Land Acquisition – Market Value – Re-determination – The Reference Court enhanced compensation for acquired land at Rs.250 per sq. ft., but the High Court reduced it to Rs.200 per sq. ft. – The Court noted that the Reference Court erroneously relied on post-notification market values and failed to base its determination on contemporaneous evidence of 2007 when the preliminary notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act was issued – The High Court applied the principle of uniformity, relying on judgments involving similarly situated lands acquired under the same notification [Paras 8-9, 12(i)].

Compensation for Trees – Error in Non-Award for Remaining Trees – The Reference Court had failed to grant compensation for 157 teak and 18 coconut trees despite mahazar (Ex.P23) identifying these as standing on the acquired land – The High Court awarded compensation of Rs.4,59,459/- for the omitted trees, based on rates determined by the Reference Court for similar trees – The Court upheld the enhanced compensation for all other structures, trees, and fixtures [Paras 10-11, 12(ii)].

Post-Notification Evidence – Inapplicability – Market value evidence for 2018 (Ex.P49) was excluded, as the valuation for acquired land must align with the notification year (2007) – Evidence of later valuation cannot determine the land’s value at the relevant time [Para 9].

Judicial Review – Scope of Reference Court’s Findings – The High Court found errors in the Reference Court’s determination of market value based on incorrect interpretation of evidence and admission by witnesses – The Court exercised its appellate jurisdiction to reassess compensation in line with legal precedents and contemporaneous evidence [Paras 7-9].

Decision: Appeal Partly Allowed: Market value of land re-determined at Rs.200 per sq. ft., along with interest and statutory benefits.
Cross-Objection Partly Allowed: Additional compensation of Rs.4,59,459/- awarded for omitted trees, with all statutory benefits.
Final Order: The enhanced compensation for trees, structures, and fixtures as awarded by the Reference Court was upheld.
 

Criminal Procedure – Further Investigation – Quashing of Order – Revision Application – Petitioner sought quashing of order dated 23.03.2021, rejecting further investigation in a case registered under Sections 363/365/366/372/34 IPC – Trial Court found no error in the investigation and held the case fit for trial – Petitioner argued for further investigation to address deficiencies – Court rejected the prayer, holding that the investigation was thorough, fair, and unbiased, with no visible deficiency [Paras 1-18].

Judicial Discretion – Scope of Further Investigation – The Court reiterated that further investigation under Section 173(8) CrPC is discretionary and can only be exercised in exceptional circumstances to rectify material deficiencies – Cited precedents clarified that such powers should not be used arbitrarily, especially where investigations are complete, and no new facts or evidence warrant further action [Paras 7-15].

Findings on Investigation – Thorough and Just – Case diary and evidence demonstrated that the investigation was unbiased, complete, and based on all relevant facts – Trial Court retains the authority to address issues during the trial, including framing or altering charges under Section 216 CrPC if needed [Paras 16-18].

Decision: Revisional application dismissed – No irregularity in the impugned order rejecting further investigation – Trial Court directed to proceed expeditiously, with liberty to consider relevant issues during the trial – Urgent certified copy of the judgment to be supplied to the Trial Court for compliance [Paras 19-27].

Criminal Law – Murder Conviction – Acquittal – Appeal by Accused under Section 302 IPC – The appellants were charged for the murder of Anoop at Nettayam Junction on 08.07.2010 – The first accused inflicted fatal injuries with a chain saw, while the second and third accused allegedly assisted in furtherance of common intention – Trial court convicted all accused under Section 302 r/w Section 34 IPC, sentencing the first accused to life imprisonment with a directive of 25 years without remission and the second and third accused to life imprisonment with differing conditions – High Court reevaluates evidence and modifies trial court findings [Paras 1, 3, 30].

Witness Testimony – Credibility of Eye-Witnesses – PW2, PW3, and PW4 were eyewitnesses who identified the first accused as the primary assailant – Inconsistencies in their testimonies regarding the roles of the second and third accused – The second and third accused were not seen carrying weapons or committing overt acts – Witness credibility regarding lighting at the scene questioned, but familiarity with the accused validated their identification – Statements from PW15 and PW5 corroborate partial details of the incident [Paras 4-7, 19-25].

