Facts - The appellant, Naresh Kumar, was convicted under Section 304B IPC for the dowry death of his wife, Rekha Rani, who died of burn injuries within ten months of marriage. Rekha Rani faced harassment for dowry demands, particularly for a motorcycle, made by the appellant and his family. Despite efforts by her father, Kashmiri Lal (PW-3), and her uncle, Raghubir Lal (PW-12), to intervene, the harassment continued. On 1st May 2001, Rekha Rani sustained severe burn injuries and subsequently died - She informed her relatives that she was beaten and set on fire by the appellant and his family - An FIR was lodged, leading to the appellant’s conviction.

Issues - Whether the appellant was guilty of dowry death under Section 304B IPC - Whether the prosecution proved harassment for dowry "soon before the death" of the deceased - Whether the suicide note left by the deceased could exonerate the appellant.

Court Assessment - The Supreme Court found consistent evidence of dowry harassment "soon before the death" - Statements from PW-3, PW-10, and PW-12 corroborated the deceased's plight - The court rejected the defense's argument that the deceased committed suicide due to harassment by her uncle and found the evidence pointed to dowry-related harassment by the appellant - The court also addressed the suicide note, stating it indicated the deceased's helplessness and did not absolve the appellant from responsibility - The court distinguished the appellant’s case from his acquitted mother and brother, emphasizing the husband's primary responsibility for his wife's well-being.

Held - The conviction and sentence of seven years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 304B IPC were upheld - The court found no merit in the appellant's arguments and confirmed the lower courts' findings - The appeal was dismissed, and the appellant was directed to surrender to serve the remaining sentence. [Paras 1-15]

Referred Cases:

Hira Lal and Others v. State (Govt. of NCT) Delhi, AIR 2003 SC 2865

Manohar Lal v. State of Haryana, (2014) AIRSCW 3923

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

NARESH KUMAR — AppellantVs.STATE OF HARYANA — Respondent

( Before : T.S. Thakur, J; R. Banumathi, J; A.K. Goel, J )

Criminal Appeal No. 1266 of 2013

Decided on : 14-11-2014

Evidence Act, 1872 - Section 113B

Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) - Section 304B

Cases Referred

Hira Lal and Others Vs. State (Govt. of NCT) Delhi, AIR 2003 SC 2865 : (2003) CriLJ 3711 : (2003) 2 DMC 206 : (2003) 7 JT 596 : (2003) 5 SCALE 445 : (2003) 8 SCC 80 : (2003) 1 SCR 734 Supp : (2003) 2 UJ 1278 : (2003) AIRSCW 3570 : (2003) 5 Supreme 112

Manohar Lal Vs. State of Haryana, (2014) AIRSCW 3923 : (2014) 8 JT 265 : (2014) 8 SCALE 89

Criminal Law – Reduction of Sentence – State appeal against High Court order reducing sentence of respondent convicted under Sections 279, 304A, and 337 IPC for causing death and injury by rash and negligent driving – High Court reduced sentence to period already undergone with additional compensation – Supreme Court emphasizes need for proportionate sentencing reflecting crime's gravity – High Court's undue sympathy criticized for undermining justice system – Held that appropriate punishment must be commensurate with offence severity to uphold public confidence – Supreme Court restores trial court's sentence, directs respondent to surrender. [Paras 1-16]

Facts – On 11.5.1998, a ward boy reported a fatal accident caused by a jeep driven by the respondent – Respondent was convicted by trial court under Sections 279, 337, 304A IPC and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment and fine – Conviction upheld by Additional Sessions Judge – High Court modified sentence to period already undergone with additional compensation. [Para 2-4]

Court Assessment – High Court showed undue sympathy in reducing sentence – Emphasized importance of proper sentencing reflecting crime's nature – Cited past judgments stressing proportionality in sentencing – Courts must balance victim's rights and societal interest in imposing sentences. [Paras 8-14]

Decision – Supreme Court set aside High Court order reducing sentence – Restored trial court's original sentence – Directed respondent to surrender within two weeks, failing which trial judge to take steps for imprisonment. [Para 16]

