High Courts judgments

Allahabad HC quashed differential pay scales post-cadre merger, affirming the 'equal pay for equal work' principle under Articles 14 and 16. The ruling mandates uniform pay scales for employees performing identical roles, regardless of pre-merger designations.

Bombay High Court rules that past service must be counted for Shikshan Sevaks’ reappointment under GR 2005, rejecting denial based on delay. The judgment clarifies distinctions between absorption and reappointment, impacting thousands of contractual teachers in Maharashtra’s private schools.

Karnataka High Court ruled Section 311 CrPC recall of witnesses is not automatic once the accused’s Section 313 statement begins, unless exceptional circumstances justify delay. The ruling balances fair trial rights with judicial efficiency in murder prosecutions.

Bombay High Court rules that enemy property does not vest automatically without strict adherence to Enemy Property Rules, 2015 and principles of natural justice. Impugned communications and mutation entries set aside, restoring petitioners' names in revenue records.

Bombay High Court rules that a child's admission under the Right to Education Act cannot be denied solely for lack of father's caste certificate when mother's valid certificate exists and father is deceased. The judgment clarifies procedural requirements for single-parent admissions under the RTE Act, benefiting marginalized communities including nomadic tribes.

Bombay HC upholds removal of an executor for failing to distribute estate for over a decade post-probate, ruling such delay constitutes gross misconduct under Section 301 Indian Succession Act. The decision underscores fiduciary obligations of executors and the consequences of sustained neglect.

Bombay High Court quashed enemy property vesting orders and mutation entries for non-compliance with the Enemy Property Act, 1968 and 2015 Rules. The ruling underscores that statutory procedures and natural justice principles must be strictly followed before vesting can occur.

Allahabad HC upheld conviction under Section 307 IPC but reduced the sentence to 3 years after determining the accused was a juvenile (17 years 10 months) at the time of the offence. The ruling emphasizes the primacy of juvenile justice principles over punitive sentencing in serious offences.

Allahabad HC quashed a removal order against a UPMRCL employee after finding procedural violations, including denial of cross-examination and lack of evidence appreciation. The ruling reaffirms strict adherence to natural justice in departmental inquiries, impacting government employees facing disciplinary actions.

Allahabad HC disposed of a mandamus petition seeking expeditious investigation in Case Crime No. 0496/2026, directing authorities to complete probe under BNS sections 115(2), 118(2), 125, 333, 351(3), 109(1), 3(5) without delay. The court granted liberty to approach the Magistrate if needed, citing Sakiri Vasu (2008) 2 SCC 409.

Allahabad HC quashes joint trial under Sections 420 and 406 IPC, citing apex court precedent in Delhi Race Club. Ruling underscores procedural safeguards under Section 482 CrPC for preventing misjoinder of offences.

Bombay HC Nagpur Bench dismissed the insurer's appeal, upholding the tribunal's negligence finding and enhancing compensation to ₹39.30 lakhs for the death of an MBBS student. The court rejected the insurer's argument that lack of cross-examination invalidated liability, affirming the Motor Vehicles Act's strict liability framework.

Bombay HC Nagpur Bench remands a Scheduled Tribe caste certificate claim to the SDO Daryapur for fresh consideration after quashing prior rejection orders. The court permitted inclusion of a subsequent validity certificate and pre-Constitution documents to reassess the petitioner's Thakur tribe claim.

Kerala High Court dismissed the ESI Corporation's appeal, ruling that fixed conveyance allowance paid to employees does not constitute 'wages' under Section 2(22) of the ESI Act. The judgment reaffirms the exclusion of such allowances from ESI contributions, relying on the Texmo Industries precedent, impacting employers' liability under the ESI framework.

Bombay High Court Nagpur Bench rules that temporary disability certificates do not disqualify candidates for reserved posts under the RPWD Act, 2016. The judgment clarifies that Section 34(2) protects disabled persons regardless of certificate validity, ensuring equal employment opportunities.

Bombay HC rules Maharashtra government must pay minimum pay scales to employees of government-aided hostels under Article 14, citing State of Punjab v. Jagjit Singh. The ruling mandates compliance with GRs dated 5 Feb 2000 and 3 Jun 2008 within eight weeks, ensuring parity with private hostel staff.

Rajasthan High Court quashes a transfer order for failing to specify the exact place of posting, reaffirming Rule 173 of the Rajasthan Land Revenue Rules, 1957. The ruling underscores procedural compliance in government transfers affecting land revenue officials.

Karnataka High Court quashes a 14-day police custody order despite prior anticipatory bail, holding that subsisting bail cannot be overridden without cancellation by a competent court. The ruling reinforces that police custody orders issued in contravention of valid anticipatory bail are legally unsustainable.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court permitted interim custody of a seized vehicle under BNSS Section 528 despite a pending investigation under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, imposing conditions to balance evidence preservation and vehicle damage risks. The ruling clarifies the court's discretion in balancing procedural safeguards with practical concerns during prolonged seizures.

Bombay HC sets aside Railway Claims Tribunal order denying compensation, ruling that non-production of a ticket does not disprove bona fide passenger status. The Court held that claimants can discharge initial burden via affidavit, and GRP's report of ticket recovery raises a presumption in their favor, impacting future railway accident compensation claims.

Andhra Pradesh High Court set aside a conviction under Section 138 NI Act after parties reached a full settlement, waiving costs imposed by the apex court in light of the accused's financial constraints. The ruling clarifies that minimal or no costs may be levied during compounding at the revision stage in appropriate cases.

Andhra Pradesh High Court dismisses a cheating complaint under Section 420 IPC, ruling that failure to repay an amount after land registration does not amount to criminal dishonesty unless fraud existed at the time of the transaction. The judgment clarifies the distinction between civil disputes and criminal cheating, emphasizing the requirement of mens rea at inception.

Bombay HC sets aside Industrial Court's restrictive interpretation of a medical reimbursement scheme, ruling that dependents' hospitalisation expenses are covered. The judgment awards Rs. 24,194 with 8% interest, clarifying employer obligations under the Employees Medical Benefit Scheme.

The Bombay High Court ruled that technical grounds of limitation cannot defeat a bona fide refund claim for unused stamp duty paid via e-SBTR where the State unjustly retains funds. The judgment reinforces restitution principles under Section 48(2) of the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958, impacting parties facing administrative errors in stamp duty payments.