Recovery of Weapons – Legality and Evidentiary Value – MO1 (saw chain) and MO2 (sword) allegedly recovered on the basis of confessional statements of accused – Investigating officer (PW20) failed to specifically prove the exact information received under Section 27 of the Evidence Act – Recovery evidence held unreliable due to procedural flaws – Despite this, direct eyewitness accounts regarding MO1 establish its use by the first accused [Paras 22-23, 28].

Common Intention under Section 34 IPC – No substantive evidence proving prior concert or common intention between the accused – No overt acts by the second and third accused – Mere presence at the scene insufficient to invoke Section 34 IPC – The High Court concludes that the second and third accused cannot be held liable for the murder under shared intent [Paras 21, 28].

Scientific Evidence – Blood on MO1 and the clothing of the first accused (MO3 and MO4) corroborated eyewitness accounts – No blood detected on the clothing of the second and third accused – The absence of scientific corroboration further weakens the prosecution’s case against these appellants [Paras 24].

Sentencing – Modification by High Court – The trial court’s directive for 25 years without remission for the first accused exceeded its jurisdiction – Sentence modified to life imprisonment with a fine of ₹50,000 – Conviction and sentence of the second and third accused set aside due to lack of evidence and failure to prove common intention [Paras 30-31].

Decision: Appeal of the first accused partly allowed – Conviction under Section 302 upheld – Sentence modified to life imprisonment without restriction on remission [Para 30].
Appeals of the second and third accused allowed – Convictions and sentences set aside – Accused set at liberty [Para 30].
 

Writ - Mandamus - Compel the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to table - Constitutional Obligation – Laying of CAG Reports – Article 151(2) and Section 48 of the GNCTD Act – Laying of CAG reports in the legislature is a mandatory constitutional obligation under Article 151(2) of the Constitution and Section 48 of the GNCTD Act – Reports provide critical oversight by the legislature for financial accountability – Delay in tabling 14 CAG reports by the NCT Government amounts to disregard for constitutional transparency and accountability – Held: Delay noted but no judicial interference in procedural aspects of summoning the Assembly [Paras 38-41].

Mandamus Against Speaker – Scope of Judicial Review under Article 212 – Petitioners sought mandamus directing the Speaker to summon a special session of the Legislative Assembly to table the CAG reports – Held: Under Article 212 and Section 37 of the GNCTD Act, courts are barred from interfering with procedural matters of the legislature, including summoning of sessions by the Speaker – Regulation of legislative procedure lies solely within the Speaker’s domain – Judicial review is permissible only for substantive illegality, not procedural irregularities – Relief denied [Paras 47.1-47.6].

Examination of CAG Reports by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – Once laid before the legislature, CAG reports are scrutinized by the PAC as per Rule 192 of the Rules of Procedure of the Delhi Legislative Assembly – The Court noted that with the tenure of the current Assembly ending soon, it would be impracticable to convene a special session at this stage – Examination of reports will occur in the next Assembly [Paras 47.7, 49].

Delay in Forwarding CAG Reports – Accountability of the Executive – CAG reports were held for an inordinate period by the NCT Government before forwarding to the Lieutenant Governor and eventually the Speaker – Noted that such delays undermine the constitutional mandate for financial accountability and transparency – Directions issued to expedite the tabling of CAG reports in the next Assembly session [Paras 40-46].

Final Directions – The Court declined to direct the Speaker to summon a special session but emphasized the importance of laying CAG reports in the newly constituted Assembly without delay – Petition disposed of with directions [Paras 49-50].
 

Hindu Marriage Law – Section 13-B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – Waiver of Six-Month Cooling-Off Period – Divorce by Mutual Consent – Petitioners living separately since 20.12.2021 – Mediation failed initially, but subsequent mediation resulted in a settlement to dissolve the marriage and withdraw pending criminal cases – Settlement terms included payment of alimony – Held: Cooling-off period under Section 13-B(2) is directory, not mandatory – Impugned order rejecting waiver application set aside – Divorce proceedings to continue without six-month waiting period [Paras 3-10].

Judicial Discretion – Waiver of Cooling-Off Period – Apex Court’s judgment in Amardeep Singh v. Harveen Kaur (2017) 8 SCC 746 applied – Conditions for waiver satisfied: statutory separation period already over, failed reconciliation attempts, genuine settlement reached, and further waiting would prolong agony – Court empowered to waive waiting period if reconciliation is unlikely and alternative rehabilitation possible [Paras 8-9].

