Service Law - Gratuity Entitlement – Badli Worker – Continuous Service – Held: A worker engaged as a badli (substitute) in permanent positions for 38 years is entitled to gratuity – The employer failed to produce service records, leading to an adverse inference – Controlling Authority’s order directing payment upheld [Paras 1, 17-19].

Employer’s Duty to Maintain Records – Adverse Inference – Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 – Held: Section 25D mandates that an employer must maintain records of workers’ attendance – Failure to produce such records allows the court to presume continuous service – Adverse inference drawn against the employer [Paras 12, 16-17].

Burden of Proof – Evidence Act – Employer’s Obligation – Held: The burden of proof regarding continuous service lies on the employer – The employer’s failure to present attendance records resulted in a presumption in favor of the employee – Reference to Union of India v. Ibrahim Uddin, (2012) 8 SCC 148 [Paras 12, 16].

Interest on Gratuity – Payment of Gratuity Act – Held: Under Section 7(3A), the employee is entitled to interest on delayed gratuity payments – Employer directed to pay the principal gratuity amount along with accrued interest [Paras 6, 11].

Decision – Writ Petition Dismissed – Held: The orders of the Controlling Authority and Appellate Authority upheld – Employer directed to pay gratuity with interest – No interference required by the High Court [Paras 22-23].

Stamp Duty – Limitation on Recovery – Demand Notice Issued After Expiry of Statutory Period is Void - Petitioners were appointed as attorneys under a registered GPA in 1995—In 2010, authorities issued a notice demanding an additional ₹98,500 as shortfall in stamp duty—Petitioners challenged the demand, arguing it was time-barred under Section 46A of the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957—Held: Under normal circumstances, recovery action must be initiated within five years from the date of registration—Decision: Demand notice issued after 15 years was time-barred and set aside [Paras 9-14].

Exception to Limitation – Fraud or Willful Misstatement – Burden on Authorities to Prove - Section 46A permits an extended limitation of ten years if the non-payment of stamp duty is due to fraud, collusion, or willful misstatement—Held: Authorities did not allege fraud or misstatement in this case—Even under the extended period, proceedings initiated after 15 years were beyond the statutory limit—Decision: Even under the fraud exception, demand was barred [Paras 12-16].

Quashing of Proceedings – Jurisdiction of Revenue Authorities – Powers Must Be Exercised Within Statutory Limits - Karnataka Appellate Tribunal upheld the demand—Court ruled that the tribunal erred in allowing recovery beyond the limitation period—Decision: Tribunal’s order and demand notice quashed; writ petition allowed [Paras 16-17].

Land Acquisition – Challenge to Section 6 Declaration – Absence of Notification under Section 17(4) – The petitioners challenged the land acquisition process for the Navi Mumbai Project, arguing that no valid notification was issued under Section 17(4) to dispense with the mandatory enquiry under Section 5A – The State failed to produce any notification invoking urgency provisions – Held: The Section 6 declaration and acquisition proceedings are vitiated due to non-compliance with Section 5A, rendering the process illegal—Acquisition quashed [Paras 36-46].

Section 5A of the Land Acquisition Act – Right to Be Heard Before Acquisition – Violation of Principles of Natural Justice – The petitioners contended that they were denied their statutory right to file objections and be heard before the acquisition – The respondents failed to establish that the enquiry under Section 5A was ever conducted – Held: Section 5A embodies the principles of natural justice and cannot be arbitrarily dispensed with—Failure to comply with this provision invalidates the entire acquisition [Paras 37-40].

Urgency Provisions – Section 17(4) – Whether Rightly Invoked – The State argued that urgency provisions under Section 17(4) were applicable, justifying the omission of the enquiry under Section 5A – However, no documentary evidence of such invocation was produced – Held: The invocation of urgency must be based on demonstrable urgency that cannot brook delay—In the absence of proper notification, the acquisition proceedings are illegal and liable to be struck down [Paras 41-44].

Mootness of Delay & Laches – Whether Petitioners Had Acquiesced – The respondents contended that the petitioners delayed filing the writ petition, indicating acquiescence – Held: Mere passage of time does not cure a jurisdictional defect—Where an acquisition is vitiated by non-compliance with statutory provisions, delay is not a bar to relief—Petitioners entitled to challenge the acquisition despite the lapse of time [Paras 45-48].

Compensation & Rehabilitation – Applicability of 2013 Act – The State argued that compensation had been determined under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 – Held: Compensation under the 2013 Act does not cure a fundamentally flawed acquisition process—Landowners’ right to challenge illegal acquisition remains intact [Paras 49-52].

Final Decision – The writ petitions are allowed – The Section 6 declaration and entire acquisition process are quashed – The State directed to comply with mandatory procedural safeguards if fresh acquisition is initiated [Paras 53-56].
 