Referred Cases:

Shailesh Jasvantbhai v. State of Gujarat (2006) 2 SCC 359

Ahmed Hussein Vali Mohammed Saiyed v. State of Gujarat (2009) 7 SCC 254

Dhananjay Chatterjee alias Dhana v. State of W.B. (1994) 2 SCC 220

Hazara Singh v. Raj Kumar (2013) 9 SCC 516

Mahesh v. State of Madhya Pradesh (1987) 3 SCC 80

Sevaka Perumal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1991) 3 SCC 471

State of Madhya Pradesh v. Bablu, Criminal Appeal No. 1845 of 2014

Industrial Law - Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act - Jurisdiction of BIFR - Civil Suit Challenging Jurisdiction - Appellant contended BIFR retained jurisdiction over the company until it formally discharged it after confirming positive net worth - Respondent argued positive net worth discharged BIFR’s jurisdiction automatically - Supreme Court held jurisdictional issues and positive net worth determination are within BIFR’s exclusive domain - Civil court lacked jurisdiction to decide BIFR’s jurisdiction - Suit for recovery of money without BIFR's consent deemed incompetent - Order of injunction by civil court set aside - J.K. Jute Mill to remain under BIFR’s jurisdiction until formal discharge - BIFR directed to determine net worth and take appropriate action within two months - Costs of Rs. 5 lacs imposed on original plaintiff for non-disclosure of material facts - Payment to be made to Supreme Court Legal Services Authority within three months - Validity and necessity of property sale by company to be assessed by BIFR - Transferee of property to be issued due notice by BIFR for appropriate assessment - BIFR to consider necessity and adequacy of sale value, with the option to confirm or void the sale depending on adequacy of consideration and compliance with procedural requirements [Paras1−34].

Referred Cases:

Raheja Universal Limited v. NRC Limited and Others, AIR 2012 SC 1440

M.D., Bhoruka Textiles Limited v. Kashmiri Rice Industries, (2009) 7 SCC 521

Negotiable Instruments Act - Section 138, Dishonor of Cheque - Criminal appeal against High Court's decision remanding case for retrial - Complainant alleged that accused borrowed Rs. 14 lakhs in cash and issued a post-dated cheque for Rs. 29,12,000/- which was later replaced by another cheque for Rs. 73,83,552/- - Cheque dishonored

- Supreme Court restored trial court's acquittal, finding no legally enforceable debt established by complainant - Appeal allowed. [Paras 1-12]

Referred Cases:

Rangappa Vs. Sri Mohan, AIR 2010 SC 1898 : (2010) 11 SCC 441

Plaintiff filed suit for specific performance of agreement dated 27.5.1978 - Trial Court dismissed suit, ordered refund of Plaintiff’s money with interest - High Court reversed dismissal, decreed specific performance - Appellant, purchaser in a court auction, challenged High Court's decision - Facts revealed property initially mortgaged and subsequently auctioned - Plaintiff contended right to specific performance despite auction sale and confirmation - High Court's judgment based on allegations of fraud and collusion without pleadings or framed issues - Supreme Court emphasized finality of court auction and confirmation orders - Held High Court erred in disregarding principles of res judicata and collateral challenge - No sufficient grounds to overturn confirmed auction sale or grant specific performance - Restored Trial Court's decision dismissing suit for specific performance - Appeal allowed, High Court’s decree set aside [Paras 1-27].

Referred Cases:

