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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Supreme Court quashes FIR accusing man of raping woman on pretext of marriage: ‘Bundle of lies'
The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed an FIR against a man who was accused of raping a woman on the pretext of marriage, saying the complaint was nothing but a 'bundle of lies' and that no material on record was produced to substantiate the allegations. The court observed that the FIR was full of fabricated and malicious, unsubstantiated allegations levelled by the complainant. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said allowing prosecution of the accused would be a travesty of justice and a gross abuse of the process of the court, reported PTI. The court observed that there were inherent contradictions in the statements of the woman. "The de facto complainant is a highly educated woman aged 30 years. In the FIR of 2021, she has only alleged a single sexual encounter. On the contrary, in the impugned FIR of 2022, 4-5 such incidents have been referenced, each of which antedate the FIR of 2021," the court said. "It is thus inherently improbable that the complainant would have forgotten or omitted to mention these incidents of sexual intercourse made under a false promise of marriage," the bench said. The court was hearing a plea filed by the man against an order of the Telangana High Court. The lower court had rejected his plea to quash the rape complaint against him. The Supreme Court further said the woman had filed a similar complaint against an assistant professor of Osmania University, where the woman was a student. The top court said the woman, in chats on her phone, admitted that she was manipulative and was trying to "get a green card holder". "At one point in time, she also stated that it would not be difficult for her to trap the next one. In the very same breath, she mentions that she would not waste time with the accused appellant and needs to invest in the next victim. She also mentions that she would irritate her victims to the extent that they dump her, and she could happily start with the next one. She also stated that she was using the accused appellant. These chats depict the stark reality about the behavioural pattern of the de facto complainant who appears to be having manipulative and vindictive tendency," the bench noted, according to PTI. Also read: SC refuses to stall ₹299 crore jetty project near Gateway of India The court further said the accused was justified in panicking and backing out from the proposed marriage after coming to know about her "aggressive" sexual behaviour and the "obsessive nature" of the complainant. "Hence, even assuming that the accused appellant retracted from his promise to marry the complainant, it cannot be said that he indulged in sexual intercourse with the de-facto complainant under a false promise of marriage or that the offence was committed by him with the complainant on the ground that she belonged to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes community," the bench said. With inputs from PTI
United News of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
No breach of UNESCO Heritage norms: SC
New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court's orders directing the construction of a verandah outside Courtroom No 1 and the eco-friendly redevelopment of the kutcha parking area within the High Court premises. The apex court rejected objections raised by the Chandigarh administration, ruling that the proposed works do not violate UNESCO guidelines applicable to heritage sites. A bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, observed that the verandah's design, aligned with those outside Courtrooms 2 to 9, is consistent with the architectural character of the High Court building and does not compromise its World Heritage Site status. 'We find that the High Court's directive for verandah construction is appropriate and in conformity with the existing design elements. It does not breach UNESCO heritage norms,' the Supreme Court held. The bench added that the Chandigarh administration may still seek ex post facto approval from concerned heritage authorities as a precautionary step. The Court also endorsed the High Court's decisions dated February 7 and 21, 2025, which directed the placement of green paver blocks and tree plantations in the kutcha parking area. The goal, the Court said, is to maximize vehicle capacity, create shaded parking, and boost the site's green cover. To ensure effective execution, the Court directed the High Court administration to consult landscaping experts and monitor the process through a designated committee. In a partial reprieve to the UT Administration, the Supreme Court stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the High Court on December 13, 2024, for 12 weeks. The move aims to give the administration sufficient time to comply with the High Court's order dated November 29, 2024. The dispute originated from a 2023 PIL (public interest litigation), filed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court's Secretary, seeking basic infrastructural upgrades to the court complex. In November 2024, the High Court directed the UT administration to begin constructing the verandah within two weeks, citing litigant inconvenience due to the Chief