HC Wields ‘John Doe’ To Block Trademark Abuse Of “Ghar Soaps’’
The Delhi High Court has stepped in to protect the artistic rights and goodwill of Ghar Soaps, a natural and chemical-free skincare brand, by passing a John Doe order. The order was aimed at stopping counterfeit sellers on e-commerce platforms from using deceptively similar packaging and branding to sell fake products. The Court also directed […]
SC Recasts Stray Dog Policy: Orders Sterilize-Vaccinate-Release Model
In a significant ruling the Supreme Court of India, with Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria at the helm, made a significant alteration to its earlier directives concerning the management of stray dogs. The court has now clarified that dogs apprehended under its August 11 order are to be returned to the streets […]
Lawyers Bound By Instructions; Not Investigations : HC Clarifies
The Delhi High Court has reiterated a fundamental principle governing the role of advocates: while lawyers must act on the instructions of their clients, they are not obligated to independently verify the truthfulness of those instructions. Determining whether the assertions made in court are true or false is ultimately the role of the judiciary, not […]
Same-Sex Rights Under Tax Law Face Constitutional Test in Bombay HC
The Bombay High Court bench of Justice B.P. Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla has found itself seized of a constitutional issue relating to the validity surrounding the interpretation of the term “spouse” in the Income Tax Act (IT Act), 1961. The Case: Such a question arises from a writ petition filed by Payio Ashiho and […]
Foreign Wages, Indian Bank Accounts — Taxable or Not? SC to Examine
The Supreme Court recently agreed to examine whether income credited in an Indian bank account, while working with a foreign entity, is exempt from payment of income tax under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The matter came up before a bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale in an appeal against the […]
“Judges, Measure Your Worth By Public Money Spent On You’’: SC’s Justice Suryakant’s Stern Reminder
During his address at the inaugural session of the Supreme Court Bar Association's lecture series on 'Justice for All – Legal Aid and Mediation, Supreme Court judge, Justice Surya Kant conveyed his dismay regarding the commitment levels of certain High Court judges. While acknowledging that some judges exhibit unwavering dedication and bear significant responsibilities as […]
Potholes, Gridlock And Jams ; Kerala HC’s Toll Ban Gets SC’s Stamp Of Approval
The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the judgment of the Kerala High Court, which was challenged by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with respect to the liability arising from the suspension of toll for four weeks at the Paliyekkara plaza on National Highway 544 in Thrissur district, citing the poorly maintained […]
No Short-Cut To Freedom Via Sickness In PMLA Cases : HC Denies Bail To Dham
In a recent ruling, Justice Ravinder Dudeja of the Delhi High Court emphasized that claiming to be "sick and infirm" does not guarantee bail in cases related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Court made it clear that medical pleas cannot diminish the seriousness of money laundering offenses. The judge noted that […]
Summoning Lawyers For Legal Advice : SC To Define Boundaries
Can investigating agencies summon advocates for the legal advice they render to their clients? On August 12, the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict in the instant suo-moto matter which has captured the attention of lawyers across the country. The Apex Court has now made it clear that it intends to lay down guidelines to […]
Lawyer’s Claim On Client’s Property “Unacceptable’’ : HC Slams Conflict Of Interest
In a notable decision that underscores the ethical responsibilities of legal practitioners, the Delhi High Court recently declined an appeal presented by an advocate seeking a claim on a disputed property, which he allegedly believed was bequeathed to him by his client. A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar emphasized […]