Facts:

The appellants were convicted under various sections of the IPC and TADA for their involvement in the death of an individual. The conviction was primarily based on confessions and identification parades conducted during the investigation. The prosecution obtained sanction from the competent authority under Section 20A of TADA. However, it was contended that the sanctioning authority failed to comply with the procedural requirements, and the evidence presented, including the confessions and identification parades, lacked reliability.

Issues:

Compliance with Section 20A of TADA regarding the approval of the competent authority.

Reliability of evidence, including confessions and identification parades.

Whether the acts of the accused fulfilled the criteria of creating terror in the minds of the public, as required under TADA.

Held:

The court held that compliance with Section 20A of TADA is mandatory for taking cognizance of offenses under TADA. However, such provisions must be strictly interpreted, and non-compliance may vitiate the proceedings entirely. In this case, the sanctioning authority granted approval mechanically without proper application of mind, rendering the sanction invalid.

The identification parade conducted after the accused were already seen through newspapers was deemed unreliable, undermining its evidentiary value.

Non-voluntary confessions, taken in the immediate custody of high-security CBI, were deemed unacceptable as a basis for conviction. Moreover, the contradictory nature of the confessions further raised doubts about their reliability.

The court emphasized the requirement of demonstrating an intention to create terror in the minds of the public, a crucial element under TADA. The sanctioning authority failed to establish this intention based on the available evidence.

Facts:

The appellant filed an application for execution of a preliminary decree for partition thirty years after the decree was passed.

The application sought the appointment of a court commissioner to carry out the decree passed on 23.11.1959.

Issues:

Whether the application for execution of the preliminary decree for partition was barred by limitation.

The contention revolved around whether the application for the appointment of a court commissioner fell under Article 137 of the Limitation Act, 1963.

Held:

The Court held that a preliminary decree for partition crystallizes the parties' rights to seek partition to the extent declared, with equities to be worked out in final decree proceedings.

Until the final decree is passed, there is no limitation running against the right to claim partition as per the preliminary decree.

The Court noted that even when an application is filed seeking the appointment of a Commissioner, no limitation is prescribed for this purpose. Therefore, such an application would not be barred by limitation.

The judgment cited various precedents from different High Courts supporting the view that no obligation exists for a litigant to apply for final decree proceedings, and hence, there is no question of limitation until the final decree is passed.

The Court dismissed the appeal, finding no merit in the arguments presented, and emphasized the necessity of drawing up a final decree in accordance with the law, especially when parties have not worked out their rights by mutual agreement as per the preliminary decree.

Facts:

Several agreements to sell land were made between Tanmay Developers Pvt. Ltd. and landowners, with earnest money paid but sale deeds not executed within the stipulated time frame.

A notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was issued for acquiring the land.

The landowners filed civil suits for recovery of earnest money and for specific performance of the agreement.

Issues:

Whether the dispute regarding the forfeiture of earnest money should be adjudicated through a reference under Section 30 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, or through civil suits.

Whether the High Court's decision to direct refund of earnest money with interest was appropriate.

Held:

Since civil suits were already filed by the respondent, it was not appropriate to seek a reference under Section 30 of the Act. The dispute should be adjudicated in civil suits.

The scope of Section 30 is narrower compared to Section 18 of the Act, and it is discretionary for the court to refer a dispute under Section 30.

Issues such as the forfeiture of earnest money and the readiness of the respondent to purchase the property were already in dispute in civil suits and should not be decided under Section 30.

The High Court's reliance on a previous judgment was criticized as it was a civil suit case and not applicable to the reference under Section 30.

The appellant's appeals were allowed, setting aside the High Court's judgment, and the landowners were entitled to compensation subject to the outcome of the civil suits regarding earnest money refund.

Facts:

The incident occurred on 6th January 1992, where the appellant and another person allegedly attacked and killed Mangal Singh, the brother of the complainant, in a land dispute.

The prosecution relied on eyewitness testimonies, primarily from the victim's family members and a family friend, to establish the guilt of the accused.

