Criminal Law – SC/ST Act – Appeal against the order directing registration of FIR and prosecution of public servant – Complaint by Respondent No. 2 alleging caste-based insults at an equestrian training academy – High Court directed registration of FIR and prosecution of the SHO for not acting on the complaint – Supreme Court quashed the FIR and set aside the prosecution order – Held that allegations did not meet the public view requirement under the SC/ST Act – Complaint did not disclose cognizable offense under the Act – Order for prosecution of public servant without administrative enquiry recommendation invalid – FIR and consequent orders quashed. [Paras 1-29]

Public View Requirement – Analysis – Held – Intentional insult or intimidation must occur within public view – Allegations did not specify the public context required under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Act – WhatsApp group chats and private settings not sufficient to meet the public view standard. [Para 20-21]

Prosecution of Public Servant – Section 4 of SC/ST Act – Held – Proviso to Section 4 requires administrative enquiry and recommendation for prosecution – High Court order bypassing this requirement is unsustainable – Protection for public servants in performing duties under the Act is crucial to avoid frivolous complaints. [Para 13-16]

Decision – Quashing of FIR and prosecution order – Supreme Court quashes the FIR and the order directing prosecution of the SHO – Complaint against appellants does not constitute offenses under the SC/ST Act – High Court's orders set aside. [Paras 27-29]

Corporate Law - Renewal of Mining Leases - Civil appeals against High Court orders regarding the renewal of mining leases originally granted to Bird and Company Limited, subsequently vested in Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Limited (BPMEL), now in liquidation - Central Government and State of Odisha opposed the renewal of leases - High Court at Calcutta directed the formation of a High-Powered Committee to decide on renewal, which was challenged by the Government of Odisha and TGP Equity Management Private Limited.

Corporate Liquidation - Role of Official Liquidator and Creditor Rights - Analysis - Held - No practical or feasible benefit in renewing leases for a defunct company with substantial liabilities - Power of attorney given to OMDC terminated upon liquidation of BPMEL - TGP, as an assignee of UCO Bank, entitled to pursue claims in accordance with the Companies Act, 1956 - Workers' dues to be settled per statutory provisions. [Paras 31-37]

Decision - Appeals by State of Odisha allowed, and High Court’s order for a High-Powered Committee set aside - TGP's appeals dismissed - Applications for renewal of mining leases treated as rejected or dismissed - Proceedings to continue in Company Court for settlement of dues as per law. [Paras 38-39]

Criminal Law - Compliance with Procedural Requirements - Appeal against High Court's decision confirming partial cognizance by Special Judge, NIA - High Court found that the complaint was in accordance with Section 4(1)(e) of CrPC, 1989 and that Section 196-B did not mandate a preliminary investigation - Held that Special Judge, NIA erred in concluding non-compliance with Section 196-A of CrPC, 1989 regarding authorization for prosecution under Section 120-B of RPC, 1989 - High Court's decision on non-cognizance under Sections 121, 121-A, and 122 of RPC, 1989 upheld - Directions given to comply with Section 196-A for proper authorization - Liberty given to appellant to seek appropriate authorization - Appeal allowed in part. [Paras 1-36]

Application of Procedural Law - Retrospective vs. Prospective Application - Act, 2019 and CrPC, 1973 application from appointed day - Held that CrPC, 1973 cannot be applied retrospectively to cure non-compliance under CrPC, 1989 - Continuation of investigation under CrPC, 1989 permissible but cognizance to follow CrPC, 1973 only post appointed day - Emphasized mandatory compliance with Section 196-A of CrPC, 1989 for prosecution authorization. [Paras 18-26, 30-33]

Curable Procedural Defect - Special Judge, NIA's decision to not take cognizance under Section 120-B of RPC, 1989 due to procedural non-compliance - High Court correctly interpreted mandatory nature of authorization - Procedural defect identified as curable, enabling appellant to rectify by obtaining proper authorization. [Paras 34-35]

Decision: Appeal was allowed in part, with specific directions to comply with the procedural mandate of Section 196-A of CrPC, 1989, for appropriate authorization. Pending applications were disposed of accordingly.

Electricity Act, 2003 – Imposition of Reliability Charges – Validity – Appeal against Tribunal’s order setting aside reliability charges imposed on bulk consumers by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. – Tribunal held that continuous process industries like the 1st respondent, which were already paying higher tariffs, could not be subjected to additional reliability charges – Supreme Court upholds Tribunal’s decision, finding no statutory basis for reliability charges under the Act or Regulations – Appeal dismissed.

