The Gauhati High Court acquitted a man after 21 years, citing the insufficiency of an unsigned confession. The Court noted that a confession statement, as per Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), must be signed by the magistrate who recorded it to be considered valid.
The Delhi High Court dismissed forgery allegations brought by Anchor toothpaste against Colgate and its officials. Anchor accused Colgate of forging trademark registration documents, but the court found insufficient evidence to support the claim. The court nullified the complaint and summoning order, clearing Colgate of the allegations. The case underscores the need for concrete evidence in legal actions.
The Delhi High Court emphasized that trial courts must have the conviction judgment prepared before declaring an accused guilty. This ruling came after a case where two men were ordered into custody before the judgment was ready. The court directed District and Sessions Judges to ensure proper procedures to safeguard the rights of the accused.
The Delhi court on Monday extended Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha’s judicial custody in the Delhi excise policy case until June 3. Her lawyer argued that since the chargesheet was filed and cognizance not yet taken by the court, she should be released. The Enforcement Directorate alleges a criminal conspiracy involving AAP leaders. bail plea hearing on May 24.
The Supreme Court set to hear a plea challenging new criminal legislation, questioning its constitutionality and potential impacts on fundamental rights. The laws, known as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act, have raised concerns about police powers and violations of citizen rights, leading to a significant judicial review.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the provision in the SC/ST Act that mandates capital punishment for false evidence. The challenge argues it contradicts the “rarest-of-rare” standard for capital punishment. The petitioner highlighted previous rulings, and the court plans to consider reforms in other penal laws. No cases of capital punishment under this provision have been found.
On 7th May: Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court praised India’s early recognition of victims’ rights, citing the Code of Criminal Procedure and judicial precedents. He highlighted India’s progressive stance, cautioning against a one-size-fits-all approach to human rights and emphasizing their intrinsic role in Indian culture. The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in expanding fundamental rights in India.
Today (May 3): The Delhi High Court reserved its order on the bail plea of NewsClick’s HR head under the UAPA. The charges allege receipt of funds for pro-China propaganda. Chakravarty’s counsel cited turning approver and requested bail under section 482 of the CrPC. The court awaits the decision amidst the ongoing case scrutiny.
The Orissa High Court ruled that an accused person already in custody for one case can seek anticipatory bail in another case. The purpose of remand in the subsequent case is to facilitate investigation, not to equate to a fresh arrest. If remanded, the accused can seek regular bail but not anticipatory bail. This upholds the rights of both the accused and investigating agencies.
The Supreme Court is set to address 400+ writ petitions on May 1st, challenging penal provisions under five laws. The laws under scrutiny include GST, Customs Act, Companies Act, Black Money Act, and FCRA. Additionally, a bench will address the validity of provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Various pleas question the constitutionality and procedures of these laws.