Matrimonial Law – Divorce on Grounds of Cruelty – Whether Justified – The Family Court granted a decree of divorce in favour of the husband citing cruelty—Wife challenged the decision, arguing that there was no cruelty on her part and that she suffered harassment due to infertility—Held: Medical records and testimony of PW2 (Doctor) confirmed that the wife had a pre-existing seizure disorder, which was suppressed before marriage—Suppression of a serious medical condition affecting marital life constitutes cruelty—Divorce decree upheld [Paras 6-8].

Return of Gold Ornaments – Burden of Proof – Wife claimed that 101 sovereigns of gold ornaments were given to her at the time of marriage and later taken by the husband—Husband denied entrustment and claimed the gold was returned during mediation—Held: In matrimonial cases, once entrustment is proved, the burden shifts to the husband to show how the ornaments were dealt with—Photographic evidence supported wife’s claim—However, considering the possibility of personal retention, deduction of 10 sovereigns allowed—Husband directed to return 91 sovereigns or its market value [Paras 9-12].

Credibility of Evidence – Oral Testimony vs. Documentary Proof – Husband relied on the testimony of PW3 (mediator) to claim that the gold was returned—However, no documentary evidence of mediation or return of ornaments was produced—Held: Mere oral assertions without corroborative proof cannot override primary evidence—Husband’s claim rejected [Paras 10-11].

Final Decision – Wife’s appeal (Mat.Appeal No. 114/2017) dismissed—Divorce decree upheld—Husband’s appeal (Mat.Appeal No. 1254/2016) partly allowed—Husband directed to return 91 sovereigns of gold or its equivalent market value within one month, failing which recovery to be initiated from his assets—No order as to costs [Paras 12-13].
 

Criminal Revision – Cheque Bounce - Section 138 of the N.I. Act - Evidence – Comparison of Signatures – Use of Photocopy – Forensic Opinion Denied – Trial Court’s permission to compare admitted signatures with signatures on photocopy of partnership deed set aside – Held: Comparison from photocopy unreliable due to possibility of digital tampering – Authentic proof cannot rest on manipulated electronic reproductions – Only originals are suitable for expert analysis of handwriting or signatures [Paras 5–7].

Procedural Fairness – Additional Evidence – Requirement of Specific Legal Provision – Petitioners challenged that no specific section (such as Section 311 CrPC) was invoked in respondent’s application for additional expert evidence – Court held this procedural lapse compounded unreliability of impugned order [Para 3].

Digital Integrity – Technological Risks in Evidence – Court reiterated concern regarding manipulation in digital age – Held: Technological advancements such as superimposition make photocopied signatures prone to fabrication – Photocopy cannot be basis for judicial comparison by expert [Para 6].

Final Decision – Revision Petition Allowed – Order permitting comparison of signatures on photocopied deed reversed – No permissible legal or evidentiary foundation for expert opinion based on secondary document – Petition allowed [Para 7].

Criminal Law – Acquittal Set Aside – Appeal by the de facto complainant and the State against the acquittal of accused persons for offences under Sections 143, 147, 148, 323, 324, 341, 354, 307, 447, 504 read with 149 IPC – Sessions Court acquitted accused on 04.02.2017 – High Court found that a counter-case was registered against the complainant's side but was not committed to Sessions Court for joint trial – Held: Failure to conduct a joint trial vitiated the proceedings – Acquittal set aside, case remanded for fresh trial along with the counter-case [Paras 1-6].

Trial Procedure – Requirement of Joint Trial – Counter FIR (Crime No. 274/2012) was registered against PW5 and others for the same incident – Sessions Court failed to direct committal of the counter-case – High Court relied on precedent (State of Karnataka v. Hosakeri Ningappa) to hold that both cases should have been tried together to determine the aggressor – Since the counter-case is still pending before the Magistrate, both cases must now be tried together in the Sessions Court [Paras 3, 6].

Evidence and Fair Trial – No de novo trial required – Existing evidence in S.C. No. 145/2014 remains valid – Once the counter-case (C.C. No. 2491/2013) is committed to the Sessions Court, evidence in that case shall be recorded – Directed the accused in both cases to appear before the Sessions Court on 09.04.2025 – Ordered immediate transmission of records for a consolidated trial [Paras 6, Order].

Decision – Appeals allowed – Acquittal judgment dated 04.02.2017 set aside – Case remanded to Sessions Court, Tumakuru – Sessions Court to direct the Magistrate to commit the counter-case and conduct a joint trial – No fresh trial for the current case; existing evidence remains valid – Accused to appear before Sessions Court on 09.04.2025 [Order].
 

Territorial Jurisdiction – Transfer of Proceedings – Section 25 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 – Retention of Case at Principal Bench of CAT – Validity of Chairman’s Order – Part of the Cause of Action Arising in Delhi – Petition Challenging the Retention of the Case by the Principal Bench of CAT dismissed – The respondent sought transfer from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to Patna, Bihar, on spouse grounds, relying on departmental circulars – The Tribunal Chairman, exercising powers under Section 25 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, allowed the retention of proceedings in Delhi – The petitioners (CAGI & Ors.) challenged the decision, contending that no part of the cause of action arose in Delhi – Held: The CAGI’s circular required that requests for transfer on spouse grounds, if rejected, be forwarded to the Headquarters (Delhi) for a final decision – Since part of the cause of action arose in Delhi, the Principal Bench had jurisdiction to retain the matter [Paras 10-22].

