Commercial Law – Consumer Protection – Jurisdiction and Maintainability of Consumer Complaint – Supreme Court examined whether the service obtained by the complainant (a chit fund subscriber) was for a commercial purpose, affecting the maintainability of a consumer complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Dispute arose from the service provider stopping the chit business and refusing refund, leading to a complaint of deficiency in service. The case reached the Supreme Court after traversing through the District Forum, State Commission, and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, all of which failed to address the preliminary objection about the commercial nature of the service comprehensively [Paras 2-3, 7, 12].

Evidence and Burden of Proof – The Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof concerning the exclusion under the Consumer Protection Act, which excludes services bought for commercial purposes from the Act's protection. The Court noted the service provider's responsibility to prove that the service was availed for a commercial purpose before the burden shifts back to the complainant to show that the service was for personal livelihood under self-employment. This standard must be met by a preponderance of probabilities [Paras 13, 17-22].

Consumer Protection Act Interpretation – Clarification of 'commercial purpose' exclusion under Section 2(7) of the Consumer Protection Act, with a detailed discussion on the historical amendments to the definition of 'consumer' and the implications of these changes on the current case. The Court dismissed the service provider’s appeal, affirming the lower forums' findings on the deficiency of service but corrected their approach to the jurisdictional issue related to the nature of the service [Paras 13-14, 23-25].

Decision – Affirmation of Lower Courts – Held – The appeals are dismissed with the Supreme Court upholding the findings of the lower forums regarding the deficiency of service by the service provider and confirming that the service availed by the complainant was not for a commercial purpose under the Consumer Protection Act, thereby entitling the complainant to consumer protection [Para 25].

Contractual Dispute - Civil appeal challenging the judgment of Jammu and Kashmir High Court regarding enforcement and interpretation of contractual terms related to the tender awarded for transportation services - High Court had entertained a writ petition claiming damages for the loss of revenue due to delayed start of the contract period - Supreme Court holds that disputes purely arising out of contractual obligations should not be entertained under extraordinary writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution [Paras 2-22].

Principle of Unjust Enrichment - Respondent sought damages for not being able to operate for full contract period due to delayed contract start, attributed to his non-compliance with contract terms - High Court awarded damages, treating the inability to operate as unjust enrichment to the appellants - Supreme Court finds this approach erroneous, stating the respondent cannot claim damages for a delay caused by his own initial refusal to comply with contract terms [Paras 16, 19-20].

Remedies and Jurisdiction - Supreme Court emphasizes that claims related to contractual damages should be pursued in civil courts or through arbitration if agreed upon, not through writ petitions - Respondent should have been directed to a competent court for resolution of contractual disputes [Para 22].

Legal Maxim Invoked - 'Nullus commodum capere potest de injuria sua propria' (No man can take advantage of his own wrong) applied - Supreme Court holds respondent's actions and subsequent litigation barred him from claiming damages for the alleged losses [Paras 18, 21].

Decision - High Court's judgment in favor of respondent on the claim of damages set aside - Supreme Court quashes the High Court's orders dated 20th February, 2015 and 30th September, 2015 as being without jurisdiction in entertaining a contractual dispute under Article 226 - Appeals allowed [Paras 24-25].

Property Law – Condonation of Delay – Trial and High Court allowed condonation of delay for a restoration application filed by a non-party to the original proceedings (P & S Nirman Pvt. Ltd.), citing an unregistered Agreement for Sale and Power of Attorney from 2009 with the deceased original plaintiff’s legal heirs – The Supreme Court found no legal basis to entertain the application from a non-party, describing the act as unsustainable in law – Held: the trial court’s decision to entertain and approve the application filed by a non-party was incorrect, leading to the setting aside of both the trial court’s and the High Court’s decisions – Appellant’s arguments that the suit was frivolous and the land had already been compensated were noted but not required for decision after finding procedural improprieties [Paras 9, 12-13].

Legal Procedure – Filing by Non-Party – Supreme Court criticized the approach of accepting applications from entities not originally part of the suit, emphasizing that this could lead to misuse by unrelated parties intervening in judicial processes – Held: Such practices could significantly undermine judicial integrity and the proper administration of law, necessitating strict adherence to party-based litigation principles [Para 10].

Implications for Land Acquisition Claims – While the original suit challenged the legality of land acquisition and sought entitlement under CIDCO’s Gaonthan Extension Scheme, these issues remained unaddressed substantively due to the procedural flaws highlighted – Trial court directed to consider pending application by actual parties on its merits [Para 14].

