Voluntary Deductions Like PF, ESPP Can’t Cut Income For Maintenance: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that voluntary deductions such as provident fund and ESPP contributions cannot reduce income while fixing child maintenance, enhancing it to ₹1.5 lakh per month. New Delhi: The Supreme Court has enhanced the maintenance payable for two minor children in a matrimonial dispute to ₹1,50,000 per month, holding that voluntary deductions from […]

Adoption of Niece’s Husband as “Ghardamad” Can’t Confer Property Rights Without Proof of Custom: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that an uncle-in-law cannot adopt his niece’s husband as a “ghardamad” for inheritance unless such a custom is legally proved. Setting aside three concurrent judgments, the Court held that the alleged Oraon tribal custom lacked sufficient evidence under customary law.

Even a Snail May Question This Speed: Supreme Court Slams Trial Delay, 2015 Suit Stuck at Evidence Stage Till 2026

The Supreme Court remarked that even a snail would question the pace of a civil trial after noting that a suit filed in 2015 remained at the plaintiff’s evidence stage in 2026. The Court termed the delay starkly inconsistent with legislative intent.

Supreme Court Rules Lawyers Cannot Surrender or Compromise Clients’ Property Rights Without Explicit Consent

The Supreme Court held that advocates cannot surrender or compromise a client’s substantive property rights without explicit authorisation. The Court ruled that a compromise decree based solely on a lawyer’s consent, without the client’s signature or approval, is legally unsustainable under the Civil Procedure Code.

Criminal Case Against Widow Mother Cannot Deny Son Compassionate Appointment: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that criminal proceedings against a deceased employee’s widow cannot be a ground to deny compassionate appointment to the son. Allowing Atul Chauhan’s appeal, the Court directed consideration of his claim under applicable Haryana service rules.

Deep-Seated Patriarchal Preferences Still Persist : Supreme Court Says Strict PCPNDT Act Enforcement Remains Essential Across India

The Supreme Court stressed that deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and the covert practice of sex selection continue to necessitate strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act. Dismissing a doctor’s appeal, the Court observed that despite progress in gender equality, societal attitudes require significant transformation.

Falling Tree Branch On Parked Autorickshaw Not A Motor Accident: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that injuries caused by a falling tree branch on a stationary autorickshaw do not automatically qualify as a motor vehicle accident. However, invoking Article 142, the Court enhanced compensation for the claimant, emphasizing that a proximate connection between the vehicle and accident is necessary.

Homemaker Builds Nation: Supreme Court Recognises Value Of Wife’s Domestic Care, Orders Additional Compensation Under MV Act

The Supreme Court held that loss of a wife’s domestic care constitutes an independent head of compensation in motor accident claims. Granting enhanced compensation to a widower, the Court recognised homemakers’ invaluable contribution and observed that they should be regarded as “nation-builders” in society.

Such Lapses Strike At The Very Foundation Of The Criminal Justice System: Supreme Court Slams Gujarat Police Over Missing Case Records

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.

Revocation of Probate Application Barred by Limitation if Parties Ignore Earlier Notice of Property Proceedings: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that probate revocation pleas under Section 263 of the Indian Succession Act are subject to limitation under Article 137 of the Limitation Act, ruling that parties cannot avoid statutory deadlines by ignoring constructive notice or failing to investigate facts a prudent person would examine.