📝 Recent Landmark Judgments (2025 – 2023) MUST READ
◾ 1. X v. State Officer, Rajasthan 2025 Rajasthan High Court
A pregnant minor victim (rape survivor) has the exclusive right to decide whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy, especially if she has sufficient understanding.
◾ 2. Rakhi Sadhukhan v. Raju Sadhukhan 2025
A woman living with a man without marriage can still claim maintenance.
◾ 3. Vinod Infra Developers Ltd. v. Mahaveer Lumia 2025
Unregistered agreement to sell does not create or convey any right, title, or interest in immovable property.
◾ 4. Mahnoor Fatima Imran & Ors. v. M/s Visweswara Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd 2025
The Supreme Court clarified that in case of property disputes, arbitrators have the jurisdiction to decide only contractual rights, not ownership or title of immovable property.
◾ 5. Dileep Kumar Pandey v. Union of India 2025
Air Force School is not a “State” under Article 12.
◾ 6. Dhanya M. v. State of Kerala 2025
The Court distinguished “Public Order” from “Law and Order.
◾ 7. Sultan Ibrahim v. Proakasan 2025
A defendant cannot keep re-agitating the same objection at different stages of the same proceeding Order 1 Rule 10 CPC.
◾ 8. M/s Balaji Traders v. State of Uttar Pradesh 2025
Offence under Section 387 IPC (Extortion) does not require actual delivery of property.
◾ 9. Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh 2025
Passing a law cannot be considered contempt of court, even if it overrides a judgment — unless it is a deliberate disobedience.
◾ 10. Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar 2025
An accused can voluntarily undergo Narco-analysis, but cannot be compelled.
◾ 11. Nagarajan v. State of Tamil Nadu 2025
The right to file an appeal against conviction is both a statutory right and a constitutional right (under Article 21).
◾ 12. State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor of Tamil Nadu 2025
Governor cannot indefinitely delay bills under Article 200, must act within a reasonable time.
◾ 13. GC Manjunath v. Seetaram 2025
Prior Government sanction is mandatory under Section 218 BNSS read with Section 170 of the Police Act when alleged acts by the police officers are reasonably connected to their official duties, even if they are excessive. Such sanction to be given within 120 days of request.
◾ 14. Vibhor Garg v. Neha 2025
Secretly recorded telephonic conversations between spouses are admissible as evidence in matrimonial proceedings under Section 128 BSA.
◾ 16. Biswajyoti Chatterjee v. State of West Bengal 2025
In the absence of fraudulent intent, a consensual relationship between two adults, who knowingly entered into sexual relations despite of subsisting marriage cannot be construed as rape or cheating in BNS.
◾ 17. State of M.P. v. Balveer Singh 2025
Evidence of a child witness is admissible u/s 124 BSA and holds the same value as any other witness provided it is reliable and free from tutoring.
◾ 18. Ghanshyam Soni v. State (NCTof Delhi) 2025
For computing limitation period u/s 514 BNSS relevant date is date of filing of complaint institution of prosecution, not of taking cognizance by Magistrate.
◾ 19. M/S Celestium Financial v. A Gnanasekaran 2025
Victim of an offence has the right to file appeal against acquittal by virtue of Section 413 BNSS proviso irrespective of whether or not they are the complainant.
◾ 20. State v. Eluri Srinivasa Chakravarthi 2025
A discharge must be based on the materials produced by the prosecution and not by the defence.
◾ 21. Rajeev Gupta v. Prashant Garg 2025
In a composite suit for cancellation of sale and deed of possession, limitation period to be judged from that of primary relief of cancellation which is 3 years, not possession (12 years).
◾ 22. Satish Chander Sharma v. State of H.P. 2025
No writ lies under article 32 on a decision rendered by Supreme Court under Article 136 of constitution of India.
◾ 23. S.C. Garg v. State of U.P. 2025
The principle of res judicata applies to criminal proceedings.
◾ 24. Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar 2025
Any involuntary narco analysis test is not per se admissible in evidence as it is hit by article 20(3). Accused can undergo voluntary narco analysis subject to court’s permission.
◾ 26. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence v. Raj Kumar 2025
Language of Section 239 BNSS provides only for addition and alteration of charges and not for the deletion or discharge of accused once charges have been framed.
