References Answered And Made By Supreme Court In 2020

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28 Dec 2020 3:49 AM GMT

  • References Answered And Made By Supreme Court In 2020

    In the COVID-19 affected 2020, where the Supreme Court was functioning in virtual mode throughout except for the first three months of the year, several substantial points of law were settled by answering long pending references.Also, some new points of public importance were referred to larger bench. Here is a look at some of such important judgments(in no particular order).1. Judicial...

    In the COVID-19 affected 2020, where the Supreme Court was functioning in virtual mode throughout except for the first three months of the year, several substantial points of law were settled by answering long pending references.

    Also, some new points of public importance were referred to larger bench. Here is a look at some of such important judgments(in no particular order).

    1. Judicial Officers Cannot Seek Direct Recruitment To Post Of District Judges Against Quota For Advocates

    In the case Dheeraj Mor v Hon'ble High Court of Delhi, a 3-judge bench of the Supreme Court answered a reference to hold that judicial officers who are in service cannot seek direct recruitment to the post of District Judges as the said route is meant for practising advocates only.

    The reference was made by a two-judge bench in 2018 observing that it was a substantial question of law involving public importance.

    Answering the reference, a bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Vineet Saran and Ravindra Bhat noted that eligibility under Article 233(2) of the Constitution requires 7 years of continuous practice. "Only practising candidates can avail the quota. It is exclusively for them", the court said.

    "Article 233(2) nowhere provides eligibility of in-­service candidates for consideration as a District Judge concerning a post requiring 7 years' practice as an advocate or a pleader. Requirement of 7 years' experience for advocate or pleader is qualified with a rider that he should not be in the service of the Union or the State", the Court said in the judgment.



     2.Landlord-Tenant disputes arbitrable unless covered by rent control laws

    A three judge bench of the Supreme Court answered a reference to hold that landlord-tenant disputes are arbitrable unless covered by specific rent contorl laws.

    The judgment delivered by a three judge bench in the case Vidya Drolia and others v Durga Trading Enterprises also decides several issues such as tests for arbitrability, who determines arbitrability, scope of enquiry under Sections 8/11, meaning of 'existence of arbitration agreement' etc.

    The bench comprising Justices N V Ramana, Sanjiv Khanna and Krishna Murari overruled the view in Himangni Enterprises vs Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia.



    3. [Domestic Violence Act] Wife Entitled To Claim Right Of Residence Which Belongs To Relatives Of Husband Also: Supreme Court Overrules Its 2006 'SR Batra' Judgment

    A wife is also entitled to claim a right to residence in a shared household belonging to relatives of the husband, the Supreme Court held in an important judgment overruling the 2006 judgment in SR Batra v. Taruna Batra.

    "In the event, shared household belongs to any relative of the husband with whom in a domestic relationship the woman has lived, the conditions mentioned in Section 2(s) are satisfied and the said house will become a shared household," the bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, R. Subhash Reddy and MR Shah held in the case Satish Chander Ahuja v Sneha Ahuja.

    It added, "The living of woman in a household has to refer to a living which has some permanency. Mere fleeting or casual living at different places shall not make a shared household. The intention of the parties and the nature of living including the nature of household have to be looked into to find out as to whether the parties intended to treat the premises as shared household or not. As noted above, Act 2005 was enacted to give a higher right in favour of woman. The Act, 2005 has been enacted to provide for more effective protection of the rights of the woman who are victims of violence of any kind occurring within the family. The Act has to be interpreted in a manner to effectuate the very purpose and object of the Act."

    This judgment did not came out a reference but is included in this list as it laid down an important point of law by overruling a previous decision on the Supreme Court.

    In the 2006 judgment in S.R. Batra vs Taruna Batra , the Supreme Court bench of Justices SB Sinha and M.Katju had rejected the contention that the definition of shared household includes a household where the person aggrieved lives or at any stage had lived in a domestic relationship. It held that the wife is only entitled to claim a right to residence in a shared household, and a `shared household' would only mean the house belonging to or taken on rent by the husband, or the house which belongs to the joint family of which the husband is a member. The court had further observed that claim for alternative accommodation can only be made against the husband and not against the husband's in-laws or other relatives.


    4. Confession made to NDPS officers not admissible in evidence -SC rules by 2:1 majority in Tofan Singh case

    The Supreme Court held by 2:1 majority that officers of the Central & State agencies appointed under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act are police officers and therefore the 'confessional' statements recorded by them under Section 67 are not admissible.

    Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman and Navin Sinha held thus, while Justice Indira Banerjee gave a dissenting opinion in the case Tofan Singh v State of Tamil Nadu.