Factual Matrix – Settlement Agreement – Parties agreed to dissolve marriage and withdraw criminal cases – Respondent received partial alimony, with remaining amount to be paid after divorce decree – No likelihood of cohabitation or reconciliation – Waiting period deemed unnecessary and contrary to the intent of Section 13-B [Paras 7-9].

Decision: Writ petition allowed – Order dated 11.09.2024 rejecting waiver application set aside – Principal Judge, Family Court, Ghazipur directed to proceed with divorce petition without six-month waiting period – No order as to costs [Paras 10-13].

Arbitration – Challenge to Award – Scope of Interference under Sections 34 and 37 of Arbitration Act – The appellant challenged an arbitral award granting compensation to the respondent for project delays and related claims – Held: The Court’s jurisdiction under Section 37 is limited and does not permit reappreciation of evidence – The Arbitral Tribunal’s findings will not be interfered with unless they violate public policy or the fundamental policy of Indian law – Award upheld except for an adjustment of prior payments [Paras 16-17].

Double Payment – Public Policy Violation – Need for Set-Off – Appellant contended that an Expert Committee had assessed the claim and directed payment of ₹6.01 crores, out of which ₹3.5 crores had already been paid – The Tribunal failed to account for this payment, leading to a risk of double payment – Held: A failure to adjust prior payments towards the same claim would violate public policy and fundamental principles of justice – The matter is remitted to the Commercial Court for reconsideration of this aspect [Paras 22-25].

Limited Judicial Review – Commercial Court’s Role in Arbitration Proceedings – The Commercial Court dismissed the appellant’s challenge under Section 34 without recording findings on the prior payment issue – Held: While courts must exercise minimal interference in arbitral matters, they are duty-bound to prevent unjust enrichment – The Commercial Court should have examined whether the ₹3.5 crore payment was towards the same claim and whether an adjustment was necessary [Paras 24-26].

Decision: The appeals are partly allowed. The judgment and order of the Commercial Court dated 03.08.2024 in Com.A.P. Nos. 106 to 117 of 2023 are set aside to the limited extent of reconsidering the prior payment of ₹3.5 crores. The matter is remitted to the Commercial Court, which shall determine whether this payment was related to the claims before the Arbitral Tribunal and, if so, ensure an appropriate set-off. Other findings of the Arbitral Tribunal and Commercial Court remain undisturbed. Pending interlocutory applications stand disposed of as not surviving.
 

PIL - Right to Health – Fundamental Right – State’s Obligation – The court reaffirmed the right to health as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution – Held: Providing adequate medical facilities, staffing, and infrastructure is a constitutional obligation of the state – Directed the State of Karnataka to address the acute shortage of medical personnel and upgrade infrastructure in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across rural and urban areas – Decision: State authorities directed to implement specific measures and submit progress reports every six months [Paras 6, 7, 10.1].

Healthcare Infrastructure – Vacancies in Medical Personnel – Need for Immediate Recruitment – Highlighted the significant vacancies in posts for medical officers, technicians, pharmacists, nursing officers, and Group-D employees – Held: The State must complete recruitment processes promptly and monitor staffing requirements regularly to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery – Decision: Recruitment of all vacant posts to be expedited with a defined timeline and ongoing monitoring [Paras 4.3, 10.2].

Suo Motu Cognizance – Media Report – Judicial Intervention in Public Interest – The court initiated the petition based on a media report highlighting healthcare deficiencies, including shortages in staff and infrastructure – Held: Judicial intervention necessary to ensure the state meets its constitutional duty to safeguard public health – Decision: Petition disposed of with directions to form monitoring committees for sustained implementation of healthcare measures [Paras 1, 2, 10(i)-(vi)].

Healthcare Strategy – Formation of Committees – Monitoring and Coordination – Directed the formation of committees at the state and district levels to oversee the implementation of health initiatives, monitor staffing levels, and propose infrastructural upgrades every six months – Decision: State-level and district-level committees to be formed, with detailed action plans and regular reviews [Paras 10(i)-(iv)].

Budget Allocation – Purpose-Driven Expenditure – Emphasized the need for adequate budgeting and effective utilization of funds for healthcare – Held: Budget allocations must be focused on addressing healthcare infrastructure gaps and operational needs – Decision: Respondents to ensure proper financial planning and efficient spending under healthcare schemes [Paras 5, 10.7].

