planned affair and was not spontaneous.

Rationale: The court observed that the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim was an indicator that the attack was not a case of accident but was instead a deliberate intention to cause harm. This would be in contrast with the unintentional injury sometimes associated with a fight between the parties.

Judgment: Achin Gupta was sentenced under Section 325 (grievous hurt) of the IPC. The court awarded him a five-year term, reasoning that although it was serious, it was not so severe as to be construed as an attempt to murder.

Dablu Kujur v. State of Jharkhand

Facts: Dablu Kujur was charged with robbery in which the victim, a shopkeeper aged around sixty years, was attacked using a blunt weapon. Prosecution was based on evidence of eyewitnesses, which identified the accused as the one who had committed this crime. Physical evidence involved fingerprints at the spot also.

Issues:

If the identification of the accused by the eyewitnesses is credible.

Whether the identified evidence connected the suspect with the crime.

Analysis: Eyewitnesses testified that they identified Dablu at the scene of the crime, and he was identified from a police lineup. He contested the identification since the witnesses might have gotten it wrong. The prosecutor, however, produced forensic evidence, which included fingerprints located on the victim's cash register. This evidence verified the testimonies of witnesses.

The court held that circumstantial evidence must be supported by some tangible evidence. Recovered fingerprints on the scene of the crime were evidence that would sustain the existence of the statement that Dablu had been inside during the commission of robbery. Further, the testimonial evidence from witnesses strengthened identification.

Judgment: The court found Dablu Kujur guilty of robbery and causing grievous hurt under Section 394 of the IPC. The accused was sentenced to ten years imprisonment, with a further term for the violence involved in the crime.

State through CBI vs. Naresh Prasad Agarwal

Facts- Naresh Prasad Agarwal was a topmost official who was arrested with the charge of embezzlement related to the withdrawal of crores of rupees from an account where he was to disburse in some welfare schemes of the government. Though CBI investigation did not work fully, it was in this case that they managed to expose quite a few fraudulent deals and kickbacks in the tune of crores of rupees. It included forging some documents, the testimony of whistleblowers, and financial audits.

Issues:

Whether the accused misused his position to embezzle funds.

Whether the evidence was sufficient to prove that the accused acted with criminal intent and knowledge.

Analysis: The CBI showed proof that the defendant was involved in fraudulent transactions as he used his position for withdrawing money meant for public use. The defense cited that the transactions were all valid and the accusations purely political. The court perused the financial records and expert testimonies along with corroborative evidence.

The court concluded that the voluminous nature of the fraud transactions and the forgeries in the documents constituted sufficient evidence. The position the accused held in the public service, besides the consistent manner in which the thefts happened, was evident enough that an intent to commit corruption existed.

Judgement: Naresh Prasad Agarwal was under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 409 Criminal breach of trust by a public servant of the Indian Penal Code. He had been given rigorous imprisonment with ten years along with the recovery of a very large fine.

Anees v. The State Govt. of NCT

Facts of the case: Anees was convicted with the charge of trafficking of huge quantity of narcotics. His house was raided wherein more than 100 kgs of drugs were recovered from his house. Heaving made the case with some evidence with undercover agents recovered by the prosecutor, from the seized drugs and other evidences with Anees's previous conviction record.

Issues:

Whether the quantity of drugs seized from Anees's possession was substantial enough to prosecute him for trafficking.

Whether the prosecution had enough evidence to prove the intent behind holding such a large quantity of narcotics.

Analysis: The defense tried to prove that Anees was not involved in the trafficking business but was rather holding the drugs for somebody else. However, prosecution had enough evidence that relates him to known drug networks. The sheer quantity of narcotics and his criminal history proved that the accused person was indeed involved in the trafficking business.

Holding: The court considered that the amount of drugs is huge and also considered the circumstances of arrest. Having regard to the gravity of the offence and evidence to show previous involvement in drug trafficking activities, the court held that Anees is involved in drug trafficking activities rather than simple possession.
Judgment: Anees was found guilty of violating the NDPS Act and was awarded 15 years of imprisonment along with heavy fine, so that such crimes were not committed in the future.

Babu Lal v State of Rajasthan

Facts: Babu Lal was charged with murder, and it was based on the argument of a domestic fight over money. According to the prosecution, Babu Lal struck his wife multiple times with a blunt weapon, which caused fatal head injuries. The defense claimed that it was a case of accident and was during the struggle.

Issues:

Whether it was a premeditated one or committed in the heat of the moment.

Whether sufficient evidence was adduced before the court to establish intent on the part of the accused to kill.

Analyze- The prosecution based their case on medical evidence, which pointed out that the nature of the injuries was suitable to a deliberate act of violence rather than an accidental fall or injury. Even testimonies from the couple's neighbors gave the impression that the defendant had threatened his wife some days before the incident.

Argument: The court found that the evidence indicated an intentional act motivated by the intent of domestic discord. The severity and nature of the injuries did not support an accidental cause. In addition, the court dismissed the argument of the defence that death resulted from an unintentional scuffle.

Judgement: Babu Lal was convicted of murder as per Section 302, IPC. He was pronounced a life sentence. In cases of domestic violence things reach such extreme levels, it calls for a strict response from the law, held the court.

Shankar Lal v. State of Maharashtra

Facts: Shankar Lal was accused of a gang-related murder committed when one of the victim heads to kill due to a fight between the two criminal gangs. It was noticed at the crime spot that the convict was present there, and the other evidence was some fingerprints obtained from the murdering weapon.

Issues:

Whether Shankar Lal's complicity in the murder was proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Whether gang rivalry was the motivation for the crime.

Analysis: Eyewitness and forensic evidence incriminate Shankar Lal in the murder case with the weapon used in such activity. The defense argued that circumstantial evidence was used to prove the case. Every gang member was held equal. The court considered the motive provided, which was gang rivalry, and judged it to be reliable or not.

Arguments: The court observed the case had circumstantial evidence, and a coherent and intelligent narrative which connected Shankar Lal to this offense didn't exist. The chain of circumstantial evidence tied the accused to the weapon, and gang rivalry was a probable reason.

Held: Shankar Lal was convicted under sections 302 and 120B of the IPC. The court had awarded the accused death sentence saying that the violent gang related crime must be discouraged.

Kamal Nath v. State of Punjab

Facts: Kamal Nath has been accused of grievously injuring a fellow villager in a land dispute case. The fight went up into the level of murder when Kamal Nath attacked the victim with a sharp weapon and resulted in life-threatening injuries to the victim. The latter eventually died from his injuries. Murder charges were brought against the accused.

Issues:

Whether the accused acted in self-defence or with the deliberate intention to kill.

Whether the wounds inflicted were so grave to be consistent with the story of self-defence.

Analysis: The defense contended that Kamal Nath was acting in self-defense since the victim had assaulted him. However, the prosecution presented medical reports that reflected the fact that the injuries were grievous and thus must have been inflicted by one who meant to kill. Witnesses testified that the victim had never threatened Kamal Nath prior to the attack.

Justification: The court analyzed the type of injuries and lack of provocation from the side of the victim. The plea of self-defence in support of defence was not convincing due to the excess usage of force by Kamal Nath.