    The bench was answering a reference made by a two judge bench in 2013, which had referred these issues to the larger bench: 1) Whether the officer investigating the matter under the NDPS Act would qualify as police officer or not? 2) Whether the statement recorded by the investigating officer under Section 67 of the Act can be treated as confessional statement or not, even if the officer is not treated as police officer? Reference was made by the two judge bench expressing its doubt about the correctness of the dictum laid in Kanhaiyalal vs. Union of India in which it was held that the officer under Section 63 is not a police officer and thus the bar under Sections 24 and 27 of the Evidence Act cannot be attracted. It was further held in Kanhaiyalal hat the statement made by a person directed to appear before the officer concerned may be relied upon as a confessional statement against such person.

    5. Daughters Have Coparcenery Rights Even If Their Father Was Not Alive When Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 Came Into Force: SC

    In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court has held that a daughter will have a share after Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, irrespective of whether her father was alive or not at the time of the amendment.

    A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra today pronounced the judgment in a batch of appeals that raised an important legal issue whether the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, which gave equal right to daughters in ancestral property, has a retrospective effect.

    "Daughters must be given equal rights as sons, Daughter remains a loving daughter throughout life. The daughter shall remain a coparcener throughout life, irrespective of whether her father is alive or not", Justice Mishra said while pronouncing the judgment today. The bench also comprising of Justices S. Abdul Nazeer and MR Shah, overruled the contrary observations made in Prakash v. Phulavati and Mangammal v. T.B. Raju.

    This was in the case Vineeta Sharma v Rakesh Sharma while answering a reference.

    The question was referred to the bench in view of the conflicting verdicts rendered in two Division Bench judgments of this Court in Prakash & Ors. v. Phulavati & Ors., (2016)  and Danamma @Suman Surpur & Anr. v. Amar & Ors(2018).

    Injustice To Daughters In Hindu Shastric Law Done Away With: SC Explains The Impact Of Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005 [Read Judgment]


    6. Certificate Under Section 65B(4) Evidence Act Is A Condition Precedent To The Admissibility of Electronic Evidence

    The Supreme Court has held that the certificate required under Section 65B(4) is a condition precedent to the admissibility of evidence by way of electronic record.

    The bench has also clarified that that the required certificate under Section 65B(4) is unnecessary if the original document itself is produced. The court said that the judgment in Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer & Ors. (2014) 10 SCC 473 need not be revisited, subject to the above clarifications.

    The bench also overruled the 2018 decision delivered by a 2-judge bench in the case Shafi Mohammad vs State of Himachal Pradesh.

    The bench was considering a reference made to 3-judge bench in view of the conflict between the views in Anvar PV v PK Basheer and Shafi Mohammad v State of Himachal Pradesh decisions.

    The bench headed by Justice RF Nariman further held that, in a fact-circumstance where the requisite certificate has been applied for from the person or the authority concerned, and the person or authority either refuses to give such certificate, or does not reply to such demand, the party asking for such certificate can apply to the Court for its production under the provisions aforementioned of the Evidence Act, CPC or CrPC.



     7.Anticipatory Bail Cannot Be Limited To A Fixed Period Except In Special And Peculiar Circumstances

    [Sushila Aggarwal And Others V/S State (NCT Of Delhi)]

    A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that anticipatory bail should not invariably be limited to a fixed period. But if there are any special or peculiar features necessitating the court to limit the tenure of anticipatory bail, it is open for it to do so, the five judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra has held. The Court also held that life or duration of an anticipatory bail order does not end normally at the time and stage when the accused is summoned by the court, or when charges are framed, but can continue till the end of the trial except in special and peculiar cases.
    Answering the reference, the bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, M R Shah and Ravindra Bhat held that the judgment in Shri Gurbaksh Singh Sibbia and others v. State of Punjab 1980 (2) SCC 565 needs to be followed. It overruled the judgment in Salauddin Abdulsamad Shaikh v. State of Maharashtra 1996 (1) SCC 667 which restricted the scope of Section 438 of the Cr.PC. It also overruled Siddharam Satlingappa Mhetre v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. 2011 (1) SCC 694, to the extent it held that no conditions can be imposed while granting an order of anticipatory bail, is incorrect.

