When Does Quashing of the Main FIR Render Related Proceedings Under Section 82 CrPC Infructuous? Clarification on Consequential Proceedings Post-Compromise

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reaffirmed that once the main FIR has been quashed on the basis of compromise, all consequential proceedings—including proclamation under Section 82 CrPC—are rendered infructuous and should be disposed. This judgment confirms the effect of FIR quashing on ancillary criminal process, and may be cited as binding authority before subordinate […]

Can Additional Evidence Be Admitted at Revision Stage Under Order XVIII Rule 17-A / Section 151 CPC? Upholding the Supreme Court’s Principle on “Justice Over Procedure” as Binding Authority

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reaffirms that, even after the closure of evidence and arguments, courts may permit admission of additional evidence in exercise of inherent powers under Section 151 CPC, provided the evidence is bona fide, relevant, and non-production earlier is justified by valid reasons. The judgment follows and applies the Supreme Court’s […]

Does a Writ Petition Lie Where Passport Authorities Have Not Been Approached for Correction of Place of Birth? — Clarification on Exhaustion of Statutory Remedy

High Court reiterates that without first applying to the passport authority with supporting documents, a writ petition seeking correction in passport particulars is premature. Confirms and upholds existing procedure; authority of this ruling is binding within jurisdiction and persuasive elsewhere.   Summary Category Data Case Name CWP/23649/2025 of DEEPAK KUMAR THROUGH MOTHER MEENA KUMARI Vs […]

Does Compliance with a High Court’s “Speaking Order” Direction Discharge Contempt, Even If the Employee Remains Aggrieved? (Affirming Existing Precedent)

The court reaffirms that compliance with an earlier judicial direction—particularly the issuance of a required “speaking order”—satisfies contempt requirements, even if the petitioner disagrees with its merits. The judgment upholds established precedent on the limits of contempt jurisdiction in regularisation disputes involving state employees, confirming strong precedential value for future similar cases as binding authority […]

Can Additional Accused be Summoned Post-Conclusion of Trial under Section 319 CrPC?

Court reaffirms that the power to summon additional accused under Section 319 CrPC must be exercised before conclusion of trial (i.e., before pronouncement of judgment), following the Constitution Bench decision in Sukhpal Singh Khaira v. State of Punjab, (2023) 1 SCC 289. This order binds all subordinate criminal courts in the State of Punjab & […]

When Can a Criminal Revision Petition Seeking Enhancement of Maintenance Under Section 125 CrPC Be Withdrawn Due to Settlement?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reaffirmed that when parties settle and the original maintenance petition under Section 125 CrPC is withdrawn, any pending criminal revision seeking enhancement is liable to be dismissed as withdrawn. The decision follows long-standing precedent, confirming procedural finality in such scenarios, particularly in the context of family disputes.   Summary […]

Can a Writ Petition for Deemed Appointment Date as Constable Survive After State Redressal? – High Court Reaffirms Scope of Article 226 Powers

Where the State provides the substantive relief sought by petitioners during pendency of writ proceedings, and no residual grievance survives, the writ petition may be disposed of, while preserving liberty to approach the court again if fresh cause arises. This order affirms existing principles and will be binding on subordinate courts in Punjab and Haryana […]

Does Prolonged Pre-Trial Detention Justify Grant of Regular Bail in Serious Offences Involving Extortion and Use of Firearms?

The High Court reaffirms that extended pre-trial custody and slow prosecution progress may warrant regular bail, even in grave offences under the IPC and Arms Act, where there is no evidence the accused will tamper with witnesses. This clarification is binding authority for subordinate courts, providing a robust precedent for bail applications in cases of […]

Can a Second Appeal Be Dismissed for Non-Prosecution Due to Persistent Non-Appearance and Lack of Diligence by the Appellant?

The court confirms that where neither an appellant nor their counsel appears or demonstrates diligence, a second appeal may be dismissed for non-prosecution after adequate opportunities are provided. This judgment upholds the established judicial practice and serves as binding authority for subordinate courts in Punjab and Haryana.   Summary Category Data Case Name RSA/547/2017 of […]

Does Dismissal for Non-Prosecution of a First Appeal Against Award Amount to a Decision on Merits?

The High Court reiterated that, when an appellant cannot be served despite efforts, and no alternative address is available, the only recourse is dismissal for non-prosecution. The judgment follows established law and reinforces the procedural approach to such technical dismissals in the context of Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) awards, binding subordinate courts within the […]

Is Non-Examination of Key Cited Witnesses Fatal to the Prosecution When Other Direct Testimony Inspires Confidence?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court confirmed that conviction under Sections 356, 457, and 511 IPC can be sustained even where the prosecution does not examine all material witnesses, so long as examined witnesses provide cogent and confidence-inspiring testimony. The decision affirms well-settled law and serves as binding precedent within the State, providing clear guidance […]

When Is Enhanced Severance Compensation Justified in Land Acquisition? Punjab & Haryana High Court Upholds Reference Court’s Application of Higher Rates – Binding Precedent Explained

The Punjab & Haryana High Court reaffirmed the Reference Court’s approach to enhanced severance compensation for land bifurcated by railway acquisition, holding the award to be justified based on specific facts and evidence. This judgment upholds the Reference Court’s finding, confirming binding authority in similar land acquisition disputes concerning severance damages in Punjab, Haryana, and […]