Facts:

The appellant, employed as a Peon in a bank, was accused of misappropriating funds entrusted to him.

He allegedly made fake credit entries, forged signatures, and pocketed money from depositors.

The prosecution relied on confession statements made by the appellant during a preliminary enquiry conducted by senior bank officials.

The appellant contested the voluntariness of these confessions, alleging coercion and inducement.

Issues:

Whether the confession statements made by the appellant were voluntary.

Whether there was evidence of coercion or inducement by investigating officers.

The admissibility and evidentiary value of confession statements in the case.

Held:

The court examined the circumstances surrounding the confession statements and found no evidence of coercion or inducement.

Mere allegations of threat or inducement are not sufficient; there must be evidence of reasonable belief in the accused's mind.

The court confirmed the appellant's conviction under Section 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 409 and 477-A of the IPC.

However, considering the passage of time and the circumstances of the case, the court reduced the appellant's sentence of imprisonment under Section 409 IPC from five years to three years.

The conviction and sentences under other sections were upheld.

The appeals were partly allowed, confirming the appellant's convictions but reducing the sentence. The appellant was directed to surrender within four weeks to serve the remaining sentence.

Facts:

The case arose from a contract for the planning, design, development, construction, and maintenance of a Monorail system in Mumbai.

Disputes emerged between Larsen and Toubro Limited, along with SCOMI Engineering Bhd (the Consortium), and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), leading to an arbitration petition filed under Section 11 of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996.

The petition cited Section 2(1)(f)(ii) of the Act, which deals with arbitration involving parties incorporated in different countries.

Issues:

Whether the Consortium should be treated as separate entities or an unincorporated association for arbitration purposes.

Whether central management and control were exercised in India, making the dispute ineligible for international commercial arbitration under Section 2(1)(f)(iii) of the Act.

Held:

The Court considered arguments presented by both parties, including a previous judgment by the Bombay High Court regarding the Consortium's treatment as a single entity.

The Court analyzed the provisions of Section 2(1)(f)(iii) and the rationale behind the deletion of the phrase "a company or" from the provision.

It concluded that the dispute did not qualify as international commercial arbitration under Section 2(1)(f) of the Act.

The Court dismissed the arbitration petition, allowing the petitioner to pursue the matter in the relevant court without considering it as a case of international commercial arbitration.

Facts:

The case involves a challenge to the seniority list by direct recruits and out-of-turn promotees. The High Court initially allowed the petitions, directing a recasting of the seniority list.

Issues:

The interpretation of promotion quotas, the application of the roster system for determining seniority, and the proper placement of Fast Track Court Judges in the seniority list.

Held:

The court discusses the evolution of promotion quotas and highlights the prospective nature of amendments to the rules. It emphasizes that the rights accrued to members before the amendment cannot be adversely affected.

The court underscores the application of the roster system for determining seniority, as directed by the Supreme Court in the All India Judges' Association case.

Seniority must be determined according to the roster, with officers from different streams placed accordingly. This applies even if officers were appointed on different dates.

The court addresses the placement of Fast Track Court Judges in the seniority list, emphasizing the need for appropriate positioning based on merit and the application of relevant rules.

Finalization of seniority is deemed essential for the administration of justice, and the court urges prompt action in this regard.

Facts:

The case revolves around the eruption of mob violence, protests, and demonstrations across India, particularly in response to cultural programs and establishments. The petition was triggered by incidents related to the release of the film "Padmaavat.

Issues:

The Court was the rise in intolerance towards differing viewpoints, leading to attempts to suppress artistic freedom and freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Court also examined the adequacy of measures to prevent mob violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

Held:

The Court emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and preventing mob violence, which runs against established legal principles. It stressed that nobody has the right to administer their interpretation of the law forcibly, especially through violent means. The State has a duty to protect its citizens against illegal acts of violence by groups.