Decisions: The judgment of the High Court and the order of the trial court are quashed – The case concerning the procedural improprieties is remanded back for consideration of the pending application by the original plaintiff’s legal heirs, to be adjudicated based on its own merits without influence from non-parties [Para 13-14].

Election Law – Filing of replication in election petition – High Court allowed the election petitioner to file replication responding to new facts in the appellant’s written statement – Supreme Court held that replication is permissible under Order VIII Rule 9 CPC, which is applicable to election petitions under Section 87 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, to ensure a fair and effective trial – No new facts or cause of action introduced in the replication; purely explanatory to challenge the written statement responses – Appeal against High Court’s decision dismissed. [Paras 1-26]

Disclosure and Non-disclosure of Facts in Nomination Papers – Election Petition by first respondent claiming non-disclosure by appellant affecting election results – Specific allegations include non-disclosure of bank accounts, vehicle ownership, and financial liabilities – Appellant's written statement introduced explanations treated as new facts necessitating a replication for clarification – High Court's leave for replication justified on grounds of ensuring a fair trial and allowing the election petitioner to address new defenses raised. [Paras 2-5, 22-25]

Legal Framework and Judicial Discretion – Application of CPC in Election Petitions – Supreme Court confirms that under Section 87 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, and CPC, the High Court has discretion to allow replication in election petition matters – Importance of replication in clarifying and contesting new facts raised in written statements emphasized – Adherence to procedural justice and fair trial principles underpins the decision. [Paras 6-10, 20-21]

Decision – Upholding of High Court's Leave to File Replication – Supreme Court dismisses appeal, confirming that replication did not introduce new cause of action or material facts beyond those originally pleaded – Finds no merit in the appellant's objections to the replication – Ensures no prejudice is caused to the appellant while allowing the election petitioner to fully contest the election results. [Para 26]

Criminal Law – Conviction under Section 376(2)(g), 506(1) IPC and Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Women Harassment Act upheld by the High Court – Challenge in Supreme Court against High Court’s decision maintaining trial court’s conviction of accused for gang rape and criminal intimidation – Supreme Court examined credibility of prosecution’s witnesses despite them being declared hostile – Witness testimony corroborated by medical evidence, showing consistent injuries with gang rape allegations, led to upholding of convictions [Paras 1-16].

Procedural Irregularities – Impact of delayed cross-examination on witness credibility discussed – Supreme Court noted previous rulings on not discarding the testimony of hostile witnesses in entirety, allowing for part reliance – Emphasized importance of prompt cross-examination to avoid manipulation and ensure fair trial [Paras 9-11].

Evidence Evaluation – Supreme Court found substantial corroboration in victim’s initial consistent statements and medical evidence despite later hostile testimony from victim and relatives – Concluded that initial incriminating evidence remained credible and sufficient for conviction [Paras 5-7, 13-14].

Decision – Dismissal of Appeal – Held – The appeal is dismissed based on the overwhelming evidence against the appellant and the affirmation of findings by the High Court. The judicial scrutiny confirmed the reliability of the testimonies and medical evidence, establishing the occurrence of the criminal acts as charged. [Para 16]

Service Law – Compulsory Retirement – Validity – Challenge against compulsory retirement of respondent, a Head Constable in the CRPF, following proven charges of assault and abuse against a colleague – Supreme Court upholds validity of compulsory retirement under Rule 27 of CRPF Rules, 1955, even though not explicitly listed under CRPF Act, Section 11 – Held, rule-making power under Section 18 broad enough to include compulsory retirement as a form of control over the force – Punishment intra vires of the CRPF Act, justified by respondent’s conduct and consistent with the principles of maintaining discipline in a force – Punishment deemed neither procedurally infirm nor disproportionate to the misconduct proven – High Court’s decision reversed – Appeal allowed – Compulsory retirement affirmed [Paras 1-36].

