Category Archives: law

Sessions Court Acquits Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma In Cheque Bounce Case After Settlement In Lok Adalat

**Sessions Court Acquits Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma in Cheque Bouncing Case**

The sessions court recently acquitted filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma, who was found guilty of cheque bouncing. The acquittal came after Verma and the complainant reached a settlement before the Lok Adalat.

### Background of the Case

Ram Gopal Verma was initially convicted by the Judicial Magistrate (First Class) in Andheri, Y P Pujari, on January 21, under the Negotiable Instruments Act for cheque bouncing. He was sentenced to three months in jail and was directed to pay Rs 3,72,219 to the complainant within three months.

The complaint was filed in 2018 by a partnership firm named Shree, through one of its partners, Mahesh Chandra Mishra. The firm, engaged in the business of providing hard disks for several years, had supplied a hard disk to Verma’s company between February and March 2018. For this, the complainant raised a bill of Rs 2,38,220.

When the complainant deposited a cheque given by Verma on June 1, 2018, it bounced due to insufficient funds. Upon approaching Verma, the complainant received another cheque which also bounced, with the reasons cited as “payment stopped by drawer” and “outgoing clearing charges.”

As a result, the complainant filed a criminal complaint for cheque bouncing at the Magistrate Court in Andheri.

### Legal Proceedings

Verma denied the allegations, claiming that the cheque did not bear his signature and was not issued by him. However, the magistrate rejected his defense, stating, “It did not find any material brought by the accused to show the probable defence.”

Following his conviction, Verma’s lawyer challenged the verdict in the sessions court in February. During the appeal, both parties submitted a joint statement on July 29 indicating their intention to settle the dispute before the Lok Adalat.

Hearing this, the sessions court adjourned the matter to provide an opportunity for an amicable settlement. After the dispute was resolved, the parties filed a memo of settlement.

### Court Decision

Accepting the settlement, the sessions court acquitted Ram Gopal Verma. This marks the conclusion of the cheque bouncing case against the filmmaker.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/sessions-court-acquits-filmmaker-ram-gopal-verma-in-cheque-bounce-case-after-settlement-in-lok-adalat

SP’s Azam Khan released from Sitapur jail after 2 years

**SP’s Azam Khan Released from Sitapur Jail After 2 Years**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 01:45 pm*

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail after nearly two years of incarceration. His release followed bail being granted in all cases against him, as reported by news agency ANI.

### Legal Developments

On September 18, the Allahabad High Court granted Azam Khan bail in the Quality Bar land encroachment case in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district. The bail was granted by a bench headed by Justice Samir Jain after hearing arguments from all parties involved.

The Quality Bar land encroachment case dates back to 2019 and was originally filed against Khan’s wife, Tazeen Fatma, son Abdullah Azam, and Syed Jafar Ali Jafri. Khan himself was named an accused during the course of a reinvestigation.

In another significant legal development, Khan was acquitted last week by a special MP-MLA court in a 17-year-old case related to road blockade and damage to public property.

### Anticipated Gathering and Security Measures

Ahead of Khan’s release, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent any potential violence. The police utilized drone surveillance to monitor the situation due to anticipated large gatherings in support of Khan.

Despite these security measures, a large number of supporters gathered near the jail, leading to traffic congestion in the area.

### Political Reactions

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the court’s decision and Khan’s release. He stated, “I would like to thank the court for this. We, the Samajwadis, believed that the court would do justice. We hope that in the time to come, no false cases will be filed and no injustice will be done by the BJP.”

SP MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav also expressed his support for the court’s decision and dismissed speculations regarding Khan joining the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Azam Khan’s release marks a significant moment for the Samajwadi Party, with supporters hopeful for a fresh start and fairer political proceedings in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/sp-s-azam-khan-released-from-sitapur-jail-after-2-years/story

Mumbai: NGT Rejects Plea Against Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat Renovation

**NGT Dismisses Appeal Against Renovation of Shah Rukh Khan’s Bandra Residence, Mannat**

*Mumbai:* The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed an appeal challenging the renovation of actor Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic sea-facing residence, Mannat, located in Bandra.

**About the Appeal**

The appeal was filed by activist Santosh Daundkar, who alleged that the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had erred in granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the renovation on January 3. However, the tribunal rejected the plea at the admission stage, stating that the appeal had “no force.”

