Public Law Compensation – Electrocution Incident – Breach of Public Duty – Petitioners sought Rs. 25 lakhs compensation for the death of their 3-year-old son, who was electrocuted by a high voltage line abutting their house’s terrace. Respondent-authorities rejected the claim, attributing the incident to illegal construction by petitioners. The Court recognized the jurisdiction of writ courts to award compensation in public law for breach of fundamental rights under Article 21. Interim compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs was granted, allowing petitioners to seek further compensation in civil courts [Paras 1-16].

Negligence and Contributory Negligence – Despite allegations of illegal construction by petitioners, the Court highlighted the failure of the respondent authorities to take preventive measures against such constructions, contributing to the incident. Compensation granted was based on principles of strict liability and contributory negligence [Paras 11-12].

Legal Precedents – Court referenced multiple Supreme Court decisions affirming compensation under public law for constitutional breaches, emphasizing strict liability in cases of public duty failure, and distinguished between public law remedies and private law actions for damages [Paras 7-10].

Interim Relief and Civil Suit – Interim compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs to be disbursed within two months, with liberty to the petitioners to pursue additional compensation in civil court. The period of pending petition excluded from limitation for filing such suits [Paras 13-15].

Decision – Writ Petition Partly Allowed – Interim compensation awarded, case disposed of with liberties for further legal action [Paras 16].

Arbitration Tribunal Jurisdiction – Sub-Contractors – Whether a Sub-Contractor is a “Party” under Section 2(g) of the Bihar Public Work Contract Disputes Arbitration Tribunal Act, 2008 – Petitioners challenged the Tribunal's order rejecting their application on grounds of non-maintainability, claiming they are a party under the Act as Sub-Contractor/Executor [Paras 1-3]​​.

Interpretation of "Party" – Wider Meaning – The High Court held that the definition of "Party" under Section 2(g) of the Tribunal Act, 2008 includes Sub-Contractors/Executors – Cited Supreme Court precedents to substantiate the broader interpretation of "Party" including those who execute work on behalf of a contractor [Paras 11-16]​​.

Contract Execution and Acknowledgement – Conduct and "Sub Silentio" Acceptance – The court emphasized that the conduct of the respondents, including the acceptance of work done by the petitioner, establishes the petitioner's role as an Executor – Found the Tribunal's rejection of the petitioner's claim as arbitrary and illegal [Paras 20-28]​​.

Decision – Petition Allowed – Held – The impugned order of the Tribunal dated 11.08.2014 is set aside – Matter remanded back to the Tribunal to adjudicate and settle the dispute within four months – Confirmed that a Sub-Contractor who executes work on behalf of a contractor falls within the definition of "Party" under Section 2(g) of the Tribunal Act, 2008 [Paras 28-30]​​.

Commissions of Inquiry – Continuation and Cessation – The court addressed the procedural aspects concerning the cessation of a Commission of Inquiry under Section 7 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. The court held that the mere expiration of the Commission’s term does not automatically imply cessation. A formal notification specifying the cessation of the Commission is mandatory [Paras 3.1-3.2].

Revival and Continuation of Inquiry – The court allowed for the possibility of the Government reviving the Commission of Inquiry, given the absence of a formal cessation notification. The court concluded that the Government retains the power to extend or continue the Commission’s mandate to fulfill its purpose, particularly when the inquiry report has been quashed on technical grounds [Paras 3.18-3.20].

Difference in Judicial Opinions – The case involved divergent opinions between two judges on whether the Commission could proceed from where it left off before its term ended. Justice Kshetarpal concluded that the Commission could continue its proceedings from the stage when the notice under Section 8B was required to be issued, aligning with the opinion that the Government could decide on its continuation [Paras 1.1-1.6].

Decision:

Writ petition partly allowed. The Government is at liberty to decide on the continuation of the Commission. The Commission may proceed from the stage of issuing notice under Section 8B of the Act.

Simultaneous Proceedings – Departmental and Criminal – The court reiterated the principle that departmental proceedings and criminal trials can proceed simultaneously, as there is no legal bar for both to be conducted at the same time. The primary consideration is whether the departmental proceedings should be stayed to avoid prejudice to the defense in the criminal case. This is particularly relevant in cases involving identical facts and charges of a grave nature involving complicated questions of law and fact. However, mere similarity in facts is not sufficient to stay departmental proceedings [Paras 1-16].

Non-Disclosure of Defense – The court dismissed the contention that proceeding with the departmental inquiry would force the petitioner to disclose their defense in the criminal case. The court emphasized that the standard of proof and procedural rules in criminal and departmental proceedings differ significantly, with the former requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt and the latter relying on the preponderance of probabilities [Paras 5-8, 10].

Expeditious Conclusion – Emphasizing the need for early conclusion of departmental proceedings, the court highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline and efficiency in public service. Delaying disciplinary proceedings indefinitely until the conclusion of the criminal trial is not in the interest of the department or public service [Paras 11-14].

Decision:

Both writ petitions are dismissed. The court ruled that there was no ground to stay the examination of common witnesses in the departmental proceedings until they were examined in the criminal trial. The court did not opine on the merits of the allegations in either the criminal or departmental proceedings, leaving it to the respective authorities to decide independently in accordance with the law.

