Bail – Adequacy of Reasons – Appellant challenged the High Court’s order granting bail to the first respondent – Supreme Court noted that the High Court's order lacked specific reasons and was formulaic – Held, courts must provide clear reasons based on the case's facts when granting bail in serious criminal matters, considering factors such as the crime's gravity, the accused's role, potential witness tampering, and the accused's availability for trial [Paras 10-11, 13].

Serious Offence – Consideration of Evidence – High Court failed to consider critical aspects such as the nature of the crime, role of the accused, and evidence indicating the first respondent’s involvement – Supreme Court highlighted the importance of considering these factors, especially in serious offences like murder, when deciding on bail applications [Paras 15-19].

Interference with Trial – Impact of Bail on Trial Progress – Evidence showed that the first respondent, after being granted bail, avoided trial proceedings, leading to delays – Supreme Court emphasized that bail should not be granted if it disrupts the judicial process or trial progress [Para 19].

Judicial Discretion – Requirement for Reasoned Decisions – Supreme Court disapproved of the High Court’s generic reasoning for granting bail and underscored the necessity for reasoned judicial orders that reflect a thorough consideration of case-specific facts and circumstances [Paras 12-13].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order granting bail to the first respondent set aside – First respondent directed to surrender within two weeks – Supreme Court clarified that observations made in the order shall not affect the merits of the trial [Paras 20-22].

Land Acquisition – Enhanced Compensation – Appellant challenged the High Court's order permitting MTDC to withdraw the amount deposited towards enhanced compensation – Supreme Court held that the intent of its previous order was to allow the claimants to receive the entire enhanced compensation, with 50% released without security and 50% with security – Held, High Court erred in allowing MTDC to withdraw the deposited amount [Paras 9-13].

Judicial Interpretation – Substantive Justice over Technicalities – Supreme Court emphasized that its orders should be understood on their substance rather than technicalities – In matters of compensation to land losers, the view advancing the cause of justice should be preferred over technical interpretations [Para 14].

Compensation Payment – Purpose and Justice – Supreme Court reiterated that compensation payment should be timely and effectively reach the claimants – Observed that procedural technicalities should not impede the rightful compensation to those who lost their land [Para 14].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order permitting withdrawal of the deposited compensation set aside – MTDC’s application for withdrawal of the deposited amount rejected – Supreme Court emphasized the need to prioritize substantive justice in compensation matters [Paras 13-15].

Bail – Seriousness and Gravity of Offense – Appellant challenged the High Court’s order granting bail to respondent No. 2 – Supreme Court noted that the High Court did not consider the seriousness and gravity of the offense alleged against the respondent, who is facing trial for offenses under Sections 302 and 120B IPC – Held, High Court failed to consider relevant material and gave no cogent reasons for granting bail [Paras 2, 2.1].

Non-Bailable Warrant – Prior Proceedings and Arrest – High Court overlooked that respondent No. 2 initiated proceedings to quash the criminal case, which were dismissed, and that a non-bailable warrant was issued leading to his arrest in 2021 – Supreme Court emphasized these aspects are material while considering bail [Para 2.1].

Parole – Parity with Co-Accused – High Court granted bail based on parity with co-accused without considering the distinct roles and allegations against respondent No. 2 – Supreme Court held this approach inadequate [Para 2.2].

Judicial Review – Consideration of Relevant Facts – Supreme Court reiterated that courts must consider the seriousness of the offense, relevant materials, and provide cogent reasons when granting bail in serious cases [Paras 2, 3].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order granting bail to respondent No. 2 set aside – Respondent No. 2 directed to surrender within two weeks, failing which a non-bailable warrant to be issued – Trial Court to conduct trial on merits without being influenced by the Supreme Court’s observations [Para 3].

Industrial Dispute – Termination Approval – Appellant challenged the High Court’s order which confirmed the Labour Court’s judgment setting aside the termination of the workman – Supreme Court held that once the order of termination was approved by the Industrial Tribunal, the findings recorded by the Tribunal were binding between the parties – Held, no contrary view could be taken by the Labour Court contrary to the findings recorded by the Industrial Tribunal [Paras 5.1-5.2, 6].

Jurisdiction – Role of Industrial Tribunal and Labour Court – Supreme Court noted that the Industrial Tribunal had permitted the employer to prove the charges and misconduct before it and had approved the termination – High Court failed to consider this finality and binding nature of the Industrial Tribunal’s decision – Held, the Labour Court’s subsequent interference was not permissible [Paras 5.1, 5.2].

Precedent – Distinction from Previous Cases – Supreme Court distinguished the case from John D'Souza vs. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (2019) 14 Scale 57 – Held, the specific facts of this case, where the Industrial Tribunal had permitted evidence and approved the termination, made the Labour Court’s contrary view unsustainable [Para 5.2].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order confirming the Labour Court’s judgment set aside – Labour Court’s judgment setting aside the termination quashed – No order as to costs [Paras 6-7].

Motor Vehicle Accident – Determination of Just Compensation – Appellant challenged the High Court’s decision reducing compensation – Supreme Court held that compensation under Section 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act must be fair, reasonable, and equitable, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to pecuniary relief [Paras 11-12].

Income from Business Ventures and Investments – Treatment of Income – Supreme Court held that the entire amount from the deceased's business ventures and investments should be treated as income, as the deceased was actively involved in day-to-day management – Income derived from capital assets not sufficient to negate compensation for loss of managerial skills [Paras 16-18].

Income from House Property and Agricultural Land – Management and Dependency – Supreme Court partially deducted income from house property and agricultural land, attributing a portion to the deceased’s managerial skills – Awarded Rs 250,000 for managerial skills, including agricultural land management [Paras 19-23].

