Facts:

An F.I.R. was lodged alleging harassment by the appellant's father-in-law and mother-in-law against the deceased woman.

Trial Court relied on evidence of harassment by in-laws, medical evidence of the deceased's suicide by self-immolation, and a dying declaration made before a Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

The Trial Court acquitted the appellants of cruelty under Section 498A but convicted them under Section 306 and sentenced them to three years' imprisonment.

The High Court upheld the conviction based on the dying declaration.

Issues:

Whether the elements for abetment of suicide under Section 306 are satisfied.

The applicability of Section 113A of the Evidence Act, 1872 in the case.

Held:

The Court found that the basic ingredient of cruelty necessary for the offence under Section 498A was not established, hence, the third ingredient for the application of Section 113A (cruelty by the charged relatives) was missing.

Harassment, as found in the case, is of a lesser degree than cruelty. Moreover, there was no evidence to establish a link or intention on the part of the in-laws to assist the victim in committing suicide.

The Court referred to the Ramesh Kumar v. State of Chhattisgarh case, wherein it was stated that for the presumption under Section 113A to apply, there must be a cause-and-effect relationship between cruelty and suicide, which was lacking in this case.

Since the appellants were acquitted of the crime under Section 498A and the necessary elements for abetment of suicide under Section 306 were not established, the appeal was allowed, and the appellants were ordered to be released.

Facts:

The appellant filed a civil suit seeking declaration of title over a property and permanent injunction against the respondents.

The Trial Court dismissed the suit, leading to an appeal before the VI Additional District Judge, Kadapa.

The appellant filed an application under Order 41 Rule 27 seeking permission to file additional evidence, which was allowed by the first Appellate Court.

The first Appellate Court, after considering the additional evidence, remanded the case to the Trial Court for fresh trial on merits.

The respondents appealed to the High Court under Order 43 Rule 1(u), challenging the remand order.

The High Court set aside the remand order and restored the judgment of the Trial Court, dismissing the suit.

Aggrieved by the High Court's decision, the appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues:

Whether the first Appellate Court was justified in remanding the case to the Trial Court for fresh trial on merits?

Whether the High Court had jurisdiction to examine and decide the entire case on merits in the appeal filed under Order 43 Rule 1(u)?

Whether the first Appellate Court erred in allowing the application under Order 41 Rule 27 for additional evidence?

Held:

The Supreme Court held that the first Appellate Court was justified in remanding the case to the Trial Court for fresh trial on merits, as it had rightly allowed the application under Order 41 Rule 27 for additional evidence.

The High Court had exceeded its jurisdiction by examining and deciding the entire case on merits in the appeal filed under Order 43 Rule 1(u). Its role was limited to assessing the legality of the remand order.

The first Appellate Court did not err in allowing the application under Order 41 Rule 27 for additional evidence, as it satisfied the requirements of the Code.

The appeal was allowed, the High Court's order was set aside, and the first Appellate Court's order was restored with modification. The Trial Court was directed to decide the suit afresh on merits within six months.

Facts:

The appellant, Mangalam Organics Ltd., sought a refund of excise duty paid by them by requesting the issuance of a notification under Section 11 C of the Central Excise Act, 1944. They claimed that the duty should not have been paid based on certain prevailing practices.

Issues:

Whether the Court can direct the Government to issue a notification under Section 11 C of the Central Excise Act, 1944.

Whether the non-issuance of the notification by the Central Government violates Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

Whether the duty paid by the appellant can be refunded through the issuance of such a notification.

Held:

The Court found that there was no concrete evidence to suggest the existence of a general practice of not levying excise duty. Therefore, the appellant's attempt to recover the paid duty through the issuance of a notification under Section 11 C was not valid.

The Court made a clear distinction between the duty of a public authority to act administratively and its power to exercise statutory functions. It stated that mandamus can be issued for administrative duties but not for legislative actions.

The issuance of a notification under Section 11 C was categorized as subordinate legislation. The Court held that directing the Government to issue such a notification would amount to making a policy decision, which is beyond the Court's scope. It emphasized that the decision to issue such a notification involves various considerations and is a policy matter.