Mathura Prasad Bajoo Jaiswal v. Dossibai N.B. Jeejeebhoy, AIR 1971 SC 2355

Union of India v. Major S.P. Sharma, (2014) 6 SCC 351

Sri Ranga Nilayam Rama Krishna Rao v. Kandokori Chellayamma, AIR 1953 SC 425

Pandurang Dhoni Chougule v. Maruti Hari Jadhav, AIR 1966 SC 153

P.K. Unni v. Nirmala Industries, AIR 1990 SC 933

Mhadagonda Ramgonda Patil v. Shripal Balwant Rainade, AIR 1988 SC 1200

Maganlal v. Jaiswal Industries, AIR 1989 SC 2113

Dadi Jagannadham v. Jammulu Ramulu, AIR 2001 SC 2699

V.S. Subramania Asari v. Ramaswami Pillai, AIR 1937 Mad 560

Gour Chand Mullick v. Pradyumna Kumar Mullick, AIR 1945 Cal 6

The Supreme Court addressed appeals by Union of India challenging the High Court's order quashing the search and seizure conducted on 16.2.2000 at Agarwal Iron Industries' factory - The factory had filed income-tax returns under the Income Tax Act - During the search at the residential premises of the proprietor, the son was informed of the simultaneous search at the factory but was not allowed to leave - The High Court quashed the search and seizure citing lack of information and non-application of mind in issuing the warrant of authorization - The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred by not examining whether the competent authority recorded reasons for the search and seizure as required under Section 132 of the Act - It noted that the High Court's reliance on Order 8 Rule 5 of CPC to infer admission by non-denial in the counter affidavit was misplaced in the context of writ proceedings - The Supreme Court emphasized the procedural safeguards in Section 132 and the requirement for reasons to be recorded - The appeals were allowed, the High Court's order was set aside, and the matter remanded for fresh disposal with directions to review the relevant files - [Paras 1-10]

Referred Cases:

Dr. Nand Lal Tahiliani Vs. Commissioner of Income Tax and Others, (1988) 69 CTR 91

AJIT JAIN Vs. UNION OF INDIA and Others, (2000) 159 CTR 204

L.R. Gupta and Others Vs. Union of India and Others, (1992) 101 CTR 179

Commissioner of Income Tax, Allahabad and Others Vs. Vindhya Metal Corporation and Others, (1997) 224 ITR 614

Distt. Registrar and Collector, Hyderabad and Another Vs. Canara Bank Etc., AIR 2005 SC 186

M.P. Sharma and Others Vs. Satish Chandra, District Magistrate, Delhi and Others, AIR 1954 SC 300

Pooran Mal Vs. The Director of Inspection (Investigation), New Delhi and Others, AIR 1974 SC 348

Land Acquisition – Determination of Market Value – Appeals arise from the High Court's judgment enhancing the compensation for land acquired by the State for the establishment of a Medical Research Centre by ICMR – High Court enhanced compensation from Rs. 7,000/- per gunta to Rs. 99,000/- per gunta – ICMR contended the enhancement was excessive and unsupported by evidence – High Court relied on a sale deed (Ex-P-10) of a small, developed plot to determine the market value – Supreme Court acknowledged the principles for determining compensation, emphasizing deductions for undeveloped land – Court referred to precedents on deductions for development costs ranging from 20% to 75% – Supreme Court held that the fair market value should be Rs. 70,000/- per gunta, instead of Rs. 99,000/- – Adjustment accounts for location, potentiality, and required development – Directed recalculations of compensation including statutory benefits – [Paras 1-27]

Referred Cases:

Lal Chand v. Union of India (2009) 15 SCC 769

A.P. Housing Board v. K. Manohar Reddy (2010) 12 SCC 707

Special Land Acquisition Officer v. M.K. Rafiq Saheb (2011) 7 SCC 714

Brig. Sahib Singh Kalha v. Amritsar Improvement Trust (1982) 1 SCC 419

Chimanlal Hargovinddas v. Special Land Acquisition Officer (1988) 3 SCC 751

Kasturi v. State of Haryana (2003) 1 SCC 354

Chandrashekar v. Land Acquisition Officer (2011) 13 SCALE 48

Recruitment and Criminal Antecedents - Assessment of Acquittal:The Appellant, Joginder Singh, applied for the post of Constable in 1997. During the verification process for a subsequent recruitment in 2001, it was found he was involved in a criminal case (FIR No. 200 dated 14.04.1998) under Sections 148, 149, 323, 325, 307 IPC - Acquitted on 04.10.1999 by Additional Sessions Judge, Bhiwani - The Appellant sought a directive for appointment from the CAT which was granted, but the High Court set aside the CAT’s order citing unsuitability based on antecedents - The Supreme Court assessed whether the acquittal was “honourable” and the impact of rules governing police recruitment. [Paras 1-25]