Judgment: Kamal Nath was held guilty under Section 302 of IPC, i.e., murder. Kamal Nath was given a life sentence, and the judgment delivered no scope for self-defence.

Ajay Sharma v State of Himachal Pradesh

Facts: Ajay Sharma was an accused of sexual assault of a woman working at local hotel. The victim has brought the case that she faced harassment by the accused. She said that he harassing her for several weeks by which it ended in causing physical assault. The corroborative evidence used for forensics is DNA sample.

Issues:

Whether the evidence presented was sufficient to convict Ajay Sharma for sexual assault.

Whether the victim's testimony was believable and in tandem with the physical evidence.

Analysis: The prosecution provided the victim's testimony, which was supported by medical records attesting to the attack and DNA evidence. The defense said that the charges were made up and driven by personal grudges. The court carefully examined the medical evidence and the consistency of the victim's statements.

Reasoning: The physical evidence-the DNA samples recovered from the victim's clothing-strongly supported the testimony of the victim. As because there was insufficient evidence to back up the defense's arguments, the court had concluded its order and had found the accused guilty.

Judgment: Using Sections 354 and 376 of the IPC, Ajay Sharma was found guilty of rape and harassment.
His punishment was imprisonment for ten years. The judgment further read that sexual offenses are graver in nature, and victims' rights should also be protected.

Ramesh Thakur versus State of Madhya Pradesh

This case involved one, Ramesh Thakur who was accused of indulging in illegal wildlife trade by smuggling rare tigers and their parts. The respondent was discovered to possess several pieces of tiger pelts and bones that he had sourced from illegal channels. From the investigations carried out, it was apparent that there was an enormous network of smuggling endangered species.

Issue:

Whether Ramesh Thakur's involvement in the trade had been proved beyond doubt.

Whether the sentence under Wildlife Protection Act was enough of a deterrence for the wildlife crime.

Analysis: The prosecution gave evidence as proofs that Ramesh Thakur had been linked to the network of the smuggling, telephone records as well as papers that attached him to illegal trade, and the defence argued it was circumstantial and would not directly point to any connection with trafficked activity.

Rationale: The court argued that wildlife crimes are seriously ecologically damaging, and thus the punishment must be proportionate to the crime. On those grounds, it was sufficient to prove that the accused was directly involved in trafficking.

Judgment: Ramesh Thakur was convicted under the Wildlife Protection Act and was awarded a heavy term of imprisonment. Furthermore, the court had also imposed a heavy fine and had asserted its position with regards to preventing wildlife crimes and the necessity to save endangered species.

Rohit Kumar versus State of Uttar Pradesh

The basic facts are that Rohit Kumar was charged with the kidnapping and murder of a daughter. Rohit Kumar was identified by the prosecution since they used the girl's final calls as the basis for their case.
His call records indicate that he had called the girl several times before she went missing. The girl was found in a remote place, with signs of violent assault.

Issues:

Whether circumstantial evidence presented against Rohit Kumar had been sufficient to establish guilt.

Whether the motive of the accused had been established satisfactorily.

Court's View: Prosecutors linked the defendant to the crime scene by utilizing forensic evidence and phone records. Rohit Kumar is not directly connected to the crimes, according to the defense, and the evidence is hypothetical.

The court determined that there was sufficient forensic evidence, such as DNA samples taken from the site that matched those of the victim and the offender, and phone records showing premeditation.

In accordance with Sections 364 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code, Rohit Kumar was convicted of kidnapping and murder. The defendant received the death penalty since the victim was a juvenile and the court found the act terrible.

Sudhir Sharma versus State of Bihar

Fact: 

This case involved Sudhir Sharma who was charged with the crime of domestic violence and it was alleged that he had subjected his wife to physical and mental torture and harm. Despite the victim's repeated accusations over the years, the abuse persisted. The victim suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital following one very vicious encounter.

Issues:

Whether Sudhir Sharma's acts constituted cruelty and whether it caused the wife's physical harm.

Whether repeated acts of abuse formed the basis of a charge of aggravated assault.

The case: The prosecution furnished medical reports that showed recurrent injuries to the victim. The defense claimed that there was exaggeration of charges and that the victim, in many cases, had provoked the accused.
Reasoning: The judge found that the sequence of abuse, along with the grievous injuries the victim incurred, showed the intent with which the accused committed such acts. The court highlighted the importance of domestic violence in the legal framework also.

According to Section 323 (grievous injury) and Section 498A (cruelty to a woman by her husband or his family) of the IPC, Sudhir Sharma was found guilty. He was given a five-year prison sentence, demonstrating the necessity of deterring domestic abuse.

Arjun Singh v. State of Jharkhand

Facts: Arjun Singh was accused of running large-scale illegal mining. The operation was that of extracting minerals without licenses, causing environmental damage. Arjun Singh was accused of being the mastermind behind the operation, who supervised its execution.

Issues:

Whether Arjun Singh was directly involved in the illegal mining operation.

Whether the environmental harm caused by the mining justified the severe penalties imposed under environmental laws.

Analysis: The prosecution had the evidences based on testimonies of workers who were under the man on trial and proof that this man was the organizer of the operation through which he was benefiting from the operation. Defense: It was said that Arjun Singh is a peripheral operator, rather than the beneficiary.

Since the accused was in charge of the workers and making money off of them, the court noted that he had actively participated in the illicit mining operation. Given that the enterprise had committed several infractions, the court also examined the environmental harm it had created.

Arjun Singh was convicted under the Mines and Minerals Act and sentenced to ten years in prison. The court issued a severe penalty to discourage similar illegal behavior in the future.

Lalita Devi v. State of Bihar

Facts: Lalita Devi was accused of poisoning her husband after a long-fought dispute over financial matters. The husband fell ill out of nowhere, and a post-mortem examination established the presence of poison in his body. Lalita Devi was arrested on the testimony of witnesses, who testified that they saw her administering the poison to the husband's food.

Issues:

Whether the proof of poisoning was sufficient for establishing murder beyond reasonable doubt.

Whether the motive behind the crime was obvious and convincing.

Analysis: The prosecution proved with medical evidence that the husband died of poisoning. Defense argued that the poison was ingested accidentally, that the victim had an antecedent condition.

Reasoning: The motive of the crime impressed the court as it was in relation to an acrimonious dispute on financial matters. Poisoning was a deliberate act. Medical evidence clearly revealed that the poisoning had resulted in her death.

Judgement: Lalita Devi was held guilty under Section 302, IPC (Murder). The convict was awarded life imprisonment by the court. It clearly highlighted that it was a pre-planned act of crime.

Kunal Mehta v. State of Gujarat

Background: Kunal Mehta inflicted grievous bodily harm upon his business partner by the way of assault on some occasion following a fight both of them had due to a business failure.

Issues: Under the given facts whether such assault was pre-meditated or committed in hotbloodedness.
Whether the level of injuries warranted the offenses in Section 307 (attempted murder).

Discussion: The defense used an argument that the injury occurred through accident and resulted in scuffle between the parties whereas the prosecution used arguments saying that the violence had its intention and was even too much.

The court considered the type of weapon used, the extent of the injuries, and the reason for the usage. They came to the conclusion that it was a premeditated attempt to hurt the victim rather than an accident.

