Criminal Appeal – Election Dispute – Challenge to election result – Appellant challenges validity of the impugned judgment passed by the High Court – Impugned judgment set aside by the Division Bench – Single Bench’s order and recounting of votes also set aside – Appeal filed by appellant – Legal issues raised concerning the maintainability of the Election Petition, re-counting of votes, and compliance with relevant rules. [Para 1]

Election Petition – Jurisdiction and relief – Election Petition filed before the Sub Divisional Officer – Prayed for recounting of votes at specific booths – Validity of election petition questioned – Applicability of Rule 6 of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat Nirvachan Niyam, 1995 – Rule 6 provides for the relief that may be claimed by the petitioner – Whether the petition’s relief of re-counting votes alone, without seeking any other relief as per Rule 6, was maintainable. [Para 3, Para 7, Para 10, Para 11]

Statutory Interpretation – Strict construction – Election laws – Interpretation of statutory provisions relating to election laws – Strict construction mandated – Election contests are statutory proceedings – Provisions must be strictly construed – Application of Rule 80 of the Nirvachan Niyam, 1995 – Failure to seek proper relief and follow prescribed procedure rendered the Election Petition not maintainable. [Para 15]

Precedents – Sohan Lal vs. Babu Gandhi and Others case – Three-Judge Bench decision – Analysis and application of the precedent – Right to demand recounting of votes – Remedies available – Distinction between pre-result and post-result stages – Re-counting possible in certain circumstances as per established legal precedent. [Para 10]

Relief – Compliance with prescribed procedure – Election Petition seeking only re-counting of votes – Absence of proper application in writing – Failure to seek the appropriate relief as per Rule 6 of the Rules of 1995 – Invalidity of the Election Petition – Jurisdictional and procedural limitations. [Para 12, Para 13, Para 14]

Dismissal – Merit of the appeal – Appellant’s arguments examined – Failure to fulfill procedural requirements and seek the proper relief – Appeal dismissed based on non-maintainability of the Election Petition. [Para 16, Para 17]

Criminal Appeal – Conviction Reversal – Flawed Evidence and Investigation – Acquittal of Accused – High Court’s Conviction of Manoj and Kallu set aside – Disclosure statements forming basis of conviction found unreliable – Property seizure memos and witnesses’ testimonies lack credibility – Insufficient evidence to support conviction under Sections 411 and 120-B, IPC – Presumption under Section 114(a), Evidence Act unwarranted – Conviction based on illusory knowledge cannot stand – Appeals allowed – Manoj and Kallu acquitted and discharged from bail bonds.

Disclosure Statements – Evidentiary Value – Doubt raised on the adequacy of disclosure statements alone for conviction – Significance of such statements acknowledged but found insufficient without additional supporting evidence – Law on evidentiary value of disclosure statements and its relevance discussed – Co-accused statements deemed contributory but not sole evidence for conviction. [Para 20-25]

Presumption under Section 114(a), Evidence Act – Conditions for Drawing – Court’s observations on drawing a presumption of fact under Section 114(a), Evidence Act – Importance of corroboration and other evidence – Presumption must be supported by other evidence and not be drawn in isolation – Trial Court’s presumption under Section 114(a) without sufficient corroboration criticized. [Para 34-35]

Conviction under Section 411, IPC – Possession of Stolen Property – Flawed presumption leading to conviction discussed – Necessity of proving continued retention with dishonest intent and knowledge of theft – Conviction under Section 411, IPC deemed unwarranted due to lack of credible evidence. [Para 36-37]

Conviction under Section 120-B, IPC – Individual Conspiracy – Logical inconsistency of convicting an individual for criminal conspiracy with oneself – Established legal precedents cited – Conviction of Kallu under Section 120-B, IPC considered untenable due to absence of evidence of agreement. [Para 38-41]

Illusory Knowledge and Flawed Investigation – Quoting Daniel J. Boorstin, court emphasizes the flaw of relying on illusory knowledge in prosecution cases – Inadequate evidence and unreliable investigation highlighted as hindrance to true discovery – Convictions of Manoj and Kallu cannot be sustained based on such illusory knowledge. [Para 42-43]

Acquittal and Discharge – Appeals allowed, and convictions set aside – Manoj and Kallu acquitted and discharged from bail bonds – Inadequate evidence and flawed investigation contribute to the acquittal. [Para 44-45]

Criminal Appeal – Security Measures in Court Premises – Need for Enhanced Security – Recent incidents of gunfire within court premises – Preservation of sanctity of courts and safety of stakeholders – Comprehensive security measures required – Concerns for safety of judges, lawyers, court staff, litigants, and public emphasized. [Para 1-4]