◾ 27. Union of India v. Future Gaming Solutions Pvt Itd 2025
Sale of lottery tickets is not a service. Parliament has no residuary power to impose service tax on any activity qua lottery.
◾ 28. Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Gujarat 2025
a Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) requires preliminary inquiry before registering FIRs for offences punishable with 3 to 7 years, especially those involving speech or artistic expression.
◾ 29. P. Kumarakurubaran v. P. Narayanan & Ors 2025
Plaint cannot be rejected under Order VII Rule 11(d) CPC if the issue of limitation involves mixed questions of law and fact, and must proceed to trial.
◾ 30. R. Nagaraj v. Rajmani 2025
A suit can be dismissed as time barred even if no specific issue with respect to limitation has been framed by the court.
◾ 31. Fatima Makers Pvt. Ltd. v. District Deputy Registrar 2025
Quasi-judicial authorities are bound by res judicata, and cannot entertain a second application on the same issue once a prior decision has attained finality.
◾ 32. Vishnu Mittal v. Shakti Trading Co. 2025
Director cannot be prosecuted under Section 138 of the NI Act if the cause of action arose after a moratorium was imposed under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), as the director no longer had control company’s finances.
◾ *33. State of Rajasthan v. Surendra Singh Rathore 2025″
Generally, second FIR in respect of the same offence is impermissible unless it is a counter-compliant or presents a rival version of facts.
◾ 34. K.S. Mehta v. M/S Morgan Securities and Credits Pvt. Ltd. 2025
The Supreme Court held that non-executive directors cannot be held vicariously liable under Section 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act (NI Act) unless there are specific allegations of their direct involvement in the company’s financial affairs.
◾ 35. Radhika Agarwal v. Union of India 2025
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of arrest powers under the Customs Act and GST Acts, while mandating strict safeguards to protect personal liberty under Articles 21 and 22.
◾ 36. Cosmos Co-operative Bank Ltd. v. Central Bank of India 2025
Legal mortgages created by deposit of valid title deeds take precedence over equitable mortgages based on unregistered agreements.
◾ 37. Sukhdev Singh v Sukhbir Kaur 2025
The Supreme Court held that permanent alimony and interim maintenance can be granted under HMA even when the marriage has been declared void.
◾ 38. B.V. Ram Kumar v. State of Telangana 2025
Workplace admonition does not amount to “intentional insult with the intent to provoke” under Section 352 BNS.
◾ 39. Amrit Yadav v. State of Jharkhand 2025
Entire recruitment process can be nullified without audi alterem partem where such process violates Article 14 and 16.
◾ 40. Smt Usha Rani v. M. Srinivas 2025
Right of maintenance of wife u/s 144 BNS is not merely a benefit for the wife but a legal and moral duty of husband.
◾ 41. Godrej Projects Development Ltd. v. Anil Karlekar & Ors. 2025
A forfeiture of earnest money that is reasonable does not amount to a ‘stipulation for penalty’ within the meaning of Section 74 ICA, 1872.
◾ 42. Vinobhai v. State of Kerala 2025
A conviction cannot solely be based on a disclosure statement u/s 23(2) BSA proviso, because it is a weak kind of evidence.
◾ 43. Tanvi Behl v. Shrey Goel 2025
The Supreme Court held that domicile or residence-based reservation in PG Medical Courses is constitutionally impermissible.
◾ 44. State of Karnataka v. Battegowda & Ors. 2025
SC reiterated that common intention u/s 3(5) BNS can be developed at the spur of the moment.
◾ 45. Ratheesh Kumar @ Babu v. State of Kerala 2025
The right of private defence is preventive not punitive in nature.
◾ 46. Aligarh Muslim University v. Naresh Agarwal 2024
Seven- judge Bench (4:3) held that statute-created institutions may claim minority status under Article 30, overruling Azeez Basha ruling.
◾ 47. Tej Prakash Pathak v. Rajasthan High Court 2024
The Supreme Court held that the ‘rules of the game’ in a selection process for a public post cannot be changed after the selection process has been initiated.
◾ 48. Anjum Kadari v Union of India 2024
The SC upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 (Madarsa Act) and said that it did not violate Article 21A. Article 21-A and the RTE Act must be read harmoniously with minority rights under Article 30 to establish and administer educational institutions. The Board can regulate standards while preserving minority character.