The defense argued that the eyewitness testimonies were unreliable and inconsistent. They pointed out discrepancies between the statements of eyewitnesses regarding the weapons used and the sequence of events.

The medical evidence presented in the case suggested that the victim's fatal injuries were caused by a sharp object, not by lathis as claimed by the prosecution.

Issues:

Whether the prosecution's case based on eyewitness testimonies and medical evidence was sufficient to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.

Whether the inconsistencies in the testimonies of eyewitnesses and the discrepancy between ocular and medical evidence undermined the credibility of the prosecution's case.

Held:

The Court found the prosecution's case lacking in reliability and coherence. They highlighted the inconsistencies in eyewitness testimonies, the absence of independent witnesses, and the contradiction between ocular and medical evidence.

The Court noted that the prime eyewitnesses were related to the deceased and failed to scrutinize the prosecution evidence with utmost care.

They emphasized that the medical evidence did not support the prosecution's claim that the fatal injuries were caused by lathis.

Consequently, the Court acquitted the appellant of all charges and ordered his immediate release, if not detained for any other offense. The appeal stands allowed accordingly.

Facts:

The suit involved a dispute over ancestral property situated in village Jawali, Taluk Phaltan, District Satara. The plaintiffs, children of Anandibai, filed a suit for partition of the property. The defendants, successors of Chimasaheb, contested the suit on grounds of adverse possession and limitation.

Issues:

Whether the suit was barred by limitation under Article 65(b) of the Limitation Act and whether it was barred by Order II Rule 2 of the CPC.

Held:

The court held that Article 65(b) of the Limitation Act applies only when the property is not claimed independently of the deceased female owner. In this case, since Shakuntalabai was the full owner of the property, the provision did not apply. Therefore, the suit was not barred by limitation under Article 65(b) (Para. 8).

Additionally, the court found that the suit was not barred by Order II Rule 2 of the CPC. The cause of action in the previous suit filed by Anandibai in 1963 was different from the cause of action in the present suit for partition. As a result, the provision of Order II Rule 2 CPC did not apply, and the suit was maintainable (Para. 14).

In conclusion, the court dismissed the appeal, finding it devoid of merits. The appellants were ordered to pay costs to the Supreme Court Bar Association Welfare Trust (Para. 17).

Facts:

In the case of Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation v. Union of India, the Court was dealing with the implementation of laws concerning the rights of persons with disabilities in India.

Issues:

The Court was the compliance with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the responsibilities of the States and Union Territories in ensuring such compliance.

Held:

The Parliament repealed the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, and introduced the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to fulfill national obligations and commitments to international conventions.

The 2016 Act significantly enhances the rights of persons with disabilities, expands the categories of disabilities covered, and introduces provisions for access to justice, free education, and establishment of funds for persons with disabilities.

Considering the changes brought about by the 2016 Act, the States and Union Territories are directed to file compliance reports within a stipulated period to ensure the effective implementation of the Act.

Decision: The Court directs the State Governments and Union Territories to comply with the requirements of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and submit compliance reports within the specified time frame.

Facts:

The appellant, defendant No. 2, appealed against the High Court's order and judgment concerning a civil suit.

The dispute arose from a document executed by the original plaintiff in favor of defendant No. 1, which was contested whether it constituted a mortgage by conditional sale or a sale out and out.

The plaintiff sought redemption of the mortgage, declaration of the sale to defendant No. 2 as void, and recovery of possession of the suit land.

The Trial Court decreed the plaintiff's suit, which was overturned by the first Appellate Court. However, the High Court reinstated the Trial Court's judgment.

The appellant challenged the High Court's decision, arguing against the interpretation of the document as a mortgage and contending that the suit was time-barred.

Issues:

Whether the document in question constitutes a mortgage by conditional sale or a sale out and out.

Whether the suit was filed within the limitation period.

