Lawwatch : Legal Resources for Learners

Writ Petitions Not Maintainable Against Private Companies in Banking

By K Rajasekharan 11 August 2025Constitutional law

In S. Shobha v. Muthoot Finance Ltd., the Supreme Court of India clarified that a private financial institution, such as Muthoot Finance, is not automatically considered a "State" under Article 12 of the Constitution, even if it is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Consequently, it is generally not subject to writ jurisdiction under Article 226, unless it is performing a public function.

A Registered Society Be Considered a Constructive Trust: SC

By K Rajasekharan 11 August 2025Civil law

In a significant judgment, Operation Asha v. Shelly Batra and others, the Supreme Court considered whether the organization, Operation ASHA, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, met the requirements of Section 92 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) to have a suit filed against it under that provision.

Notional Income of a 5-Year-Old Minor in MACT Case

By K Rajasekharan 10 August 2025Motor Vehicles Act

The High Court of Kerala, in Jyothis Raj Krishna v Sunny George & Ors [2024/KER/81459] addressed the issue of determining the notional income for a 5-year-old minor, Jyothis Raj Krishna, who suffered severe injuries in a motor accident, resulting in a vegetative state.

Setting Aside an Abated or Terminated Suit

By K Rajasekharan 9 August 2025Civil law

Pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), a suit abates (terminates) upon the death of a plaintiff or defendant if the cause of action does not survive. Conversely, if the cause of action survives, the legal representatives of the deceased may be substituted to continue the proceedings, as provided under Order XXII, Rules 2 to 4 of the CPC.

Court Can Order a DNA Test Only When Absolutely Necessary

By K Rajasekharan 7 August 2025Family, Marriage & Divorce

The High Court of Kerala, in Gangadharan v. Sreedevi Amma [2024(3) KHC 624], held that a court can order a DNA test only when there is a strong prima facie case (a case that seems valid at first glance), not merely a basic one. This requirement is a sine qua non, or an essential condition.

Jurisdiction in Cheque Dishonour Cases Lies Where the Payee’s Account is Maintained, Not Where the Cheque is Presented

By K Rajasekharan 7 August 2025Negotiable Instruments

The Supreme Court, in Prakash Chimanlal Sheth v. Jagruti Keyur Rajpopat [2025: INSC: 897], has reiterated the principle governing territorial jurisdiction for an offence of cheque dishonour under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (NI Act). Jurisdiction lies with the court within whose limits the bank branch is situated where the payee maintains the account through which the cheque was presented for collection.

Wife (IPS Officer) & her Family to publish Public Apology for Filing Frivolous Cases

By K Rajasekharan 4 August 2025Family, Marriage & Divorce

The Supreme Court (SC), in Shivangi Bansal v Sahib Bansal [2025 INSC 883] directed the wife ( IPS Officer) and her family to issue a public apology for filing multiple frivolous cases for harassing her former husband and his family. After their separation in 2018, she filed 15 cases and he filed 10 cases before various Courts/ Authorities.

Proof of Entrustment of Ornaments in Petition for Recovery of Gold

By K Rajasekharan 2 August 2025Family, Marriage & Divorce

A newlywed wife cannot be expected to demand receipts or arrange for independent witnesses when entrusting her jewelry to her husband or in-laws at their request. The High Court of Kerala, in Prasad v. Greeshma [2025: KER:49786], held that consequently, her inability to produce documentary evidence or independent witnesses to prove such entrustment is not fatal to a Petition for the Recovery of Ornaments.

Evidence Cannot be Provided or Reliefs Sought Without Proper Pleadings

By K Rajasekharan 1 August 2025Civil law

In the absence of pleadings submitted at the appropriate stage within the stipulated time, any amount of evidence submitted later, will not be taken into consideration by the court, says the Supreme Court (SC) in the case of Biraji @ Brijraji & Another. v. Surya Pratap & Others [AIR Online 2020 SC 806].

Power of Attorney for Transfer of Immoveable Property Needs Registration in Kerala

By K Rajasekharan 30 July 2025Civil law

As per Section 17 (g) of the Registration Act, 1908, a Power of Attorney, which creates any power or right of management, administration, development, transfer or any other transaction relating to immovable property of the value of one hundred rupees and upwards requires compulsory registration.

Guardianship of Child Comes under Family Court, but of Child’s Property Comes under District Court

By K Rajasekharan 26 July 2025Family, Marriage & Divorce

The guardianship of a minor person or its custody, Comes under Family Court. It has the jurisdiction to deal with such cases, under explanation to Section 7(1) (g) of the Family Courts Act.

Power To Recall Witness Vests with Court, not to the Parties

By K Rajasekharan 24 July 2025Civil law1 Comment

The Supreme Court (SC), in Shubhkaran Singh v. Abhayraj Singh [2025 INSC 628], held that under Order 18 Rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), only the court—not the parties—has the power to recall a witness.