◾ 49. Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra 2024
The Supreme Court by a 7:2 majority held that not all private
property constitutes ‘material resources of the community’ in Articles 39(b) and (c) to be acquired and redistributed by the State.
◾ 50. State of U.P v. Lalta Prasad Vaish and Sons 2024
The Nine-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court by an 8:1 majority upheld a State Legislature’s power to regulate industrial alcohol, emphasizing on harmoniously interpreting the entries in the 7th schedule.
◾ 51. In Re Section 6A of Citizenship Act, 1955*
A Constitution Bench (five judges) of the Supreme Court by a majority of 4:1 upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A
◾ 52. Omkar v. Union of India 2024
It was held that disqualification from an educational course cannot be solely based on quantified disability, without assessing whether or not they can pursue the course in question.
◾ 53. Sukanya Shantha v. UOI 2024
The SC issued directions to end caste-based discrimination in allocation of work in prisons.
◾ 54. V.Senthil Balaji v. The Deputy Director 2024
The Supreme Court reiterated the principle that constitutional courts have the power to grant bail for offences in statutes having stringent bail conditions.
◾ 55. Just Rights for Children Alliance v. S. Harish 2024
Mere viewing child sexual exploitation and abuse material (“CESAM”) is also punishable under Section 15 of the POCSO Act and Section 67B of the Information and Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”).
◾ 56. In re: alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and hospital, Kolkata 2024
SC stressed on the urgent need to formulate institutional safety measures for doctors and medical staff in hospitals.
◾ 57. Devu G. Nair v. State of Kerala 2024
Held that Courts must not use counselling to override the autonomy or sexual orientation of LGBTQ+ individuals, and issued landmark guidelines to protect their rights in habeas corpus and protection petitions.
◾ 58. In Re Right to Privacy of Adolescents 2024
Consensual relationships cannot be an exception to the POCSO Act, and the High Courts cannot use their discretionary powers under Section 482 Cr.P.C to quash prosecutions in such cases where the guilt of the accused is confirmed, even if a settlement is reached between the accused and the victim
59. Government of NCT of Delhi v. Office of Lieutenant Governor of Delhi 2024
The Supreme Court upheld the LG’s power to nominate 10 members with special knowledge in municipal administration without consulting the Council of Ministers, as it was an independent statutory power, not an executive function.
◾ 60. State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh 2024
SC held that sub-classification within Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes is constitutionally valid, promoting substantive equality among the most disadvantaged groups.
◾ 61. Frank Vitus v. Narcotics Control Bureau 2024
The Supreme Court held that bail conditions requiring foreign nationals to drop a Google Maps PIN and obtain embassy certificates were unconstitutional, violating the right to privacy under Article 21.
◾ 62. Association for Democratic Reforms v. Election Commission of India 2024
The SC struck down the Union Government’s 2018 Electoral Bonds (EB) Scheme. The Court unanimously held that the Scheme violated the voters’ right to information guaranteed und Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, ruling that transparency in political funding is essential for ensuring free and fair elections.
◾ 63. Sita Soren v. Union of India 2024
It was held that legislators are not immune from criminal prosecution for bribery under the garb of parliamentary privileges
◾ 64. High Court Bar Association, Allahabad v. State of UP 2024
The SC struck down automatic vacation of stay orders post 6 months as unconstitutional affirming that interim relief in civil and criminal cases must remain valid until judicially vacated, not by lapse of time.
◾ 65. Bilkis Yakub Rasul v. UOI 2024
The Supreme Court listed certain exhaustive conditions for entertaining non-remission applications under Section 432 CrPC and held that held that the Gujarat government lacked jurisdiction to grant remission to 11 gangrape and murder convict from the 2002 riots, and ordered their return to custody.
◾ 66. Mariam Fasihuddin v. v. State by Adugodi Police Station & Anr. 2024
The Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings against a woman accused of forging her estranged husband’s signature to obtain a passport for their child, ruling that not every deceitful act constitutes a criminal offense, especially when done in the best interest of the child.
◾ 67. Anil Kumar J. Bavishi v. Mahendra Kumar Jalan 2024
For giving false evidence before a tribunal, the only remedy is to file a private compliant, Section 215 BNSS can be resorted to only when the offence is committed before a court proceeding.
