Recording of Evidence – Separate Trials – Appellate Court's scope – Appeals challenge convictions where separate trials for the same offence were conducted – The Supreme Court emphasizes the distinctiveness of evidence recorded in the presence of the accused or their pleader – Evidence from separate trials cannot be cross-utilized to establish culpability unless s...
Summoning Order – Quashing – Appellant, a director of M/s. Writer Safeguard Pvt. Ltd., challenges the summoning order issued under the Minimum Wages Act for non-compliance with statutory provisions – Supreme Court quashes the summoning order, emphasizing the requirement of specific averments to establish vicarious liability and procedural propriety in issuing summons [Paras 1-33]...
NDPS Act – Charges and Sections Invoked – Appellant was charged under Sections 21, 21(c), 27A, 27(b), and 29 of the NDPS Act. The primary issue was the invocation of Section 37, which imposes stringent conditions for bail in certain offenses. However, the proper application of these sections was in question, with the appellant primarily accused of drug consumption [Paras 2, 7-8].
Co...
PC&PNDT Act – Gravity of Offense and Prima Facie Case – The PC&PNDT Act prohibits the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination. Violations under this act are serious, non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable. The charge sheet presents a prima facie case against the petitioner, involving a sting operation and the seizure of unlicensed ultrasound equipmen...
Victim Rights and Anonymity – Media Disclosure – Disclosure of a rape victim’s identity by the media violates Section 228-A IPC. No person can publish the name or any matter revealing the identity of the victim. Ensuring anonymity is crucial to protect the victim from social ostracization and discrimination [Paras 21-23].
Rehabilitation and Compensation – State Responsib...
Probation – Young Offenders – Applicability Despite Mandatory Minimum Sentence – Mandatory minimum sentences under Section 397 of IPC do not exclude the benefit of probation under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 – Court found that the Act's provisions could still be applied in cases where young offenders are involved, aiming at reformation and rehabilitation &...
Criminal Law – Kidnapping and Consensual Affair – The appellant argued that the minor girl's consent should be a defense due to their consensual relationship. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, emphasizing that the consent of a minor is immaterial under Section 361 IPC. The Court noted that the statutory provisions do not allow for the consent of the minor as a valid defense ...
Proclaimed Offender – Procedural Compliance – Section 82 Cr.P.C. – Petitioner declared proclaimed offender for theft – Notice of proclamation issued but not published as per statutory requirement – Period between proclamation and hearing less than prescribed 30 days – Court found procedural lapses in compliance with Section 82 – Proclamation order quashed ...
Penal Code – Voluntarily Causing Hurt with a Dangerous Weapon – Attempt to Murder – The Supreme Court considered whether a compromise between parties could justify the reduction of sentences in cases involving serious non-compoundable offences under Sections 307 and 324 of the IPC. Despite Section 320 CrPC not listing these sections as compoundable, the Court acknowledged that an...
Criminal Law – Child Witness Testimony – The Supreme Court evaluated the reliability of a child witness in a case involving murder and dacoity. The Court held that while the testimony of a child witness must be scrutinized with care and caution, it is not to be rejected solely based on the age of the witness. However, in this case, due to inconsistencies and lack of corroboration, the ...