Facts:

The appellants were convicted under Sections 302, 364, and 379 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for twin murder, kidnapping, and theft.

The prosecution alleged that the appellants planned to rob a car, resulting in the murder of the victims.

Issues:

The reliance on circumstantial evidence and the admissibility of confessional statements made by the accused to the police.

Held:

The Court emphasized the principles governing the reliance on circumstantial evidence, including the need for cogent establishment, a complete chain of events, and inconsistency with the innocence of the accused (Para 14).

The Court evaluated the evidence presented by the prosecution, particularly the confessional statements made by the accused to the police. It clarified that Section 27 of the Evidence Act allows for the admissibility of statements leading to the discovery of new facts (Para 20).

However, the Court found discrepancies in the evidence presented, such as the lack of a complete chain of circumstantial evidence and doubts regarding the recovery of material objects, which could have been planted by the police (Para 22).

Therefore, the Court concluded that the appellants cannot be convicted solely based on the evidence of being last seen with the deceased (Para 24).

Accordingly, the judgment of the High Court convicting the appellants was set aside, and they were acquitted. The appellants were to be released from custody unless required in any other criminal case (Para 25).

FACTS:

The suit property involved was agricultural land divided among several owners.

Plaintiffs claimed certain owners agreed to sell their share to them but disputes arose later.

Plaintiffs filed a suit for specific performance against subsequent purchasers (defendants).

Previous judgments included dismissal by the trial court, partial allowance by the lower appellate court, and allowance by the High Court.

ISSUES:

Whether the High Court was correct in granting specific performance to the original plaintiffs.

Disputes regarding possession, agreements, and subsequent purchases were central to the case.

HELD:

In view of the foregoing discussion, we do not find any reason for not granting specific performance in favor of Respondent Nos. 1 and 2. Hence, in the interest of justice and since the Respondent Nos. 1 & 2 are in possession of the suit land for a long time, we do not find any illegality with the reasoned judgment passed by the High Court in granting specific performance in their favor subject to paying of the sale consideration by them as per the present prevailing market value within six months from today. The appeal is dismissed with no order as to costs.

Facts:

The appellant association, representing 'Paramparya Vaidyas' practicing Siddha/Unani/Ayurveda systems of medicine, challenged provisions in the Travancore-Cochin Medical Practitioners Act, 1953, which restricted them from practicing certain types of medicine without registration under the Act.

The High Court dismissed the challenge, prompting the appeal before the Supreme Court.

Issues:

Whether the restrictions imposed by the Travancore-Cochin Medical Practitioners Act, 1953, on the practice of indigenous medical systems by Paramparya Vaidyas violate their fundamental right to practice a profession guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.

The applicability of exemptions under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, and their impact on the eligibility and registration of practitioners of indigenous medical systems.

Held:

The Travancore-Cochin Medical Practitioners Act, 1953, aimed to regulate qualifications and registration of practitioners of modern medicine in the State of Travancore-Cochin.

The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, does not provide exemptions from qualification or registration requirements for practitioners of indigenous medical systems. However, Section 17(3)(c) protects those practicing Indian systems of medicine for at least five years before the commencement of the IMCC Act, subject to certain conditions.

Section 23 of the 1953 Act sets eligibility conditions for registration of medical practitioners, while Section 38 prohibits unregistered persons from practicing various types of medicine unless exempted by the State Government.

The capacity to diagnose diseases depends on possessing necessary professional skills, typically certified by recognized diplomas or degrees. Without such qualifications and registration under relevant acts, individuals are not entitled to practice medicine.

The right to practice any profession is guaranteed under the Constitution but is subject to laws regulating professional qualifications. Regulatory measures aim to ensure the standard of professional qualifications and conduct for the protection of public health and safety.

Every practitioner is deemed registered under the 1953 Act if their name appears in the appropriate register at the Act's commencement. However, the appellants failed to demonstrate possession of recognized qualifications for registration.

Decision: The Court upheld the dismissal of the appeals, emphasizing the importance of regulatory measures ensuring professional qualifications and conduct for the protection of public health and safety.

Facts:

K.K. Mishra faced criminal prosecution for allegedly defaming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh during a press conference.

The prosecution initiated the case under Section 199(2) Cr.P.C., alleging defamation against the Chief Minister based on certain statements made by Mishra during the press conference.

Issues:

Whether the statements made by Mishra during the press conference had a reasonable nexus with the discharge of public duties by the Chief Minister.

Whether the Public Prosecutor properly scrutinized the materials before initiating the prosecution.

Held:

The alleged defamatory statements lacked a reasonable connection with the discharge of public duties by the Chief Minister.

The Public Prosecutor failed to properly scrutinize the materials before initiating the prosecution. Therefore, the prosecution proceedings were quashed, and Mishra's conviction and sentence were set aside. The court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution to ensure justice.

Facts:

Appellant and respondent companies entered into an agreement in 1982.

Disputes arose regarding import of materials, leading to arbitration.

Arbitrators couldn't reach a consensus, resulting in the appointment of an umpire.

Appellant sought de novo proceedings before the umpire, but request was dismissed.

Umpire passed an award in favor of respondent, challenged by appellant in High Court.

High Court upheld the award, leading to present appeal in Supreme Court.

Issues:

Whether umpire must conduct de novo hearing from stage of disagreement between arbitrators.

Whether appellant's conduct amounts to waiver of right to de novo hearing.

Held:

The court held that the umpire, when appointed due to disagreement between arbitrators, should conduct a de novo hearing, but not necessarily from scratch. The term "de novo hearing" implies a fresh hearing based on existing pleadings, evidence, and documents. However, the appellant's conduct, in delaying its request for de novo hearing until a late stage, amounted to waiver of its right to such a hearing.