**Tribunal’s Observations**

The NGT bench, presided over by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, noted that the proposed construction at Mannat falls within a CRZ-II area — specifically on the landward side of the existing road and fixed structures. This classification makes the renovation permissible under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. Consequently, the clearance was issued subject to conditions specified in the order.

The tribunal further observed that Mannat, situated at CTS 859, 860, 861, and 862 of Bandra H-West ward, was an existing structure prior to the grant of CRZ permission. The proposed renovation involves only the addition of two floors — the 7th and 8th upper residential floors — comprising one duplex flat with an internal staircase above the existing 6th floor.

Post-renovation, the building will include two basement levels, a ground floor, and eight upper residential floors, reaching a total height of 37.54 metres.

**Additional Details**

As per the Development Plan (DP 2034), the plot falls within a residential zone and is not reserved for any public purpose. The project proponent (PP) had also obtained plan approval from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on November 7, 2024.

When the tribunal asked Daundkar’s counsel to specify procedural errors in the clearance process, the counsel reiterated earlier grounds without substantive evidence and failed to produce the CRZ No Objection Certificate (NOC) dated June 23, 2008. The tribunal questioned why this 2008 NOC was not challenged earlier.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/mumbai-ngt-rejects-plea-against-shah-rukh-khans-mannat-renovation

‘She had bad breath’: Indian claims sexual assault accusation untrue

Summarize Next Article ‘She had bad breath’: Indian claims sexual assault accusation untrue By Chanshimla Varah Sep 22, 2025 05: 06 pm What’s the story Ankit Sharma, a 46-year-old Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, has been sentenced to four years in prison and six strokes of the cane for molesting a woman at Changi City Point mall. The incident took place on March 1, 2023, when Sharma met the victim, a 31-year-old technology specialist recruiter, for a professional meeting. During their meeting over drinks, Sharma made sexual advances, which made the situation uncomfortable. Legal proceedings Sharma’s defense claimed victim interacted with him voluntarily When the woman went to the restroom and then returned, Sharma dragged her into a nearby nursing room, where he forced a kiss on her, held her back, and made aggressive sex overtures despite her protests, according to Deputy Public Prosecutor Sheldon Lim. Sharma denied the charges, claiming that the victim had consented to go to the nursing room. His defense argued that she interacted with him voluntarily but got upset after he commented on her bad breath. Sentence details Prosecution described sexual exploitation as ‘extremely high’ The court, however, rejected Sharma’s defense and found him guilty of aggravated outrage of modesty. The prosecution described the sexual exploitation as “extremely high” and the intrusion as “intense and prolonged.” Sharma was sentenced to four years in prison with six strokes of the cane, despite his lawyer seeking a lighter sentence of three to three-and-a-half years with fewer cane strokes.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/dragged-kissed-forcefully-indian-jailed-in-singapore-for-molesting-woman/story

Overheard In Bhopal: New Homes, Efforts For Transfer, Efforts For Posting & More

**List of Officers’ Children Given Important Postings**

A recently released list of transfers reveals that children of several senior officers have been assigned important postings. For instance, the son of an IPS officer, despite being junior, has secured a significant position in the state’s commercial capital.

Similarly, an IAS officer who had been posted in a tribal area for a long time was taken out and given an important role. The son-in-law of a senior IAS officer was also posted in the business capital of the state, a decision made by government higher-ups some time ago.

In another case, the son of a late IAS officer has been transferred to another city and given an important post. His father, popular among bureaucrats, had died in an accident. Now, his son, an MP-cadre IAS officer, is following in his footsteps.

This time, the government has assigned young IAS officers to urban bodies, the industries department, and other key places. Against this backdrop, these three officers have been given crucial positions.

**New Homes for Senior Bureaucrats**

A few senior bureaucrats in the state have been allotted new homes by the government. After a long period, the head of the state bureaucracy has chosen a bungalow for himself. He will move into the house formerly occupied by a retired Director General of Police (DGP), which will be vacated during Navratri.

As the head of the state bureaucracy is expected to hold his position for at least one more year, he plans to shift to the new house soon, having spent the past year in a small house.