The Court acknowledged the comprehensive recommendations made in previous cases regarding the destruction of public and private properties during protests. It urged the central and state governments to implement these recommendations, including legislative changes if necessary.

The Court highlighted the need for a comprehensive structure in each state to address accountability and efficiency in handling incidents of peaceful protests turning into mob violence. It referenced previous cases and emphasized the importance of following the directions given therein.

The Court provided additional recommendations and directions under various heads, including structural and preventive measures, remedies to minimize mob violence, liability of those causing violence, responsibilities of police officials, and compensation for victims. It emphasized the applicability of these measures to peaceful protests turning into mob violence.

The Court directed the central and state governments to implement the recommendations expeditiously.

Decision: The Court disposed of the writ petition, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent mob violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators. It provided comprehensive guidelines for structural, preventive, and remedial measures to address the issue effectively.

Facts:

The appellant, Dr. S.K. Jhunjhunwala, performed a surgery on the respondent's Gall Bladder on 08.08.1996.

Following the surgery, the respondent alleged negligence on the part of the appellant and filed a complaint seeking compensation.

The respondent claimed that the surgery resulted in various ailments and complications, including dysentery, loss of appetite, weight reduction, and jaundice.

Issues:

Whether the appellant obtained proper consent for the surgery.

Whether the appellant's actions during the surgery amounted to medical negligence.

Whether the respondent provided sufficient evidence to prove negligence on the part of the appellant.

Held:

The appellant obtained proper consent for the surgery, including the possibility of additional procedures if necessary, as stated in the consent form. The decision to switch to conventional surgery after encountering complications during laparoscopy was reasonable, especially since fresh consent was obtained from the respondent's husband (para 30-36).

The respondent failed to provide specific medical evidence to prove negligence on the part of the appellant. Mere allegations of suffering after the surgery were insufficient to establish negligence without expert medical testimony linking the ailments directly to the surgery (para 43-44).

The National Commission erred in finding the appellant negligent and awarding compensation to the respondent. The appeal was allowed, and the order of the State Commission, which dismissed the complaint, was restored (para 50).

Facts:

The case involved allegations of anti-competitive practices, including cartelization, bid-rigging, and collusive bidding, in a tender floated by IOCL for the supply of LPG Gas Cylinders.

Issues:

Whether there was sufficient evidence to establish the existence of an agreement between the appellants for bid rigging.

Held:

The court emphasized the duty of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to curb anti-competitive practices and promote competition, consumer interest, and free trade as mandated by the Competition Act, 2002.

The Act presumes that certain types of agreements have an appreciable adverse effect on competition, shifting the burden of proof onto the parties to rebut this presumption. The evidence must be examined against the factors mentioned in Section 19 of the Act.

Bid rigging involves agreements between parties engaged in similar trades to eliminate or reduce competition in the bidding process. Collusive bidding overlaps with bid rigging and refers to cooperation between bidders to manipulate bidding processes.

While direct evidence of cartelization may be lacking, the standard of proof required is one of probability. Even in the absence of formal agreements, practical cooperation between parties can amount to anti-competitive practices.

The court considered various factors such as the nature of the market, behavior of the parties, and the influence of buyers in determining whether anti-competitive practices existed.

Parallel behavior among suppliers doesn't necessarily indicate collusion, especially in oligopolistic markets where few buyers dominate. Suppliers may adjust prices competitively to secure orders.

The appellants were able to provide explanations and evidence rebutting the presumption of collusion. The court found that there wasn't sufficient evidence to establish collusion among the appellants.

The court criticized the CCI for failing to conduct a comprehensive inquiry, including summoning IOCL to clarify aspects of the tendering process.

Since there was insufficient evidence to prove collusion and no penalty was payable, the appeals of the manufacturers were allowed, and the appeals of the CCI were dismissed as infructuous.

Facts:

The writ petition was filed by five individuals acting as next friends of five activists-accused arrested in connection with FIR No.4/18, which was registered in Pune concerning communal violence in Bhima Koregaon.