Held:

The document in question was found to be a mortgage by conditional sale, satisfying the conditions under Section 58(c) of the Transfer of Property Act. The Court relied on the language of the document, the intention of the parties, and legal precedent, including the decision in Chunchun Jha v. Ebadat Ali. The High Court's interpretation was upheld.

Regarding the limitation period, the suit was filed within the prescribed 30 years under Article 61(a) of the Limitation Act, as it was within five years of the accrual of the right to redeem the mortgage.

Additionally, the Court addressed the consequences of the decree, requiring the return of the sale consideration to defendant No. 2 and execution of a sale deed in favor of the plaintiff. This decision was based on principles established in Durga Prasad v. Deep Chand.

Facts:

The appellant, Dr. T. P. Senkumar IPS, served as the State Police Chief in Kerala. However, he was transferred from his position before completing the mandated minimum tenure of two years. The State Government justified his transfer on the grounds of causing "serious public dissatisfaction about the efficiency of police." Allegations were made against the appellant regarding his handling of incidents such as a temple tragedy and a murder case. It was contended that he failed to take action against errant police officers in the temple tragedy and did not adequately respond to the murder case.

Issues:

Whether the transfer/displacement of the appellant was justified in law.

Whether the reasons cited by the State Government for the transfer were sufficient.

Whether there was any material on record to support the transfer.

Whether the appellant was unfairly and arbitrarily dealt with.

Held:

The Court observed that the reasons cited for the transfer were primarily related to the appellant's conduct post the temple tragedy, where he allegedly failed to take action against errant police officers and apportioned blame on the district administration. The reference to the murder case was deemed ancillary, and allegations of interference in investigations were considered unfounded.

The Court found that the temple tragedy and murder case were not the main reasons for the appellant's transfer. Rather, it was his post-incident conduct that led to the decision. The allegations of interference in investigations were not substantiated.

The Court noted that the Chief Minister took no action against errant police officers for over a month after being informed. Additionally, various judicial inquiries and investigations were underway, suggesting that blaming the appellant alone was unjustified.

While the police force bore significant responsibility for the temple tragedy, the district administration couldn't be absolved entirely. However, blaming only the appellant was unwarranted.

Regarding the murder case, the appellant couldn't be solely blamed for any lapses in investigation, especially considering he wasn't directly involved.

The Court found the allegations of oblique motives behind the appellant's actions unsubstantiated.

The Court emphasized that the State Government's satisfaction for transfer must be based on credible material, which was lacking in this case.

The Court reiterated the necessity for credible material to justify administrative actions such as transfer. It found no such material in this case.

Facts:

The case involves Formula One World Championship Ltd. (FOWC), a UK company, entering into a Race Promotion Contract (RPC) with Jaypee Sports, an Indian entity, for hosting the Formula One Grand Prix of India at the Buddh International Circuit. The consideration for this contract amounted to $40 million USD.

Issues:

Whether FOWC had a Permanent Establishment in India?

Whether the income earned by FOWC in India through the RPC was subject to taxation in India?

Whether Jaypee Sports was obligated to deduct tax at source under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act?

Held:

The court held that FOWC had a Permanent Establishment in India. This conclusion was based on the economic activity of conducting the F1 Championship at the Buddh International Circuit, which constituted a fixed place of business.

It was determined that FOWC's activities at the Buddh International Circuit satisfied the conditions outlined in the DTAA between India and the United Kingdom for constituting a Permanent Establishment.

FOWC had real and dominant control over the F1 event, extending beyond merely granting permission for the event. Therefore, its income earned in India through the RPC was subject to taxation in India.

Jaypee Sports was held obligated to deduct tax at source under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act on payments made to FOWC under the RPC. However, the deduction should be limited to the portion of FOWC's income attributable to its Permanent Establishment in India.

Decision: The court affirmed the taxation of FOWC's income earned in India through its activities related to the Formula One Grand Prix, emphasizing the concept of Permanent Establishment and the obligation of tax deduction at source by the Indian entity involved in the transaction.