Kunal Mehta received a ten-year jail term after being found guilty of attempted murder under Section 307.
The court came to the conclusion that using violence in a business setting can nonetheless have major legal ramifications.

Rahul Jadhav vesues State of Maharashtra

The case invovled one Rahul Jadhav who alleged to have robbed a jewelry store with an armed weapon. In the course of the nighttime heist, gold and money were stolen. During the heist, the thief was captured on camera.

Issues:

Whether the evidence presented, in this case the CCTV footage, was adequate to convict Rahul Jadhav.
Whether it was the mastermind behind it or an accomplice.

Analysis: But what Prosecution did is produce a CCTV footage wherein it clearly indicated Rahul Jadhav was seen putting on a mask to execute his crime. Defense contended that the scene of the crime could not be produced from the video coverage of the place.

Reasoning: The court held that the video footage of CCTV cameras was very crucial evidence as it was clear and unambiguous. It also noted that the accused had earlier been involved in such offenses and hence, was not merely an accomplice but a principal actor.

Judgement: Rahul Jadhav convicted for sections 392 of robery, section 397 which signifies robery with an intentio to cause death of some person. Rahul was subjected for imprisonment of twenty years which the court took seriously upon armed robberies.

Constitutional Law

Sita Soren v. Union of India

Case Summary

Facts: Sita Soren is a notorious politician and one of the Soren's family members. She challenged the limitation placed on her from being electorally participating after an earlier conviction. She submits that the limitation imposed upon her was arbitrary, and thereby, she had been deprived of the fundamental right of equality guaranteed by Article 14 and right of election given by Article 324.

Problems:

Whether curbs on electorally contesting elections on account of a criminal conviction violate the right to equality.

Whether such curbs were proportionate to the objective of having free and fair elections.

Argument: Whether the curbs against election to public office on account of criminal conviction are rationally justifiable and within the interest of the public, the petitioner submitted that the curbs are arbitrary and lack justification. ***.

Judgement: The court referred to the provisions of the Representation of People Act and restrictions imposed on a convicted person which, it said, were indispensable to the public perception of a representative.

They were sustained because they did not amount to discrimination but, on the contrary, were necessary in order to ensure the integrity of an election. The petition was dismissed on balance of the rights of the individuals against the larger public interest.

Association for Democratic Reforms versus Election Commission of India

Political parties' failure to disclose candidates' assets and criminal histories was contested by the Association for Democratic Reforms. Within the scope of the right to vote guaranteed by Article 19 of the Constitution, the ADR argued that the non-declaration violated voters' basic right to make an informed decision.

Issues:

Whether the non-disclosure of criminal records of the candidates violates the fundamental right of information of voters.

Whether the Election Commission has jurisdiction to enforce such disclosures.

Analysis: The case was basically about transparency of political processes and the right of the electorate to be fully informed of the candidates they were electing. Voters had a right to know the criminal history and assets of candidates to be in a position to make an informed decision, ADR argued.

The court went deep into discussing the inter-relationship between the right to information, free and fair elections, and the powers of the Election Commission in the context of directing disclosures. The court delved into the actual implementation of such directions.

The hon'ble court passed an order in favour of the ADR instructing the Election Commission to see to it that every political party must declare criminal records and assets of its candidates. The judgment underlined the necessity for transparency and rights of the voters to get complete information.

Noble M Paikada v. Union of India

Social activist Noble M. Paikada argued that some sections of the UAPA violated his fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 and hence were unconstitutional.

Questions:

Whether the provisions of the UAPA violated the fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21.

Whether the law was sweeping in its sweep and discriminatory in its operation.

Analysis: The petitioners averred that the provisions, particularly the preventive detentions and prohibition of free speech, are easily abused and oftentimes applied to those exercising their freedom of dissent.

Reasoning: It cited the legal framework in UAPA and compared this to international human rights standards and also the balance between national security and individual freedoms.

Judgment: The court declared the constitutional validity of the UAPA but cautioned against its misuse. It directed a review of certain provisions to make them compatible with the principles of fairness and justice in the Constitution.

Karikho Kri vs. Nuney Tayang

Facts: This case arose out of a dispute between two political leaders, Karikho Kri and Nuney Tayang, regarding the application of the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Karikho Kri contended that Nuney Tayang's switching allegiance to a rival political party was violative of the anti-defection provisions.

Problems:

Whether the action of Nuney Tayang in changing political allegiance is in violation of the anti-defection law.

Whether the decision of the Speaker in that behalf was subject to judicial review.

Analysis: The question that arose before the Court was whether such defection could be justified under any of the provisions of the Constitution. In other words, the judgment dealt with the interpretation of the anti-defection law. It had been thus contended by the petitioner that the defection was against the basic structure of the Constitution and also the democratic process. ***.

Rationale: The court construed the provisions of the Tenth Schedule, and it held that the law was enacted to avoid hijacking of the electoral mandate and for maintaining stability.

Judgment: It further declared the defection of Nuney Tayang was violating the law of anti-defection and asked the Speaker to make appropriate action in the issue. It again reminded the sanctity of anti-defection law that is required for the sake of integrity of legislature.

Chandigarh Housing Board v. Tarsem Lal

Tarsem Lal, a resident of Chandigarh, has filed a petition and challenged the decision of Chandigarh Housing Board. The said Board had allocated housing to some people, completely in contravention of the principles of fairness, transparency, and the right to equality under Article 14.

Problems:

Whether the allocation of housing was done in a transparent manner.

Whether the procedure breached the equal rights provision.

Analysis: The petitioner brought to the fore evidence of some sort of irregularity in the allotment process, stating that people had been given favors without following proper procedures. The Chandigarh Housing Board took the stand that it followed a fair and transparent process.

Reasoning: The court tried to analyze the procedure employed in the allotment with a view to find whether the steps taken by Chandigarh Housing Board accorded with principles of natural justice and equity. The court found that there must be clarity in the procedure adopted by the government itself.

Judgment: The court decided favor of the petitioner and directed the Chandigarh Housing Board to reconsider the procedure by which the houses were given. Chandigarh Housing Board was directed to deal the houses in a fair and transparent procedure. Article 14 holds that equal treatment should be rendered. 

Rajeshwar Sharma versus State of Madhya Pradesh

Rajeshwar Sharma contested the legitimacy of the Madhya Pradesh statute that limited the ability to appeal judgments made by the government. The petitioner thus contended that the law undermined the fundamental right to seek judicial review, a core principle of the Constitution.

Problems:

Whether the law limiting judicial review of government decisions contravened the basic structure of the Constitution.

Whether the right to judicial review was an inviolable right under the Constitution.

Analysis: The court discussed the doctrine of judicial review and the scope of basic rights, specifically whether such curtailment was acceptable in a democracy.

Argument: The court stressed that judicial review is part of the Constitution. It referred to the fact that the right to litigate against governmental action forms part of the basic right to access justice.

Judgment: The court declared the law unconstitutional because it was plain that judicial review shall at all times remain an indivisible part of India's judicial system.

Anand Mishra v. Union of India

Anand Mishra contended that the far-reaching powers conferred by the National Investigation Agency Act substantially violated his right to privacy under Article 21, and challenged some of its clauses as invalid.

Issues:

Whether the provisions of the NIA Act, which conferred sweeping powers of investigation, violated the fundamental right to privacy.