    Accused Released On Anticipatory Bail Need Not Surrender And Seek Regular Bail For Recovery Under Section 27 Evidence Act : SC

    8. Land Acquisition : No Lapse Of Proceedings Under Old Act If Compensation Is Deposited In Treasury

    [ Indore Development Authority V/S Manoharlal ]

    The Supreme Court held that proceedings under the Land Acquisition Act 1894 will not lapse if the compensation has been tendered by deposit in treasury. The Court held that land owners cannot insist that the amount should be deposited in Court so as to sustain the land acquisition proceedings under the old Act on the commencement of the new land acquisition law with effect from January 1, 2014.

    The bench affirmed the view in the 2018 Indore Development Authority case, overruling the 2014 judgment in Pune Municipal Corporation case. A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, M R Shah and Ravindra Bhat had heard the matter. The case involved the interpretation of Section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013. As per this provision, compensation proceedings under the Land Acquisition Act 1894 will lapse on the commencement of the 2013 Act, if "compensation has not been paid".

    [Land Acquisition] Why SC Read 'OR' In Sec 24(2) As 'AND'/'NOR' In Indore Development Authority Case?

    Land Acquisition Judgment : Puzzling Questions Left By A Strained Interpretation


    9.  SARFAESI Act applicable to cooperative banks

    Answering a reference, a constitution bench of the the Supreme Court has held that the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Act 2002 is applicable to cooperative banks. "The co­operative banks under the State legislation and multi­ State co­operative banks are 'banks' under section 2(1)(c) of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002", held the Constitution Bench.


    10. Merely Because The Investigation Officer And Complainant Are The Same The Trial In NDPS Cases Will Not Be Vitiated And Accused Cannot Be Acquitted On That Ground

    [Mukesh Singh V/S State (Narcotic Branch Of Delhi) ]

    The Supreme Court held that it cannot be held as a general proposition that an accused under NDPS Act is entitled to an acquittal merely because the complainant is the investigating officer. "Merely because the informant and the investigating officer is the same, it cannot be said that the investigation is biased and the trial is vitiated", the bench observed while specifically overruling Mohan Lal v. State of Punjab (2018) 17 SCC 627.

    In Mohanlal, it was held by a three judge bench that the trial of cases under NDPS Act will be vitiated if the informant and the investigating officer is the same person. "It is therefore held that a fair investigation, which is but the very foundation of fair trial, necessarily postulates that the informant and the investigator must not be the same person. Justice must not only be done, but must appear to be done also. Any possibility of bias or a predetermined conclusion has to be excluded. This requirement is all the more imperative in laws carrying a reverse burden of proof.", it was held in the said judgment.

    11. Medical Council Of India Has No Power To Make Any Reservation For In-Service Candidates; States Have

    The Constitution Bench held that Medical Council of India has no power to make any reservation for in-service candidates in Post Graduate Medical Course in any particular state. The bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, MR Shah and Aniruddha Bose observed that the power of Medical Council of India Act is referable to Entry 66, List 1, which is a limited source of power to lay down standards. It held that the Medical Council of India regulations providing for reservation for in-service candidates in PG Medical Courses are ultra vires the Medical Council of India Act.
    The bench was answering a reference made in 2018.
    12.100% ST Reservations For Teacher Posts In Scheduled Areas Unconstitutional: SC

    [Chebrolu Leela Prasad Rao & Ors. V. State of A.P. & Ors.]

    A Constitution bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, M.R. Shah and Aniruddha Bose held that 100 per cent reservation of teachers belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category at schools situated in "Scheduled Ares" is constitutionally invalid. The Bench also quashed the Government order issued under the hand of Governor of State of Andhra Pradesh which had affirmed absolute reservation for ST teachers and imposed costs on both Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Government's, seeking reasons from the Government's for breaching the 50% ceiling in reservations.

    Affluent & Advanced Within SC/ST Not Permitting Reservation Benefits Trickle Down To Needy : SC Calls For List Revision


    13.Consumer Forum Has No Power To Extend Time Beyond 45 Days For Opposite Party's Version
    New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Hilli Multipurpose Cold Storage Pvt. Ltd.

    In this case, A 5-judge bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, M.R. Shah and S. Ravindra Bhat that the time period for filing opposite party's version in Consumer case cannot be extended beyond the period of 45 days prescribed under the Consumer Protection Act. The Court held that Consumer Protection Act 1986 did not empower the Consumer Forum to extend the time beyond the period of 45 days. The time period prescribed under Section 13 of the Consumer Protection Act is mandatory, and not directory, held the judgment.




     14.NDPS - Quantity Of Neutral Substances In Mixture Must Be Taken Into Account With Actual Drug Weight To Determine 'Small Or Commercial Quantity'

    While overruling an earlier 2008 decision titled E. Micheal Raj v. Intelligence Officer, Narcotic Control Bureau, bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee and M R Shah held that the quantity of neutral substances in a mixture containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must be taken into account along with the actual weight of the offending drug while determining 'small or commercial quantity' under the NDPS Act.