◾ 68. Sachin Garg v. State of UP 2024
Court issued guidelines for issuing process by Magistrates u/s 227 BNSS
◾ 69. Giriyapa v. Kamalamma 2024
Section 53A protection for part performance of a property contract applies only when a valid written agreement is proven, and dismissed the claim of possession based on an unsubstantiated sale agreement.
◾ 70. Celir LLP V. Sumati Prasad Bafna 2024
Contempt power of court may override Section 52 TPA and court can reverse a sale transaction done in contempt of judicial directions.
◾ 71. Kiran Jyoti Maurya v. Anish Pr. Patel, 2024
Supreme Court held that even mental cruelty without physical abuse is a valid ground for divorce.
◾ 72. Common cause (a Regd. Society) v. Union of India 2023
The Constitution Bench (five judges) modified the Common Cause judgment of 2018, and simplified the procedure for executing Advanced Medical directives for terminally ill patients, eliminating the role of a JMFC.
◾ 73. Kaushal Kishore v. State of UP 2023
The Supreme Court found that the grounds enumerated in Article 19(2) for restricting the right to free speech were exhaustive, and that free speech cannot be restricted for reasons not found in Article 19(2).
◾ 74. Enforcement Directorate v. Kapil Wadhawan 2023
The Supreme Court held that the date of remand must be included when calculating the 60/90- day period for default bail under Section 167(2) CrPC, reinforcing the accused’s right to personal liberty under Article 21
◾ 75. Prakash (Dead) By LR. v. G. Aradhya & Ors 2023
Under Section 58(c) of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 no transaction shall be deemed to be a mortgage unless the condition for reconveyance is contained in the document which purports to affect the sale.
◾ 76. Siju Kurian v. State of Karnataka 2023
SC held that a confessional statement, which is otherwise admissible in evidence as per Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, will not become inadmissible because it was recorded not in the mother tongue of the accused.
◾ 77. Shilpa Sailesh v. Varun Sreenivasan 2023
The Supreme Court held that it can invoke its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to grant divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage, a ground not yet statutorily recognized.
◾ 78. Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India 2023
The Supreme Court issues directions for the Union and States to ensure phased eradication of manual sewer cleaning to advance Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Articles 15, 17, 23 and 24 of th Constitution of India.
◾ 79. Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty v. Union of India 2023
A five-judge constitution bench held that there is no fundamental right to marry for same-sex couples, the Special Marriage Act was deemed to apply only to heterosexual couples and cannot be judicially reinterpreted to include same-sex marriages.
◾ 80. Revanasiddappa v. Mallikarjun 2023
The Supreme Court held that children born out of void or voidable marriages are entitled to a share in their parents’ ancestral properties
◾ 82. The Animal Welfare Board of India v. Union Of India 2023*
The Court lifted the ban on Jalikattu and Kambala validating the Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state Amendments which were held to be in line with Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
◾ 83. Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India 2023*
In a major electoral reform, SC held that Directed that appointments to the Election Commission must be made by a three-member committee consisting of Prime Minister Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India.
◾ 84. Aparna Ajinkya Firodia v. Ajinkya Arun Firodia 2023
DNA test to determine paternity cannot be ordered as a matter of course unless there is sufficient prima facie material to dislodge the presumption of legitimacy under Section 112 of Indian Evidence Act.
◾ 85. Joseph shine v. Union of India Secretary 2023
Court held that the striking down of adultery under the IPC by the 2018 judgment (Joseph Shine v. UOI) did not affect proceedings against members of the armed forces under the Army Act, Air Force Act or Navy Act.
◾ 86. Vivek Narayan Sharma v. Union of India 2023 Constitution Bench upheld the 2016 demonetization scheme as a proportionate exercise of monetary policy
◾ 87. Triveni Kodkany v. Air India Ltd., 2020
Guidelines laid down for grant of compensation in cases involving air travel mishandling/delays.
◾ *88. Mohammed Salim v. Shamsudeen & Ors. 2019.
The Supreme Court held that a child born out of a marriage between a Muslim man and his Hindu wife is entitled to claim a share in his father’s property. The court held that the marriage of a Muslim man with an idolater or fire-worshipper is neither a valid (sahih) nor a void (batil) marriage, but is merely an irregular (fasid) marriage.
◾ 89. Bhaw Kumar J v. Arch K 2004
Res Judicata (RJ) is applicable to all proceedings, not just civil suits.