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Supreme Court Decisions: Weekly Insights for Legal Professionals || May 25 - May 31, 2026
Supreme Court Decisions: Weekly Insights for Legal Professionals || May 25 - May 31, 2026
In a significant ruling for corporate law and competition regulation, the Supreme Court has set aside the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) decision to put its 2019 approval of Amazon's investment in Future Coupons Private Limited (FCPL) in abeyance and impose penalties. The Court clarified the boundaries of the CCI's post-approval powers, emphasizing that once a combination is approved, the CCI cannot reopen the review on merits beyond a statutory one-year limitation, nor compel a fresh notification. This judgment underscores the importance of clear disclosure obligations, the inapplicability of penal provisions for mere characterization disputes, and strict adherence to natural justice, offering critical insights for businesses engaged in M&A, their legal advisors, and compliance teams navigating India's competition landscape.
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Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC VS Competition Commission of India & Ors, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court quashed criminal and domestic violence proceedings against a husband's relatives due to generalized allegations, emphasizing judicial scrutiny to prevent misuse of laws like Section 498A IPC. Crucially, the Court clarified that such quashing does not preclude the trial court from later summoning these individuals under Section 319 CrPC if cogent evidence emerges during the husband's ongoing trial, providing vital guidance for family law practitioners and criminal defense.
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ARTI MEHTA & ORS. VS THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ANR. / SAPNA DHAKAD, decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court ruled that a 2019 industrial policy incentive for lower energy charges was solely for 'new industrial enterprises,' clarifying that a later amendment was retrospective. It found promissory estoppel inapplicable, as the specific benefit was never intended for existing units undergoing expansion. This judgment offers critical insights for businesses evaluating government incentive schemes and understanding the limits of promissory estoppel in industrial policy.
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STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH & ORS. VS M/S KUNDLAS LOH UDYOG, decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction for dowry death and cruelty, affirming that compelling medical evidence of homicidal hanging, consistent dowry demands, and the accused's failure to explain the death within the matrimonial home (under Section 106 Evidence Act) proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt. This highlights the robust application of circumstantial and medical evidence in grave criminal cases involving marital cruelty.
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Gour Acharjee VS The State of Tripura & Ors., decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court overturned the dismissal of a motor accident claim, emphasizing that claims under the MV Act are decided on 'preponderance of probability' rather than 'beyond reasonable doubt'. It cautioned against hyper-technical approaches and held that minor discrepancies should not defeat claims, especially for severe injuries, reinforcing the welfare objectives of the legislation for insurance and personal injury professionals.
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RAJ KUMAR DAS (D) THR. LRS. VS NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD., decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court settled a long-standing classification dispute, ruling that imported 'n-Hexane' should be classified under Chapter 29 (Acyclic Hydrocarbon) of the Customs Tariff Act, not Chapter 27 (Petroleum Oil/Motor Spirit). The Court underscored the Revenue's burden of proof and the necessity of satisfying all conditions for 'Motor Spirit' classification. This judgment provides essential clarity for manufacturers, importers, and tax professionals dealing with chemical and petroleum product classifications.
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COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, KANDLA , GUJARAT VS M/S RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LIMITED, decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court quashed criminal negligence proceedings against a senior anaesthetist, emphasizing the high threshold for 'gross' negligence under Section 304-A IPC. The Court highlighted the anaesthetist's prior exoneration by a consumer forum and found inconsistencies in witness statements, a flawed expert panel, and no proximate nexus to the patient's death. This ruling provides clarity on establishing criminal medical negligence, critical for healthcare professionals and their legal advisors.
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Supriya Kumari M.C. VS State of Kerala & Ors., decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court affirmed the Bombay High Court's inherent and plenary powers to direct a court-monitored criminal investigation in a testamentary dispute to protect a substantial estate (over Rs. 100 Crores) from alleged siphoning. This ruling clarifies that a Probate Court's specific jurisdiction does not limit a High Court's broader constitutional powers to prevent abuse of process and address fraud affecting an estate, a vital insight for estate litigators and trust administrators.