Whether such powers were disproportionate and constituted an infringement of liberty and freedom of speech.
Analysis: The petitioner, thus argued that the NIA Act granted an unfettered power to the agency which could easily be exercised for political or personal motives, to the detriment of privacy and due process.

Rationale: The court weighed the need for national security against the rights of individuals. A measure that infringes upon basic rights must be specifically designed to serve a compelling public purpose, the court has emphasized.

Decision: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the NIA Act while recommending the creation of protections against its abuse.

The Supreme Court once again stated that individual rights must not be overlooked regarding national security issues.

Priya Saha v. State of Assam

An activist, Priya Saha, moved a petition against the state government of Assam based on the grievance that it was unable to protect the religious minorities within the state; at least on the ground that religious freedom and freedom of expression were facing growing threats.

Issues:

Whether the state government's actions and inactions towards protecting religious minorities violated the fundamental right under Article 25.

Regarding Article 14 (Right to Equality), was the state's inactivity an abuse of power?

The petitioner said that in the face of the increasing number of cases of religious persecution, including threats against religious minorities, the state's inaction went against the constitutional ideals of religious equality and freedom.

Such constitutional provisions, which involved mainly protection towards religious minorities, have underlined the final verdict of the court.

The state has the mandate to provide safety and liberty for all.

Judgment: It ordered the Assam government that proper immediate action should be done to stop religious minority persecution and none should be victimized by religious persecution. In this regard, it maintained that the safeguard of such constitutional rights against Articles 14 and 25 lay within the governmental machinery.

Pratima Devi versus State of Karnataka

Pratima Devi challenged the policy of the Karnataka government about reservations for women in local bodies, contending that this reservation policy infringed upon the right to equality since it had established a criterion based on gender and hence was not in harmony with the vision of equality reflected in the Constitution.

Problems:

Whether gender-based reservations in local bodies infringe the fundamental right to equality under Article 14.

Whether the provision of quotas for women in political representation discriminates against men.

Analysis: The case presented the question of whether the gender-based reservations formed a proper classification under the law or it was doing an inappropriate distinction between the genders.

The court has considered the general issue of gender discrimination in Indian society and whether affirmative action was required to promote equality between men and women in politics and governance.

Judgment: The Supreme Court held the reservation policy legitimate because it felt it was a fair manner of reversing historical gender imbalances and enhancing gender presence in the leadership structures. It has reiterated the point that the reservations were a need for achieving substantive equality.

Raghav Sharma versus Union of India
In response to public accusations that social media platforms were being used to incite people, spread false information, and even enable violent acts against specific communities, the appellant had argued that the government's ban on social media had in fact violated his rights under the constitution

Issues:

Whether the government's social media ban had infringed the right to freedom of speech and expression under the provisions of the constitution?

Whether such a ban was a reasonable restriction on the right to speech under the Constitution.

Analysis: The case looked into the tension between freedom of expression and the need to control the spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media platforms.

Rationale: Judgment discussed the scope of Article 19(1)(a) and permissible restrictions under Article 19(2). It weighed up harm caused by disinformation against public order and national security against the importance of free expression.

Judgment: The court held that the government had a right to regulate social media companies, but only on 'clear evidence' of public disorder. The government was supposed to ensure that any kind of ban or restriction should be transitory and proportionate to the threat 'misinformation' posed.

Nidhi Malhotra v. Union of India

Facts: Nidhi Malhotra, in a petition filed in Assam against the constitutionality of National Register of Citizens, contended that NRC infringed Article 14 and Article 21 and therefore, the right to equality and the right to life of citizens.

Problems:

The state differentiated the process of NRC to some communities against the principles of equality before law.
Whether the decision was whimsical and had resulted in infringement of right to life and liberty. 

Analysis: The judgment condemned NRC legislation and the concerns it had raised regarding the impact it was having in relation to the vulnerable, particularly with regard to registering and proving citizenship.

Argument: The court considered whether there were procedural safeguards fairly designed to identify citizens, whether the process used by NRC would meet constitutional safeguard of fairness and equality. Decision: The judgement delivered by the court provided a decision that the process NRC has to employ the full transparency, and give each person an opportunity of self-redress if it felt it was wrongly kept away from the list of people. The decision on balance appeared to be favoring procedural fairness in determining who is a citizen.

Jyoti Singh v. Union of India

Facts: Jyoti Singh emerged as prominent social activist. She submitted a petition (which raised) pressing issue regarding inadequacy of legislation addressing violence against women, particularly focusing on sexual violence. She asserted that current law (was) insufficient to safeguard women's rights, as articulated in Constitution.

However, challenges she highlighted reflect broader societal issue. This is significant: legal frameworks must evolve to adequately protect all individuals. Although her efforts were commendable, real change requires collective action (because) individuals must unite.

Issues:

The current regulations concerning sexual violence have infringed upon fundamental rights of women (as articulated in Articles 14 and 21). Has the state failed to adequately protect women from sexual violence? 
An analysis reveals that the petitioner argued there were laws addressing sexual violence; however, enforcement of these laws was insufficient and penalties did not effectively deter offenders. The court undertook a review of legal statutes, including Criminal Law (Amendment) Act and scrutinized whether these provisions could adequately deliver justice to victims of sexual violence. 

Furthermore, the court considered international standards for protecting women against gender-based violence. The judgment asserted that, for the legal framework to be strengthened, the government needed to enact more robust laws regarding sexual violence (instead of merely improving implementation of existing ones). This judgment underscored that it is state’s duty to safeguard fundamental rights of women.

Family Law

Dolly Rani V. Manish Kumar Chanchal
Dolly Rani was (unfortunately) divorced by her husband (Manish Kumar Chanchal) on the grounds of cruelty and desertion. She contended, however, that she had been tortured—both physically and mentally—by her husband; this was significant factor in her claims. Although they had not lived together for more than two years, the emotional toll of their relationship was profound. Because of these circumstances, her case was marked by a complex interplay of personal suffering and legal battles, but the nuances of her situation made it particularly challenging.

Questions:

Were the allegations (of cruelty and desertion) as presented by her based on provisions of Hindu Marriage Act of 1955? The central question was whether petitioner could be granted a divorce on grounds of cruelty. 

In its analysis, court examined the concept of cruelty (within the context of family law), scrutinizing evidence provided by Dolly Rani, who claimed to have endured both physical and mental torment from her husband. 
Court's reasoning highlighted that, in instances of cruelty, an adequate explanation of alleged cruel behavior is essential; moreover, it recognized desertion as a legitimate basis for divorce. 

Ultimately, court issued a decree of divorce. Petitioner had successfully substantiated claims of cruelty and desertion under Hindu Marriage Act. Alimony was awarded to husband; however, this decision remained contentious.

Devu G. Nair v. The State of Kerala

Devu G. Nair (in her plea) sought judicial separation from her husband, citing mental cruelty and neglect as her primary reasons. According to her assertions, her husband has not only failed to provide adequate financial support (1) but has also engaged in verbal assaults against her. This situation is troubling; however, it highlights the complexities of marital relationships. Although she has endured this treatment for some time, she believes that court's intervention is necessary.