The Court further explained that while the Court can intervene if a public authority fails to discharge its statutory duty, the scope of judicial review in cases of subordinate legislation is limited. The Court will not interfere unless there is evidence of abuse of discretion or arbitrary action.

The Court acknowledged the respondent's argument that the policy of the Government is not to issue notifications under Section 11 C when it benefits only a few assesses. It found this justification valid and justified based on the policy's perspective.

Facts:

The parties got married in 1989 and had a son in 1990. They lived together until 1999, after which they shifted to their own residence.

Marital discord arose, leading to the husband filing for divorce in March 2000.

The wife made serious allegations against the husband, including domestic violence and dowry harassment, through various complaints to authorities.

Investigations revealed these allegations to be false, and criminal proceedings were initiated against the wife under Section 182 of the Indian Penal Code for filing false complaints.

Issues:

Whether the false accusations made by the wife against the husband constituted cruelty justifying divorce.

What relief should be granted to the parties considering the circumstances of the case.

Held:

The Supreme Court held that the wife's reckless, defamatory, and false accusations against the husband amounted to cruelty justifying divorce. The Court emphasized that while cruelty in matrimonial cases cannot be precisely defined, making unfounded defamatory allegations against the spouse can constitute cruelty.

The Court noted that the investigations confirmed the falsity of the wife's allegations, which had a detrimental effect on the husband's reputation. Therefore, the divorce petition filed by the husband was decreed, and the marriage was dissolved.

The Court directed the husband to pay the wife a one-time permanent alimony of Rs. 50,00,000 (Rupees Fifty Lakhs) and provide her with a residential flat valued at up to Rs. 1,00,00,000 (Rupees One Crore). This decision aims to ensure fairness and justice in matrimonial disputes while also addressing the needs of the parties involved.

Facts:

The case revolves around an incident where twelve accused persons attacked the complainant, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including the death of Abdul Rahman. The incident occurred on 12.11.1993, and the accused were armed with various weapons. The initial FIR mentioned only five accused but stated that seven others were involved. The charge sheet was subsequently filed against all twelve accused.

Issues:

Validity of charges against all accused despite only five being mentioned in the FIR.

Consistency of witness testimonies and their credibility.

Determination of the accused's common intention and role in the assault.

Held:

The Court held that the charges against all twelve accused were valid, despite only five being mentioned in the FIR, as the informant had informed the police about all twelve but was illiterate and could only provide five names in the written report.

The Court found the witness testimonies to be consistent, despite minor discrepancies between statements recorded by the police and those made in court. These discrepancies did not affect the credibility of the witnesses.

The Court affirmed the lower courts' findings that the accused formed an unlawful assembly with the common intention to assault the victims. They not only inflicted injuries but also prevented the injured from receiving timely medical treatment, leading to the death of Abdul Rahman. Therefore, the conviction under Section 302 read with 149 IPC was upheld.

The appeal was dismissed, and the judgments of the trial court and the High Court were upheld.

Facts:

Respondent No.2 (Industrial Village Razhuphe, Dimapur) filed a writ petition against various respondents including the Dimapur Municipal Council and the State of Nagaland, seeking cancellation of census records collected by the council.

The Single Judge of the High Court allowed the writ petition, leading to an appeal by appellants who were not originally parties to the case.

The Division Bench of the High Court dismissed the appeal, prompting the appellants to file a special leave appeal before the Supreme Court.

Issues:

Whether the appellants, who were not parties to the original writ petition, should have been granted an opportunity to present their case before the writ Court.

Whether the matter should be remanded to the writ Court for fresh consideration in light of the subsequent events and the interests of all parties concerned.

Held:

Having heard learned senior counsel for the parties at length and having perused the record of the case as also the written submissions filed by the learned counsel as directed, we are inclined to allow the appeal in part and while setting aside of the impugned order as also of the order passed by the learned Single Judge restore the writ petition, out of which this appeal arises, to its file and request the writ Court to decide the writ petition afresh on merits in accordance with law.

