“State Can’t Profit From an ‘Unborn Instrument’: Bombay HC Orders Stamp Duty Refund”
In a landmark ruling, Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan of the Bombay High Court, examined whether the court, while exercising its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution, can order a refund of stamp duty paid on an agreement for sale that was never executed. The ruling makes it clear that, in suitable cases, fairness can […]
Transparency Switched Off? Inside Bombay High Court’s Retreat From Open Courtrooms
What began as a landmark transparency initiative at the Bombay High Court has quietly receded. Months after live-streaming of proceedings was rolled out with high expectations, public access has been switched off in several key courtrooms. Among the courts that have disabled public access are the Chief Justice’s bench and a few other benches, even […]
“Whims, Caprices and Lawlessness”: Bombay HC Comes Down Hard On Maharashtra Police
In a strong rebuke, the Bombay High Court pulled up the Maharashtra police and state authorities for failing to comply with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which came into force in July 2024. The court questioned why key procedures under the new criminal law were being ignored months after its implementation. A bench of […]
“They Used Money to Interfere With Justice’’: Blood, Bribes and Betrayal Exposed As Bombay HC’s Justice Chandak Slams Bail Door In Pune Porsche Case
The Bombay High Court slammed the door on bail pleas from businessman Vishal Agarwal and seven co-accused in the tragic Pune Porsche crash case, where two young software engineers lost their lives to a speeding luxury car driven by Agarwal's underage son. Justice Shyam C Chandak lambasted the group's alleged plot to manipulate blood samples, […]
Bombay HC Breaks The Deadlock: Child Denied A Nation No More; 7-Year Old Declared An Indian Citizen
In a significant order safeguarding a child’s fundamental rights, the Bombay High Court has directed the passport authorities to recognise a seven-year old girl as an Indian citizen and to issue her an Indian passport in accordance with the citizenship Act, 1955. A Division Bench of Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice Ashish Chavan, passed the […]
‘Shocked and Enraged’: Bombay HC Slams Punjab National Bank for Publishing Directors’ Names Despite Pending Case”
The Bombay High Court strongly criticised Punjab National Bank (PNB) for publishing the names and photographs of the directors of a borrowing company in a leading financial newspaper, despite being aware that the directors had urgently approached the court seeking protection. Facts: In the present case, jewellery maker Damara Gold and its directors had approached […]
‘You Can’t Shut the Internet!’ Justice Jamadar Of Bombay HC Blasts Magistrate Over YouTube Orders
The Bombay High Court has issued an important ruling on the limits of judicial power over online content. The Court made it clear that Rule 10 of the Information Technology Rules, 2009 does not give Magistrates the authority to order the blocking of content on the internet. Justice N.J. Jamadar made these observations while hearing […]
Justice Gokhale of Bombay HC Rips Apart Bail Order: Says, “Allegations Shake The Conscience Of The Court” — Bail Cancelled In Shocking POCSO Case
Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale of the Bombay High Court has passed a strong and important order cancelling the bail of a stepfather accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting his minor stepdaughter. The Court stressed that in such serious offences, courts must “consider the nature of accusations, the manner of commission, the gravity of the offence, and […]
15 Years Later… “Ex-CEO of ICICI, Chanda Kochhar, Walks Free…’’ As Bombay HC Nixes Octroi Case
In an important decision, Justice Neela Gokhale of the Bombay High Court has cancelled the prosecution and quashed a 2009 summons issued by a Pune court against former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and four senior bank officials. The case involved allegations that octroi was wrongly avoided on imported gold coins. The High Court found […]
Breakup, Facebook & Criminal Law: Bombay HC Refuses To Quash FIR
In a notable ruling, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has held that posting an objectionable post on Facebook can amount to offences under Sections 354 and 354-D of the IPC. The court noted that the complainant is a married woman living with her husband. Even if she had a relationship with the […]