Justice's Court being in a separate block prone to rain-related disruptions. The Chandigarh administration resisted compliance, pointing to the Capitol Complex's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by architect Le Corbusier. It claimed the construction required international heritage approvals and stated it had reached out to the Archaeological Survey of India and the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee. The Committee granted in-principle clearance but suggested consultation with Fondation Le Corbusier in Paris. The High Court, however, found the administration's delay unjustified and issued a writ of mandamus on November 29, 2024, mandating immediate construction. When the administration failed to act, the Court initiated contempt proceedings and impleaded Chief Engineer C B Ojha. Challenging these orders, the Chandigarh administration approached the Supreme Court, which stayed the High Court's directions on January 10, 2025. Meanwhile, due to increasing vehicular congestion, the High Court on February 7, 2025, ordered the development of the open parking area using green pavers and the plantation of 100–200 trees. The administration's plea to recall this order was dismissed on February 21, with the High Court underscoring the need for sustainable development and resolution of the parking crisis. With Tuesday's ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld all four High Court orders, paving the way for infrastructural improvements that are both functional and compliant with global heritage preservation norms. UNI SNG SS
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Chandigarh heritage concerns can't override development: SC backs verandah, green parking in HC
In a landmark ruling delivered at 7:04 pm on Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court's orders directing the Chandigarh administration to construct a verandah in front of Court Room No. 1 and lay green paver blocks in the kutcha parking area near the High Court building. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the UT's appeals (Civil Appeal Nos. arising out of SLP (Civil) Nos. 162–163 and 9042–9043 of 2025), underscoring the importance of sustainable development and the balance between heritage preservation and public convenience. The court held that the verandah, aligned with existing ones in front of Court Rooms Nos. 2 to 9, 'is absolutely justified and would not violate the UNESCO guidelines.' It also directed the High Court administration to proceed with laying green paver blocks in the parking area and to ensure tree plantation to enhance green cover. The bench granted the Chandigarh administration 12 weeks to comply with the verandah directive and stayed contempt proceedings against UT Chief Engineer C.B. Ojha. The dispute stems from a public interest litigation (CWP No. 9 of 2023) in which the High Court issued a series of orders starting November 29, 2024. It directed the UT administration to build a verandah to shelter litigants and lawyers from extreme weather. The order was reiterated on December 13, 2024, after no action was taken. On February 7, 2025, the High Court ordered green paver blocks in the kutcha parking area to address severe space constraints. The court noted that the parking lot currently handles 3,000–4,000 vehicles daily, while the underground facility can accommodate only 600. The Chandigarh administration, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, challenged these directives citing concerns about the potential impact on the Capitol Complex's UNESCO World Heritage status. He argued that even a seemingly minor modification, such as a verandah, required clearance under Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines of the World Heritage Committee. The Supreme Court found the administration's concerns unpersuasive and backed the High Court's reasoning. 'We are satisfied with the submission of Shri Gupta, appearing for the High Court administration, that even as per Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines, the verandah… would not violate the guidelines, because neither can it be said to be a major restoration nor a new construction within the main structure,' the court said. It added that the High Court is 'best placed to take a suitable decision' on preserving the building while ensuring functional utility. On the parking issue, the bench endorsed the High Court's 'proactive approach,' calling the green paver solution 'reasonable' and 'a step towards sustained development.' Quoting from its 2021 judgment in Rajeev Suri v. Delhi Development Authority, the court said, 'Environment and development are not sworn enemies… as long as legitimate development activity can be carried on in harmony with environmental protection, courts should strive to uphold that harmony.' The court also emphasized the inadequacy of existing parking, calling the need for a proper facility 'imperative.' The bench validated the High Court's decision to revisit the 1956 rejection of a similar verandah proposal. It quoted an official communication acknowledging that the construction of a verandah in front of Court Room No. 1 had been under consideration at the time but did not proceed due to lack of consent from the then Chief Justice. 'The High Court administration felt a dire need to provide a verandah for the stakeholders,' the bench noted. It also cited instances of rainwater seepage into Court Room No. 1 causing damage and disruption. Senior counsel Nidhesh Gupta, appearing for the High Court, argued that the verandah was consistent with existing structures and that green pavers would help mitigate environmental issues. The court accepted the submission and directed the High Court administration to consult landscaping experts to ensure adequate tree plantation along the paver-lined area.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
