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Showing posts with the label Judiciary

Justice Sanjiv Khanna Bids Farewell as the 51st Chief Justice of India

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A Graceful Exit from the Apex Court Justice Sanjiv Khanna , the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) , formally retired from office on Tuesday, May 14, 2025 , marking the end of a distinguished judicial career. Known for his clarity, humility, and unwavering commitment to the law, Justice Khanna was given a warm farewell by fellow judges, senior advocates, and members of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). In his farewell speech, Justice Khanna stated, "This morning, as the robe was hung for the final time, the weight of responsibility lifted from my shoulder... I have no mixed feelings. I am simply happy." Reflections on Judgeship and Responsibility Speaking at the SCBA event, Justice Khanna, now 65, expressed a sense of relief and gratitude , emphasizing the burden that comes with judgeship and the emotional significance of retirement. He shared: "It was only after donning the robes of a judge that I truly understood the weight of the responsibility bes...

Delhi High Court Upholds Life Sentence for Three Convicts in Rohini Murder-Dacoity Case

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Delhi High Court Upholds Life Sentence for Three Convicts in Rohini Murder-Dacoity Case The Delhi High Court has upheld the life sentence awarded to three individuals convicted for the murder of a woman during a dacoity in her house in July 2012 in the Rohini area . However, the court modified their sentences to run concurrently instead of consecutively . The judgment was passed by a division bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma on February 6, 2025 . The court dismissed the appeals challenging the conviction while modifying the sentencing structure. High Court Modifies Sentences but Upholds Conviction The trial court in Rohini had convicted Rajesh alias Tinku, Ravinder alias Tunda, and Rusy alias Surender for murder, trespass, and dacoity under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) . 🔹 The High Court upheld the conviction but ruled that their sentences should run concurrently instead of consecutively . 🔹 The decision was influenced by...

Delhi High Court Directs Police to File Status Report on Devangana Kalita’s Plea in Delhi Riots Case

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Delhi High Court Directs Police to File Status Report on Devangana Kalita’s Plea in Delhi Riots Case The Delhi High Court has instructed the Delhi Police to submit a status report on a plea filed by Devangana Kalita , seeking access to protest videos recorded at Jafrabad in connection with the Delhi riots case . The order was issued by Justice Sanjeev Narula , following submissions made by Advocate Adit S. Pujari on behalf of Kalita. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 23, 2025 . Kalita’s Plea: Demand for Video Footage from Delhi Police Kalita’s legal team argues that: 🔹 Selective video evidence has been used by the prosecution while not providing the full video recordings to the accused. 🔹 The videos will prove that the protest at Jafrabad was peaceful and counter the allegations against her. 🔹 Seizure memos list these videos as evidence, yet they have not been shared with the defense despite four years passing since the incident. Delhi Police’s St...

Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Pleas Against Movie Based on 2020 Delhi Riots

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Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Pleas Against Movie Based on 2020 Delhi Riots Reserves Judgment After Detailed Hearing The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its judgment on three petitions challenging the release of a film reportedly based on the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The bench, comprising Justice Sachin Datta, thoroughly examined arguments from all involved parties, addressing concerns about the film's potential influence on ongoing legal proceedings and the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Petitioners and Their Concerns The first petition was filed by Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the riots case. The second petition was submitted by five individuals, and the third by Umang, an independent candidate contesting the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. The primary concern among petitioners was the portrayal of events in the film and its potential impact on legal and political affairs. Filmmakers' Response and Legal Stand Senior Advocate Jayant Meh...

Rau’s IAS Study Circle Case: Delhi HC Strikes Down ₹2.5 Cr Bail Condition for CEO Abhishek Gupta

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🚨 Rau’s IAS Study Circle Case: Delhi HC Strikes Down  ₹2.5 Cr Bail Condition for CEO Abhishek Gupta ⚖️ In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has set aside the financial condition of depositing ₹2.5 crore for interim bail granted to Rau’s IAS Study Circle CEO, Abhishek Gupta. This case stems from the tragic death of three UPSC aspirants in the basement of the coaching institute in Old Rajender Nagar, Delhi , in July 2024 . 🔴 What’s Next? The trial court will now decide Gupta’s bail plea on its merits , with the hearing scheduled for Friday at Rouse Avenue Court . ⚖️ High Court’s Key Observations Justice Vikas Mahajan overturned the trial court’s condition, citing the Supreme Court’s precedent , which had already removed a similar ₹5 crore condition for the co-accused. 📌 Key Developments: 🔹 The SC had already set aside the ₹5 crore fund creation order for four co-accused co-owners . 🔹 On January 21, 2025 , the Delhi HC granted them regular bail wi...

Delhi Excise Policy PMLA Case: Rs 100 Crore Bribe Allegation and Bail Plea

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Delhi Excise Policy PMLA Case: Rs 100 Crore Bribe  Allegation and Bail Plea The controversy surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy continues to deepen as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposes the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The ED has alleged a demand for a Rs 100 crore bribe, asserting the involvement of Kejriwal in money laundering activities. Bribe Demand and Money Laundering:    The ED has established that a significant amount of money, totaling Rs 100 crore, was demanded as a bribe. This money, according to the ED, was funneled through hawala transactions, with Chanpreet Singh identified as the individual who facilitated these transactions. The ED claims that a substantial amount of this money was given to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in cash and was used to fund a luxurious 7-star hotel stay for Kejriwal. Prosecution's Standpoint: Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, argued that the Central Bureau of Investigation (C...

Supreme Court Dismisses L&T Plea Over Sharavathi Tendering Process

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Supreme Court Dismisses L&T Plea Over Sharavathi Tendering Process In a recent development, the Supreme Court has rejected the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent infrastructure company, challenging the tendering process for the prestigious Sharavathi Pumped Storage project. The decision came on Monday, following a thorough consideration by the bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Background and Decision The apex court stated, "We are not inclined to entertain the Special Leave Petition under Article 136 of the Constitution of India," thereby dismissing L&T's plea. L&T had contested the order of the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice Krishna S Dixit of the Karnataka High Court. However, their appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Implications for the Sharavathi Project The Sharavathi pumped storage project, a significant hydroelectric initiative, has been the subjec...