Judicial Discipline – Comity Between Courts – The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of remarks made by Justice Rajbir Sehrawat of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that were considered unnecessary and derogatory towards the Supreme Court – Emphasized that compliance with Supreme Court orders is not discretionary but a constitutional obligation – The Court reiterated the importance of maintaining judicial discipline to uphold the dignity of all courts in the hierarchical judicial system [Paras 3-9].

Expunging of Remarks – Judicial Restraint – The Supreme Court expunged the remarks made by Justice Sehrawat, stressing that such observations were uncalled for and could harm the sanctity of the judicial process – The Court also highlighted the need for caution in making public statements, especially in an era of widespread media coverage, to avoid undermining public trust in the judiciary [Paras 9-10].

Decision:

The Supreme Court expunged the controversial remarks made by Justice Rajbir Sehrawat in the order dated 17 July 2024 – The Court expressed hope that greater caution would be exercised in the future and disposed of the proceedings without issuing notice to the judge involved.

Contempt of Court – Wilful Disobedience – Respondents alleged to have violated Supreme Court's order granting interim anticipatory bail – Petitioner contends wrongful detention, custodial torture, and failure to comply with procedural safeguards – The Court issued notice of contempt to police officers and judicial authorities involved, with subsequent discharge of certain respondents after determining no willful disobedience – Apologies tendered by respondents considered by the Court – The Court emphasizes the need for strict adherence to judicial orders, especially in custodial matters [Paras 1-40].

Police Custody Remand – Improper Grant – Petitioner was remanded to police custody despite Supreme Court’s order granting interim anticipatory bail – The Court scrutinized the remand application and the Magistrate's conduct, finding procedural irregularities and misuse of judicial discretion – Highlights the distinction between non-cooperation in investigation and refusal to confess – Court reiterates that police custody should not be granted mechanically and must be backed by substantial justification [Paras 33-35].

Custodial Torture – Allegations and Inquiry – Petitioner alleged torture during police custody, claiming injuries and coercion – Judicial officer conducted an improper inquiry by physically inspecting the petitioner, which was outside her jurisdiction – The Court notes the allegations are subject to independent inquiry and refrains from commenting, emphasizing the importance of adherence to procedural norms in such inquiries [Paras 31-34].

Decision:
Contempt notices discharged for some respondents; the petition was partly allowed – Detailed inquiry and adherence to procedural norms mandated – Apologies by respondents were accepted by the Court, with admonitions to avoid similar lapses in the future.

Contract Law – Blacklisting – Proportionality – Blacklisting of a contractor by a government body is a serious and drastic measure that has severe consequences – The appellant was blacklisted by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation for non-payment of dues and alleged non-performance of contractual obligations – The High Court's Division Bench upheld the blacklisting, but the Supreme Court found that the penalty was disproportionate and not justified by the circumstances – The Court emphasized that blacklisting should be resorted to only in cases where there is harm or potential harm to public interest or where the conduct of the party is so egregious as to justify such a measure [Paras 22-30, 36-42].

Natural Justice – Hearing and Reasons – The Supreme Court reiterated the necessity for strict adherence to the principles of natural justice, especially when an order has serious civil consequences like blacklisting – The reasons for blacklisting must be cogent and must demonstrate how public interest is affected – The absence of such reasons renders the blacklisting order unsustainable [Paras 22-24, 36-37].

Arbitration – Pending Proceedings – The Court took into account the fact that there was a pending arbitration between the parties, where the issues related to the contract were being adjudicated – The existence of a bona fide dispute should have prevented the Corporation from taking the drastic step of blacklisting before the arbitration was resolved [Paras 31-34].

Decision: Appeal allowed – The judgment of the Division Bench of the High Court is set aside – The blacklisting order dated 02.03.2016 is quashed – The judgment of the Single Judge of the High Court, which had set aside the blacklisting order, is restored.

Negotiable Instruments Act – Dishonour of Cheque – Appeal by the complainant against acquittal of the accused in a case under Section 138 – The cheque issued as a security for a loan was dishonored due to insufficient funds – Trial court and High Court both found in favor of the accused – Supreme Court upheld the acquittal, noting contradictions in the complainant's statements regarding the issuance and presentation of the cheque – The presumption under Section 139 of the NI Act was successfully rebutted by the accused by raising a preponderance of probabilities – Court emphasized that concurrent findings of fact by lower courts are not to be disturbed unless there is clear perversity or miscarriage of justice [Paras 1-34].

Presumption under Sections 118 and 139 of NI Act – Rebuttal – The accused successfully rebutted the statutory presumption under Section 139 by showing inconsistencies in the complainant's evidence – Court reiterates that the presumption does not absolve the complainant from the burden of proof entirely, especially when contradictions are apparent [Paras 18-29].

Criminal Procedure – Acquittal – Principles for appellate interference with acquittal reiterated – The Supreme Court should interfere with acquittals only in cases of clear perversity or lack of evidence – Emphasis on protecting the presumption of innocence and the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt [Paras 31-34].

Decision: Appeal dismissed – Acquittal affirmed – The findings of the High Court are upheld, and no interference by the Supreme Court is warranted.