    (Case: Hira Singh & Anr. v. Union of India & Anr.)

    References made by the Supreme Court in 2020
    The top court also made few references to larger bench in this year.
    1. [EWS Quota] SC refers questions to larger bench

    A three judge bench of the Supreme Court referred a batch of writ petitions, challenging the 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) introduced by 103rd Constitution Amendment passed by the Parliament last year, to a five-Judge bench(Janhit Abhiyan and others v Union of India and others and connected cases).

    A bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justice Subhash Reddy and Justice BR Gavai said that the matter involves "substantial questions of law" that should be considered by Bench of five Judges.

    The bench observed that the issues whether economic status can be made the basis of affirmative action and whether reservation can breach the 50% cap need to be examined by a larger bench.

    "It is the case of the petitioners, that the very amendments run contrary to the constitutional scheme, and no segment of available seats/posts can be reserved, only on the basis of economic criterion. As such, we are of the view that such questions do constitute substantial questions of law to be considered by a Bench of five Judges."

    The Court added,

    "Whether the impugned Amendment Act violates etc. basic structure of the Constitution, by applying the tests of 'width' and 'identity' with reference to equality provisions of the Constitution, is a matter which constitutes substantial question of law..."

    Further, on the plea of ceiling of 50% for affirmative action the Court said,

    "It is the case of the respondent-Union of India that though ordinarily 50% is the rule but same will not prevent to amend the Constitution itself in view of the existing special circumstances to uplift the members of the society belonging to economically weaker sections. Even such questions also constitute as substantial questions of law to be examined by a Bench of five Judges…"


    2. Maratha Reservation - referred to 5-judge bench
    A three-judge bench referred the cases challenging the Maratha quota introduced by the State of Maharashtra to a larger bench(Dr. Jaishree Laxmanrao Patil v The Chief Minister and another).
    The reference was made to examine the issue whether the State Government retains the power to identify backward classes following the Constitution (102nd) Amendmnet which constituted the National Commission for Backward Classes.
    A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao observed in the reference order :
    "According to the writ petitioners in the High Court, the State Legislature has been denuded of this power after the Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018 came into force. The High Court rejected the said contention and upheld the legislative competence of the State Legislature. There is no authoritative pronouncement on the interpretation of the provisions inserted by the Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018. We are satisfied that interpretation of Articles 338-B and 342-A, which are inserted by Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018, involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution and the determination of such question is necessary for the disposal of the Appeal"
    A constitution bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan has agreed to hear the case from the last week of January.
    3. Sub-quota within quota - Constitution Bench says decision in 'EV Chinniah' needs reconsideration
    A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court held that the decision of a coordinate bench in E V Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh requires to be revisited and referred the matter to the Chief Justice for placing it before an appropriate larger bench. The bench expressed the view that once a State Government has the power to make reservation, it also has the power to make sub-classifications and that such sub-classification will not amount to tinkering with the reservation list. A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, M R Shah and Aniruddha Bose made the reference in the case State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh and others and connected cases.
    4. Sabarimala Reference : SC 9-judge bench formulates new questions for consideration
    A 9-judge bench of the Supreme Court, while holding that a bench hearing review can refer to larger bench questions of law, formulated new issues for consideration in the reference arising out of the Sabarimala women entry judgment of 2018.

    The issues are :

    1. What is the scope and ambit of right to freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution of India?

    2. What is the inter-play between the rights of persons under Article 25 of the Constitution of India and rights of religious denomination under Article 26 of the Constitution of India?

    3. Whether the rights of a religious denomination under Article 26 of the Constitution of India are subject to other provisions of Part III of the Constitution of India apart from public order, morality and health?

    4. What is the scope and extent of the word 'morality' under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India and whether it is meant to include Constitutional morality?

    5. What is the scope and extent of judicial review with regard to a religious practice as referred to in Article 25 of the Constitution of India?

    6. What is the meaning of expression "Sections of Hindus" occurring in Article 25 (2) (b) of the Constitution of India?

    7. Whether a person not belonging to a religious denomination or religious group can question a practice of that religious denomination or religious group by filing a PIL?



    Also Read :

    Good & Bad : 65 Important Supreme Court Judgments Of 2020

    Supreme Court Constitution Bench Judgments Of 2020

    Bail & Personal Liberty: Important Judgments Of 2020

    Supreme Court Orders In Matters Related To COVID-19











     






















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