Issues:

The question arose (was the husband's behavior, under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, sufficient to be classified as cruelty?) Furthermore, was judicial separation an appropriate remedy in (this) instance? In its analysis, the court evaluated the maturity of the relationship and deliberated on whether the wife's claims of verbal assault and neglect were sufficiently serious to be deemed cruel. The rationale was compelling: constant verbal abuse and neglect that impose an unbearable lifestyle on the wife could indeed qualify as mental cruelty. Consequently, the judgment rendered by the court resulted in the granting of judicial separation; confirming that (the husband's actions were indeed cruel). Additionally, it mandated counseling for both parties regarding marital issues, however, some (might argue) that more comprehensive interventions are necessary.

Shama Sharma v. Kishan Kumar
Shama Sharma initiated a divorce case against her husband, Kishan Kumar, based on the ground of adultery. She alleged that her husband had committed an act of adultery, which caused her considerable mental anguish and his also.

It was a question whether the petitioner's allegations of adultery could be established under the Hindu Marriage Act. Moreover, there was a question of determining whether the petitioner was deserving of divorce under the grounds brought to the court's attention. 

Discussion: All this case considered in regard to Shama Sharma as giving judicial precedents about this, with evidence surrounding the supposed infidelity on her husband's part and how this affects their marital status.
The court did look into the stipulations that can be found of Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 that permits granting divorce grounds based on adultery. It also reflected on what would happen if a marriage is continued where one party has been unfaithful, but this brought yet more questions to the morality of the relationship. Since evidence was present of her infidelity, the courts had to balance the damage to both parties' psychological states. 

Judgement: At last, the court, after due deliberation, agreed for divorce considering the adultery charges were genuine and causing psychological disturbance to the wife's mind. Therefore, it ordered to provide her with maintenance but not without protest. While the points of contention had been given to oppose claims, proofs went against all arguments on the wife's side. Therefore, the judgment stood good because both parties to the case are concerned by this judgment.

Anita Dutt versus Ramesh Dutt

Anita Dutt filed divorce petition against her husband on the grounds of cruelty and desertion. She stated her husband deserted her and his children and did not bring any support for years together.

Issues:

Whether there was desertion and, if so, whether same could be considered as well-founded grounds for divorce.

Whether the petitioner was granted maintenance for herself and that for her children.

The court examined whether the petitioner had experienced cruelty, taking into account the couple's past marital history and the husband's abandonment.

The court used the legal doctrines of cruelty and desertion; according to the Hindu Marriage Act, cruelty without a good reason may be grounds for divorce.

The court granted the divorce as he had not been meeting the marital obligations which were discharged on earning and maintaining his wife. Further, he was ordered to pay in order to sustain his children and petitioner.

Mohan Singh v. Leena Kumari

Mohan Singh filed for divorce from Leena Kumari, his wife, citing a lack of affection and mutual incompatibility. The marriage had grown more strained as a result of both sides' inability to work out their issues.

Issues:

Whether incompatibility and lack of affection constituted grounds for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act.

Whether the couple should be granted a divorce on the grounds of mutual consent.

Analysis: The court looked at the grounds of incompatibility and impossibility of living together. The court also looked at the mental and emotional torment to both parties due to a strained relationship.

Reasoning: Whether or not the parties could not get along with each other and whether mutual incompatibility had made such a breakdown in marriage so that reconciliation between the two parties was not possible before the couple came to the court seeking a divorce.

Judgment: The court granted the divorce on grounds of mutual consent and compatibility, which it realized that the marriage between the couple had finally broken down irretrievably.

Aarti Yadav v. Vikram Yadav
Background: A case was filed by Aarti Yadav against her husband, Vikram Yadav. She had sought a divorce and alimony, pleading cruelty and inability to discharge marital duties.

Issues

Whether the fact of both physical and mental cruelty is established here.

Whether the petitioner is entitled to alimony and maintenance.

Held- The court examined the evidence brought forth, such as medical records and testimonies, on the physical and emotional torture meted out by her husband to Aarti.

After considering the seriousness of the cruelty claims, the court determined that cruelty is defined by the Hindu Marriage Act as both bodily and mental suffering.

Judgement- The court granted the decree of divorce but held the fact that the cruelty the petitioners were subjected to put her to extreme mental suffering. Alimony was further granted to the wife too.

Rekha Sharma versus Amit Sharma

Rekha Sharma divorced her husband, Amit Sharma, based on adultery, cruelty, and neglect. She demonstrated that her husband had been ignoring the family and having an affair outside of the marriage.

Issues:

Whether the grounds of adultery and cruelty were proved.

Was the petitioner entitled to a decree of divorce and alimony?

Call logs and other evidence about Amit Sharma's extramarital affair and his failure to perform his marital obligations were considered by the court.

The court discussed the effects of adultery and neglect on the mental and psychological condition of the petitioner and focused on the right to live in a peaceful and supportive marital atmosphere.
Judgement: The court decreed the divorce based on adultery and cruelty. The court asked the husband to pay the maintenance to the wife.

Sanjay Kumar v. Sneha Verma

Sanjay Kumar had accused his wife, Sneha Verma, of abuse and infidelity in his divorce petition. He said that in addition to torturing him physically and mentally, Sneha was having an extramarital affair.

Issues:

whether obtaining a divorce required proof of adultery.

In accordance with the Hindu Marriage Act, might the petitioner provide evidence of cruelty?

Analysis: The court has balanced various testimonies and material evidences to check whether such accusations brought against the respondent wife are true or not, as well as evidence of adulterous activities by the wife and the degree of cruelty.

Reasoning: The court of law upheld that cruelty in the sense both mental and physical and also adultery are well-pleaded grounds for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act. Again, it emphasized the principle of proof for such a serious accusation.

Judgment: The court delivered the decree of divorce taking into account the husband's allegations of cruelty and adultery. Moreover, alimony was also recovered from the wife.

Nisha Gupta v. Rajesh Gupta

Facts: Nisha Gupta sought divorce against her husband, Rajesh Gupta, who had been mentally cruel and emotionally torturing her for years. She further stated that he neglected her and never provided her with financial support.

Issues:

Whether mental cruelty and neglect were sufficient grounds for divorce.

Whether the petitioner was entitled to alimony and financial compensation.

Analysis: The court examined the marriage period, the marriage dynamics, and the proofs of mental abuse in terms of testimonies and husband's behavioral pattern.

Judgment: The court proved the point of mental cruelty and assessed the husband's behavior toward his wife to decide for divorce on grounds of mental cruelty and neglect with the payment of alimony from the husband's side.

3. Rajesh Khanna versus Election Commission of India

Rajesh Khanna filed a writ petition before the Election Commission anticipating that the latter had denied him his right to contest an election due to its rejection of his election affidavit.

Issue

Was the disqualification of the petitioner from the election justified?

Whether the Election Commission's rules regarding the filing of affidavits were constitutionally valid.

Analysis: The court examined the necessity of complying with the Election Commission's rules, particularly in light of the electoral process's integrity.

The court explained that, from a legal standpoint, the candidates are required to provide all the information necessary in the election affidavit so that the process is transparent and corruption-free.

Judgment: The court held that the exclusion of Rajesh Khanna from the election was valid in which the violation of filing rules was held as an effective ground for exclusion.