Similarly, new bungalows have been allotted to a senior IPS officer and a senior IAS officer. However, two houses remain unallotted. One bungalow, belonging to a retired officer who may be taking up new responsibilities, has been kept vacant. Another large bungalow, intended for the head of the state bureaucracy, remains empty as it did not meet his approval. Several politicians and officers have shown interest in this property.

**Efforts to Transfer a Principal Secretary**

There are ongoing attempts by certain individuals to remove a Principal Secretary (PS) from his department. These people wish to control the department themselves but have been hindered by the PS’s presence.

An organisation was recently allowed entry into the department for some work. While initial relations were smooth, tensions have since surfaced between the organisation’s members and the PS. The organisation has made demands that the department finds difficult to meet and is applying pressure on higher authorities.

The PS is currently conducting investigations before fulfilling these demands, which has further strained relations and angered the organisation. They are now lobbying the government to remove the PS, who is mentally prepared for the possibility.

Despite the pressure, none of the officers are willing to concede to the organisation’s demands.

**Conflict with Additional Chief Secretary**

Two officers within a department are currently at odds. The additional chief secretary (ACS), known for his quick wit, has caused friction with an IAS officer posted in an important position.

When this IAS officer was posted, another ACS headed the department and enjoyed strong support from senior government officials, often influencing decisions.

However, with the arrival of the new ACS, who has cordial relations with top officials, the officer’s influence has waned. While once his views were widely accepted, they are now frequently opposed. The ACS has even reprimanded him on certain occasions, which has led to the officer’s dissatisfaction.

Recent changes in top leadership have further dampened his enthusiasm. Observers believe the officer may not remain in the department for much longer, with the possibility of his transfer and replacement looming.

**Delhi Deputation Remains Elusive**

For some state officers, a transfer to Delhi remains a distant goal. Two commissioner-rank officers have applied for deputation to the Centre but are yet to receive clearance.

Dissatisfied with their current state postings, these officers are seeking opportunities in the Central Government. Despite one having political connections, both have faced hurdles in obtaining approval.

Under the current system, an officer’s performance is evaluated comprehensively for deputation consideration. Both officers have encountered issues during this 360-degree assessment.

Additionally, another IAS officer has been seeking a deputation to the Centre for one and a half years but has faced obstacles related to the specific post he desires. Meanwhile, the state government is not fully utilizing his talents.

**Efforts to Secure Important Posting**

A promotee IAS officer, who has been in the loop line for over two years, is eager to rejoin an important department. Known for his significant social connections, he has previously held key positions.

During the elections, he was transferred to the loop line and has remained there since. To return to mainstream administration, he has approached influential officers and even met with a powerful politician. However, the politician candidly informed him that his transfer recommendations would not secure a posting.

This officer, a former collector, hopes to serve as a collector again before retirement. He counts on support from senior officers with whom he previously worked, anticipating they may help him return to a prominent role.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/overheard-in-bhopal-new-homes-efforts-for-transfer-efforts-for-posting-more

Bombay HC Orders Expert Committee To Curb Urban Chaos In Badlapur, Ensuring Systematic Town Planning

**Mumbai: Bombay High Court Orders Expert Committee to Tackle Urban Chaos in Badlapur**

The Bombay High Court has described the unchecked growth of Badlapur as a recipe for “urban chaos” and a “municipal nightmare.” In response, the court has ordered the formation of an expert improvement committee tasked with preparing a blueprint for the town’s systematic development. Badlapur falls under the jurisdiction of the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council (KBMC) in Thane district.

### Civic Infrastructure Concerns

A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor highlighted critical infrastructure shortcomings in Badlapur. The lack of proper drainage lines, sewerage facilities, and functional sewage treatment plants has left thousands of residents struggling with basic civic services.

“The present plight appears to be completely beyond the control and/or comprehension of the Chief Officer to achieve appropriate town planning,” the court remarked. It stressed the urgent need for external expertise to address these issues effectively.

### Formation of Expert Committee

The court directed that the expert committee be constituted within two weeks. This committee will identify pressing urban planning problems and propose both immediate and long-term solutions.

The committee will include:

– Experts nominated by CIDCO and the state’s director of town planning
– The additional collector of Thane
– The CEO of KBMC
– A representative of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
– An eminent social worker nominated by the civic body

The overarching goal is to transform Kulgaon-Badlapur into a “Model Town” comparable to Navi Mumbai.