Therefore, the umpire was not obliged to entertain the appellant's request for de novo proceedings. The court dismissed the appeal, upholding the decisions of the lower courts.

Facts:

Shiva Kant Jha, a retired pensioner and CGHS beneficiary, submitted medical bills for reimbursement for treatment received at non-empaneled hospitals for cardiac and cerebral ailments.

Despite multiple attempts and representations, a significant portion of the claims was denied by the CGHS.

The petitioner sought relief under Article 32 of the Constitution, asserting violations of Articles 14 and 21, and requested the Court's intervention to protect his fundamental rights.

Issues:

Whether the petitioner was unfairly denied medical reimbursement under the CGHS.

Whether the CGHS procedures and guidelines were properly followed in the petitioner's case.

Whether the actions of the CGHS officials violated the petitioner's fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

Held:

The Court held that the petitioner was unfairly denied medical reimbursement despite genuine emergency conditions and the lack of options for empaneled hospitals at the time of treatment. It emphasized the entitlement of government employees to medical facilities during and after their service, without undue restrictions. The Court criticized the mechanical approach of CGHS officials and directed the respondent-State to pay the balance amount owed to the petitioner.

Furthermore, the Court instructed the establishment of a Secretary level High Powered Committee to ensure timely disposal of similar cases and mandated the formation of a grievance redressal committee for retired pensioners. These measures aimed to streamline the process and ensure hassle-free disposal of claims within a specified timeframe.

Facts:

The original plaintiff, Sucha Singh, filed a suit for permanent injunction against the respondent, alleging threats of dispossession from the property. Subsequently, he withdrew this suit and filed another suit for specific performance of an agreement regarding the same property.

Issues:

Whether the subsequent suit for specific performance was barred under Order 2, Rule 2 of the CPC.

Whether the plaintiff needed specific permission to file the subsequent suit after withdrawing the first one.

Held:

The Court analyzed the provisions of Order 2, Rule 2 of the CPC and emphasized the distinction between causes of action for different reliefs. It held that the subsequent suit for specific performance was not barred under Order 2, Rule 2 because the causes of action for claiming permanent injunction and specific performance of an agreement are independent. The Court referred to relevant sections of the Limitation Act to support its interpretation. Additionally, the Court held that the plaintiff's statement at the time of withdrawal, coupled with the court's permission, satisfied the requirement for filing a fresh suit. Therefore, the Court allowed the appeal, set aside the judgments of the Trial Court and High Court, and dismissed the application under Order 7, Rule 11 of the CPC. The original civil suit for specific performance was restored to be tried on its merits, with directions for expeditious disposal by the Trial Court.

Facts:

The case concerns a challenge to Regulation 9(IV) and (VII) of the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000, as amended on 5th April 2018. These regulations relate to the selection procedure for candidates for postgraduate medical courses, particularly focusing on the reservation of seats for in-service medical officers.

Issues:

Whether Regulation 9 of the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000, as amended, permits reservation of seats for in-service medical officers.

Whether the legislative competence of the Union and the States, as outlined in relevant entries of the Constitution, allows for such reservation.

Held:

The court held that the issues raised required consideration by a larger bench, as they had not been adequately addressed in previous judgments. It noted that Regulation 9 is a self-contained code regarding admission procedures for medical courses and emphasized that the state has no authority to undermine these procedures. While the petitioners argued that previous relevant decisions and legislative entries were not considered in previous judgments, the court decided that the issues required thorough examination. Therefore, the matters were to be placed before the Chief Justice of India for consideration by a larger bench. The petitioners were given the opportunity to make a mention on a specified date.

The decision to refer the case to a larger bench was based on the need for a comprehensive consideration of the legislative competence of the Union and the States, as well as the interpretation of Regulation 9 in light of previous relevant decisions. This decision aligns with the court's commitment to ensuring the proper interpretation and application of laws and regulations governing medical education and admissions. The court's approach underscores the importance of legal clarity and consistency in matters of significant public interest, such as access to postgraduate medical education.

Facts:

Sathiya Priya was considered for promotion to the IPS, but the Selection Committee did not include her in the select list for the year 2008 after an oral assessment of her service records.

Sathiya Priya filed an application before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), seeking relief.

The CAT ruled in favor of Sathiya Priya, a decision upheld by the High Court.

The UPSC appealed the decision, arguing that the CAT and the High Court erred in considering the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) beyond March 31, 2007, for the selection process for the year 2008.

Issues:

The interpretation of the IPS regulations and guidelines regarding the selection process for promotion to the IPS and the authority of the Selection Committee in evaluating candidates.

Held:

The Supreme Court found that the CAT and the High Court erred in their interpretation of the selection guidelines. As per the guidelines, only the ACRs up to March 31, 2007, should have been considered for the selection process for the year 2008.

The Court clarified that the Selection Committee's assessment is not solely based on the grading given in ACRs but also considers the overall assessment of service records and expertise in the matter.

The Court emphasized the expertise of the Selection Committee and stated that its assessment should be trusted unless there is evidence of malice, mala fides, or arbitrariness in the decision-making process.

The Court held that the non-inclusion of Sathiya Priya in the select list was not due to malice or arbitrariness but based on the statutory limit of the list's size and the availability of officers with higher grading.

Decision: The Supreme Court allowed the appeal filed by the UPSC, overturning the decisions of the CAT and the High Court. It clarified the criteria for evaluating candidates for promotion to the IPS and upheld the authority of the Selection Committee in making such assessments.