The Gauhati High Court ruled that the heinous nature of an offence alone cannot justify rejecting remission for a life convict. It said authorities must conduct a comprehensive, case-specific assessment of every prisoner before deciding on premature release.
The Supreme Court held that forgery and use of forged documents in judicial proceedings are serious offences but stressed proportional sentencing. The Bench reduced a five-year sentence after considering custody period, case delay, accused’s role and circumstances while maintaining the gravity of the offence.
The Allahabad High Court quashed Gangsters Act proceedings against a Ghaziabad family, holding that the dispute arose from property and financial transactions rather than organised criminal activity. The Court also observed that former Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra appeared to have misused his authority in initiating the proceedings.
The Supreme Court held that loss of case records cannot justify keeping a criminal investigation pending indefinitely, expressing concern over a nearly two-decade delay. Setting aside the Gujarat High Court’s order, it directed Gujarat Police to complete the investigation within six weeks to protect the right to a speedy trial.
The Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal government to file a report on allegations that extortion accused were paraded with ropes tied around their waists after their arrest. The Court stressed that police must act strictly according to law and ensure that no person is subjected to humiliation.
The Madras High Court quashed criminal proceedings against two men, holding that merely questioning the legality of police action cannot constitute a criminal offence unless the essential ingredients of the alleged offences are clearly established. The Court found the accusations vague and legally insufficient.
The Allahabad High Court expressed concern over bail being granted in rape and murder cases due to shortcomings in Uttar Pradesh’s forensic infrastructure, urging the State to modernize FSL facilities with advanced equipment and adequate staff. The Court directed that its order be placed before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
A fast-track court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for allegedly throwing acid on her sleeping husband, leaving him permanently blind and severely disfigured. The court imposed the maximum punishment and a fine of Rs 1.75 lakh considering the gravity of the offence.