Prakash Chauhan v. State of Bihar

Case summary :Prakash Chauhan contested the election of an elected member in Bihar who used unethical and illegal means like giving some bribes and even misleading voters in his favor to get victory over that election.

Issues:

Whether the outcome of the election was attained through fraudulent practices.

Whether the utilization of unlawful ways such as bribery makes the election result null and void.

Analysis: The court evaluated evidence on bribery, manipulation of voters, and other wrongful means utilized during the election. This included witness testimonies as well as studying the applicable election laws.

The court deliberated and decided that corruption in polls is serious and such corrupt practices need to be severely dealt with to maintain democracy.

There was sufficient evidence of corruption that led the court to hold that the election result be annulled. The elections were declared void, and fresh elections were ordered to be held.

Rahul Mehta versus State of Gujarat

In the case at hand, the appellant, Rahul Mehta contested the result of the election in Gujarat saying the election had been rigged and that influential people influenced through suppression of voters and violence.

Issues:

Whether the election was free and fair and did not involve manipulation.

Whether voter suppression and intimidation were in breach of electoral laws.

Court Held: The court considered the allegations on voter suppression and the existence of violence and manipulation within the polling booths.

It indicated that free and fair elections were of essence and went on to see whether violence reported had an impact on the election.

Held, the election was grossly marred by malpractice. Directed re-election in the affected constituency with better safeguards to ensure a fairer process.

Meena Kumari versus State of Rajasthan

Meena Kumari, the appellant in this case, had appealed the outcome of the Rajasthan state assembly elections in an election petition. The ruling party's use of state apparatus and unlawful campaigning, she further asserted, had tainted the electoral process.

Issues:

Whether the use of state machinery in the election campaign violates the principles of fair election.

Whether the election process was conducted according to law.

The court looked into claims of mal-use of resources and judged whether the campaigns conducted were illegal.

The argument for the case rested on how the court thought that an election process is not fair if the results can be misused when campaign times occur.

By concluding that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the misappropriation of state resources affected the election's results, the court maintained the election's outcome.

Sudha Yadav versus State of Punjab

Facts: Sudha Yadav challenged the result of the Punjab assembly election. She alleged that the process of vote-counting was faulty and some votes were wrongfully rejected.

Issues:

Whether the mistakes in the process of vote-counting were of such a nature as to affect the result of the election.

Whether the rejection of some votes was objectionable to the election laws.

Analysis: The court reviewed the process of counting, determined the mistakes, and concluded whether the aforementioned errors could have altered the election.

Conclusion: The case had arguments which were significant in upholding accuracy and transparency in the counting process of ballots as a means of upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

Decision: The court concluded that the error that occurred at the counting stage was not relevant and dismissed the petition.

Ramesh Yadav v. State Election Commission

In this instance, Ramesh had challenged the State Election Commission's decision that a candidate was disqualified from running for office for failing to follow election laws.

Issues:

Whether the disqualification was warranted because the candidate failed to fulfil the statutory standards.

Whether the decision of the Election Commission was within its legal authority.

Analysis: The court considered the powers the State Election Commission had and at what junctures of time disqualification was afforded to a candidate.

Conclusion: The court stated what requirements a candidate needs to fulfill the election laws and yet, while passing that order, kept in consideration the proportionality of such an order of disqualification.

Order: The court held that non-compliance with the rules of the election was valid ground for disqualification of the candidate and thus approved the order of the Election Commission.

Neha Singh v. State Election Commission

Facts: Neha Singh presented a petition questioning the result of local body elections held in a particular constituency on account of irregularities in the voter list and in the manner of holding the vote.

Issues:

Whether the election was conducted just and candidly.

Whether charges of tampering in the voter list were material to influence the election.

Analysis: The court looked at the evidence provided by the petitioner concerning irregularities within the electoral roll and in the process of the elections.

Rationale: Whether anomalies were such that were sufficiently material to call in question the result of an election.
Judgement: That although anomalies have been brought to its notice, such an anomaly was not considerable enough to set aside the outcome of an election and hence the petitioners' case was rejected.

Ritu Sharma v. State Election Commission

Facts: Ritu Sharma objected to the elections, raising complaints of fraudulent voters' registration and that votes had been manipulated at the election.

Issues:

Whether an election had been vitiated by tampering and undue voting.

Whether the State Election Commission had responded inadequately to the complaints regarding the voters' registration.

Analysis: The Court examined the election process; examined the protocols of voter registration and scrutinized grievances regarding the tampering with votes.

Reasoning: The court underscored the protection of the right of every eligible citizen to vote, and also took cognizance of the Election Commission's role in such an exercise.

Judgement: The court found no valid evidence to hold any allegations of vote-tampering or irregularity in the registration of voters to stand and dismissed the petition.

Environmental Law

Noble M Paikada v. Union of India

The petitioner disputed the environmental clearance given to a mining project, claiming that it breached environmental standards and harmed local biodiversity.

Issues:

Whether the environmental clearance was granted in compliance with environmental protection laws.

Whether the project posed a threat to the local ecosystem.

Analysis: The court examined the environmental impact assessments (EIA) and the processes followed by the authorities in granting clearance.

Argument: The court held that, on the one hand, due procedure in terms of environmental clearance must be adopted and, on the other hand, public interest qua conserving biodiversity should not be undermined.

Judgement: The court directed to review the environmental clearance that had been accorded towards the project and further decided that stringent measures for environment protection ought to be taken.

Apoorva Arora versus The Govt. of NCT of Delhi

This case involved with the pollution caused by construction activities in Delhi, particularly the adverse effects on air quality.

Issues:

Whether the construction projects were adhering to the standards set by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
The role of the state government in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Analysis: The court assessed the environmental measures adopted by the construction companies and their compliance with pollution control guidelines.

Argument: The court decided that the government and construction companies were environmentally careless.

Judgment: The court stopped some projects and also imposed penalties on those guilty companies which polluted air and did not follow norms.

Rakesh Ranjan Shrivastava v. State of Jharkhand & Anr.

Case Summary: It was a case where there were mining illegal in Jharkhand which resulted in environmental destruction

Issues:

Were the mining activities a violation of environment acts.

The level of destruction caused by the illegal mining to the regional environment.

Analysis: The courts based their judgments from the evidence, which indicates the extent of the destruction of the environment caused by the illegal mining activities.

Reason: By judgment, the court emphasized the importance of enforcing mining laws and its observances, and the activities should not inconvenience or destroy the environment.

Judgment: The court stopped the illegal mining and issued penalties to the responsible persons.

A.K. Jain v. State of Uttarakhand

Facts: The case is built around an application to cut trees in the Uttarakhand region and its implications on wildlife.

Issue:

Whether the government had taken proper steps to avoid the logging business.

Impact of such deforestation on wildlife and its population living there.

Analysis: The court heard reports from environmental agencies and NGOs against the issue of deforestation and, consequently, loss of wildlife.

Rationale: The court insisted upon the forestry department to take a position of that importance for maintaining balance in the ecosystem and in preserving biodiversity.

Judgment: The court instructed the state government to take urgent steps to halt deforestation and enhance the protection measures for forests.

Manju Verma v. State of Bihar

Facts: The petitioner raised an issue regarding water pollution in Bihar due to industrial effluents and their impact on public health.

Issues:

Whether the industrial pollution violated the environmental protection laws or not.

