Speedy Trial – Right under Article 21 of the Constitution – Inordinate delays in FSL report preparation impacting criminal trials, especially under the NDPS Act – Court constituted Committees for systemic reform – Recognizing the constitutional right to a speedy trial, this Court took suo moto cognizance of delays in the preparation and filing of Forensic Science Laboratory reports in Punjab and Haryana. This delay has exacerbated pendency in trials, particularly under NDPS cases, violating the right to a timely trial for under-trials and victims – Held: Delay in criminal justice processes infringes upon fundamental rights under Article 21, necessitating judicial intervention to ensure effective reforms [Paras 3-6].

Infrastructural Deficiencies in FSL – Insufficient space and outdated equipment – Impact on timely completion of forensic analysis – Committees highlighted infrastructure limitations such as cramped space and obsolete equipment in FSLs, including Punjab’s FSL Mohali and Haryana’s DNA division. These limitations impede efficient forensic work and contribute significantly to backlog in cases. The Court emphasized the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure, citing examples from other states with larger FSL facilities – Held: Space and equipment upgrades are crucial to resolving forensic backlogs and maintaining justice system efficiency [Paras 7-10].

Personnel Shortages – Impact on forensic processing timelines – Need for streamlined recruitment and adequate staffing norms – FSLs in both states face severe personnel shortages, including absence of full-time Directors and high vacancy rates, limiting capacity for timely analysis. Existing staff face added burdens of court appearances and handling unnecessary exhibits. The Court mandated urgent recruitment efforts and suggested contractual staffing as a stop-gap – Held: Proper staffing is essential to timely FSL reports; administration must ensure prompt hiring and staffing alignment with workload needs [Paras 11-15].

Financial Constraints – Inadequate budgets and utilization issues – Budget empowerment of FSL authorities – Committees revealed financial constraints limiting FSLs' procurement of essential chemicals and equipment, crucial in cases under the POCSO Act and NDPS Act. Punjab’s budget restrictions, due to limited financial powers of the FSL Director, led to lapsing of funds despite unmet needs – Held: Financial empowerment of the FSL Director is essential for timely resource allocation and uninterrupted forensic operations [Paras 16-18].

Judicial Recommendations – Reforms for FSL efficacy – Structural, operational, and procedural enhancements – The Court, acting under Article 226, endorsed specific Committee recommendations for immediate and effective FSL reform, including appointing a full-time Director, implementing SOPs, updating equipment, and improving infrastructure. Additional measures include video conferencing for court appearances, QR-coded record systems, prioritization protocols, and monitoring mechanisms for case pendency – Held: States must act swiftly to implement these reforms to uphold justice, prevent delays, and ensure the integrity of forensic reports [Paras 19-25].

Judicial Oversight – Directive under Article 226 – Mandate for compliance – Exercising jurisdiction under Article 226, the Court directed Punjab and Haryana to prioritize the outlined measures, emphasizing the constitutional imperative to uphold the right to a speedy trial. Copies of Committee reports were ordered to be sent to the Chief Secretaries of both states to ensure timely implementation – Held: The Court’s directives are essential to enforce fundamental rights and promote fair judicial processes [Paras 26-29].
 

Service Law - Transfer of Police Personnel - Disciplinary Force - The petitioners, office bearers of the Bihar Police Association, contested their transfers under administrative orders, citing a lack of compliance with transfer protections. The Court noted that transfer is a routine aspect of service, especially in disciplined forces, and can be mandated under administrative necessity without judicial interference unless mala fide is proven [Paras 12-13].

Transfer and Representation - Rule of Prior Joining - The Court held that the petitioners must join their new posts before contesting transfers as stipulated in the transfer order. The pending representations filed without joining were thus not subject to judicial relief until compliance [Para 20].

Police Establishment Board and Transfer Policy - Judicial Restraint - The Court reiterated that judicial intervention in police transfers is limited, emphasizing adherence to the Apex Court's directives for maintaining administrative discretion in transfer decisions within disciplined services [Paras 18-19].

Directive for Expedited Decision - Given the delay in addressing pending representations and consequent denial of salary since February 2024, the Court directed the Director General of Police to resolve the petitioners’ representations within one week, balancing administrative rigor with Article 21 rights [Paras 20-21].

