Delay, Discretion, and State Lethargy: An Analysis of Shivamma (Dead) by LRs v. Karnataka Housing Board, 2025 INSC 1104

The question of limitation is not merely a technical consideration. The rules of limitation are based on the principles of sound public policy and principles of equity. We should not keep the ‘Sword of Damocles’ hanging over the head of the respondent for indefinite period of time to be determined at the whims and fancies of the appellants.

Category: Jurisprudence   Posted on: September 14, 2025

S. 138 N. I. Act: Civil recovery suits do not bar criminal prosecution for cheque dishonour

The Delhi High Court in Smt. Rama Oberoi v. State (NCT of Delhi) reaffirmed important principles governing cheque dishonour litigation under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (“NI Act”). The Court clarified (i) the permissibility of pursuing concurrent civil and criminal remedies, (ii) computation of limitation under Section 138, and (iii) the limits of High Court’s jurisdiction to quash proceedings under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (“BNSS”)

Category: Criminal Law, Jurisprudence   Posted on: September 4, 2025

What is the scope & power of contempt jurisdiction vested in the Courts to punish for contempt? Can the Court, in contempt jurisdiction, go beyond the order alleged to be flouted & can it reopen decided issues?

The Courts must not, in exercise of the contempt jurisdiction, therefore, travel beyond the four corners of the order which is alleged to have been flouted or enter into questions that have not been dealt with or decided in the judgment or the order violation of which is alleged. Only such directions which are explicit in a judgment or order or are plainly self-evident ought to be taken into account for the purpose of consideration as to whether there has been any disobedience or willful violation of the same

Category: Jurisprudence   Posted on: March 10, 2024

Is a contract in favour of a minor enforceable or is it void, even when it is for the benefit of the minor?

As per the Contract Act, 1872 it is clearly stated that for an agreement to become a contract, the parties must be br competent to contract, wherein age of majority is a condition for competency. A contract in the name of a minor cannot be held valid, simply because it is in the interest of the minor unless he or she is represented by his or her natural guardian or guardian appointed by the court.

Category: Jurisprudence   Posted on: March 10, 2024

What is malafides in the jurisprudence of power?

Malafide exercise of power does not imply any moral turpitude. It means exercise of statutory power for “purposes foreign to those for which it is in law intended”. It means conscious violation of the law to the prejudice of another, a depraved inclination on the part of the authority to disregard the rights of others, where intent is manifested by its injurious acts. Passing an order for unauthorized purpose constitutes malice in law.

Category: Jurisprudence   Posted on: October 4, 2023

What is a “substantial question of law” under section 100 of the Code of Civil Procedure?

(a) A Court sitting in second appellate jurisdiction has to frame substantial question of law at the time of admission, save and except in exceptional circumstances. Post such framing of questions the Court shall proceed to hear the parties on such questions, i.e., after giving them adequate time to meet and address them. It is only after such hearing subsequent to the framing that a second appeal shall come to be decided. (b) In ordinary course, the High Court in such jurisdiction does not interfere with finding of fact, however, if it does find any compelling reason to do so as regard in law, it can do but only after perusing the records of the Trial Court, on analysis of which the conclusion arrived at by such a Court is sought to be upturned. In other words, when overturning findings of fact, the Court will be required to call for the records of the Trial Court or if placed on record, peruse the same and only then question the veracity of the conclusions drawn by the Court below

Category: Jurisprudence   Posted on: September 23, 2023