Supreme Court Upholds Strict Interpretation of Exclusion Clauses against Insurers in Insurance Contracts

The Supreme Court (SC), in an appeal against a NCDRC order, held that insurers bear the burden of proving the applicability of exclusionary clauses in insurance contracts. Such clauses must be strictly interpreted against the insurer, as they can completely exempt the insurer from its liability. The SC set aside the NCDRC order noting that the exclusionary clause, in the insurance policy, excluded coverage for factors like faulty design.

Supreme Court Revokes Bail of PFI Members in UAPA Case, held National Security as Top Priority

The Supreme Court, setting aside the order of Madras High Court, revoked the bail of eight individuals associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 (UAPA). The SC observed that the allegations of raising funds for terrorist activities against them appeared to be prima facie valid. Further, the SC also directed for an expedited trial in the case.

Benami Property Claims Bar Civil and Criminal Action: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court (SC), dismissing the criminal charges under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1882, pertaining to alleged non-repayment of investments made in benami properties, held that individuals asserting ownership of benami properties cannot file legal actions against those in whose name the properties are registered.

Supreme Court: Confiscation of Vehicles Requires Hearing Registered Owners

The Supreme Court has ruled that under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Act), confiscating a vehicle without hearing its owner is illegal. Citing Section 63 of the Act, the Supreme Court emphasized that confiscation orders must adhere to due process. According to the Act, such orders cannot be issued until one month after seizure and must include a hearing for anyone claiming rights over the confiscated vehicle.

‘Merit-cum-Seniority’ is Not Comparative Merit: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the recommendations made by the Gujarat High Court (GHC), to give 65% promotion quota to Senior Civil District Judges on the basis of merit-cum-seniority principle. The SC found no fault in the promotion process adopted by the GHC as they satisfied the twin requirements stipulated in the All India Judges Association case – (i) the objective assessment of legal knowledge of the judicial officer including adequate knowledge of case law, (ii) the evaluation of continued efficiency of the individual candidate.

Mere Presence of Friends/Relatives in Second Marriage doesn’t Prove Common Intention for Offence of Bigamy: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court (SC) in an appeal held that the only person who may be charged with bigamy, a crime punishable under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code, 1882, is the person engaging in the second marriage. The SC further, observed that the appellants must demonstrate not only that they have attended a bigamous wedding but also that the defendants have committed an overt act or omission indicating their common intention to engage in bigamy.

Advocates cannot be held liable for deficiency in service under Consumer Protection Act: SC

The Supreme Court (SC), in an appeal filed against the order passed by the National Consumer Disputes Resolution Commission (NCDRC) holding deficiency in services by the Advocates, has held that the legal profession is sui generis in nature, requiring advance education and training, thus a professional cannot be treated equally or at par with a businessman, trader or a provider of products or goods. The SC while setting aside the NCDRC order further held that the lawyers cannot be held for deficiency in services under Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Court does not sit in appeal over Arbitration Tribunal’s interpretation of contract while dealing with an application u/S.34, Arbitration Act: SC

The Supreme Court (SC) in an appeal while dealing with issue of nature of adjudication by the Court in an application for setting aside of Arbitral Tribunals’ award under S.34 of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act), has held that Court does not sit in appeal over the arbitral award findings in an application for setting aside the Arbitral Tribunal’s award & may interfere on merits on the limited ground provided under Section 34(2)(b)(ii) of the Arbitration Act.

No parole can be granted for maintaining conjugal relationships with live-in partner: DHC

The Delhi High Court (DHC) in an application under S.482 Cr.P.C. seeking grant of parole for consummation of his marriage with his live-in partner has held that, neither the law in India or the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 “permit grant of parole on the ground of maintaining conjugal relationships, that too with live-in partners.” The DHC further noted that the ‘right to procreation’ enshrined under Art.21 of the Constitution of India is not an absolute right.