Jurisdiction of CAT – Cause of Action – Rule 6(1)(ii) of the CAT (Procedure) Rules, 1987 – Principles for Determining Jurisdiction – The High Court reaffirmed that the jurisdictional question must be determined based on the pleadings in the original application and the applicable legal provisions – The term “cause of action” includes all material facts necessary to establish a right to relief – As the respondent sought relief from the CAGI, whose headquarters are in Delhi, part of the cause of action arose within the territorial jurisdiction of the Principal Bench of CAT – The Tribunal’s decision to retain jurisdiction was upheld [Paras 8-20].

Power of Chairman to Transfer Cases – Independent Authority of Section 25 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 – The High Court rejected the argument that the Tribunal Chairman could not retain a case while a jurisdictional objection was pending before another bench – Section 25 provides an independent power to transfer or retain cases without being subject to other provisions – The Chairman acted within his statutory authority in allowing the transfer petition and retaining the case in Delhi [Paras 5-7].

Challenge to Jurisdiction – Application of Order VII Rule 10 CPC – Determination Based on Pleadings – The High Court held that jurisdiction should be examined on the principles governing Order VII Rule 10 of the CPC – The petitioners’ argument that the Principal Bench lacked jurisdiction was rejected, as the respondent’s claim was partly dependent on a decision from CAGI Headquarters in Delhi [Paras 9-13].

Final Decision – Dismissal of Writ Petition – No Interference with CAT’s Order – The High Court concluded that the Tribunal’s decision to retain the case in Delhi was legally justified – The challenge to the order was dismissed, with an observation that the Tribunal must independently decide the merits of the case without being influenced by jurisdictional considerations [Paras 23-26].
 

Maintenance – Right of Wife Despite Decree for Restitution of Conjugal Rights – Husband contended that wife voluntarily deserted him, making her ineligible for maintenance—Held: Mere passing of a decree for restitution of conjugal rights does not disentitle wife from maintenance unless husband proves willful desertion—Maintenance order upheld [Paras 6-9].

Quantum of Maintenance – Whether Excessive Given Husband’s Financial Condition – Husband argued that he earned only ₹21,167 per month, making maintenance of ₹9,000 excessive—Held: Trial court correctly considered financial capacity—No reduction warranted [Paras 10-12].

Effective Date of Maintenance – Whether Payable from Date of Application – Husband challenged retrospective applicability—Held: Maintenance is payable from the date of application unless special circumstances exist—No error in trial court’s order [Paras 13-15].

Final Decision – Revision dismissed – Maintenance order upheld—Arrears to be cleared within three months [Paras 16-18].

Criminal Law - NDPS Act – Non-Compliance with Section 42 – Secret Information Not Recorded – Acquittal Upheld - Accused were apprehended with 30 bags of poppy husk hidden under groundnuts in a truck – Court found that secret information received by DSP was neither reduced to writing nor sent to superior officer as required under Section 42 – Held: Mandatory requirements under Section 42 not followed – Material lapse that vitiated the prosecution’s case [Paras 3, 11, 14, 18-20].

Search by Gazetted Officer – Applicability of Section 41(2) – No Written Record of Secret Information – Requirements Not Satisfied - Though DSP was a Gazetted Officer empowered under Section 41(2), he failed to record the secret information in writing – Court held that even under Section 41(2), such recordal is mandatory – Non-compliance invalidates search and subsequent recovery [Paras 13-16, 23].

Search of Private Conveyance in Transit – Section 42 Applicable – Distinction from Section 43 Clarified – Acquittal Justified - Truck in transit was searched on highway – Court clarified that Section 43 applies to public conveyance in public place; for private vehicle in transit, Section 42 applies – Hence, compliance with Section 42(1) and (2) mandatory – No such compliance found [Paras 16, 24-26].

Disclosure Statements of Co-Accused – Not Sufficient to Convict – No Independent Corroboration - Against accused Bahadur Singh, only disclosure statements of co-accused were relied upon – Held: Cannot form sole basis for conviction – Acquittal proper in absence of independent corroboration [Para 14].

Failure to Examine Independent Witness – Jatinder Pal Singh Not Produced – Prosecution's Case Weakened - Star public witness who joined at the time of search not examined, allegedly won over – Court observed that this further weakened prosecution case and cast doubt on credibility of search and seizure [Para 14].

Decision – Acquittal Upheld – Procedural Non-Compliance Fatal to Prosecution – Court held that failure to record secret information and comply with mandatory safeguards under Section 42 rendered the entire search, seizure and prosecution illegal – Appeal dismissed, acquittal of all accused confirmed [Paras 25-27].