Acquittal and Suitability for Police Service: CAT directed appointment based on acquittal - High Court ruled CAT’s decision illegal, emphasizing character suitability despite acquittal - Supreme Court held the acquittal was honourable as prosecution failed to prove charges - Rejected High Court’s reliance on Delhi Administration v. Sushil Kumar as distinguishable due to non-concealment of facts by the appellant - Noted CAT’s observation that prosecution witnesses turned hostile undermining prosecution’s case - Highlighted the distinction between “mere acquittal” and “honourable acquittal” critical for recruitment suitability - Held Appellant’s antecedents were clean per Punjab Police Rules emphasizing character and absence of conviction. [Paras 5-22]

Precedents and Legal Principles: Referred decisions in The Deputy Inspector General of Police v. S. Samuthiram, Secy. Deptt. of Home Secy. A.P. v. B. Chinnam Naidu, Commissioner of Police, Delhi v. Dhaval Singh, and Jagtar Singh v. Director, CBI, to underscore principles distinguishing honourable acquittal from mere procedural acquittal - Supreme Court found Appellant’s acquittal aligned with principles of honourable acquittal and entitled him to the post without prejudice from past criminal allegations. [Paras 14-22]

Decision:The appeals were allowed - High Court’s order set aside - CAT’s directive for appointment upheld - Respondents directed to issue appointment letters to the Appellant within four weeks from the date of receipt of the order. [Para 23-24]

Referred Cases:

Delhi Administration v. Sushil Kumar (1996) 11 SCC 605

The Deputy Inspector General of Police v. S. Samuthiram AIR 2013 SC 14

Commissioner of Police, Delhi v. Dhaval Singh AIR 1999 SC 2326

Jagtar Singh v. Director, CBI (1993) 3 SCC 49 Supp

Secy. Deptt. of Home Secy. A.P. v. B. Chinnam Naidu (2005) 2 SCC 746

Industrial Law - Proportionality of Punishment - Appeal against the dismissal from service - Appellant, a semi-skilled workman at L.M.L. Ltd., Kanpur, dismissed after being found guilty of throwing jute/cotton waste balls at a foreman and allegedly using abusive language - Labour Court and High Court upheld the dismissal - Supreme Court considered if the punishment was disproportionate.

Facts - Appellant admitted to throwing jute balls accidentally in an apology letter but did not admit to using abusive language - The Enquiry Officer and courts below relied heavily on the apology letter, treating it as an admission of all charges - The Supreme Court observed that the apology letter admitted only to throwing jute balls mistakenly, not to using abusive language - The act of throwing jute balls, weighing 5 to 10 grams, was minor and did not justify dismissal.

Assessment - The Supreme Court highlighted the principle of proportionality in judicial review, emphasizing that the punishment should correspond to the gravity of the misconduct - Found the punishment of dismissal to be harsh and disproportionate - Noted the long service of the appellant and the elapsed time since dismissal - Instead of reinstatement, awarded lump sum compensation.

Decision - The punishment of dismissal from service was set aside - Appellant awarded Rs. 5,00,000 as compensation in lieu of reinstatement, back wages, and other benefits - Compensation to be paid within six weeks, failing which interest at 9% per annum would apply.

Referred Cases:

Davalsab Husainsab Mulla vs. North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, (2013) 10 SCC 185

Ex-Naik Sardar Singh vs. Union of India, (1991) 3 SCC 213

Ved Prakash Gupta vs. Delton Cable India (P) Ltd., (1984) 2 SCC 569

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. vs. N.B. Naravade, (2005) 3 SCC 134

Ram Kishan vs. Union of India, (1995) 6 SCC 157

Jai Bhagwan vs. Commissioner of Police, (2013) 11 SCC 187

Rama Kant Misra vs. State of Uttar Pradesh, (1982) 3 SCC 346

Dev Singh vs. Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., (2003) 8 SCC 9

Om Kumar vs. Union of India, (2001) SCC(L&S) 1039

Union of India vs. G. Ganayutham, (1997) 7 SCC 463