Does Dismissal of a Writ Petition for Non-Prosecution Amount to a Decision on Merits?

The court reiterated that a petition dismissed for non-prosecution does not decide the substantive legal issues on merit. This decision upholds established procedural precedent, underscoring the necessity for parties to appear and prosecute their cases diligently. The order is binding as authority on the limits of decisions by default, particularly in the context of writ […]

Can the High Court Entertain a Writ Petition Involving Disputed Questions of Fact Having a Predominantly Civil Character?

The Calcutta High Court, on dismissal for default, reiterates that writ jurisdiction is not the proper forum to adjudicate matters involving disputed facts of civil nature. This decision upholds the established precedent, confirming that such controversies must be resolved through appropriate civil proceedings, and serves as binding authority for lower courts in similar contexts.   […]

Does the Passage of Time Render Pending Writ Petitions in Tender Matters Infructuous?

Calcutta High Court holds that a writ petition concerning a 2016 tender process is rendered infructuous by the mere passage of time. The decision upholds the principle that courts may dismiss writs as infructuous without adjudication on merits when circumstances have overtaken the dispute. The judgment serves as binding authority for subordinate courts on similar […]

Does Dismissal of a Writ Petition for Default Amount to an Adjudication on Merits Under Law?

The Calcutta High Court confirmed that dismissal of a writ petition for default, in the absence of the petitioner, amounts only to a procedural disposal and does not determine any legal question or the merits of the case. This judgment follows existing precedent rather than setting new law, and is of procedural relevance for practitioners […]

When Can a High Court Interfere with Government Contract Awards in Tender Disputes? Scope of Judicial Review and Relief for Deprivation of Legitimate Expectation in Public Procurement – Precedent Set by Division Bench

A Division Bench of the High Court of Meghalaya clarified that while judicial review in tender matters is circumscribed, limited procedural shortcomings alone do not vitiate contract awards absent clear illegality or mala fides. Upholding the award in favour of one bidder, the Court awarded compensation to a rival for deprivation of legitimate expectation. This […]

When Can Tenancy of “Open Land” Be Terminated for Erection of New Building under Section 13(1)(I) of the Bombay Rent Act?

The Court held that eviction under Section 13(1)(I) is maintainable where the premises were originally let as “open land” and later constructions by the tenant, without the landlord’s permission or municipal approval, do not change its character. The case upholds existing precedent on open land versus constructed premises and clarifies that revisional jurisdiction does not […]

Whether Sole Entrustment and Exclusive Benefit by a Bank Employee, Supported by Forged Documents and Telex Messages, Justifies Sustaining Convictions for Criminal Breach of Trust, Cheating, Forgery, and Corruption under IPC and PC Act?

Clear reaffirmation that a bank official can be singularly convicted where evidence shows sole entrustment, exclusive pecuniary benefit, and authorship of forged documents, even if procedural lapses of other officials exist. The court upholds earlier precedent, providing binding guidance on Section 120-B, 406, 420, 468, 471, 477A, 381, 201 IPC and Section 13(1)(d) r/w 13(2) […]

Does an Arbitration Clause in a Booking Form Survive a Subsequent Mutual Agreement Cancelling the Original Contract?

The High Court of Jharkhand affirms that an arbitration clause originally contained in a Booking Form remains valid and enforceable, even after the main contract is mutually cancelled and superseded by subsequent agreements, provided the parties continue acting upon the underlying transactional terms. This judgment adds to binding precedent on the interpretation of arbitration clauses, […]

When Is the Grant of Ad Interim Injunction Justified in Property Disputes? Calcutta High Court Reaffirms Threefold Legal Tests and Limits Inherent Jurisdiction Under Section 151 CPC

The Calcutta High Court affirms settled precedents: Ad interim injunctions will not be granted unless the plaintiff establishes a prima facie case, balance of convenience, and irreparable injury, irrespective of alleged prior injunction violations. The judgment distinguishes binding authorities, upholding the primacy of core injunction tests in property matters, and clarifies the scope of inherent […]

Can a Writ Petition Challenging a Tender Process Be Dismissed Merely on Grounds of Infructuousness Due to Passage of Time?

The Calcutta High Court reiterated that a writ petition regarding a tender process, if rendered infructuous by the passage of time, should be dismissed. This case upholds existing procedural practice and serves as binding authority for similar future disputes involving public tenders.   Summary Category Data Case Name WPA/3156/2020 of M/S S.B. ENGINEERING REP. BY […]

Does a Writ Petition Dismissed for Default Set Binding Precedent on Substantive Legal Questions?

A dismissal of a writ petition for default—where no one appears for the petitioner—does not decide any substantive legal question, nor does it create new law or alter existing judicial precedent; such orders have no precedential value for future cases.   Summary Category Data Case Name WPA/23404/2019 of MD. ZINNAH ALI Vs STATE OF WEST […]

Can a Transferred Employee Be Directed to Complete an Assignment Before Relieving, and Is an Undertaking Binding on Relieving Orders? — Existing Law Affirmed as Binding Authority

The Orissa High Court reaffirmed that when a transferred employee undertakes to complete an assignment within an agreed period, the relieving authority must relieve the employee immediately upon completion. This disposition upholds existing administrative law and is binding precedent for service matters involving similar fact patterns across all subordinate courts in Odisha.   Summary Category […]