Writ - Criminal Law – Offence under Section 304(A) IPC for Causing Death by Negligence – Petition for Return of Seized Driving License – The petitioner, K. Perumal, drove a bus involved in a fatal accident, resulting in the registration of a case under Section 304(A) IPC. The second respondent police seized the petitioner's driving license and handed it to the first respondent, the Regional Transport Officer. Despite approaching the first respondent for the return of his license, no action was taken, prompting the present writ petition [Paras 1-3].

Motor Vehicles Act – Licensing Authority’s Power to Revoke or Suspend License – Court’s Previous Ruling Referenced – The petitioner cited a previous order of the court in W.P(MD) No. 2111 of 2021, which addressed a similar issue. The court reviewed the provisions of Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which allow the licensing authority to disqualify or revoke a driving license, provided that the holder is given an opportunity to be heard, and reasons are recorded in writing. In the present case, the license was seized without following these statutory procedures [Paras 4-6].

Decision – Writ Petition Allowed – Held – The court directed the first respondent to return the driving license to the petitioner forthwith. The order emphasized the requirement for due process under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act and held that the seizure of the license without proper notice and opportunity to be heard was unlawful. The ruling aligns with the principles established in previous judgments, ensuring the protection of procedural rights of individuals involved in road traffic incidents [Para 7].

Non-delivery of Possession – Petitioner not provided possession of flat despite full payment – Respondent offered inadequate temporary solutions and refunds without interest – Court highlighted plight of petitioner who invested life savings and faced severe accommodation issues – Writ petition allowed with direction for full refund with interest and compensation for mental agony [Paras 1-23].

Contempt of Court – Alleged non-compliance with Court's earlier order for monthly compensation to petitioner – Respondent complied with orders by paying monthly sums and attempting to provide suitable alternate accommodations – Contempt petition dismissed due to respondent's compliance and efforts [CONT.CAS(C) 1294/2023 & CM APPL. 3311/2024, Paras 1-6].

Judicial Notice – Court noted exponential rise in property prices, deeming respondent's offer to refund only principal amount as inadequate – Emphasized duty of State-run enterprises to act fairly, granting additional compensation for mental agony [Para 18, 22].

Interrogatories – Land Acquisition Case – Denial of Application – Petition challenging order of Sub Judge, Vaishali, Hajipur, denying interrogatories to the petitioner – High Court upheld lower court’s decision, emphasizing judicial discretion in allowing interrogatories – Found no error in the order rejecting the interrogatories application [Paras 1-5]​​.

Writ Jurisdiction – Distinction Under Articles 226 and 227 – Reference to Radhey Shyam v. Chhabi Nath ruling that judicial orders of civil courts are not amenable to writ jurisdiction under Article 226, but Article 227 can be invoked for supervisory jurisdiction – Emphasized procedural compliance as per amended High Court Rules, converting writ petitions to civil miscellaneous petitions [Paras 2, 3, 4]​​.

Judicial Discretion – Use of Interrogatories – Court emphasized that allowing interrogatories is a matter of judicial discretion aimed at aiding fair trial, not an absolute right – Reiterated the necessity for substantial reason to interfere with trial court’s discretion [Paras 3-5]​​.

Decision – Petition Dismissed – Held – Writ petition converted to Civil Miscellaneous Petition as per procedural requirements – Directed registry to facilitate conversion and prioritize listing before appropriate bench [Paras 4-5]​​.

Parole – Repetition of Petitions – Petitioner sought parole for the daughter’s marriage, previously filed and withdrawn – Concealment of relevant orders – Fresh petition dismissed due to identical cause of action with only a change in marriage date – Petitioner’s conduct deprecable for concealment and repetitive filing [Paras 1-8].

Maintenance of Judicial Records – Misuse of Court’s Process – Emphasizes necessity for petitioners to disclose all relevant orders and not misuse the court’s process by refiling similar petitions with minor changes – Court refrains from imposing costs due to the petitioner’s incarceration [Paras 7-9].

Decision: Petition dismissed – No costs imposed considering the petitioner’s current confinement [Paras 8-9].

Income Tax – Cancellation of Registration under Section 12A – Power of Commissioner – Retrospective Application – The Commissioner’s order to cancel the registration of the assessee trusts under Section 12A was challenged. The court examined whether the Commissioner had the power to cancel such registration before the amendment of Section 12AA(3) in 2010, which explicitly provided for such power. The court held that prior to this amendment, the Commissioner did not have the express power to cancel registration, and thus, the cancellation orders dated 02.03.2010 and 26.03.2010 were without jurisdiction and authority [Paras 1-17].

Statutory Interpretation – Retrospective Amendment – Legal Principles – The court reaffirmed the principle that quasi-judicial orders cannot be modified or rescinded without express statutory authority. The retrospective application of amendments conferring such powers must be explicit and cannot be implied [Paras 17-18].

Educational Trusts – Charitable Activities – Surplus Income – It was argued by the Revenue that the trusts were engaged in profit-making under the guise of educational activities. The court referred to recent Supreme Court judgments emphasizing that surplus income does not necessarily negate the charitable nature of educational activities, provided such surplus is used for educational purposes [Paras 19-23].

Decision: Appeals dismissed – ITAT orders upheld – Registrations under Section 12A restored – Commissioner lacked the authority to cancel registrations prior to the 2010 amendment. The court also emphasized the importance of adhering to statutory guidelines and principles of fairness in administrative actions [Paras 24-26].