Imposition of Reliability Charges – Continuous Process Industries – Tribunal noted higher tariff rates for continuous process industries on express feeders, compared to non-continuous industries – Held that additional reliability charges were unjustified – Tribunal’s findings confirmed by Supreme Court. [Paras 6-11]

Statutory Appeal – Section 111 of Electricity Act, 2003 – Entitlement to Appeal – Tribunal noted that the 1st respondent, directly affected by the levy, was entitled to appeal despite not participating in the public hearing – Supreme Court agrees, holding that non-participation does not bar statutory appeals. [Para 8]

Decision – Appeal Dismissed – Supreme Court finds no merit in the appeal and dismisses it, confirming the Tribunal's order to set aside the reliability charges imposed on the 1st respondent. [Para 12]

Civil Law – Landlord-Tenant Dispute – West Bengal Tenancy Act vs. Transfer of Property Act – Applicability in framing issues – Supreme Court's consideration of interlocutory applications during pendency of Special Leave Petitions – Directions for deposit of occupational charges based on market rent rates during dispute period upheld. The Supreme Court addressed whether the West Bengal Tenancy Act, 1997, or the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, should apply to a landlord-tenant dispute. The High Court had held the Tenancy Act applicable, leading to the dismissal of suits for eviction and recovery of possession. During the pendency of Special Leave Petitions, the Supreme Court directed the tenant to deposit occupational charges based on prevailing market rates due to non-payment of rent, ensuring equitable compensation for the landlord. [Paras 1-25]

Legal Interpretation – Determination of Lease – Concept and implications – Tenant at sufferance and obligation to pay mesne profits – Jurisprudence on rent and mesne profits during eviction proceedings – Principles from Atma Ram Properties and other landmark cases applied. The Court delved into the definitions and consequences of lease determination, forfeiture, and expiry, affirming that tenants continuing possession post-lease expiry owe mesne profits. Legal precedents underscored the landlord's right to compensation equivalent to market rent during such periods. The Court referenced significant judgments to substantiate its directive for occupational charges, highlighting equitable justice and the landlord's right to reasonable rent akin to market rates. [Paras 16-20]

Decision – Directions for deposit of occupational charges – Affirmation of trial court's findings on jurisdiction and maintainability – Conditions imposed for compliance by tenant – Final adjudication pending Special Leave Petitions – Appeal proceedings scheduled. The Court ordered the respondent to deposit INR 5,15,05,512/- with the Registry within four weeks, considering the substantial arrears and market valuation. The amount is to be placed in an interest-bearing fixed deposit pending final adjudication of the Special Leave Petitions, set for hearing in July 2024. This decision reinforces the interim protection of landlords' financial interests during ongoing litigation. [Paras 21-25]

Civil Law – Refund of Stamp Duty – Appeal against High Court’s dismissal of demand for refund of stamp duty paid towards unexecuted conveyance deed – Appellant was defrauded by vendor who had already sold the property to a third party – Despite timely online application for refund, appellant's request was denied based on limitation period – Supreme Court examined statutory provisions and relevant rules – Held, appellant’s right to refund cannot be barred by limitation – Appeal allowed, impugned orders set aside, and refund directed [Paras 2-17].

Stamp Duty Refund – Appellant applied for refund within six months but cancellation deed was executed later due to vendor's unavailability – High Court's strict interpretation of limitation period found misplaced – Supreme Court emphasized just treatment over technicalities, referencing previous judgments on similar issues – Legal principles settled in Committee-GFIL v. Libra Buildtech case applied – Appellant’s bonafide actions and pursuit of remedies justified refund [Paras 8-16].

Decision – Appeal Allowed – Held – Impugned orders dated 02.08.2019, 09.06.2015, and 25.02.2016 set aside – Respondents directed to refund the stamp duty amount of Rs. 25,34,400/- to the appellant – State should act fairly and not rely solely on technicalities when dealing with citizens [Para 17].

Criminal Law – Regular Bail under Section 439 Cr.P.C. – Appeal against High Court’s orders granting bail to accused in a double murder case – High Court’s orders set aside due to failure to consider the gravity of the offense, the role attributed to the accused, and the potential for witness tampering – Accused directed to surrender within two weeks [Paras 2, 6-7, 26, 28, 31-33, 35].

Evidence Evaluation – Supreme Court noted that the High Court overlooked substantial evidence against the accused, including consistent witness testimonies and the severity of the crime – Previous criminal history of the accused and allegations of threatening witnesses while on bail further justified setting aside the bail orders [Paras 30-32, 34].

Decision – Quashing of Bail Orders – Held – The appeals are allowed, and the orders granting bail to the respondents are quashed. The respondents are directed to surrender within two weeks. The observations made are limited to the issue of bail and do not reflect the merits of the ongoing trial [Paras 35-36].

