Criminal law

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (“NDPS Act”) does not prohibit interim release of vehicles, which are seized for allegedly transporting contraband, under Sections 451 and 457 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), observed the Supreme Court in Bishwajit Dey v. State of Assam [2025 INSC 32].

Any person availing the services of a sex worker in a brothel is liable to be prosecuted for the offence under Section 5 (1) (d) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention)…

In Mamman Khan v. State of Haryana [2025 INSC 1113], the Supreme Court clarified the principles governing whether multiple accused involved in offences arising from the same transaction should face…

under the new Kerala Procedure for Service of Summons Rules, 2025, framed under Section 64 (2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the police can serve summons directly or via electronic methods (Email, WhatsApp, or Telegram) upon receipt at the police station.

The Supreme Court recently reinforced this view in Mohammed Rasal C. & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Anr., noting the consistent practice across most states. The Court clarified that while High Courts can entertain direct applications in special or extra-ordinary circumstances, these reasons must be recorded in writing. This aligns with the five-judge bench decision in Ankit Bharti v. State of UP & Anr., which held that it is for the concerned judge to determine if such special circumstances exist.

In Pradeep Kumar Kesarwani v. State of UP, the Supreme Court, noting that this power was not always being used effectively, laid down a clear four-step process for High Courts to consider when hearing quashing petitions under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).

In Biju v. PK Ayyappan [2025: KER:43956], the Kerala High Court has affirmed that when a police case and a private complaint case concerning the same incident are before a Magistrate, both cases must be tried together.

In Vikram Bakshi & Ors. v. R.P. Khosla & Anr. [ 2025 INSC 1020], the Supreme Court held that Section 362 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) bars criminal courts from altering or reviewing their own judgments once signed. The only exception expressly provided in the statute is for the correction of a clerical or arithmetical error.

In the Indian criminal justice system, Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) serves as a critical procedural safeguard. It is designed to protect public servants from frivolous, vexatious, or malicious criminal proceedings, thereby enabling them to perform their official duties without fear or undue harassment.

The Supreme Court (SC), in Madhukar & Others v The State of Maharashtra & Another. [ 2025 INSC 819], says the court has power under Section 482 the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) to quash criminal proceedings related to even rape, in exceptional circumstances, based on the facts of the case to secure ends of justice.

Even though the FIR was registered, the investigation is pending, and cognizance has not been taken, it cannot not be held that any criminal proceeding is pending against a person within the meaning of Section 6(2)(f) of the Passport Act. Therefore, permission of the court where FIR is filed is not necessary for renewal of the passport, says Kerala High Court in Raju Kattakayam v State of Kerala & Another [2025: KER:40962].

The Supreme Court (SC) in Amlesh Kumar v The State of Bihar [2025 INSC 810], States that narco-analysis tests on accused individuals cannot be done without their consent.