Decision: The writ petition is disposed of, with directions for timely decision on representations.

Taxation Law - Faceless Scheme of Assessment – Legislative Intent and Evolution – With the advent of technological advancements, the Revenue aimed to modernize the tax assessment process by reducing direct taxpayer-officer interaction to prevent undesirable practices – Budget Speech 2019 underscored these issues, advocating for the faceless scheme to enhance transparency and efficiency – The scheme was formalized with the E-assessment Scheme, 2019 and expanded through amendments in 2020 and the Finance Act 2022, which included reassessment and recomputation under Sections 143(3), 144, and 147 [Paras 46-54].

Technological Infrastructure – RMS, CASS, and Insight Portal – The Revenue implemented sophisticated data tools like RMS, CASS, AIR, and Insight Portal to aggregate, cross-check, and analyze taxpayer information – RMS used for automated case selection based on risk parameters to minimize human bias – Insight Portal provided JAOs with comprehensive data for informed preliminary evaluations [Paras 57-64].

JAO's Concurrent Jurisdiction and Role – Despite the faceless assessment framework, the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO) retains concurrent jurisdiction – This allows the JAO to verify data and initiate reassessment based on gathered information – Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Trust case reinforced that the JAO's powers coexist with NFAC’s automated system, ensuring comprehensive assessments [Paras 82-85].

Reassessment Procedure – Beyond Faceless Allocation – The reassessment process under Sections 147, 148, and 148A involves JAO's discretion to act on data from RMS, audit reports, or court directives – The Gujarat High Court in Talati and Talati LLP confirmed that the JAO’s role in initiating reassessment is essential and distinct from the automated allocation for final assessments under Section 144B [Paras 86-103].

Conclusion – Complementary Framework – The faceless scheme does not eliminate JAO’s role but supplements it, providing a dual-layered system ensuring transparency and efficiency – Petitions challenging reassessment by JAOs were dismissed, affirming that JAOs maintain lawful authority for initial reassessment actions [Paras 104-105].
 

Criminal Law - Criminal Conspiracy – Standard of Proof – Acquittal of Accused – The prosecution’s case alleged a conspiracy to facilitate a jailbreak by smuggling explosive materials into Burail Jail. Witnesses turned hostile, key incriminatory evidence such as communication devices were unrecovered, and contradictions in arrest dates created doubt. Held: Prosecution failed to establish the conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt, warranting acquittal for multiple co-accused [Paras 16-20, 47].

Section 27, Indian Evidence Act – Disclosure Statements and Recoveries – Legal Standards for Credibility – The court assessed the evidentiary value of disclosure statements and recoveries under Section 27 of the Evidence Act. It held that while disclosure statements led to explosive material recovery, inconsistencies regarding arrest timing discredited the prosecution’s evidence. Held: Disclosure statement's evidentiary value was diminished, leading to acquittal [Paras 42-43].

Explosive Substances Act, Sections 4, 5, and 6 – Applicability of Charges – Conspiracy and Incrimination – Without credible witness corroboration or recovery of alleged conspiratorial devices, charges under Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Act were unsubstantiated. Held: Accusations of explosive-related offenses under the Act remained unproven, justifying acquittal on these grounds [Para 22].

Forgery – Handwriting Evidence – Conviction Upheld – Accused Balwinder Singh was charged with forgery (Section 468, IPC) for using a false identity in prison registers. A handwriting expert’s report confirmed matching signatures, and no contrary evidence was presented by the defense. Held: Conviction under Section 468 was upheld based on credible handwriting evidence [Para 49].

Decision  – Acquittal and Dismissal of Appeal – The court dismissed the appeal filed by U.T. Chandigarh seeking the conviction of all accused and upheld the acquittal of various respondents. It also dismissed the appeal of Balwinder Singh, affirming his conviction under Sections 419, 468, and 471 IPC [Paras 50-51].