Personal Safety of Judges – Tragic incidents impacting the safety of judges – Acknowledgment of security lapses jeopardizing witnesses and court records – Importance of implementing security protocols – Call for systemic measures to maintain faith in judicial system. [Para 5]

Contempt Petition and Issues Raised – Pending contempt petition related to violation of court orders on installation of CCTV cameras – Two issues highlighted – Installation of security measures in court premises and audio-visual recording of evidence during trial. [Para 6-7]

Guiding Principles for Security Measures – Seriousness of raised issues acknowledged – Consideration of suggestions and status reports from stakeholders – Emphasis on non-negotiable safety and security – Detailed guidelines provided for comprehensive security measures, CCTV camera installation, and modern security equipment. [Para 10]

Advancement of Judicial Infrastructure Digitization – Stress on digitization, including live streaming of court proceedings and audio-visual recording of trials – Encouragement for innovative initiatives to prevent untoward incidents and enhance access to justice. [Para 11]

Delegation of Responsibility – Discretion given to Chief Justices of High Courts – Decision on addressing security concerns through State Court Management Systems Committee or specially constituted committee – Court management’s importance highlighted. [Para 12]

Implementation and Reporting – Prioritization of recommended security measures and digitization efforts urged – Monthly reports on measures’ status to be submitted to Chief Justice – Deadline for preliminary action-taken reports set. [Para 13-17]

Next Hearing – Listing of writ petitions, contempt petition, and related matters for further consideration on specified date. [Para 18]

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW – Right to Fair Trial – Bias in Investigation – Analysis of whether an investigation conducted by a person who detected the crime is biased – Examination of various precedents on the subject – Absence of general unqualified rule against investigations by detecting officers – Question of bias to be decided on a case-by-case basis – Conviction based on reliable police witnesses’ testimony not faulty solely due to their official status. [Para 15-26]

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW – Right to Fair Trial – Speedy Trial – Importance of fair and speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution – Factors affecting undue delay – Nature of offence, number of accused and witnesses, workload of the court and investigating agency, systemic delays – Presumption of prejudice due to delay applicable when accused is in custody – In the present case, absence of evidence showing prejudice caused by delay. [Para 28-30]

EVIDENCE – Credibility of Witnesses – Conviction based on official witnesses’ testimonies – Reliability and trustworthiness of police witnesses’ evidence – Precedents establishing that police officers’ testimony can be relied upon if found credible – Absence of independent witnesses not automatically vitiating police witnesses’ evidence – Conviction upheld based on credible police witnesses’ testimonies. [Para 22-26]

SENTENCING – Modification of Sentence – Consideration of sentence modification in view of the delay in investigation and trial – Conviction based on credible evidence – Modification of sentence to three months of simple imprisonment – Confirmation of fine – Extension of time to deposit the fine – Appeal partly allowed with sentence modification. [Para 33-34]

Civil Appeal – Writ Petition – Mandamus to legislate on ‘Liability in Tort’ and other issues – High Court’s directions under scrutiny – Analysis of each direction’s validity and impact.

Factual Aspects:

The appeal pertains to a judgment issued by the Madras High Court, wherein a writ petition sought directions for the appointment of the Chairman and members of the 22^nd Law Commission and the enactment of comprehensive legislation related to ‘Torts and State Liability.’ The High Court posed queries to the respondents and ultimately issued directions, including considerations for introducing a bill on ‘Liability in Tort’ and appointments within stipulated time frames. [Para 1-4]

Validity of Directions:

The High Court’s first direction, mandating the Central Government to consider introducing a bill on ‘Liability in Tort,’ was found unwarranted. While a Court can recommend amendments or new laws, it can’t compel legislation within a specific timeframe. Therefore, this direction lacked legal basis.

The second direction, asking the Central Government to decide whether the Law Commission should have constitutional or statutory status, exceeded the Court’s authority. The status of the Law Commission is a policy decision and falls within the Central Government’s jurisdiction.

The third direction, which required more funds and infrastructure for the Law Commission, was deemed premature. The 22^nd Law Commission had only recently been constituted, and its functions and funding requirements should be considered when necessary.

The fourth direction, which called for the appointment of the Chairman and Members of the Law Commission, was already complied with, as evidenced by the notification issued by the Central Government.