The petitioners contended that the accused were not present at the event in question and that the FIR was fabricated by the Pune Police following FIR No.2/18 filed against some Hindutva right-wing leaders.

The petitioners sought the appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and court-monitored investigation.

Issues:

Whether the accused have the right to choose the Investigating Agency?

Whether the writ petition is maintainable in the present case?

Whether the jurisdiction of Supreme Court under Article 32 extends to matters pertaining to criminal investigation?

Whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be appointed in this case?

Whether the conduct of the Pune police, as alleged by the petitioners, necessitates an independent investigation?

Held:

The accused cannot select the Investigating Agency, and the court must exercise power regarding the change of agency with circumspection.

The writ petition, initially filed by next friends of the accused, is assumed to be pursued by the accused themselves. Therefore, the next friends cannot espouse the cause of the accused, and the relief sought in the petition cannot be granted.

The Supreme Court's jurisdiction under Article 32 encompasses ensuring fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. While the normal remedies under the criminal law should not be displaced, the present case warrants the Court's intervention.

It is a proper case for the appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a fair and impartial investigation. The SIT shall submit periodical status reports to the Court, and the interim order for house arrest of the accused shall continue for a specified period.

The conduct of the Pune police, as alleged, raises concerns about fairness in the investigation process. The use of electronic media by the police to influence public opinion undermines the impartiality of the investigation.

Facts:

The prosecutrix, a 9-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted on 20.02.2004.

The appellant challenged his conviction by the High Court, which had sentenced him to ten years of rigorous imprisonment.

The trial court initially acquitted the appellant due to lack of evidence.

The High Court reversed the acquittal based on various pieces of evidence, including medical reports, presence of semen on the prosecutrix's clothes, and identification of the appellant in the Test Identification Parade (T.I.P.).

Issues:

Whether the evidence presented is sufficient to establish the appellant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Whether the failure to question the appellant about the serological report during trial constitutes a prejudice.

Held:

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, emphasizing the importance of considering all available evidence, including corroborative evidence like T.I.P. identification. The Court noted that while failure to identify the accused in T.I.P. doesn't necessarily invalidate the prosecution's case, it should be considered alongside other evidence. In this case, the corroborative evidence, including medical reports and semen analysis, supported the prosecutrix's identification of the appellant.

The Court also addressed the issue of prejudice caused by the failure to question the appellant about the serological report during trial, stating that the prosecution cannot be faulted for the trial court's omission. It further declined to prosecute the prosecutrix for false evidence due to her young age at the time of the incident and the significant time elapsed since then.

Facts:

The State of Kerala acquired land in Ernakulam District for the Infopark project, invoking the urgency clause under section 17(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

Subsequently, a notification was issued under section 4(1) of the Act for the acquisition of the aforementioned land.

The appellants, who owned separate land, contested that the Special Tahsildar exceeded his authority by attempting to act as Collector for land acquisitions beyond those explicitly mentioned in the notification.

Issues:

Whether the Special Tahsildar was empowered to perform the functions of a Collector for land acquisitions beyond those explicitly mentioned in the notification.

Whether adherence to legal procedures, even in cases involving public interest, is mandatory.

Held:

On perusal of the notification dated August 21, 1989, it is evident that the Special Tahsildar was appointed to perform the functions of a Collector only within Ernakulam District, specifically for lands for which notifications under section 4(1) had been published.

The Special Tahsildar was not authorized to issue fresh notifications for other land acquisitions beyond the scope outlined in the notification. The explanatory note accompanying the notification clarified this limitation.

Adherence to legal procedures is crucial, and any violation of these procedures could render the act voidable, if not void. The Court rejected the notion that technicalities should be overlooked in cases involving public interest.

Decision: The Court ruled in favor of the appellants, holding that the Special Tahsildar exceeded his authority by attempting to act as Collector for acquisitions beyond those explicitly mentioned in the notification.