Lawwatch : Legal Resources for Advocates

Seizure of Mobile Devices as Digital Evidence: A Step-by-Step Guide

By K Rajasekharan 27 February 2026Inf. Technologies for Advocates

To maintain the integrity of mobile data, you must isolate the device from all networks and prevent any interaction that could trigger automated deletion or system updates. Because mobile data is highly volatile, background processes and incoming signals can permanently destroy existing data or information.

Modes of Electronic Signing Under Kerala E-Filing Rules

By K Rajasekharan 26 February 2026Inf. Technologies for Advocates

An Advocate or Party-in-Person may authenticate filings in one of the following four ways: Digital Signature: Under Rule 6(1) of the 2021 Rules. Aadhaar-based Electronic Signature: Under Rule 6(2) of the 2021 Rules. OTP-based Authentication: Using email or mobile-based OTP, under Rule 6(3) of the 2021 Rules. Physical Signing & Scanning: By preparing, signing, scanning, and uploading the print version to the e-filing portal.

Hash Value: Its Technical Characteristics and Legal Implications for Advocates

By K Rajasekharan 22 February 2026Indian Evidence Act, Inf. Technologies for Advocates

A Hash Value is not just a string of random characters but something more than that. It is the advocate’s primary shield against tampered digital evidence. By understanding its characteristics—Fixed Length, Determinism, and Sensitivity—an advocate ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done in the digital age, as well.

Competent Authority Must Scrutinize All Documents and Apply Mind When Issuing Prosecution Sanction

By K Rajasekharan 20 February 2026Sanction to Prosecute Govt Servant

The Supreme Court, in Central Bureau of Investigation v. Ashok Kumar [AIR 2014 SC 827], summarized the essential principles for granting sanction to prosecute a government servant. These principles ensure that the process is not a mere formality but a rigorous legal safeguard.

Relevance of Criminal Court Judgments in Civil Proceedings

By K Rajasekharan 14 February 2026Indian Evidence Act

A judgment of criminal court is relevant as per Sections 40 to 43 of the Indian Evidence Act in civil proceedings. There is no embargo on the civil court to place reliance upon it as a corroborative material, observed the Supreme Court in Satish Chander Ahuja v. Sneha Ahuja [(2020) 11 SCC 415].

A Vacation Notice issued after Confirmation Order for Demolition Building Cannot be Challenged

By K Rajasekharan 10 February 2026Local Government Laws

In Sathi Kumari v. The Secretary, Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram and Ors. [2024: KER:47545], the High Court of Kerala clarified that a 'Vacation Notice' issued after a Confirmation Order under Section 406 (3) of the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994 (KMA), cannot be challenged under Section 509(6) of the KMA.

False Promise of Marriage Deserves Prosecution for Rape but Consensual Relation That Fails Cannot be Criminalised

By K Rajasekharan 10 February 2026Crimes Against Women

In Pramod Kumar Navratna v. State of Chhattisgarh & Others [2026 INSC 124], the Supreme Court cautioned against the growing trend of criminalizing failed consensual relationships. The Court emphasized that…

When a Photocopy Can Be Admitted as Evidence: The Supreme Court’s Latest View

By K Rajasekharan 10 February 2026Indian Evidence Act, Uncategorized

In the recent judgment of Tharammel Peethambaran v. T. Ushakrishnan [2026 INSC 134], the Supreme Court clarified that a photocopy of a document—being "secondary evidence"—is generally not admissible unless it meets the strict conditions laid out under the law.

Civil Courts Have No Jurisdiction in Violation of Building Rules but They Are Not Barred on Other Issues: Kerala HC

By K Rajasekharan 9 February 2026Local Government Laws

In Shibu and Ors. vs. Sreekumaran and Ors. [MANU/KE/2644/2022, the High Court of Kerala examined whether the civil court had jurisdiction over a suit for a mandatory injunction to demolish a building allegedly constructed in violation of municipal rules and obstructing natural light and air.