Topic
The Calcutta HC held that res judicata does not bar a later Section 65B affidavit for distinct documents, allowing supplementary electronic evidence. This aids litigants in insurance claims by allowing extra digital records without procedural bar.
West Bengal State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rules that allegations of document spoliation must be adjudicated only at the final hearing, not through interlocutory applications, to uphold principles of natural justice. The decision reinforces that adverse inference cannot be drawn prematurely, ensuring fair contestation for all parties in consumer complaints.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that trial courts cannot dismiss interlocutory applications for handwriting comparison merely because the signature denial is disputed - they must formally number and adjudicate such applications when the denial is plausible and not admitted in the written statement. This reinforces natural justice in evidence proceedings and prevents procedural evasion by opposing parties in contract disputes.