Environmental Law – Ship Dismantling – Applications concerned the entry and dismantling of the ship "Oriental Nicety" in Indian waters. The Court reviewed compliance with environmental safeguards and procedures laid out in the Basel Convention. The ship was allowed to beach and be dismantled after clearance from relevant authorities, with provisions for handling any discovered hazardous materials during dismantling [Paras 1-14].

Compliance with Basel Convention – The ship's entry was conditioned on compliance with Basel Convention norms and prior clearance from the State Pollution Control Board, State Maritime Board, and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The Court emphasized adherence to Basel Convention or subsequent Central Government provisions in future cases [Paras 7, 14].

Clearance for Beaching and Dismantling – The ship was inspected and found free of hazardous substances, permitting it to beach for dismantling. Any hazardous materials discovered during dismantling to be disposed of at the ship owner's cost [Paras 12-13].

Regulatory Oversight – The Court noted the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Standing Monitoring Committee to periodically review the implementation of Technical Expert Committee recommendations, ensuring compliance with environmental standards [Paras 4-5].

Decision – Applications disposed of, allowing ship to beach and proceed with dismantling under strict regulatory compliance. Emphasis placed on adherence to Basel Convention in future cases to ensure a clean maritime environment [Paras 13-14].

Employment Law – Concealment of Criminal Background – The appellant was terminated from his position as a police constable for concealing his involvement in a criminal case during the selection process. The Supreme Court examined conflicting views in previous judgments regarding termination for such concealment and decided to refer the matter to a larger bench for an authoritative decision [Paras 1-34].

Verification of Character and Antecedents – The court emphasized the importance of verifying character and antecedents for positions in the police force, noting that concealment of material information regarding criminal involvement affects the integrity and suitability of candidates for such positions [Paras 3-7, 16-22].

Conflicting Judicial Views – The court reviewed several conflicting decisions from various benches regarding the termination of employees for concealing criminal cases during selection, highlighting the need for a consistent legal standard [Paras 9-29].

Referral to Larger Bench – Due to the conflicting judgments, the matter was referred to a larger bench for a uniform and authoritative pronouncement on the issue [Paras 33-34].

Decision – Matter referred to a larger bench for detailed consideration and an authoritative pronouncement on the legal principles involved in cases of concealment of criminal background by candidates during the selection process [Para 34].

Income Tax – Advance Rulings – The primary issue was the maintainability of challenges to the advance rulings of the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) under Articles 136, 226, and 227 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court clarified that AAR is a tribunal within the meaning of Articles 136 and 227, and its rulings can be challenged under these Articles [Paras 1-14].

Tribunal – Definition and Judicial Review – The Court confirmed that AAR exercises judicial functions and its determinations are binding, thus qualifying it as a tribunal under Articles 136 and 227. Consequently, its rulings are subject to judicial review by the High Courts and the Supreme Court [Paras 7-10].

Binding Nature of Advance Rulings – Section 245S of the Income Tax Act makes advance rulings binding on the applicant and the Commissioner of Income Tax, but the rulings can be challenged under Articles 226 and 227 before High Courts or under Article 136 before the Supreme Court [Paras 9-11].

Judicial Superintendence – High Courts have the power to review AAR's rulings under Articles 226 and 227 as part of their constitutional duty, ensuring that such rulings can be scrutinized for legality and correctness [Paras 12-13].

Decision – The Court disposed of the Special Leave Petitions, granting liberty to the petitioners to approach the appropriate High Court under Articles 226 and 227. The High Courts were requested to expedite the hearing of such writ petitions to maintain the purpose of obtaining advance rulings expeditiously [Paras 14].

Sex Workers – Committee Inclusion – The Union of India sought the removal of Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Samiti from a panel constituted by a previous order, citing the Samiti's advocacy for the decriminalization of sex work and the repeal of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The Supreme Court rejected this request, recognizing the Samiti's valuable contributions to understanding the problems faced by sex workers [Paras 1-7].

Modification of Reference Terms – The second modification requested by the Union of India was to change the wording of a reference term that could be interpreted as encouraging sex work. The Court agreed to modify the wording to emphasize the dignity of sex workers in accordance with Article 21 of the Constitution, without encouraging prostitution [Paras 8-9].

Decision – Application partly allowed – Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Samiti to remain on the committee; the third reference term modified to: "Conditions conducive for sex workers to live with dignity in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Constitution" [Paras 7-10].

Criminal Law – Murder Conviction – Appellant convicted for the murder of his first wife, Sita Devi, with a knife, her body later found in a decomposed state in Gorai Creek – Conviction based on circumstantial evidence including the last seen theory, recovery of the body and weapon, and bloodstained clothes – Appellant's motive established due to frequent domestic disputes – Supreme Court upheld the conviction, citing established principles for circumstantial evidence, finding no missing link in the chain of events [Paras 1-14].

Circumstantial Evidence – Chain of Circumstances – Court reiterated principles for appreciating circumstantial evidence, emphasizing that the established circumstances should lead solely to the guilt of the accused, excluding any other hypothesis – Identification of the body and the appellant’s failure to explain the absence of his wife from the matrimonial home were crucial [Paras 8-13].

