Karnataka HC Upholds Rs 15 Lakh Alimony: Able-Bodied Husband Must Maintain Wife Even Without Income

SC Orders Fresh SIT Probe into 2012 Karnataka Rape-Murder, Sets 3-Month Deadline for Investigation

The Supreme Court has ordered a fresh SIT investigation into the 2012 rape-murder of a 17-year-old girl in Karnataka, severely criticizing the earlier probe as 'shocking the conscience'. The Court set aside the Karnataka High Court's dismissal of the victim's family plea for reinvestigation after the accused was acquitted in 2023. This landmark judgment reinforces judicial accountability for investigative failures and the right of victims to a fair probe.

Karnataka HC Quashes BNS Section 69 Case in 5-Year Consensual Live-In Relationship

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a five-year consensual live-in relationship cannot sustain a charge of sexual intercourse based on a false promise of marriage under Section 69 of the BNS. The court quashed criminal proceedings, emphasizing that a prolonged consensual relationship negates the element of deceit, a critical ruling for understanding judicial interpretation of consent and criminality in intimate relationships.

Karnataka High Court: Degree or Past Employment Doesn't Negate Homemaker Status, Enhances Compensation from ₹4.55L to ₹6.52L

The Karnataka High Court ruled that a woman's education or prior employment does not disqualify her from being considered a 'homemaker' for accident compensation. This landmark judgment redefines 'homemaker' as gender-neutral and emphasizes the value of unpaid domestic work, directly impacting Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 claim calculations.

Karnataka HC Orders Interim Compensation Scheme for Mob Lynching Victims; Directs Compliance in 3 Months

Karnataka High Court has declared mob lynching a 'grave threat' to rule of law and directed the state to formulate an interim compensation scheme for victims within three months. The court also reiterated the stringent provisions of BNS Section 103(2) and the need for fast-track trials, making this a critical update for UPSC and state PSC exams focusing on criminal law reforms and human rights.

Karnataka HC Refuses to Quash Case Against Firm for Relabeling Expired Food; Calls it 'Assault on Public Health'

The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash a criminal case against Earth Recycler Pvt. Ltd and its representatives for allegedly relabeling expired food products with fresh expiry dates and reselling them. The court termed this a 'calculated assault on public health' and held that such acts attract provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and public mischief, beyond mere regulatory infractions under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act. This judgment reinforces the legal principle that food safety is not just a regulatory matter but a fundamental consumer health concern, and that criminal liability can be invoked for such deceptive practices.

Bombay HC Overrules Trial Court in Tarun Tejpal Case: Victim's Past Sexual History Inadmissible

The Bombay High Court's ruling in the Tarun Tejpal case highlights persistent judicial bias against rape survivors, with courts focusing on victim's character instead of accused's conduct. Legal experts emphasize that the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 defines consent as positive agreement, yet patriarchal notions still influence rulings. For UPSC, this connects to judicial reforms, gender justice, and landmark cases like Mathura and Vishaka.

Orissa High Court: Brothel Customer Not Liable Under Immoral Traffic Act; Kerala HC Takes Contrary View

The Orissa High Court has ruled that a customer found in a brothel cannot be prosecuted under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, as the Act does not penalize customers. This creates a conflict with the Kerala High Court's recent contrary ruling, making it a key exam point for judicial interpretation and legal provisions.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.