Just Compensation – Calculation and Awards – Supreme Court recalculated the compensation based on income and future prospects, applying relevant deductions and multipliers – Awarded additional compensation for funeral expenses, loss of estate, and consortium [Paras 24-25].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order reducing compensation set aside – Appellants entitled to enhanced compensation with interest at 7.5% per annum from the claim petition date until realization – Enhanced amount to be paid within three months, adjusted by any amount already paid or deposited [Paras 26-28].

Animal Welfare – Custody of Seized Cattle – Appellant challenged the High Court’s order granting interim custody of seized cattle to private respondents – Supreme Court held that prima facie evidence indicated cruelty in transportation conditions – Held, under the proviso to Section 8(3) of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, pending trial, seized cattle should be handed to an animal welfare organization [Paras 19-21].

Judicial Discretion – Relevance of Prima Facie Evidence – High Court noted the prima facie case of cruelty but did not ensure the seized cattle would be properly preserved – Supreme Court emphasized the need for careful judicial consideration of circumstances surrounding animal welfare and transportation [Paras 19-21].

Provisions of Law – Interpretation and Application – Supreme Court interpreted the amended provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, aligning with the legislative intent to ensure the welfare of animals pending trial – Held, High Court's direction contrary to the proviso of Section 8(3) of the Act, restoring JMFC's order [Paras 20-21].

Expeditious Trial – Welfare of Animals – Supreme Court directed that trials for offences under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act must be conducted expeditiously to avoid indefinite custody of animals, ensuring timely justice and welfare [Paras 22-23].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order set aside – JMFC’s order granting custody to the appellant restored – Trial to be concluded within six months – Appellant waived claim for maintenance compensation pending trial [Paras 24-25].

Arbitration – Preliminary Inquiry – Appellant challenged the High Court’s order appointing arbitrators without determining if the dispute was arbitrable – Supreme Court held that the High Court was required to conduct a primary inquiry to ascertain if the dispute fell under Clause 36 (specific performance through court) or Clause 37 (arbitration clause) of the addendum agreement – Held, appointment of arbitrators without such inquiry was unsustainable [Paras 6, 7].

Contract Interpretation – Arbitration Clause – Supreme Court emphasized the necessity to interpret contract clauses strictly, particularly arbitration clauses – Held, disputes explicitly falling under excepted matters (Clause 36) should not be arbitrated – High Court failed to appreciate this distinction [Paras 6.1-6.4].

Judicial Review – Scope and Limits – Supreme Court reiterated principles from Vidya Drolia and others v. Durga Trading Corporation, emphasizing limited judicial review at the Section 11 stage to check and protect parties from non-arbitrable disputes – Held, prima facie review needed to determine arbitrability before referring to arbitration [Paras 6.5-6.7].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s order appointing arbitrators set aside – Matter remitted to the High Court to decide afresh, conducting a preliminary inquiry on arbitrability under Clauses 36 and 37 of the addendum agreement [Paras 7-8].

Right to Information vs. Right to Privacy – Balance of Rights – Petitioners (Banks) challenged the RBI’s directive to disclose information under RTI – Supreme Court acknowledged the conflict between the fundamental right to information and the fundamental right to privacy – Held, courts must balance these rights carefully, ensuring neither is disproportionately compromised [Paras 39-42].

Judicial Precedent – Reconsideration of Earlier Judgments – Supreme Court found the RBI directive based on the judgment in Reserve Bank of India vs. Jayantilal N. Mistry (2016) 3 SCC 525, which did not adequately consider the right to privacy – Held, it is permissible for the Court to reconsider and possibly refer such matters to a larger bench if earlier judgments did not lay down correct positions of law [Paras 39-42].

Disclosure of Information – Statutory Exemptions and Privacy – Petitioners argued that the RBI’s directive violated provisions under the RBI Act, Banking Regulation Act, and RTI Act – Supreme Court noted the necessity of protecting confidential information and the fundamental right to privacy of individuals against unwarranted disclosure [Paras 13, 14, 18-21].

Ex Debito Justitiae – Correction of Judicial Mistakes – Supreme Court cited principles of inherent judicial duty to correct mistakes to prevent gross miscarriage of justice – Emphasized no man should suffer due to court errors, reinforcing the principle of ex debito justitiae [Paras 30-32].

Decision: Writ petitions entertained – Preliminary objections rejected – Matter referred for reconsideration to ensure balanced protection of rights to information and privacy – Observations in Jayantilal N. Mistry’s case to be re-evaluated for alignment with the right to privacy as a fundamental right [Paras 43].

Rejection of Plaint – Limitation – Appellant challenged the High Court’s dismissal of revision petitions confirming trial court’s refusal to reject plaints under Order VII Rule 11(d) CPC – Supreme Court held that the respective suits were barred by limitation as they were filed 10 years after the execution of sale deeds – Held, vague allegations and clever drafting to invoke Section 17 of the Limitation Act do not suffice to bring suits within limitation period [Paras 7, 7.9].

Cause of Action – Allegations of Fraud – Supreme Court noted that mere allegations of fraud without specific details are insufficient to establish a valid cause of action – Plaintiffs' claim of discovering fraud in 2015 was deemed too vague to delay the start of the limitation period [Paras 7.7, 7.8].

Judicial Review – Exercise of Powers under Order VII Rule 11 – Supreme Court emphasized that courts must consider the averments in the plaint and determine if the suit is manifestly vexatious and meritless – Held, both trial court and High Court erred in not rejecting the plaints as barred by limitation [Paras 7.9, 8].

Decision: Appeals allowed – High Court’s judgment and trial court's orders set aside – Applications for rejection of plaints allowed – Plaintiffs' suits rejected as barred by limitation [Para 8].