### Complaint and Compensation Ordered

The ruling follows a plea filed by Yashwant Anna Bhoir, who alleged that sewage from the Trishul Golden Ville Cooperative Housing Society, developed by A Plus Lifespace, was draining into his adjoining plot. Advocates Avinash Fatangare and Archana Shelar appeared on Bhoir’s behalf.

In response, the court ordered the developer to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to Bhoir and mandated remedial measures to be implemented within six weeks. Additionally, Rs 50,000 in costs were imposed on KBMC due to the civic body’s failure to enforce basic regulations.

### Ward-Wise Inspections Mandated

Raising “great doubt” about KBMC’s enforcement of powers against unauthorized drainage connections, the court ordered ward-wise inspections of high-rise buildings to curb such violations.

### Environmental Concerns

The bench was particularly critical of the ongoing release of sewage and untreated waste into the Ulhas River, condemning it as “an intolerable attack by ‘we the humans’ on such natural resources.”

### The Need for Planned Development

Noting Badlapur’s rise as a “popular suburb” due to its connectivity with Mumbai and Thane, the court cautioned that development must not outpace infrastructural capacity.

“Authorities are required to ensure robust town planning measures… not an urban chaos resulting in a haphazard concrete jungle,” the judges said. They emphasized that poor planning already jeopardizes citizens’ fundamental right to a healthy environment.

### Public Health Warning

The court warned that failure to act promptly would lead to “a nightmare of municipal chaos and high degree of urban disorder,” causing numerous public woes, including health hazards such as typhoid, malaria, and dengue.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-orders-expert-committee-to-curb-urban-chaos-in-badlapur-ensuring-systematic-town-planning

Pahalgam terror attack: NIA court extends custody of accused persons by 45 days

A special NIA court in Jammu has extended by 45 days — beyond the stipulated 90-day period — the custodial remand of two accused arrested for allegedly harbouring Pakistani terrorists involved in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Special NIA judge Sandeep Gandotra extended the investigation and remand period of Bashir Ahmad Jothat, who hails from Baisaran in Pahalgam, and Parvaiz Ahmad from Batkote in Pahalgam. The court held a prima facie case in favour of the extension of the remand and investigation, citing the allegations, progress of investigation, and pending forensic and DNA profiling reports.

Accordingly, the court granted a 45-day extension to the investigating officer for the investigation of the case beyond the initial 90-day period, applicable to accused Jothat and Ahmad. The order directed the authorities to complete the investigation as soon as possible and urged the investigating officer to expedite the probe.

The original 90-day remand period for investigation, along with an additional 10 days of judicial remand, was due to expire on Friday. After the expiry of the earlier remand, Jothat and Ahmad were produced virtually before the court on September 18, which then extended their investigation and remand period to enable the NIA to continue its probe, officials confirmed.

The judge observed that the plea for a 90-day extension of the investigation was well-founded and deserving of acceptance, especially as the probe had reached a crucial stage. Several witness statements and forensic reports were still pending, which warranted the extension.

The case, re-registered by the NIA, pertains to the killing of tourists from a particular community at Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, on April 22, 2025. The accused, Jothat and Ahmad, were arrested on June 22 and have since been held in judicial custody at Amphalla Jail in Jammu.

According to the NIA, the accused disclosed the identities of three armed terrorists involved in the attack, confirming that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The federal agency alleged that both accused had knowingly harboured these terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park, Pahalgam, prior to the April 22 attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, and left 16 others injured.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the information. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pahalgam-terror-attack-nia-court-extends-custody-of-accused-persons-by-45-days-23594914

Vodafone Idea shares rise 9% as Centre seeks AGR solution

**Vodafone Idea Shares Rise 9% as Centre Seeks AGR Solution**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 19, 2025, 01:27 PM*

Vodafone Idea’s shares surged by a significant 9% on Friday following a positive indication from the Indian government regarding the telecom company’s plea related to Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it was not opposing Vodafone Idea’s request and acknowledged that “some solution is required.” This development has brought much-needed relief to the beleaguered telecom operator, whose financial health has been under severe strain due to AGR-related dues.