Section 313 CrPC – Examination of Accused – Appellant's explanation for his wife's disappearance was insufficient – Court highlighted the significance of the accused’s duty to provide an adequate explanation when the facts are peculiarly within his knowledge [Para 14].

Decision – Appeal dismissed – Conviction and life sentence affirmed – Court emphasized the established motive, the appellant’s actions post-crime, and the consistency of the circumstantial evidence in leading to the appellant’s guilt [Para 15].

Land Reforms and Mining Lease – Dispute over mining lease recommendations by the State Government and subsequent withdrawal of those recommendations – Bihar Land Reforms Act and Bihar Reorganisation Act applied – Central Government's approval necessary for state decisions on mineral exploitation – Supreme Court examined statutory provisions and procedural compliance, emphasizing adherence to proper legal channels for granting and withdrawing mining leases [Paras 1-13].

Mines and Minerals Development – Applicability of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and corresponding rules – Legal scrutiny of notifications reserving mineral-rich areas for public sector exploitation – Court assessed validity of notifications from 1962, 1969, and 2006, considering central-state legislative competence and federal structure principles – Affirmed that state reservations need to comply with central statutes and require appropriate approvals [Paras 14-26].

Decision – Appeals were resolved with directions for adherence to statutory norms and proper approvals for mining leases – Legal principles reasserted on central control over mineral regulation and development, as declared by Parliament under the Constitution [Paras 27-41].

Criminal Law – Murder vs. Culpable Homicide – Appeal challenging conviction under Section 302 IPC for murder of the deceased – Appellant argued that the incident occurred due to sudden provocation and without premeditation – Supreme Court analyzed the distinction between ‘murder’ and ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’ under Sections 299 and 300 IPC – Court considered the heated exchange, immediate reaction, and lack of prior enmity – Altered conviction to Section 304 Part I IPC, reducing sentence to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine [Paras 1-31].

Distinction between Sections 299 and 300 IPC – Court elaborated on the definitions and differences between ‘culpable homicide’ and ‘murder’ – Highlighted that all murders are culpable homicides but not vice versa – Provided guidelines for determining the applicable section based on the intention, knowledge, and circumstances of the act [Paras 10-19].

Sudden Provocation – Incident occurred due to a dispute over a ladauri (boundary marker) – Heated argument and physical altercation led to the appellant shooting the deceased – No premeditation or previous animosity between the parties – Court found that the act was committed in a sudden heat of passion [Paras 24-27].

Decision – Appeal partially allowed – Conviction under Section 302 IPC altered to Section 304 Part I IPC – Appellant sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000, in default to undergo simple imprisonment for one month – Judgment modified accordingly [Paras 31].

Criminal Law – Murder Conviction – Appellant convicted for the murder of Kuppa based on dying declaration, eye-witness testimony, and forensic evidence – Dying declaration recorded by police officer after doctor certified the deceased was fit to give statement – Supreme Court upheld the conviction, finding no undue delay in FIR registration and relying on the dying declaration as credible evidence [Paras 1-12].

Dying Declaration – Admissibility and Evidentiary Value – Court emphasized the reliability of dying declarations, particularly when made voluntarily and corroborated by other evidence – Discussed principles from previous judgments, asserting that a dying declaration can form the sole basis for conviction if found trustworthy and credible [Paras 12-17].

Delay in Lodging FIR – Incident occurred at 7:45 PM, FIR registered at 11:30 PM – Court found the delay reasonable given the circumstances, prioritizing immediate medical attention for the deceased over prompt FIR registration – No merit in the contention of inordinate delay [Paras 8-9].

Decision – Appeal dismissed – Conviction and life sentence affirmed – Court found no reason to interfere with concurrent findings of lower courts, emphasizing the clear and voluntary nature of the dying declaration and corroborative evidence provided by eyewitnesses and forensic reports [Paras 18].

Criminal Law – Murder Conviction – Appellant convicted for the murder of Sankar based on eye-witness testimony and medical evidence – Appellant argued delay in FIR and claimed injuries not attributed to him – Supreme Court upheld conviction, noting timely FIR registration and direct evidence linking appellant to the fatal injury [Paras 1-12].

Delay in FIR Registration – Incident occurred at 10:30 AM, FIR registered at 2:45 PM – Court found delay reasonable, given efforts to provide immediate medical attention to the deceased – Rejected appellant’s claim of undue delay [Paras 8-9].

Culpable Homicide vs. Murder – Appellant inflicted fatal injury on deceased with intent – Court rejected argument for reduction to Section 304 Part II IPC, citing premeditation and previous threats – Injury inflicted was severe, directly causing death [Paras 10-14].

Decision – Appeal dismissed – Conviction and life sentence under Section 302 IPC affirmed – Court found no merit in appellant’s claims, emphasized clear evidence of intent and fatal nature of injury caused by the appellant [Para 14].