Interest on Arbitration Award – Compound Interest – The Court held that unless explicitly provided under the statute, contract, or award, compound interest or interest on interest is not permissible – The decree of the lower court granting simple interest was upheld – The Court emphasized that awards and decrees should clearly specify the nature of interest awarded to avoid ambiguity [Paras 23-28].

Interpretation of Statutes – CPC Section 34 & Arbitration Act – Interest should only be awarded on the principal sum adjudged unless the statute or contract specifies otherwise – The Court relied on established precedents to conclude that compound interest cannot be awarded without explicit authorization [Paras 14-17].

Decision:

The Special Leave Petition was dismissed. The Court refused to interfere with the concurrent findings of the lower courts, upholding the view that the petitioner was not entitled to compound interest on the awarded amount.

Motor Accident Claims – Compensation – Enhancement of award – The Supreme Court enhanced the compensation granted by the High Court from ₹2,05,000 to ₹3,81,900, correcting the multiplier, personal expense deductions, and future prospects additions – The Court applied 30% towards future prospects instead of 25%, as per Pranay Sethi guidelines – Deduction for personal expenses reduced to 1/4th considering four dependents – Enhanced compensation includes Rs. 1,93,600 for loss of consortium, as per updated calculations of conventional heads [Paras 6-9].

Future Prospects – Calculation – Court adjusted future prospects from 25% to 30% in line with guidelines for individuals aged 40-50 – The High Court’s calculation on this aspect was corrected to align with the Pranay Sethi precedent [Para 6].

Deduction for Personal Expenses – Four Dependents – The Supreme Court reduced the personal expense deduction from 1/3rd to 1/4th, given the four dependents on the deceased – This adjustment resulted in a higher amount for loss of dependency [Para 5].

Conventional Heads – Loss of Consortium and Funeral Expenses – Updated amounts were calculated with a 10% increase every three years since 2017 – Court adjusted the compensation accordingly to Rs. 1,93,600 under loss of consortium, and Rs. 36,300 under loss of estate and funeral expenses [Paras 7-8].

Decision: Appeal allowed in part – Compensation enhanced to Rs. 10,06,900 from Rs. 8,30,000 – Interest rate modified to 7.5% p.a. from 6% p.a. on the enhanced amount.

Service Law – Disciplinary Proceedings – Delay in Filing Appeal – The appellant, a retired civil servant, challenged the dismissal of his application to set aside a minor penalty of stoppage of increment, citing that his counsel withdrew the earlier application without consent – The Supreme Court set aside the impugned orders, holding that the delay in filing the fresh application was justified and should have been condoned – The Court emphasized that a party should not suffer due to the mistake of counsel, and the penalty imposed on the appellant was disproportionate considering the facts [Paras 20-24].

Judicial Review – Discretion in Condonation of Delay – The Court underscored that the approach to condonation of delay should be liberal and justice-oriented, particularly when the delay is attributable to factors beyond the control of the appellant – The High Court erred by addressing the merits of the case instead of focusing on the sufficiency of the cause for delay [Paras 20-23].

Decision: The appeal was allowed – The orders of penalty were set aside – The appellant was held entitled to all consequential benefits, and the respondents were directed to process these within three months.

Property Law – Nazul Plot – Auction and Conversion – Appeal concerning a Nazul plot wherein the highest bid by City Montessori School was initially accepted but later cancelled – Subsequent conversion of leasehold rights to freehold in favor of an alleged lessee found to be illegal by the High Court – Supreme Court upholds the High Court’s decision, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the sale of State-owned property, rejecting the notion that such properties can be transferred at nominal prices to lessees without public auction [Paras 9-16].

State Largesse – Fair and Transparent Process – The State’s discretion in transferring property must be exercised transparently, ensuring the best price is fetched – Discrimination or favoritism in such transfers violates Article 14 of the Constitution – The Court underscores the need for public auction or other transparent methods to prevent arbitrary or unjust allocation of State assets [Paras 8-9].

Decision: Appeals dismissed – Conversion of leasehold rights into freehold set aside – The question of whether the plot can be put to auction and the validity of the lessee’s leasehold rights is left open for future proceedings – The State Government directed to consider refund applications from both parties within six weeks [Paras 16-17].

Criminal Law – Anticipatory Bail – Imposition of Onerous Conditions – The High Court granted provisional pre-arrest bail with a condition that the appellant must file an affidavit undertaking to fulfill all physical and financial requirements of the complainant-wife to enable her to lead a dignified life without interference from his family members – Supreme Court held that such a condition is impractical and counter-productive, likely to exacerbate discord rather than promote reconciliation – The Court stressed that conditions imposed while granting bail should be reasonable and not infringe upon the accused's right to a dignified life [Paras 1-9].

Matrimonial Disputes – Role of Courts in Facilitating Reconciliation – The Court emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for reconciliation in matrimonial disputes, where both parties should regain mutual respect and affection – Onerous conditions like fulfilling all physical and financial requirements of the spouse might only worsen the situation and hinder any chance of reconciliation [Paras 8-9].

Decision:

Appeal allowed in part – The onerous conditions imposed by the High Court for the grant of provisional bail were set aside – Bail made absolute on the same terms stipulated by the High Court, except for the disputed condition – The matter will continue to be subject to the final outcome of the pending complaint case.