Imposition of Compulsory Retirement – Analysis of CRPF Act and Rules – Held – Compulsory retirement as punishment is valid under Rule 27 of the CRPF Rules, 1955. Supreme Court finds it a necessary measure for maintaining discipline within CRPF ranks, aligned with the powers granted under the CRPF Act for rule-making by the Central Government. Determines Rule 27 is intra vires, thus dismissing High Court’s misinterpretation of the same. [Paras 14-33]

Legality and Proportionality of Punishment – Discussion on procedural and substantive aspects – Held – Evidence supports the disciplinary action taken, with confirmed misconduct through multiple witnesses and medical reports. Supreme Court deems compulsory retirement proportionate to the misconduct proven, upholding the punitive measure as neither arbitrary nor excessive. [Paras 34-36]

Decision – Upholding of Compulsory Retirement – Civil Appeal allowed – Supreme Court sets aside the High Court order, reinstating the punishment of compulsory retirement for the respondent. Concludes the punitive action fits within the legal framework of the CRPF Rules and is essential for maintaining discipline. [Para 36]

Consumer Law - Insurance Law – Acceptance of Insurance Proposal – The Supreme Court overturned the NCDRC’s decision which had dismissed the appellants’ claim for insurance benefits following the policyholder’s death, holding that the insurance proposal was indeed accepted by LIC, and thus a binding contract was in place at the time of the policyholder’s death – The District Forum and State Commission’s findings, which were favorable to the appellants, were reinstated, indicating acceptance of the premium and issuance of a receipt implied commencement of risk coverage [Para 1-30]

Contract Law – Concluded Contract – Held, acceptance of first premium and issuance of policy number implied a concluded contract before the policyholder’s death, despite LIC’s contention that the policy was blocked post-death – Supreme Court finds that there was a clear presumption of acceptance by the insurer, contrary to the NCDRC’s ruling [Para 19, 24-25]

Consumer Protection – Revisional Jurisdiction of NCDRC – Discussion on the limited revisional powers of the NCDRC under the Consumer Protection Act, emphasizing that NCDRC can intervene only if the State Commission acted without jurisdiction or with material irregularity – NCDRC’s reversal based on incorrect application of precedent and without observing procedural justness was found unjustified [Para 10, 25-27]

Decision: The appeal is allowed – The impugned order by NCDRC is set aside – Orders of the District Forum and State Commission reinstated – Respondent directed to comply with the reinstated order within two months.

Interpretation of Recovery Laws vis-à-vis Limitation Act – Question on whether debts time-barred under the Limitation Act can be recovered using the Haryana Public Moneys (Recovery of Dues) Act, 1979 – Appeals arise from Punjab and Haryana High Court judgment dismissing writ petitions against recovery notices for debts alleged to be time-barred – High Court held that Limitation Act only bars remedy and does not extinguish debt, relying on principles established in Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Limited vs. The State of Bombay and Ors., 1958 SCR 1122 and others – Appellants argue contrary position based on precedent in State of Kerala and Others vs. V.R. Kalliyanikutty & Anr. (1999) 3 SCC 657 which held that time-barred debts cannot be recovered under similar state act. [Paras 1-12]

Role of Financial Corporations in Debt Recovery – Examine whether the State Financial Corporations Act, 1951, and the Haryana Public Moneys (Recovery of Dues) Act, 1979, create an independent right for recovery of time-barred debts – Detailed examination of legislative intent and statutory provisions suggesting special powers for financial corporations to enforce claims against borrowers. [Paras 13-20]

Legal Power to Recover Debts – Discussion on whether the right of action or the legal power to recover debts persists despite limitation – Analysis involves interpretation of rights, powers, liabilities, and legal relations as per legal jurisprudence – Supreme Court observes additional right to enforce claims might exist notwithstanding the expiration of limitation period. [Paras 21-32]

Reference to Larger Bench – Given conflicting precedents and significant implications, the matter referred to the Chief Justice for constitution of a larger bench to ensure comprehensive judgment on the interplay between recovery laws and the Limitation Act. [Paras 33]

Custody Battle – Military officer vs. School teacher – Appeal from High Court’s decision altering custody arrangements made by Family Court, which initially granted exclusive custody to father, an army officer, and limited visitation to mother, a school teacher – Supreme Court reinstates Family Court’s decision, emphasizing children’s stated preference and welfare over presumed parental alienation – Children’s preference to stay with father, despite active military service, considered in best interest, given the stable environment provided by military family support systems – High Court’s assumptions of parental alienation found unsubstantiated; no “alienating behaviour” identified by courts despite extensive interactions with children [Paras 13-25]

Legal Principle – Welfare of the child paramount in custody cases – Supreme Court underlines that children’s welfare transcends parental rights and considers psychological stability and emotional needs, reflecting upon schooling, social surroundings, and children’s desires [Paras 8-12]

Decision – Supreme Court sets aside High Court’s shared custody order, reinstates Family Court’s order favoring the father with specified visitation rights for the mother, as no substantial evidence justifies altering the established living arrangement favoring the father [Para 27-28]