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BAI AVABAI HORMUSJI TATA TRUST VS SHERNAZ FAROUKH LAWYER & ORS., decided on 25-05-2026
The Supreme Court directed re-examination of an IPS officer's VRS request, finding the Central Government's initial rejection flawed due to non-application of mind and unexplained delays in disciplinary proceedings. The ruling emphasizes that while the Central Government has discretion, it must genuinely consider the State's recommendation and the impact of prolonged delays on the officer, providing crucial guidance for public sector HR and administrative law practitioners.
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ABDUR RAHMAN VS UNION OF INDIA & ORS., decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court affirmed an arbitrator's mandate was valid despite initial expiration, citing tacit consent and estoppel. However, it held that a Commercial Court lacked jurisdiction under Section 33(1)(a) of the Arbitration Act to modify 'simple interest' to 'compound interest' in an award, as this constitutes a substantive change, not a clerical error. This ruling is crucial for arbitration practitioners on mandate extensions and the limited scope of judicial intervention in awards.
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GUJARAT WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD VS SARYU PLASTICS PVT. LTD., decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court granted notional promotion to an IRMS officer, finding prejudice due to non-communication of ACR entries, unexplained fractional marking, and the unauthorized destruction of her service records during litigation. The ruling reiterates that all ACR entries affecting promotion must be communicated and draws an adverse inference for record weeding, emphasizing fair administrative practice for public sector HR and service law professionals.
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DR. INDIRA SARANATH VS UNION OF INDIA AND ANOTHER, decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court disposed of a nearly three-decade-old dispute over tractor-trailer hire charges, decreeing a final settlement amount for the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board. Recognizing the prolonged litigation and unsuccessful mediation, the Court opted for a comprehensive settlement without re-appreciating evidence, providing a pragmatic resolution for long-standing commercial recovery cases.
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M/S SHIVHARE ROADLINES PVT. LTD. AND ANR. VS MADHYA PRADESH ELECTRICITY BOARD, decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld convictions for mass violence, arson, and murder, affirming reliance on consistent eyewitness accounts, corroborated by medical evidence. It rejected arguments of non-participation and upheld vicarious liability for an unlawful assembly, providing a strong precedent for cases involving mob violence and coordinated criminal acts.
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Mahendra Rai @ Harendra Narain Singh and Ors. vs. The State of Bihar, decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings arising from a business dispute, holding that a third round of 'further investigation' without the Magistrate's explicit permission constituted an abuse of process. The Court reiterated that disputes primarily civil in nature should not be given a criminal colour without clear criminal intent, offering key insights for white-collar crime defense and corporate litigation on the limits of police powers and criminalization of civil matters.
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PALINISWAMY VEERARAJA & ORS. VS THE STATE OF KARNATAKA & ANR., decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction but modified the life imprisonment sentence to the 23 years already served, citing the Court's power to impose fixed-term sentences for life imprisonment and considering the long incarceration period. This judgment provides an important precedent for appellate criminal defense on sentence modification powers.
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Munna Moyuddin Shaikh VS State of Gujarat, decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court held that an appellate court, upon reversing an acquittal and recording a conviction for the first time, cannot abdicate its duty to hear the accused on the question of sentence and must impose the sentence itself. Remitting the matter to the trial court solely for sentencing constitutes a procedural illegality, offering a crucial clarification for criminal appellate practice.
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Mukesh Kumar Yadav VS The State (UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Etc., decided on 26-05-2026
In a case concerning registered societies holding shares in a public company, the Supreme Court clarified that decisions or delegations by a majority of trustees, as per society by-laws, constitute valid acts. It rejected the notion that trustees must act in 'consonance' (unanimity) and deemed the 'vote cast first' rule for validating shareholder votes unsustainable without proper lawful authority. This judgment provides essential guidance for corporate secretaries, compliance officers, and legal advisors managing governance for societies and trusts with corporate shareholdings.
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HINDUSTAN MEDICAL INSTITUTION VS BIRLA CORPORATION LIMITED & ORS., decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court held that railway servants are members of the civil service of the Union, thus their prior railway service qualifies as 'Central Government Service' for employee weightage benefits. It also applied promissory estoppel against KSEBL for unilaterally withdrawing benefits it had previously granted. This is a crucial ruling for public sector employees, HR managers, and administrative law practitioners regarding service benefits and the irrevocability of past administrative actions.
