LegalWiki - Latest Legal News & Court Rulings

Centre Opposes PIL Seeking GST Cut on Air Purifiers, Warns of “Pandora’s Box”

The Delhi High Court heard the Centre’s objections to a PIL seeking a reduction of GST on air purifiers from 18% to 5% by treating them as medical devices.

The Centre argued that granting such relief without routing it through the GST Council would trigger constitutional concerns and open a “Pandora’s Box” of similar demands.

The Court agreed that the issue requires deliberation by the GST Council and granted the Centre ten days to file a detailed counter-affidavit.

On December 24, the Court had urged the GST Council to consider an urgent meeting on the issue amid Delhi’s pollution crisis. The matter is listed for January 9, 2026.

[Kapil Madan v. UOI & Ors.]

Read Details / 2 minutes ago

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Punjab & Haryana High Court Commutes Death Sentence in Rape, Murder Case Of 5-Yr-Old

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has commuted the death penalty awarded to a man convicted for the rape and murder of a five-and-a-half-year-old girl to life imprisonment.

The Court held that the convict must remain in prison until he is close to the “sunset of his virility,” noting that the case did not meet the rarest of rare standard required for capital punishment.

While acknowledging the extreme brutality of the offence, the Bench observed that lifelong incarceration would adequately serve the ends of justice.

It clarified that remission should not be considered prematurely.

[State of Haryana v. Virender @Bholu]

Read Details / 34 minutes ago

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MP High Court Orders Status Quo Over Muslim Burial Ground in Katni

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State authorities to maintain the status quo over a graveyard in Sleemnabad, Katni, while hearing a plea seeking protection of burial rights of the local Muslim community.

The petitioner, a local Masjid cashier, stated that the graveyard has been in use for 300–350 years, with an adjoining 7-acre portion serving as a burial ground for the last 150 years.

Taking note of the claim, the Court directed the respondents to maintain the existing condition of the land until the next hearing scheduled for January 8, 2026.

The plea seeks a declaration recognising the land as exclusively meant for Muslim burials.

[Nisar Beg v. State of Madhya Pradesh]

Read order / 38 minutes ago

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Gujarat High Court Grants Conditional Bail to Law Student in Vadodara Hit-and-Run Case

The Gujarat High Court has granted conditional bail to a 23-year-old law student accused in a Vadodara hit-and-run case in which one person died, and nine others were injured after his vehicle allegedly rammed into three vehicles.

The Court noted he was in custody since March 14, 2025, and the charge sheet was laid on June 10, 2025.

Taking this into account, the Bench held that continued custody was not necessary and that the State’s concerns could be addressed through strict safeguards.

The Court ordered his release on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh, subject to conditions. It clarified that the Sessions Court would be free to take action if any condition is violated.

[Rakshit Ravish Chorasiya v. State of Gujarat]

Read Details / 7 hours ago

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NCLT Bengaluru Approves Merger of Amazon Transportation Services Into Amazon Seller Services

The National Company Law Tribunal’s Bengaluru bench allowed the merger of Amazon Transportation Services Pvt Ltd (ATSPL) into Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd (ASSPL) under a scheme of amalgamation.

Under the approved arrangement, ASSPL will issue 38 equity shares for every 10 fully paid-up equity shares held in ATSPL. Upon the merger taking effect, ATSPL will stand dissolved without winding up, with all its assets, liabilities, and pending legal proceedings vesting in ASSPL.

The Tribunal made it clear that the approval does not offer exemption from payment of stamp duty, taxes or other statutory charges.

It also directed that ATSPL employees be transferred to ASSPL with continuity of service and without loss of existing benefits.

Read Details / 7 hours ago

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What is the Difference Between Appeal, Review, and Revision in Indian Law?

In Indian law, appeal, review, and revision are different ways to challenge a court order.

An appeal allows a higher court to re-examine the case. The Court looks at both facts and law and may confirm, change, or set aside the decision.

A review is filed before the same court. The Court reviews its order only if there is a clear error, new evidence, or sufficient reason. The Court does not hear the case again in detail.

A revision gives the High Court supervisory power. The Court checks whether the lower court acted within its jurisdiction and followed proper procedure.

In simple terms, appeal reconsiders the case, review corrects mistakes, and revision ensures legal discipline.

7 hours ago

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What is Lok Adalat and Are Its Decisions Final?

Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute resolution forum that helps parties settle disputes amicably, without lengthy court proceedings. The Court organises Lok Adalats to resolve cases related to money disputes, family matters, motor accident claims, and other compoundable cases.

The Court in State of Punjab v. Jalour Singh, (2008) said that Lok Adalat focuses on compromise and mutual agreement, not strict litigation. If both parties agree, the Lok Adalat passes an award.

The Court held that an award passed by a Lok Adalat is final and binding on the parties under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and no appeal lies against it.

However, the Court clarified that a party may approach a regular court if the settlement was not voluntary or was obtained by fraud or coercion.

