The Patna High Court ruled that media can report criminal proceedings but should avoid labels like “mastermind” or “kingpin” that suggest guilt before trial. Justice Ansul said prejudicial reporting may harm an accused’s reputation and amount to defamatory or improper conduct during pending cases.
The Delhi High Court acquitted Gir Raj in a murder case, setting aside his conviction and life sentence under Section 302 IPC. The Bench held that the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of circumstances beyond reasonable doubt and reiterated that suspicion cannot replace evidence.
The Bombay High Court’s Aurangabad bench dismissed a 23-year-old law student’s plea against being barred from final exams due to poor attendance. The Court criticised her claims as reckless and irresponsible, observing that legal proceedings must be based on good faith and not personal demands.
Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, passed away at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram at 59. Born in Haryana, he was a first-generation lawyer who rose from a farming family background through dedicated legal practice and service.
The Jharkhand High Court upheld a divorce decree after observing that a 36-year separation had turned the marriage into a “dead wood marriage.” While ending the decades-long relationship, the Court increased permanent alimony for the wife from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.
The Supreme Court ruled that homebuyers can approach consumer forums for compensation over delayed possession even after taking flat possession. The Court set aside the NCDRC order and held that arbitration clauses cannot prevent buyers from seeking remedies against real estate developers for deficient services.
A Patna court extended interim protection from arrest for educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, in a case linked to an alleged firing incident at his coaching institute. The protection will continue until June 30 after submission of an updated case diary.
The Gujarat High Court quashed a 2019 criminal case, including attempt to murder charges, against Surat advocate Mohammed Bilal Kagazi after CCTV footage proved his absence from the alleged crime spot. The Court held that surveillance evidence weakened the prosecution’s allegations significantly.
The Karnataka Government appointed a new panel of law officers to represent the State before the High Court, including 42 Additional Government Advocates and 27 Government Pleaders. The appointments feature significant women representation, with 26 women lawyers selected across both categories.
The Jharkhand High Court directed the state government to constitute a three-member committee within 10 days to monitor jail conditions, inmate welfare, and facilities across prisons. The order was passed during suo motu proceedings following Supreme Court directions.
