#Jurisdictional Conflict

The Supreme Court referred to a Larger Bench the question whether Section 134 of the Trade Marks Act, which mandates infringement suits before a District Court, is rendered ineffective by Jharkhand’s notification treating Civil Judge (Senior Division) as a Commercial Court, and stayed the suit, affecting trademark litigants and clarifying IP-commercial court jurisdiction.

Gauhati HC rules that the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) holds overriding jurisdiction over Gaon Panchayat areas covered under a notified Master Plan, even if prior permission was granted by the Panchayat. The court clarified that a written reply suffices for natural justice where facts are undisputed, reinforcing municipal authority supremacy in urban planning enforcement.

Allahabad HC rules that the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, being a later special statute, prevails over the Family Courts Act, 1984, permitting transfer of maintenance proceedings to Gram Nyayalayas. The court validates administrative orders under Section 16 of the 2008 Act, reinforcing the principle that special legislation overrides general law in jurisdictional conflicts.

Delhi High Court holds that MSMED Act overrides private arbitration agreements; jurisdiction vests in Facilitation Council where supplier is located, not as per contract.