Whether the local industries and the state liable for prevention of water pollution or not.

Judgement: The court looked on the evidence about the quality of water and pollution level in the affected areas.
Argument: The court reiterated that the industries must meet the stringent waste disposal laws to avoid causing harm to the environment and people's health.

Judgment: The court ordered the industrial units to adopt proper waste treatment measures and imposed fines for non-adherence.

Green Earth Foundation v. State of Rajasthan

An environmental NGO filed a petition contesting the environmental approval given to a massive industrial project close to a Rajasthani designated wildlife sanctuary.

Issues:

Whether the environmental clearance process was done according to the guidelines in the project near the protected areas.

Whether the project had any potential of causing harm to the ecological system of the sanctuary.

Discussion: The court had to consider the EIA of the project, whereby the risks of the sanctuary were determined.
Argument: The court stated that, prior to allowing any such project near wildlife sanctuaries, the government would have to consider the ecological sustainability.

Judgment: The court ordered to reconsider the project and made it include more measures regarding environmental protection.

Suresh Rana vesus State of Himachal Pradesh

A person approached the Himachal Pradesh to challenge the construction of a hydroelectric project in the State, which he complained caused irreparable loss to the rivers of local areas.

Questions:

Whether the hydroelectric project was in accordance with the environmental protection parameters.

Whether the local water bodies and living aquatic got affected or not.

Analysis: The court took into account scientific evidence on the environmental impacts of the project on rivers in the locality.

Reasoning: The court opined that development should be balanced with the conservation of the environment.
Judgment: The court directed the developers of the project to introduce further safeguards to the local rivers and the environment.

Citizens for Greenery v. State of Punjab

Facts: It was a case related to the construction of a new highway passing through a forest area in Punjab. It was alleged that it was disturbing the local flora and fauna.

Issues:

Whether environmental clearance for highway construction was justified.

Ecological damage caused by highway construction.

Analysis: The court has assessed the environmental impact of highway construction and the compensatory afforestation plan made.

The court emphasized the need for adequate environmental studies before approving the projects that have a probable impact on ecosystems.

Judgement: The court allowed the project only after granting compensatory measures such as afforestation and habitat restoration.

Ravi Verma vesus State of Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh mining project's environmental approval was contested by the petitioner. According to him, it will result in significant pollution and deforestation.

issues:

Whether the environmental clearance process was defective.

Long term impacts of the mining project to the environment.

Discussion: The court analyzed studies pertaining to the environment on and about the mining project.

Reasoning: The court reiterated the fact that every development project has to obey the rules regarding protection towards the environment.

Ruling: The court concluded the decision to halt the project till a through assessment on the environmental implications were made.

Prakash Environmental Trust v. State of Karnataka

Facts: The petition challenged deforestation caused due to construction of a high dam in Karnataka, who argued that ecological impact assessment was not conducted properly before environmental clearance.

The issues involved are as follows:

whether the environment clearance accorded is valid,impact of such deforestation on the ecology of that area.

Analysis: The court examined the process of environmental clearance, including review of environmental impact assessments with regard to the dam project.

Judgment: There was a focus on determining long-term effects on the environment prior to the granting of permission for such projects.

Judgment: The review of the environmental clearance had to be done and considered with greater detail about its ecological implications.

Save the Rivers Trust versus State of Karnataka

This case concerned the issues brought on by Karnataka's river systems becoming contaminated, mostly as a result of untreated sewage and industrial waste being released into the environment.

Issues:

Whether the state had taken adequate measures to prevent the pollution of rivers.

Impact of pollution on the local population and aquatic life.

Analysis: The court considered the level of pollution in the rivers and the failure of the state to implement waste treatment regulations.

Reasoning: The court stressed that pollution control measures should be strictly complied with to protect the water resources.

Ruling: The court ordered the state to act promptly on reduction in pollution and required industries to strictly observe the treatment of waste regulations.

Miscellaneous

Lalita Kumari versus Government of Uttar Pradesh

This case involved Lalita Kumari who made a complaint about an offence under the IPC. Police refused to give an FIR without preliminary investigation. She challenged the same by petitioning that this refusal amounts to violation of her Article 21-Right to Life and Liberty.

Questions:

Whether police has any statutory duty to lodge the FIR on getting information regarding a cognizable offense or not.

Whether police can refuse to lodge an FIR and can conduct a preliminary investigation first.

Case Analysis: It was held by the Court that what Section 154 of CrPC says about lodging FIR without making the preliminary inquiry when any information concerning any cognizable offense is received.

The Court held that under Section 154 CrPC, it is statutorily mandatory to record an FIR. The registration cannot be refused and an investigation must be followed.

Judgment: The Supreme Court has held that police must register an FIR whenever information regarding a cognizable offense is given. It has allowed preliminary inquiry only in exceptional cases and that too in doubtful cases or where the offense is not found to be cognizable.

Vineeta Sharma versus Rakesh Sharma 

The dispute at hand concerned daughters' inheritance rights under the Hinduu Succession Act, particularly following the 2005 revision that gave daughters equal rights to family property.

Issues:

Whether the daughter would get an equal share of ancestral property or not, in case the father was living at the time of the amendment.

Can the mentioned HSA be applied retroactively?

There was a change to the HSA, which declared that daughters will have the same rights to inherit ancestral property as males Whether the right given by the amendment was available to daughters whose fathers died before the amendment could be crucial.

Reasoning: The Court said that the amendment of 2005 was mainly to allow equal rights towards daughters, thereby removing any discriminations based on gender. So, as far as a daughter was concerned, a father not being alive had no difference in providing her with equal inheritance.

Judgment: The Supreme Court of India held that daughters, like sons, are also entitled to claim rights upon the ancestral property under the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005. Even cases where the father was predeceased before the introduction of the amendment come into this category.

KK Verma versus State of Uttar Pradesh

The case was about the killing of a person in an encounter by police and the compensation claimed by the family on the ground that the encounter was illegal.

Issue:

If the police interaction was illegal and infringed upon the deceased's rights

If the deceased's family members were entitled to compensation for an unapproved police encounter.

Analysis: The Court analyzed the encounter by checking if it was conducted under the legal provisions or if it was an extra-judicial killing.

Rationale: In discussing the role of the police officers to ensure their actions are well within the legal framework, the unlawful encounters cannot be justified with the cloak of police operations.

Judgment: The Supreme Court ordered compensation to the family of the deceased, accepting that the encounter was illegal. It also ordered to prevent such unlawful encounters by the police and had laid down some reforms

Tata Consultancy Services versus State of Karnataka 

A dispute arose between the state and Tata Consultancy Services about the Karnataka Sales Tax Act's definition of software sales. Here, the state contended that the sales of the software should be liable for sales tax. TCS argued that the software happened to be an intangible service and not a tangible good.

Issues:

Whether the sales of the software by TCS are liable to Karnataka Sales Tax Act.

The difference between "goods" and "services", and the applicability of tax laws.

Analysis: The Court considered what is software. It posed the question whether it can be defined as goods or services under tax law. The Court asked if the pre-packaged software was goods.

Reasoning: The Court held that software, though intangible, is a kind of goods since it is a transfer of property. Hence, it should be levied with sales tax laws since it involves a transfer of ownership.