Promotion Process - Principle of 'Merit-cum-Seniority' - Petitioners challenged the promotions made by the High Court of Gujarat under Rule 5(1) of the Gujarat State Judicial Service Rules, 2005 - Alleged misapplication of 'Merit-cum-Seniority' - High Court's promotion process involved a Suitability Test comprising Written Test, Evaluation of Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), Assessment of Average Disposal, and Evaluation of Judgments - Petitioners contended the process effectively applied 'Seniority-cum-Merit' - Writ petition under Article 32 is maintainable despite alternative remedy under Article 226 - Rule 5(1) and All India Judges’ Association (3) envisages a suitability test to ensure candidates meet a minimum standard of merit for promotion - The principle of 'Merit-cum-Seniority' does not mandate a comparative merit assessment but rather an assessment of minimum suitability - High Court's method of promotion, which assesses legal knowledge, efficiency, and case law comprehension through a Suitability Test, complies with the principle of 'Merit-cum-Seniority' - Deviating from the established process would cause prejudice to judicial officers previously affected by seniority-based promotions - Petition dismissed, Select List dated 10.03.2023 upheld [Paras 1-145]

Maintainability - Preliminary objection raised on maintainability of writ petition under Article 32 due to availability of alternative remedy under Article 226 - Court held that existence of alternative remedy does not affect maintainability of petition under Article 32 - Rule behind relegating to alternative remedy is a rule of self-restraint and convenience - Court entertained petition on merits [Paras 37-43]

Historical Context - Examined evolution of promotion principles, statutory provisions, and judicial interpretations - Discussed Law Commission's recommendations, All India Judges’ Association cases, and various precedents on 'Merit-cum-Seniority' and 'Seniority-cum-Merit' - Clarified the distinct modes of recruitment and their objectives as intended by judiciary reforms [Paras 44-139]

Guidelines for Suitability Test - Court suggested enhancing Suitability Test by including an interview component, raising minimum threshold marks, evaluating judgments from last two years, and allocating marks for seniority in Suitability Test - Suggested amending rules in line with Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1975 [Paras 140-146]

Decision - Validity of Promotion Process - Upheld High Court of Gujarat’s promotion process - Confirmed that process adheres to 'Merit-cum-Seniority' principle as per All India Judges’ Association (3) - Suitability Test is valid and comprehensive, assessing legal knowledge, efficiency, and case law comprehension - Process ensures minimum merit standards and maintains judicial efficiency - Dismissed petition, upheld Select List dated 10.03.2023 - Interim Order vacated (Paras 141-144).

Consumer Protection - Insurance Claim - Contractor’s All Risk Insurance Policy - Appellant insurance company challenged NCDRC's order directing payment of Rs. 39,09,92,828/- to respondents for bridge collapse - NCDRC relied on independent expert reports and NHAI’s decision to continue contract despite collapse - Held, insurance contracts to be interpreted strictly; exclusion clauses must be proven by insurer with clear evidence - Expert Committee found multiple factors including design flaws and construction lapses contributing to collapse - Surveyor’s report corroborated these findings, concluding exclusion clause justified repudiation - Respondent’s expert reports deemed theoretical, not based on site inspections - Supreme Court emphasized strict interpretation of insurance contracts and upheld appellant’s evidence - Appeal allowed, NCDRC order set aside - No costs awarded [Paras 1-32].

Repudiation of Claim – United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. M/s Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. & Ors. – NCDRC directed payment of insurance claim for collapse of bridge due to faulty design and workmanship – Insurer’s reliance on exclusion clauses upheld by Supreme Court – Detailed analysis of surveyor's report and Expert Committee findings corroborated insurer's stance [Paras 1-14, 16-29].

Exclusion Clauses – Supreme Court emphasized strict interpretation of exclusion clauses in insurance contracts – Burden on insurer to prove applicability of exclusion clause – Surveyor’s report and Expert Committee’s findings treated as credible evidence – Exclusion for defective design and workmanship justified repudiation of claim [Paras 17-23, 26-28].

Evidence Evaluation – Independent expert reports not admitted due to lack of examination and site-inspection – Surveyor’s on-site examination and unrebutted evidence deemed sufficient – NCDRC’s reliance on independent reports deemed erroneous by Supreme Court [Paras 18-19, 24-27].

Judicial Scrutiny – NCDRC’s dismissal of preliminary objections and reliance on inconclusive Expert Committee findings criticized – Supreme Court found sufficient grounds for insurer’s repudiation of claim – Rejection of NCDRC’s addendum modifying compensation amount without hearing parties [Paras 14, 15, 20-23, 28-29].

Decision – Appeal Allowed – Held – NCDRC’s order set aside – Insurer’s decision to repudiate insurance claim upheld based on credible evidence – Supreme Court emphasized strict application of exclusion clauses and corroborative expert testimony in insurance disputes [Paras 30-32].