Supreme Court Judgments

Integrated Textile Processing Using Power Bars Excise Exemption: Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of “Manufacture” Under the Central Excise Act

Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise & Service Tax, Rajkot v. Narsibhai Karamsibhai Gajera & Ors.,

The Supreme Court clarifies that excise duty exemption for cotton fabrics is unavailable where any integral stage of an integrated manufacturing process uses power, even if carried out across separate units. Legal Judgment Explainer

Slum Land Cannot Be Acquired When Owner’s Preferential Right to Redevelop Remains Intact

Jyoti Builders v. Chief Executive Officer, Slum Rehabilitation Authority & Ors. (2025 INSC 1372)

Supreme Court holds that rehabilitation of slum dwellers does not confer land rights on developers; land acquisition under the Slum Act cannot proceed without first extinguishing the landowner’s preferential right and following statutory procedure.

Conviction May Be Sustained While Sentence Is Reduced to Period Already Undergone Where Proportionality and Subsequent Settlement Justify Leniency

Venkatesh & Another v. State represented by the Inspector of Police (2025 INSC 1383)

Supreme Court upholds conviction but reduces sentence to period already undergone, holding that proportionality, substantial incarceration, and subsequent settlement can justify leniency at the sentencing stage.

Divorced Muslim Woman Entitled To Recover Marriage Gifts Given By Her Family Even If Given To Husband: Supreme Court

Rousanara Begum v. S.K. Salahuddin @ Sk Salauddin & Anr. (2025 INSC 1375)

Supreme Court holds that divorced Muslim women can recover marriage gifts under the 1986 Act even if given to the husband, emphasising dignity, equality, and social justice.

Contractual Interest in Bill Discounting Transactions Must Be Enforced Unless Shown to Be Penal, Unconscionable, or Contrary to Public Policy: Supreme Court

BPL Limited v. Morgan Securities and Credits Private Limited (2025 INSC 1380)

Supreme Court upholds enforceability of high contractual interest in bill discounting transactions, clarifying Section 31(7) Arbitration Act, public policy limits, and commercial autonomy in arbitration.

Termination of Development Agreement Validated Under IBC: Court's Ruling

A A Estates Private Limited Through Its Resolution Professional Harshad Shamkant Deshpande and Another vs. Kher Nagar Sukhsadan Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. & Ors.

Supreme Court validates termination of development agreement under IBC, emphasizing the importance of timely performance in redevelopment projects.

Fraudulent Transfer Under Section 53: Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Boundaries

L.K. Prabhu @ L. Krishna Prabhu (Died) Through LRs v. K.T. Mathew @ Thampan Thomas & Ors.

Supreme Court clarifies fraudulent transfer under Section 53 of T.P. Act in L.K. Prabhu case, impacting creditor rights and property claims.

Limits of Parity in Bail Decisions: Supreme Court's Clarification

SAGAR VERSUS STATE OF UP & ANR.

The Supreme Court clarifies that parity cannot be the sole basis for granting bail, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of each case's circumstances in SAGAR VERSUS STATE OF UP.

Jurisdiction for Cheque Dishonour Cases Under Section 138 Clarified

Jai Balaji Industries Ltd. and Ors. vs M/s HEG Ltd.

Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction for cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 in Jai Balaji Industries Ltd. vs M/s HEG Ltd.

Defective Examination Under Section 313 CrPC: Court Acquits Accused in Suresh Sahu Case

SURESH SAHU & ANOTHER VERSUS THE STATE OF BIHAR

Supreme Court acquits Suresh Sahu and another due to defective examination under Section 313 CrPC, highlighting significant procedural flaws.

Disproportionate Dismissal: Court Modifies Punishment to Compulsory Retirement

Sahab Singh (D) Through LRs. vs. Director General, RPF & Others

In Sahab Singh vs. Director General, RPF, the Supreme Court modifies dismissal to compulsory retirement, emphasizing proportionality in disciplinary actions.

Legal Standards for Substantial Questions of Law Under CPC Clarified

Sivanmalai Subramaniaswamy Devasthanam v. S. Muthusamy Gounder (Dead) by LRS. & Ors.

Supreme Court clarifies standards for substantial questions of law under CPC in Sivanmalai Subramaniaswamy Devasthanam v. S. Muthusamy Gounder.