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BENCY JOHN VS KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD LTD & ORS., decided on 26-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld the ECI's plenary power to conduct Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) of electoral rolls, affirming its authority under Article 324 and Section 21(3) of the RP Act. The Court found the Bihar SIR justified by significant demographic changes and reinforced procedural safeguards. This ruling clarifies the extensive powers of the ECI in maintaining electoral integrity, vital for election law practitioners and constitutional experts.
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Association For Democratic Reforms & Ors. VS Election Commission of India & Ors., decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court underscored the principle of minimal judicial intervention in arbitration, ruling that High Courts should rarely exercise writ jurisdiction (Articles 226/227) against an Arbitral Tribunal's interim order on stamp duty. Such objections should typically await the final award for challenge under Section 34 of the A&C Act. This decision reinforces party autonomy and streamlines arbitration proceedings, a key takeaway for arbitration practitioners and commercial litigators.
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M/S TARINI PRASAD MOHANTY VS M/S SUNFLAG IRON AND STEEL COMPANY LIMITED, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court clarified that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has the authority to levy property tax on industrial units within the TTC MIDC Industrial Area, especially after MIDC formally transferred the responsibility of providing services to NMMC. While MIDC could levy service charges, property tax falls under NMMC's domain. The ruling specifies that exemptions cease upon such transfer, a crucial point for industrial units, urban planners, and municipal law practitioners.
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SMALL SCALE ENTERPRENEURS ASSOCIATION & ORS. VS THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS., decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court held that private properties of erstwhile rulers, declared as such after state mergers, devolve according to personal law (Hindu Law) and not the customary rule of primogeniture. This ruling clarifies succession principles for royal estates, affirming that once properties lose their 'State' character, they are subject to ordinary personal law, vital for family law and estate practitioners.
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TIKKA SHATRUJIT SINGH & ORS. VS SUKJIT SINGH & ANR., decided on 27-05-2026
In a landmark decision impacting service law, the Supreme Court explicitly overruled the long-standing 'Rangaiah' principle, asserting that public servants do not have a vested right to be considered for promotion under old recruitment rules if new rules are in force when selection is initiated. This clarifies that promotions will be governed by rules prevailing at the time of consideration, a crucial development for public sector HR, administrative law practitioners, and government employees.
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JAGDISH PRASAD AND OTHERS VS P.M. MANOJ KUMAR AND OTHERS, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court overturned a High Court's denial of specific performance, reaffirming that its jurisdiction under Section 100 CPC is limited to substantial questions of law and does not permit reappreciation of concurrent factual findings. The ruling emphasized that substantial payment of consideration strongly indicates readiness and willingness to perform, providing clarity for real estate and civil litigators on appellate review limits and specific performance criteria.
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A. SHAHUL HAMEED VS N. MALLIGARJUNA AND ORS., decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court acquitted a bus driver in a fatal accident case, emphasizing that a conductor typically regulates bus movement and the driver acts on their signals. The Court highlighted that criminal negligence under Section 304A IPC requires 'gross' negligence, not mere error of judgment, setting a higher bar for conviction in such cases, crucial for transport companies, insurance, and criminal defense.
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MOHAMMAD HANIF JAINUM KHALIFA VS THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld the acquittal of accused in a bribery and criminal conspiracy case, emphasizing that proof of 'demand' and 'acceptance' of illegal gratification is essential under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Mere recovery of tainted money, without substantive evidence of demand, is insufficient for conviction. This ruling reinforces the stringent burden of proof on the prosecution in anti-corruption cases.
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STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH VS A.K. GABA ETC., decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld convictions for kidnapping for ransom, affirming that threatening acts constitute a severe threat under Section 364A IPC. The Court reiterated that corroborative oral testimonies can prove ransom demands even without electronic evidence and that a formal Test Identification Parade is not always essential where identity is otherwise established. This ruling provides clarity on evidence standards in serious criminal cases.