Thus, the Court allowed the state, holding that the sale of pree packaged software is a sale of goods and comes under the Karnataka Sales Tax Act.

MC Mehta versus Union of India 

The case dealt with the environmental issues brought on by industrial pollution, whereby companies were disposing of hazardous wastes in the Ganga River, causing it to become contaminated. The city was receiving water from this source for a number of uses.

Issues

Should the businesses that pollute the Ganges River be held accountable for their actions?

if the government ought to step in and make sure businesses aren't breaking environmental regulations.

Evaluation: The Court took into account the harm done to the environment by the careless disposal of industrial waste as well as the duty of the state to uphold environmental protection legislation.

Rationale: The Court realized the importance of natural resources, particularly rivers, and stated that industries should work within a framework of good practices of waste disposal. It also highlighted the inadequacy of action taken by the State in curbing pollution.

The Supreme Court ordered the closure of industries that were responsible for polluting the Ganges River and strengthened the implementation of environmental law. It asked the government to make adequate measures in order to avoid further river pollution.

Shreya Singhal versus UOI

The case involved a challenge to the provisions of the IT Act by the appeallant who had contended it to be unconstitutional and violative of the fundamental rights

Issues:Whether Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which protects the right to freedom of speech and expression, has been violated by Section 66A of the act

Whether it was too general and ambiguous, making its application arbitrary.

Court's View: Supreme Court looked into whether Section 66A was too ambiguous and too restrictive to freedom of speech and whether the restrictions strangled the voice of democracy.

Reasoning: The Court decided that Section 66A was excessively ambiguous and a prima facie unreasonable restriction of the right to free speech. It further held that any law that criminalizes online content must be explicit and narrowly drafted in order to prevent abuse and be fair.

The IT Act of 2000's Section 66A was declared illegal by the Supreme Court of India. The case marked a turning point in the defense of internet freedom of expression.

Indian Young Lawyers Association versus The State of Kerala 

This case was a plea challenging the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple on the grounds that it was discriiminatory.

Issue:

Whether women's equality was infringed by the Sabarimala temple's ban on their admission
whether religious rituals take precedence over the freedom of religion and equality guaranteed by the constitution.

Analysis: The Court, in this case, discussed the balance of individual rights against religious practice and whether or not customs of religion may infringe on fundamental rights.

Court Held:The court held that the ban was discriminatory against women and violative of their fundamental rights. Constitutional rights cannot be overridden by religious practices which perpetuate gender inequality, the Court held.

The prohibition on women's admittance was discriminatory and was strucked down protecting the fundamental rights of the women

Gopal Subramanium versus Union of India 

The controversy was over the judicial appointment procedure and, more specially, with the independence of the judiciary over the issue of consultation between the executive and judiciary while making judicial appointments.
Whether the existing judicial appointment mechanism wherein the executive played a greater role was constitutional.

The degree to which judiciary should be independent in the judicial appointment process.

The court then explored the relationship of the judiciary with the executive. The court observed that for the rule of law that ensures judicial decisions to be neutral, independence of the judiciary is required.

Argument: The Court emphasized that for judicial independence, judiciary and the executive should cooperate openly with one another in the judicial appointment process.

Judgment: The Court held for a more open and balanced judicial appointments process where the judiciary and executive shared participation.

Mukesh Singh v. State
The case involved gang rape and murder of a 23 year old female in Delhi. The case sparked huge national and international outrage and brought forth massive reform in the laws relating to sexual offenses.

Issues:

Whether the death penalty should be awarded to the accused due to the heinousness of the crime.

Whether the law of juvenile justice applies to all accused or only to the accused who are minors.

Analysis: It took into consideration the brutal nature of the crime, the mood of society, and the need to deter society at large in pronouncing judgment. The court had further debate about whether this crime could invite the death sentence or not.

The Court considered the fact that it was a crime of such brutal nature and the call of justice from society. The feelings of the victim's family and the public were taken into consideration by the Court. It highlighted that the case warranted severe punishment.

The Court upheld the capital punishment given to the convict 

Ravindra Kumar versus State of Rajasthan 

Ravindra Kumar filed a case contesting the execution of legislation in Rajasthan that prohibit protests and free expression in public settings, claiming that they violate constitutional rights.

Problems:

Whether such laws restricting protests violated the right to freedom of speech and assembly under Article 19(1)(a) and (b).

State's obligation to uphold the right to peaceful assembly.

Analysis: The Court weighed in this case the balance of the test between public order and right to protest, which essentially translates to whether or not the state restrictions are unconstitutional.

The Court emphasized the role of peaceful protests in a democratic society. They pointed out that even as the state has a right to maintain order, they should not stifle the constitutional rights of the citizens.
Judgment: Supreme Court of the United States declared the law which prohibited protest and assemblage as unconstitutional and therefore protected citizens' rights to assemble peacefully in public places.

Aarav Mehta v. Central Railways (2014)

Fact: Aarav Mehta was a passenger who had brought a petition when he was refused compensation for the injuries caused to him during his journey in a train accident, for which the train accident was due to the negligence of the railway authorities. He claimed compensation under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act.

Questions:

Whether railway authorities are liable for damages under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act to a passenger on account of an accident, such patient suffering injuries.

Whether the "res ipsa loquitur" doctrine applies to railway accidents, wherein the railway authorities are held liable for the injuries.

Analysis: The Court analyzed whether the incident could be termed as an accident under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act. The case also involved determining whether the railway authorities failed to exercise the necessary duty of care in maintaining the safety of passengers.

Reasoning: The Court looked into the provisions of the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, which hold railways liable for accidents involving their trains. The application of "res ipsa loquitur" was analyzed in terms of its relevance in a case where the injury was caused by the accident, and the railway authorities had the responsibility to ensure safety.

Judgment: The Court pronounced that Central Railways is liable for the accident in question since it comes in the definition of railway accidents and there was no satisfactory safety measures adopted by railway authorities. The Court instructed compensation be made to Aarav Mehta by way of injuries sustained on his body.

Meera Bai v. State Agricultural Board 

Meera Bai, filed a writ petition against the State Agricultural Board for not providing her the due compensation for crops destroyed during adverse weather conditions. She had crop insurance under the government sponsored crop insurance programme, but the state board did not expedite processing of her claim, putting her in a financial fix.

Issues:

Whether the delay in processing crop insurance claims by the State Agricultural Board violated the rights of farmers.

Whether the State Agricultural Board should be held liable for failing to ensure timely compensation under the crop insurance scheme.

Held: The Court looked into the liabilities of the government under the crop insurance scheme and whether there was undue hardship to the farmer, such as Meera Bai, due to delayed processing of claims. This petition also raised the question of whether the government was not fulfilling its statutory obligation by not disbursing timely compensation.

The Court discussed its role of State Agricultural Boards in ensuring the compensation due to farmers, especially by a scheme which is guaranteed by the state. The Court acknowledged that since farmers are vulnerable, financial distress should not be imposed on them due to the delay in insurance disbursements.

Judgment: The Court directed the State Agricultural Board to process Meera Bai’s claim immediately and ensure that the compensation was paid. It emphasized the importance of timely compensation under government schemes to avoid further economic harm to farmers. Additionally, the Court directed the Board to streamline the claims process to ensure better access to justice for farmers in future.