Judicial Oversight – Compliance Monitoring – Required the State to file periodic affidavits detailing recruitment progress, infrastructural developments, and strategy implementation – Held: Continuous monitoring essential to ensure effective compliance – Decision: Affidavits to be filed every six months, with updates to be placed before the court [Paras 10.5-10.6].
 

Criminal Law - Quashing of FIR – Scope of Section 482 CrPC – Prima Facie Case Established – The petitioner sought quashment of the FIR on the grounds that the allegations were of civil nature, that there was delay in lodging the complaint, and that the allegations were false and motivated by malice – However, the father of the petitioner had already challenged the same FIR in M.Cr.C No. 45474/2022, where the High Court found prima facie allegations against both the father and the petitioner – Held: Since the allegations disclose a cognizable offence, the FIR cannot be quashed merely because there exists a civil dispute as well [Paras 8-9, 31].

Abuse of Process – Matrimonial Disputes – Malicious Prosecution – The petitioner argued that the FIR was a counterblast to his divorce petition, which was filed before the Family Court in Saket, New Delhi, and that respondent no. 2 sought an alimony of ₹1 crore before lodging the FIR – The Court, however, held that allegations such as dowry demand, financial transactions, and refusal to return Stridhan were serious and required trial – Held: Mere existence of matrimonial disputes does not automatically imply abuse of process of law [Paras 5-7].

Framing of Charges – Effect on Quashing Petition – Criminal Trial to Proceed – The charge sheet was already filed, and the trial court had rejected the petitioner’s discharge application – The Supreme Court in State of Orissa v. Ujjal Kumar Burdhan, (2012) 4 SCC 547 and XYZ v. State of Gujarat, (2019) 10 SCC 337 has held that quashing should not be exercised when sufficient prima facie material exists – Held: Once charges have been framed, the High Court should refrain from interfering under Section 482 CrPC unless prosecution is manifestly malicious [Paras 10-12].

Judicial Precedents – Limited Scope of Section 482 CrPC – The petitioner relied on Ganpat Meena v. State of MP and Kailashben Mahendrabhai Patel v. State of Maharashtra to argue that courts can quash FIRs even after charge sheet is filed – However, the High Court distinguished these cases, holding that each case must be examined on its facts – Held: Interference under Section 482 CrPC is justified only in the rarest of rare cases where prosecution is manifestly illegal or an abuse of process [Paras 10-12].

Decision: Petition Dismissed – FIR and Criminal Proceedings to Continue – The Court found prima facie material against the petitioner, and the trial had already commenced – No grounds for quashing were made out – Held: Petition dismissed with no interference warranted under Section 482 CrPC [Paras 32-33].

Rape Case – Age Determination – School Records – Standard of Proof – Acquittal – Appeal allowed – The appellant was convicted under Sections 376(1) and 450 of IPC for allegedly committing rape on a prosecutrix aged 12 years – Prosecution relied on the school register to establish the prosecutrix's age – Held: School register entries are inadmissible without testimony of the person making the entry or providing the information – Birth certificate and other school documents lacked corroboration, and no medical examination was conducted to determine the prosecutrix’s age – Prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the prosecutrix was a minor at the time of the alleged incident – Conviction unsustainable in the absence of reliable evidence [Paras 14–18].

Rape Allegation – Solitary Testimony of Prosecutrix – Reliability and Corroboration – Prosecution relied on the sole testimony of the prosecutrix – Medical examination of the prosecutrix revealed no injuries or signs of sexual assault, and the prosecutrix was found to be habitual to intercourse – Held: Sole testimony of the prosecutrix must inspire confidence to be the basis for conviction – Prosecutrix’s admission that the complaint was lodged under the influence of others, and her inconsistent statements, diminished her credibility – Conviction cannot rest on untrustworthy evidence [Paras 19–22].

Benefit of Doubt – Insufficient Evidence – Acquittal of Accused – The prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the appellant beyond reasonable doubt – Absence of eyewitnesses, contradictions in statements of witnesses, and lack of corroborative evidence made the prosecution case unreliable – Held: Appellant acquitted of all charges, and benefit of doubt extended to him [Paras 22–23].

Decision: The appeal is allowed. The conviction and sentence of the appellant under Sections 376(1) and 450 of IPC recorded by the Trial Court are set aside. The appellant is acquitted of all charges by extending the benefit of doubt. His bail bonds will remain in force for six months as per Section 437A of CrPC. [Paras 22–23].