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Harjindra Singh Etc. VS The State of U.P., decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court, exercising its powers under Article 142, dissolved a marriage due to irretrievable breakdown after over eight years of separation and multiple legal proceedings. The Court directed a permanent alimony payment, emphasizing its authority to ensure full and final settlement of all matrimonial claims. This highlights the Court's progressive stance on divorce and powers to provide comprehensive relief in family disputes.
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SALIL DHAWAN VS PRIYANSHI GHAI, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court acquitted appellants in a murder and gang rape case, highlighting critical flaws in the circumstantial evidence chain, including unreliable 'last seen together' testimony, fabricated recoveries, and inconclusive forensic evidence. The judgment underscores the importance of a fair investigation and the stringent standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal trials, providing key takeaways for criminal defense and prosecution alike.
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Mehtab & Sushil @ Bhura VS State of Uttarakhand, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court has referred to a larger bench the intricate question of whether the personal insolvency moratorium under the IBC (Sections 96, 101, etc.) should stay proceedings for dishonour of cheques under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, particularly concerning directors' liability. This reference seeks to reconcile the punitive and compensatory aspects of NI Act proceedings with the IBC's debt restructuring goals, a pivotal clarification for bankers, corporate directors, and insolvency professionals grappling with overlapping legal frameworks.
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DINESH CHAND SURANA VS UCO BANK, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court affirmed that a resolution plan, once approved by the Committee of Creditors (CoC), is binding and irrevocable. It upheld the forfeiture of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and the CoC's decision for liquidation against a resolution applicant who attempted to renege on the approved plan by citing "conditionalities." This ruling reinforces the finality of CoC's commercial wisdom and crucial aspects of the insolvency resolution process under IBC, holding resolution applicants accountable.
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SANJAY DAVE VS ANDHRA BANK LTD. & ORS., decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court held that the process of cutting and grooving Aluminum Composite Panels (ACPs) for specific installation requirements does not amount to 'manufacture' under the Central Excise Act, as it doesn't create a new, distinct commercial product. The Court also clarified that High Courts lack jurisdiction over appeals concerning excisability, redirecting such matters to the Supreme Court. This offers key clarity for manufacturers and indirect tax practitioners on the definition of 'manufacture' and appellate jurisdiction.
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M/S ALUPRO BUILDING SYSTEMS PVT. LTD VS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE BANGALORE -II, decided on 27-05-2026
The Supreme Court set aside a High Court's decree on admission, reiterating that Order XII Rule 6 CPC requires a categorical, unambiguous, and unconditional admission to justify judgment without trial. The Court emphasized that a revisional court cannot re-appreciate facts or substitute its conclusions where specific issues are framed for trial. This ruling reinforces the cautious application of summary judgments and limits of revisional jurisdiction for civil litigators.
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PUSHPA & ORS. VS DAYAWATI & ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
Addressing systemic delays, the Supreme Court issued comprehensive, binding guidelines for all High Courts to ensure timely pronouncement and uploading of reserved judgments. These guidelines establish timelines, accountability mechanisms, and transparency measures, aiming to uphold Article 21 rights and public trust in the judiciary. This is a critical development for all legal professionals and judicial administration.
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Pila Pahan @ Peela Pahan and others VS State of Jharkhand and another, decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court issued stringent, time-bound directions to the State of Tamil Nadu for the preservation of the Agasthyamalai landscape, emphasizing the constitutional imperative of forest and wildlife protection. The Court mandated a comprehensive eviction and rehabilitation plan for encroachers, imposing a moratorium on amenities and non-forestry activities in encroached areas. This is a crucial ruling for environmental law, public policy, and real estate development in ecologically sensitive zones.
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A. JOHN KENNEDY AND OTHERS VS STATE OF TAMIL NADU AND OTHERS, decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court expressed grave displeasure at public functionaries' deliberate non-compliance with its de-sealing order and an improper demand for premium, emphasizing that such defiance undermines the rule of law. While accepting an unconditional apology, the Court issued a strict warning against future negligence, reminding officials of the severity of contempt for non-compliance with judicial directives.