Compassionate Appointment – Eligibility of Married Daughter – Petition Dismissed – The petitioner, a married daughter, sought compassionate appointment following her brother’s death in harness. The Tribunal had denied her application, ruling that as a married daughter, she was ineligible under the rules in effect at the time of her brother’s death. Held: The compassionate appointment scheme is regulated by the 1996 Karnataka Civil Services Rules, which did not recognize married daughters as eligible dependents at the relevant time. Amendments extending eligibility to married daughters in 2021 apply prospectively, and therefore cannot grant rights retroactively. The Tribunal’s reliance on this interpretation was upheld [Paras 2-2.3, 3].

Prospective Application of Amendments in Compassionate Appointment Rules – The Court referenced Hitendra Vishnu Thakur v. State of Maharashtra, emphasizing that substantive law changes affecting eligibility must be applied prospectively unless explicitly stated otherwise. The petitioner’s claim that the 2021 amendment should apply retrospectively was rejected, as compassionate appointments are exceptions to equality and only apply within the rule framework active at the time of the death in harness [Paras 2.2, 3].

Public Policy and Judicial Restraint in Expanding Definitions for Compassionate Grounds – Citing prior Karnataka High Court decisions in Mrs. Megha J v. LIC of India and Smt. Priyanka Halamani v. The State of Karnataka, the Court underscored that compassionate appointments are a policy matter and not a right. Judicial expansion of eligibility to include married daughters beyond legislative intent would infringe on legislative domain [Para 2.4].

Decision: The writ petition is dismissed. The High Court upheld the Tribunal’s decision denying compassionate appointment, ruling that eligibility is determined by the rules at the time of the employee’s death. The subsequent rule amendment extending eligibility to married daughters cannot apply retroactively.

Jurisdiction of Telangana Women’s Commission – Validity of Summons – Writ Petition Dismissed – The petitioner, an astrologer, challenged the summons issued by the Telangana State Women's Commission following a complaint by the Telugu Film Journalists Association. The complaint alleged that the petitioner’s predictions about women celebrities were defamatory and derogatory. Held: Under Section 16(1)(b) of the Act, the Commission is empowered to issue summons based on information concerning unfair practices against women, without requiring a preliminary investigation when acting on information from an external source. The summons was deemed procedurally valid as the Commission acted within its statutory powers [Paras 15-18, 21].

Non-Mandatory Preliminary Investigation Under Section 16(1)(b) – Discretionary Power of the Commission – Citing the judgments in N. Mani v. Sangeetha Theatre and B.S.E. Brokers’ Forum v. SEBI, the Court held that an error in citing the correct statutory provision does not invalidate action if the statutory power exists. Here, no preliminary investigation was required, as the complaint fell under Section 16(1)(b), permitting the Commission to proceed based on external information [Paras 10, 16, 20].

Limitations on Challenging Show-Cause Notices – Relying on Union of India v. Kunisetty Satyanarayana, the Court emphasized that judicial intervention is generally premature in cases involving show-cause notices unless a fundamental right is infringed. The writ petition was dismissed on grounds that procedural compliance by the Commission sufficed to sustain the summons, rendering the petitioner’s objections premature [Para 22].

Decision:

The petition is dismissed. The Court upheld the Telangana Women’s Commission’s authority to issue summons, directing the Commission to provide the petitioner with a copy of the complaint and proceed per statutory requirements and natural justice principles. Interim relief granted earlier is vacated.

Criminal Law - Section 307 IPC – Acquittal Set aside - Requirement of Grievous Injury – Not Essential – The trial court's view that grievous injury is an essential requirement for conviction under Section 307 IPC is incorrect – Held: To convict under Section 307 IPC, it is not necessary that the injury should be capable of causing death. The intent or knowledge with which the act was committed and overt acts demonstrating such intent are sufficient. The evidence showed repeated assaults by the respondents, supporting a conviction under Section 307 IPC [Paras 33-38].

Assessment of Medical and Eyewitness Evidence – Consistent Testimonies – The trial court erred in overlooking the consistent and credible testimonies of the informant and supporting witnesses – Held: The informant's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence (Exhibit-2), confirmed repeated blows and significant injuries. The minor discrepancies did not affect the overall credibility of the prosecution's case [Paras 20-27].