**Government Stance**

The Centre told the Supreme Court, “Not opposing Vodafone Idea plea, some solution is required, government is also an equity holder. Some solution may be required, subject to Supreme Court approval.”

This statement confirms that the government is not against the company’s request and recognizes its position as a key stakeholder in Vodafone Idea. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on September 26.

**Background of the Case**

The case stems from a Supreme Court order in March 2020, which upheld AGR dues up to the financial year 2017 and barred reassessment for those periods. Despite this ruling, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) raised fresh claims for the financial years 2018 and 2019.

Vodafone Idea contends that much of the new demand overlaps with settled periods, making the additional claims contentious.

Following the conversion of dues amounting to ₹53,083 crore into equity, the government now owns 48.99% of Vodafone Idea.

With total AGR liabilities approaching ₹2 trillion, Vodafone Idea has warned that the additional claims could threaten its survival, impact 198 million subscribers, and put over 18,000 jobs at risk.

The telecom industry and investors alike are closely monitoring the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing, hoping for a resolution that ensures the company’s sustainable future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/centre-urges-sc-for-agr-resolution-vodafone-idea-shares-surge/story

BMW accident: Delhi court says CCTV footage cannot be shared with accused

Advocate Gagan Bhatnagar, representing Kaur, argued that the case hinged on CCTV footage from Dhaula Kuan metro pillars 65 and 67, and that examining it could reveal additional details. However, the magistrate stated that there is no law permitting the footage to be provided to the accused, reported PTI.

Kaur’s counsel responded, “I am not saying give it to me but to preserve it and submit it in the court.”

Bhatnagar further alleged that the investigating officer (IO) gave an evasive reply, stating that a notice had been sent to the person concerned to provide the footage to Delhi Police. He added that senior police officials had previously stated they had watched the footage, contrary to the IO’s reply.

The court directed the IO to appear on Friday and issued a notice to the station house officer of Dhaula Kuan Police Station. The hearing will continue on Friday, reported PTI.

Opposing the bail plea, the Delhi Police stated that the accused was not seriously injured despite having admitted herself to the intensive care unit (ICU). They also highlighted that she took the injured to a hospital far away from the spot, which raises serious doubt, according to news agency ANI.

Kaur has been remanded to judicial custody until September 27, and her bail plea is scheduled for Saturday.

The victim, 52-year-old Navjot Singh, served as the deputy secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs and was a resident of Hari Nagar. He succumbed to injuries following the accident, which took place on Ring Road near the Delhi Cantonment Metro station on the afternoon of September 14. Singh and his wife were returning home after visiting Bangla Sahib Gurdwara.

A case has been registered under Sections 281 (rash driving), 125B (endangering life or personal safety of others), 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the BNS.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/delhi-bmw-crash-court-says-cctv-footage-cannot-be-shared-with-accused-23594695

Bombay HC Issues Notices To NIA & Acquitted Accused In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case

**Bombay High Court Issues Notices in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case Appeal**

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday issued notices to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and those acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. This development follows an appeal filed by family members of the blast victims, challenging the special court’s verdict that acquitted seven persons, including BJP MLA Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad has scheduled the appeal hearing after six weeks.

### About the Appeal

The appeal challenges the special court’s decision last year to acquit seven accused individuals, among whom are BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The blast in Malegaon resulted in six deaths and over 100 injuries.

### Blast Details and Investigation

On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon, killing six people and injuring 101 others.

Initially, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eleven individuals. However, after a decade, only seven were tried in court, with the others discharged. The NIA took over the investigation in 2011.

On July 31, special judge A.K. Lahoti acquitted all seven accused, stating that there was no “reliable and cogent evidence” presented against them to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

### Grounds of the Appeal

The families of the victims contend that the trial court acted merely as a “post office,” failing to rigorously test the prosecution’s case, especially considering missing or hostile evidence.

The appeal asserts that any procedural defects or investigation lapses should not have resulted in acquittals, particularly in a terrorism case. It further alleges that the NIA diluted the case deliberately.

Highlighting concerns about the prosecution, the petition references former special prosecutor Rohini Salian’s public statement that she was pressured to slow down proceedings against the accused. The replacement prosecutor, the petition argues, lacked experience in handling terror trials.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-bombay-hc-issues-notices-to-nia-acquitted-accused-in-2008-malegaon-blast-case