SC asks Bengal govt to deposit 25% of DA arrears
1 2 Kolkata: Supreme Court on Friday asked Bengal govt to deposit with it 25% of the arrears in dearness allowance of employees and pensioners. The bench of justices Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta ordered the state to comply with its directive within three months. With the state repeatedly citing lack of "paying capacity", the bench remarked that Bengal had sufficient funds and should not find this burdensome. During the hearing, Bengal govt admitted that its liability towards DA arrears stood at Rs 41,770.95 crore. The figure accounts for dues from Jan 1, 2006, to March 31, 2008, and from April 1, 2008, to Dec 31, 2015, and includes amounts payable to state govt employees, pensioners and grant-in-aid staff. Accordingly, the bench directed that 25% — Rs 10,442.73 crore — of the amount payable be deposited. DA liability after Dec 31, 2015, is yet to be determined. Compliance with this direction is a precondition for the matter to be listed in Aug 2025 for final hearing, the bench stated. In May 2022, Calcutta HC had told the state to clear DA arrears, holding that DA was the legitimate right of state govt employees and not a "gift of charity". Challenging this, Bengal govt moved SC in Nov 2022. In Dec last year, state govt announced an additional 4% DA for its employees. As the matter came up for hearing on Friday, SC first indicated that it was not inclined to interfere with the HC judgment, observing orally that there appeared to be no merit in the challenge raised by Bengal govt. However, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing state govt, argued that the HC order was erroneous and the state's contentions should be heard. Initially, SC had proposed a 50% deposit, but upon repeated submissions by Singhvi on the state's financial hardship, the amount was reduced to 25%. Bengal govt had adopted the recommendations of the 5th Pay Commission under the ROPA Rules, 2009, to pay DA. However, challenges have been repeatedly made in courts claiming that the state had persistently disbursed DA at lower rates and with retrospective delays, without presenting any alternate calculation methodology or justification. While Centre maintains a biannual DA revision, the state discontinued this practice after 2010.
New Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
AFI approval must for competing or training abroad
CHENNAI: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has come out with an interesting circular for all its athletes, days after an Indian athlete was caught with a banned substance in Kenya. The AFI has restricted all athletes' participation in international competitions and even training. The AFI has said that athletes must seek written permission before going abroad for training and competition. The circular, signed by secretary general Sandeep Mehta, outlined AFI's objective saying: 'The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured and transparent process for Indian athletes intending to compete in standard international events,' it said. 'It seeks to ensure that athletes' representation is appropriate and aligns with India's athletics calendar, events meet quality and safety standards, no scheduling conflicts with national commitments or trials. It also aims to encourage participation in AFI competitions.' This order comes into effect immediately. According to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, in a joint operation with Directorate of Criminal Investigation, they nabbed an Indian national who had with him 'an illegal consignment of assorted performance enhancing substances' at a high altitude training centre in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Another reason that could have prompted the AFI was decentralisation of the national camps which led to athletes training at different locations under different coaches, and funded by different foundations and organizations. There have been cases where athletes have gone abroad for training. Take for instance a top quarter-miler of this country who is training in England. She missed the Federation Cup and the AFI was not amused. One of the reasons for seeking permission is because AFI wants to 'strengthen participation in the National Calendar'. The AFI has also cautioned against athletes taking part in sub-standard events while giving domestic competition a miss. 'Some international competitions may not be officially sanctioned, or may lack basic infrastructure or medical safeguards,' said the circular. 'The policy ensures: athletes are not exploited or misled by dubious organizers; participation is limited to credible, recognized events.' The AFI is also worried that because if there is not monitoring then it might lead to chaos as well. It understood that sometimes the athlete just goes without the knowledge of AFI.