Nature of Injury – Impact on Conviction – Even Simple Injuries Sufficient – The informant's injuries were simple yet inflicted with a weapon capable of causing serious harm (farsa) – Held: The use of a potentially lethal weapon and the infliction of repeated blows indicate an intention that satisfies Section 307 IPC. The nature of the injuries alone is not decisive [Paras 16, 33-38].

Compensation to Victim – Section 357 CrPC – Courts' Duty – The trial court failed to award compensation to the victim despite a conviction under Sections 323, 341, 447/34 IPC – Held: Awarding compensation is a duty of the court to ensure victim relief. The appellant is entitled to compensation from the convicted respondents [Paras 43-45].

Appellate Review – Conviction for Lesser Offences – Court's Role – The appellate court can review and modify judgments when the evidence on record supports a higher conviction – Held: The respondents' actions warranted conviction under Sections 307 and 324 IPC. The trial court's acquittal for these charges was set aside [Paras 39-42].

Decision: The trial court's acquittal of the respondents for offences under Sections 307 and 324 IPC was overturned. Respondent No. 2 was convicted under Sections 307/34 and 324 IPC, and Respondent Nos. 3 and 4 were convicted under Section 307/34 IPC. The appeal was allowed to this extent. The respondents were taken into custody, and the case was scheduled for sentencing and compensation orders on 30/10/2024 [Paras 46-49].
 

POCSO Act – Credibility of Minor Victim's Testimony – Sufficiency of Sole Testimony – The Trial Court questioned the credibility of the child victim’s statements due to minor contradictions and presumed tutoring – On appeal, the High Court found the victim’s statements under Section 164 Cr.P.C. and in court to be consistent, detailed, and free from contradictions – Held: Child victim’s consistent testimony alone suffices for conviction in sexual assault cases, negating the presumption of innocence established by acquittal [Paras 5-8, 11-14].

Appellate Review of Acquittal – Reversal Criteria – The High Court clarified its appellate powers in reversing acquittals, emphasizing that it must only interfere if the lower court’s findings are perverse or against the evidence weight – Held: Trial Court’s findings disregarded the consistency of key witness testimony and thus warranted reversal to prevent miscarriage of justice [Paras 21-24].

POCSO Conviction Adjustment – Reclassification to Sexual Assault under Section 7 – While upholding the charge, the High Court observed no evidence of penetrative assault, modifying the conviction to sexual assault under Section 7, POCSO Act, with corresponding penalties under Section 8 [Paras 29-32].

Decision: The appeal is allowed. The Trial Court’s acquittal is set aside, and the respondent is convicted under Section 7 of the POCSO Act, with sentencing to be addressed subsequently.
 

Banking Law - Fraud Classification - Principles of Natural Justice – The petitioner, Ratul Puri, sought quashing of the Bank of Baroda's decision to classify him as a "fraud" under the RBI's Master Directions on Frauds. The Court found that the classification without prior notice or opportunity for the petitioner to be heard was in violation of principles of natural justice. Held: Actions lacking in procedural fairness and natural justice are unsustainable [Paras 12-14, 20-22].

Legal Obligations of Banks under RBI Fraud Directions – Audi Alteram Partem – The Court reaffirmed that the doctrine of audi alteram partem applies even under RBI's Master Directions on Frauds. Serious consequences of fraud classification, such as credit denial and business restrictions, necessitate a fair hearing. Banks must provide borrowers with notice, an opportunity to respond to forensic audit findings, and reasoned decisions before classifying accounts as fraudulent [Paras 49, 62].

Reliance on Rajesh Aggarwal Case - Classification as Fraud and Civil Consequences – The Court referenced State Bank of India v. Rajesh Aggarwal and highlighted that the RBI’s Master Directions entail significant civil repercussions on individuals classified as "fraud," equating it to "civil death" in credit terms. Consequently, natural justice mandates procedural safeguards to prevent arbitrary exclusions from institutional finance [Paras 14, 49, 57, 62].

Decision – Petition Allowed – The impugned classification of the petitioner as “fraud” by Bank of Baroda was set aside due to procedural lapses in the application of natural justice. The Court directed Bank of Baroda to remove the petitioner’s “fraud” status from the Central Fraud Registry within 15 days, underscoring that no factual grounds warranted such classification [Para 14, 57, 62].