In substance, the issue involved in the writ petition and carried to this Court in the appeal arises out of Census Act as also certain State laws applicable to the State of Nagaland. The challenge inter alia therein is to orders issued by the State Authorities in relation to census.

In view of foregoing discussion and the directions, the appeal is allowed in part. Impugned judgment is set aside.

Facts:

The case involved the appellant, Kanakarajan @ Kanakan, who was convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to murder and wrongful restraint. The incident occurred at a temple compound during an ox procession, where the deceased sustained fatal injuries and the appellant was implicated based on the testimony of witnesses, including the complainant and eyewitnesses. However, the prosecution's case was marked by flaws and inconsistencies.

Issues:

Whether the High Court was justified in convicting the appellant?

Whether the prosecution proved the guilt of the appellant beyond reasonable doubt?

Held:

The Supreme Court analyzed the evidence and concluded that the prosecution's case was filled with infirmities and lacunae. The failure to examine credible independent witnesses, inconsistencies in witness testimonies, suspicious circumstances surrounding another individual's death, and the lack of motive and evidence undermined the prosecution's case. Consequently, the Court held that the benefit of reasonable doubt should be granted to the appellant. The judgment of the High Court was set aside, and the appellant was acquitted.

Therefore we find that the prosecution case is filled with infirmities and lacunas, therefore the only possible and probable course left open is to grant benefit of reasonable doubt to the appellant herein. Resultantly, the impugned judgment is set aside and the appeal is allowed."

Facts:

The appellant, Municipal Board of Sumerpur, filed a writ petition challenging an order passed by the Collector, Pali. The Single Judge of the High Court summarily dismissed the writ petition, and the Division Bench upheld this decision without adequately addressing the issues raised.

Issues:

Whether the lower courts adequately considered the factual and legal issues raised in the case.

Whether the dismissal of the writ petition without proper consideration was justified.

Held:

The Supreme Court partially allowed the appeal, setting aside the orders of both the High Court and the Single Judge. They restored the appellant's writ petition to its file for a decision on merits in accordance with the law.

The Court emphasized that both lower courts failed to adequately address the issues raised and provide sufficient reasons for their decisions. The case is remanded to the writ Court for proper consideration and a reasoned order.

The Court refrained from expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, leaving it to be decided by the writ Court.

Facts:

The case revolved around the interpretation of the requirements for obtaining a Provisional Certificate of Registry (PCOR) under Section 40 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The issue arose regarding the conditions precedent for granting registration and provisional registration, specifically focusing on the significance of ship ownership and completion status. The matter also involved the interpretation of the six-month validity period for PCOR and its effect after expiry.

Issues:

What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Provisional Certificate of Registry (PCOR) under Section 40 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958?

How does the six-month validity period for PCOR affect its interpretation and application?

Held:

The court, per Justice Dipak Misra, elucidated that the requirement for granting registration and provisional registration remains the same. The ownership of the ship and the surveyor's report play a crucial role in the issuance of PCOR.

The ship must be completely built and ready for sea-going before applying for PCOR. The six-month validity period for PCOR is mandatory, and once it expires or upon the ship's arrival at a port with a registrar, the PCOR ceases to have effect.

The legislative intent is to ensure that ships abroad becoming Indian ships can travel to India for final registration within a reasonable timeframe.

Justice R. Banumathi, concurring with Justice Dipak Misra, emphasized the importance of ship ownership for registration under the Merchant Shipping Act. The ownership of the ship must be satisfactorily established before applying for PCOR.

The six-month validity period for PCOR is designed to enable ships abroad to travel to India for final registration and complete necessary formalities. There is no provision for renewing or extending the validity of PCOR beyond six months, as it would defeat the purpose of temporary registration.

Decision: The court held that PCOR cannot be renewed or extended beyond the initial six-month period. Any attempt to do so would contravene the legislative intent and defeat the purpose of temporary registration under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.