The fifth direction, suggesting the appointment of a “Nodal Officer” to note down courts’ recommendations, was deemed beyond the Court’s authority. Such appointments are a matter for the Central Government to decide, and the direction was considered unnecessary. [Para 7-11]

Conclusion:

The Court clarified that a writ court can’t compel legislation or dictate policy decisions to the legislature. Recommendations and opinions can be offered, but enforcement lies outside the Court’s jurisdiction. The High Court’s directions were modified – directions 1, 2, and 5 were quashed but treated as recommendations, the validity of the fourth direction was acknowledged, and the third direction was recognized as premature. The appeal was allowed, and there was no order as to costs. [Para 12-13]

Educational Policy – Qualification of Primary School Teachers  Constitutional validity of including B.Ed. as qualification for primary teachers – Interpretation of Sections 12A and 29 of NCTE Act – Judicial review of policy decisions – Compliance with Central Government directive – Whether inclusion of B.Ed. arbitrary or rational – Examination of pedagogical suitability – Impact on availability of Diploma holders – Policy decisions, judicial review & constitutional validity – Quashing of notification upheld – Appeals dismissed

Constitutional Validity of Educational Policy -   Inclusion of B.Ed. as qualification for primary school teachers – Examination of decision’s rationale and legality – Purpose of RTE Act – Balancing policy decisions with judicial review – Distinction between general policy decisions and fiscal policies – Policy decisions in context of fundamental rights – Compliance with constitutional provisions and educational goals – Quashing of notification and adherence to principles of RTE Act.

Civil Appeal – Seizure of illicit rosewood logs – Challenge to High Court’s order releasing seized logs and lorry – Appellant contests the order allowing revision petition filed by the respondent – Background of the case involves stopping a lorry carrying rosewood logs, which were found beneath bananas and rice husk – Seized material declared government property – Appeal filed by respondent against seizure order – District Judge dismisses the appeal – High Court accepts revision petition and directs return of logs and lorry – Parties argue over ownership and legality of seizure – Appellant’s contention that logs were state property and improperly transported – Respondent claims logs were not ‘state’ property – Appellant also highlights post-seizure developments of logs and lorry being sold – Court holds that logs and lorry have been sold before High Court order – Appellant’s failure to inform High Court of developments – Court remits the matter back to High Court for reexamination – Respondents may receive amount collected from sale if arguments are accepted – High Court to decide on awarding interest – Appeal disposed of with no order as to costs. [Para 1-11]

Criminal Appeal – Admission Criteria – Challenge to eligibility condition for sports quota admission – Appellant aggrieved by the imposition of a minimum 75% aggregate marks requirement for claiming admission in engineering courses under the 2% sports quota – High Court rejected appellant’s writ petition – Peculiar nature of the eligibility criterion warranted further examination – Special leave granted.

Equal Treatment – Application of Article 14 – Examination of reasonable classification – Classification based on academic merit versus sports achievement – Sports quota introduced to promote sports and sportsmanship – Minimum eligibility criteria for sports quota not aligned with the objective of promoting sports – Inequality in treatment of meritorious sportspersons due to uniform eligibility criteria – Discrimination found in application of eligibility criterion – Criterion subverted the purpose of the sports quota – Violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. [Para 17-19]

Remedy – Direction to fill remaining vacant sports quota seat(s) based on standards from sports policy – Candidates who were rejected due to the 75% marks criterion should have qualified in terms of the preceding academic year’s criterion – Previously admitted candidates not affected – Impugned order set aside – Appeal allowed. [Para 19-20]

Civil Appeal – Insurance Dispute – Challenge to NCDRC Judgment- The appellants contest the liability to pay a sum along with interest to the respondent, challenging the judgment of the NCDRC. The validity of the insurance policy and the coverage of a fire accident under the policy are at issue. The appellant's argument of policy cancellation lacks substantiating evidence. The NCDRC's conclusion, considering the validity of the policy, is justified, and no interference is warranted. (Para 1-3)

Debt Recovery – Impleadment of Lending Bank – Application for Direction - An application by the lending bank seeks impleadment in relation to dues. A recovery certificate issued by DRT under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 is mentioned. The order for attachment of the payable amount is sought. The available deposit is to be transferred to DRT, Guwahati, and parties are provided with an opportunity for due consideration of the amount due and payable. (Para 4-8)

Observation – Absence of Evidence Supporting Appellant's Claim - The appellants' failure to produce communication indicating policy cancellation is noted, and the absence of evidence supporting the claim is highlighted. The NCDRC's judgment is upheld, and the proceedings for debt recovery and attachment of the payable amount are directed to proceed in accordance with the law, providing an opportunity for due consideration. (Para 2-3, 4-8)

Decision – Appeal and Pending Applications Disposed Of - The appeal and pending applications are disposed of. The amount in deposit is ordered to be transferred to DRT, Guwahati for further proceedings. The recovery officer is directed to consider the due amount and pass appropriate orders. No interference is warranted in the NCDRC's judgment. (Para 7-8)

Conclusion – Appeal Disposed Of, Amount to be Transferred to DRT - The appeal is disposed of, and the amount in deposit shall be transferred to DRT, Guwahati for further proceedings. Parties are to be provided with an opportunity for due consideration of the amount due and payable. (Para 7-8)