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BHARAT KUMAR BADLANI VS SEEMA CHAUDHARY AND ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court largely accepted the Justice Dinesh Maheshwari Committee's report, resolving inter-state liabilities for non-payment of dues to thousands of employees of defunct Bihar State Corporations post-bifurcation. While clarifying pay revision and daily wage entitlements, the Court kept 'residual issues' like lump-sum compensation and interest on delayed payments open for further adjudication, addressing a prolonged humanitarian crisis for public sector employees and labor law practitioners.
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BIHAR STATE ARDH SARKARI ARAJPATI KARAMCHARI MAHA SANGH AND ORS. VS STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
Acknowledging legislative gaps, the Supreme Court issued a comprehensive 'Victim Protection Plan' under Article 142 for human trafficking victims for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). The plan mandates a victim-centric approach with emphasis on consent, non-criminalization, and individualized rehabilitation, and suggested legislative reforms. This is a critical development for human rights law, NGOs, and public policy, aiming to overhaul victim protection mechanisms.
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Prajwala VS Union of India & Ors., decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld an arbitral award, reiterating the narrow scope of judicial intervention under Sections 34 and 37 of the A&C Act. It stressed that jurisdictional challenges, once conclusively adjudicated by the highest court, cannot be reopened. This ruling strongly reaffirms party autonomy, finality of arbitral awards, and India's commitment to ease of doing business for arbitration and commercial law practitioners.
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MADHYA PRADESH ROAD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD. THROUGH ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR VS M/S JABALPUR CORRIDOR PVT. LTD. THROUGH ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR, decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court held that an extra-judicial arbitration award (without formal court reference) cannot be enforced in a pending suit for possession unless all parties provide explicit post-award consent. The ruling distinguishes between pre-1996 arbitration modes, clarifying that arbitration during a pending suit requires strict adherence to Chapter IV of the 1940 Act, crucial for arbitration and civil litigators.
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ASHOK AND ORS. VS PADAM CHAND AND ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court affirmed a High Court's compensation award for acquired land, reiterating that a prior Supreme Court judgment concerning the same acquisition and village established the finality of compensation. This highlights the principle of judicial precedent in land acquisition cases, offering clarity for property law practitioners and government authorities.
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Gopala Agri Farms Pvt. Ltd. vs The State of Haryana and others, decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for in-service teachers, emphasizing it as a 'constitutional necessity' for quality education, not an arbitrary service condition. While dismissing review petitions, it granted a pragmatic extension for TET compliance until August 31, 2028. This ruling is crucial for education policymakers, service law practitioners, and all teaching professionals.
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STATE OF U.P. VS ANJUMAN ISHAAT -E-TALEEM TRUST & ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for murder and dacoity, affirming the reliability of an approver's testimony when corroborated by circumstantial evidence, even with charge framing defects that caused no prejudice. However, considering the appellant had served over 18 years, the Court commuted the life sentence to the period already undergone, offering important guidance for criminal defense on approver evidence and sentence review.
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Gopi Chand @ Pappu VS State (NCT of Delhi), decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court dismissed an application for probate revocation as time-barred, holding that receipt of notice in mutation proceedings constitutes 'constructive notice' of the probate. Failure to inquire despite such notice amounts to gross negligence, triggering the limitation period under Article 137. This decision provides critical clarity for estate planners and civil litigators on diligence and limitation periods in succession matters.
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DHIRAJ DUTTA VS ANIRBAN SEN & ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court held that applications for rent enhancement by landlords of government tenants are maintainable under Section 21(8) of the U.P. Rent Control Act. However, it set aside a High Court's direct rent enhancement under Article 227 due to insufficient material, emphasizing that such extraordinary powers must be exercised judiciously, offering clarity for real estate, property management, and government entities on rent control and appellate review.
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STATE OF U.P. & ORS. VS RAGHVENDRA NATH SRIVASTAVA & ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
The Supreme Court vitiated the removal of a Mathadhipathi (religious head) due to gross violations of natural justice, including non-supply of documents, ex-parte inquiry, and apparent bias. Invoking Article 142, it appointed an independent enquiry and an administrative committee to oversee secular affairs, emphasizing strict adherence to natural justice in proceedings affecting substantive rights and religious offices, crucial for administrative law and religious institutions.
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ARJUN DASS VS THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS., decided on 29-05-2026
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