High court

Delhi High Court Examines Writ Petition in Catering Contract Dispute Between Ambuj Hotel and IRCTC

In a high-value commercial contract dispute, the Delhi High Court analyzed the jurisdiction of a writ petition from Ambuj Hotel and Real Estate Pvt. Ltd. against IRCTC in respect of the wrongful demand of extra license fee for onboard catering. The contention revolves around the number of train coaches and contractual interpretation, raising important questions on promissory estoppel, jurisdiction, and the boundaries of Article 226 in commercial cases.

High court

Calcutta HC orders Mohammad Shami to give ₹4 lakh monthly maintenance

The Calcutta High Court has increased temporary spousal support for cricketer Mohammad Shami, requesting him to pay ₹1.5 lakh to his estranged wife Hasin Jahan and ₹2.5 lakh to their daughter. The ruling mirrors the huge earnings of Shami—about ₹60 lakh per month in FY 2021—and is an attempt to sustain the family’s pre-separation standard of living. Earlier, a district court had ordered a total of just ₹1.3 lakh; Jahan had initially asked for ₹10 lakh.

High court

Interim Bail for Exams Granted to Life Imprisonment Convict Seeking Law Degree: Andhra Pradesh High Court in, Murli Jai Ganesh v. State of Andhra Pradesh

In Murli Jai Ganesh v. State of Andhra Pradesh, the High Court granted 17-day interim bail to a life convict pursuing a B.Com LL.B. degree to appear for his final semester exams. Convicted under Section 302 IPC, the appellant sought bail under Section 430(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Acknowledging his academic record and absence of backlogs, the Court balanced penal objectives with rehabilitative justice, allowing bail solely for educational purposes with strict conditions.

High court

Suo Moto PIL on Transfer of Girls from Observation Homes Upon Attaining Majority: Bombay High Court Initiates Action

In The Registrar (Judicial) v. State of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court (Aurangabad Bench) initiated a Suo Moto PIL based on a newspaper report revealing that girls in observation homes were being shifted to other districts upon attaining majority due to lack of local facilities. The Court emphasized the right to education and mental well-being of such girls, directing authorities to provide data and explore existing shelter home capacities. This PIL seeks systemic reform in post-care rehabilitation for orphan girls.

High court

Expression of Affection Is Not Sexual Assault, Rules Bombay High Court by Acquitting 25-Year-Old Under POCSO

In Ravindra v. State of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court set aside a conviction under POCSO and IPC, ruling that saying “I love you” and holding hands without sexual intent does not constitute sexual assault or harassment. The Court emphasized that criminal liability under POCSO requires proof of sexual intent and physical contact of a sexual nature. It clarified that mere expressions of affection, without more, cannot satisfy the statutory threshold for criminal prosecution.