7 hours ago

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Is It Legal to Take Screenshot and Share WhatsApp Chats or Instagram Messages in India?

No. Taking screenshots for personal use is generally legal, but sharing private chats without consent can be illegal. The Court said that private messages fall within the right to privacy under Article 21.

Sharing chats that cause harassment, defamation, or misuse may attract liability under the IT Act and criminal law.

The Court observed that consent plays a key role. Sharing messages to protect legal rights or as evidence may be allowed, but posting chats publicly or circulating them to harm someone can be unlawful.

Privacy does not disappear online.

7 hours ago

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Is It Legal to Install CCTV Cameras Outside Your House or Shop in India?

Yes, installing CCTV cameras is legal, but it comes with conditions. The Court held that surveillance must respect the right to privacy under Article 21. Cameras should not capture private areas like neighbouring homes or interiors.

The Court observed that CCTV use for security is permitted, but misuse can lead to legal action. Clear notice, limited coverage, and responsible use are essential.

Recording audio without consent may also violate privacy laws.

CCTV cameras should ensure safety, not invade personal space.

7 hours ago

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What is the Difference Between Higher Courts and Lower Courts in India?

The lower judiciary includes trial courts such as District Courts and Magistrate courts, where civil and criminal cases are first heard. These courts record evidence, examine witnesses, conduct trials, and deliver initial judgments or orders.

The higher judiciary consists of the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

High Courts hear appeals from subordinate courts, interpret laws, issue writs, and exercise supervisory jurisdiction, while the Supreme Court is the final appellate court, constitutional interpreter, and guardian of fundamental rights.

In short, lower courts decide cases first, and higher courts review decisions and clarify legal principles.

a day ago

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What is Doctrine of Subrogation?

The doctrine of subrogation allows a person who pays a debt or compensates a loss for another to step into the legal rights of the original creditor and recover that amount from the party actually responsible. It is an equitable principle that applies only after complete payment of the claim.

In India, Section 92 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 recognises subrogation in mortgage redemption, allowing a non-mortgagor or co-mortgagor who fully redeems a mortgage to assume the mortgagee’s recovery rights.

Section 140 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 also embodies subrogation by granting a guarantor the creditor’s rights after discharging the debt.

Subrogation ensures fairness and prevents unjust enrichment.

a day ago

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What is the Difference Between Question of Fact and Question of Law?

A question of fact deals with events and circumstances that must be proven using evidence such as witnesses or documents.

A question of law involves legal rules, the interpretation of statutes, or the application of precedents.

Facts are proven through evidence, while law is determined through judicial reasoning.

Appeals mainly focus on questions of law.

a day ago

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Bombay High Court Stays Bank Action Against Anil Ambani in Fraud Classification Case

The Bombay High Court stayed coercive steps by Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank against Anil Ambani in fraud-classification proceedings.

The case arose after consortium banks commissioned a forensic audit in 2019 into Reliance Communications and group entities for the 2013–2017 period.

The Court held that the 2020 audit report by BDO LLP could not be relied upon since it was not signed by a chartered accountant with a valid certificate of practice. It observed that the RBI’s 2024 Master Directions on Fraud require external forensic auditors to hold statutory qualifications.

Pending further consideration, the Court restrained banks from proceeding with show-cause notices or taking further fraud-related action.

[Anil Ambani v. Indian Overseas Bank & Ors.]

Read Judgment / a day ago

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Delhi High Court Upholds Injunction Against ‘Medilice Lice Killer’ Trademark

The Delhi High Court upheld a permanent injunction restraining Rapple Healthcare from using the mark “Medilice Lice Killer”, holding that it infringed and amounted to passing off of “MEDILICE”, a registered trademark of Wings Pharmaceuticals.

The Court found that although Wings sold MEDILICE as a shampoo and Rapple marketed a hair oil, both products addressed the same consumer need of lice treatment, creating a likelihood of confusion among consumers.

However, the Court reduced the damages awarded from ₹10 lakh to ₹3 lakh, observing that punitive damages must be specifically pleaded and justified.

[Shri Kirit Bhadiadra v. Wings Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd.]

Read Order / a day ago

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Using HP+ for Screws Infringes Registered HP Mark: Delhi High Court Upholds Interim Restraint

The Delhi High Court upheld an interim order restraining Ganraj Enterprises from using HP+ and HP®+ for screws.

The dispute arose after Landmark Crafts, owner of the registered “HP” trademark in Class 6, discovered identical screws being sold under deceptively similar marks.

Applying the statutory presumption of validity, the Court found that the competing marks were nearly identical and used for the same goods, amounting to infringement under Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It also noted that the unauthorised use of the ® symbol reflected a lack of bona fides and heightened consumer confusion.

Dismissing the appeal, the Court allowed the restraint to continue during the pendency of the suit.

[Ganraj Enterprises & Ors. v. Landmark Crafts Pvt. Ltd & Anr.]

Read Judgment / a day ago

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