Jharkhand High Court Quarterly Digest [Jan – Mar 2024]

Rahul Yadav @ Hari Kumar Yadav, vs. The State of Jharkhand & Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 1

Gautam Kumar Banarjee vs. Dr. C.P. Vidyarthi & Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 2

Steel Authority of India Ltd vs. The State of Jharkhand and others 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 3

CTET Utteern Abhiyarthi Sangh vs. State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 4

Branch Manager, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance vs. Binita Toppo and others 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 5

Satyendra Singh Kushwah vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 6

Manoj Kumar @ Manoj Sao vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 7

Rina Kumari vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 8

Pratima Devi v Union of India 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 9

M/s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited v Anant Kumar Singh 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 10

Vinod Shankar Jha vs State of Jharkhand & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 11

Kunwar Ganjhu v Union of India 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 12

Mithilesh Kumar Saw @ Mithlesh Saw & ors. vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 13

Ram Kumar Ravi vs State of Jharkhand & Anr. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 14

Raghubar Singh @ Raghuber Singh vs The State of Jharkhand and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 15

Ashok Kumar Singh @ Ashok Singh @ A. K. Singh vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 16

State of Jharkhand Versus M/s. Ram Kripal Singh Construction Pvt. Ltd. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 17

Principal Commissioner of Central G.S.T. & Central Excise, Ranchi Versus Bihar Foundary and Casting Ltd 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 18

Vivek Narsaria Versus The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 19

VD v. The Jharkhand State Bar Council 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 21

Md. Reyazul & Anr. vs State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 22

Hanumant Katha Aayojan Samiti v. The State of Jharkhand & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 23

Rajmeet Singh Versus Income Tax Officer, Ward-2(3), Ranchi 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 24

Prakash Jha and ors vs The State of Jharkhand and anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 25

Pankaj Mishra Versus Union of India through Directorate of Enforcement, Government of India 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 26

M/s. Pasari Casting and Rolling Mills Private Ltd. Versus Income-tax Department 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 27

Sudhir Narayan & Ors. v. The State Of Jharkhand & Anr. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 28

M/s Sevensea Vincom Private Limited vs The PCIT, Central Circle-I, Ranchi & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 29

M/s. Sevensea Vincom Private Limited Verses Principal Commissioner of Income Tax 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 30

Rahul Gandhi Versus The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 31

Mukesh Mittal vs Union of India through Directorate of Enforcement 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 32

Amit Kumar Kachhap vs Sangeeta Toppo 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 33

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 35 Sadhan Nandi vs The State Of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 34

M/s Aventis Pharma Limited vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 36

M/s. Bihar Foundry & Castings Ltd. Versus Union of India 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 37

National Insurance Company Ltd. Vs Ratan Devi 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 38

Mohidul Sk vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 39

Jageshwar Ravidas and Anr vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 40

Hosco Pvt. Ltd. vs Jharkhand Medical & Health Infrastructure Development & Procurement Corporation Ltd and Ors 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 41

M/s Aditya and Rashmi Construction Pvt. Ltd. vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 42

Sahodar Mahto Vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 43

Binod Kumar Mishra vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 44

Sachindra Singh @ Sacha @ Sachchi Singh Versus The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 45

Julekha Khatoon v. The State Of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 46

Sudhir Narayan vs. the State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 47

Md. Ramjani Vs The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 48

Suresh Prasad Vs The State of Jharkhan 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 49

Raghubansh Prasad Singh and Ors vs. The State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 50

Rahul Gandhi vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 51

Bhavesh Kant Jha vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 52

Jumed Khan vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 53

Nishikant Dubey (Member of Parliament) vs State of Jharkhand 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 54

Judgements/Orders This Quarter

POCSO Act | Repeatedly Following, Watching Or Contacting Child With Sexual Intent Amounts To Sexual Harassment : Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Rahul Yadav @ Hari Kumar Yadav, vs. The State of Jharkhand & Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 1

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that engaging in persistent acts of following, watching, or contacting a child with sexual intent constitutes sexual harassment under Section 11(4) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

Justice Subhash Chand observed, “In the FIR itself, it has been stated that the minor victim girl of the informant was sexually harassed by the teacher of the school he used to tease her. He was also having evil eye so the complaint was made against him to the Principal of the school and he was removed from the post of teacher from that school. Thereafter, he had threatened to see them.”

MACT Can't Disbelieve Claimant's Testimony Regarding Monthly Income In Absence Of Rebuttal Evidence By Opposing Party: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Gautam Kumar Banarjee vs. Dr. C.P. Vidyarthi & Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 2

The Jharkhand High Court has observed that a Motor Accident Claim Tribunal is not entitled to discredit the sworn testimony of a claimant regarding their income unless there is counteracting evidence presented by the opposing party.

Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava observed, “It appears that learned tribunal while deciding the income of the claimant failed to take into notice the evidence on oath of the claimant and there was no rebuttal evidence from opposite parties to cast any doubt in respect of monthly income of the claimant.”

Heavy Earth Moving Vehicles Under MVA Can Only Be Driven By Licensed Individuals: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Steel Authority of India Ltd vs. The State of Jharkhand and others

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 3

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that registration of mining equipment, including drill masters and dumpers is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. However, the Court has further said that the issue of whether a vehicle is taxable or not will depend upon the test as to whether the vehicle is proposed to be used for transporting goods from one place to another.

Residents Who Cleared CTET & TET Exams From Neighboring States Allowed To Apply For Teacher Appointment Process In Jharkhand: High Court

Case Title: Jharkhandi CTET Utteern Abhiyarthi Sangh vs. State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 4

In a significant ruling, the Jharkhand High Court has granted permission to residents of Jharkhand who had successfully cleared the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) and Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) from neighboring states to participate in the recruitment examination for Assistant Teacher positions in Jharkhand.

The Court passed such a direction upon noting that Jharkhand had not held CTET or TET exams in many years, and further directed the State to conduct such exams every year.

[MV Act] Insurer Charging Additional Premium For Employee Can't Deny Liability To Compensate For Hired Driver's Death Citing Negligence: Jharkhand HC

Case Title: Branch Manager, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance vs. Binita Toppo and others

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 5

In an important order, the Jharkhand High Court has held that an insurance agency is liable to pay compensation for a motor vehicle accident claim for a hired driver in the event of his death, even if the accident is caused due to the driver's negligence. This liability arises once the insurer has accepted additional premium to cover indemnity of vehicle owner.

Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava observed, “In view of the above discussion and reasons, I am of the definite opinion that the insurance company is liable to pay the compensation for a Motor Vehicle Accident claim for a hired driver in the event of his death, even if the accident is caused due to negligence of the driver. This liability arises once the insurer has accepted additional premium to cover the liability of paid employee and to indemnify the vehicle's owner.”

CGST Act | Jharkhand High Court Quashes Criminal Proceedings For Noncompliance With GST Summons Under Section 70

Case Title: Satyendra Singh Kushwah vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 6

Underscoring the importance of due process and compliance with statutory requirements, the Jharkhand High Court, in a significant ruling, quashed criminal proceedings for non-compliance with summons issued under Section 70 of the Central Goods and Services Act, 2017 (CGST Act).

Notably, Section 70 of the CGST Act empowers concerned officers to issue summons to persons to give evidence and produce documents.

S.125 CrPC | 'Pious Duty Of Son To Maintain His Old Aged Father': Jharkhand High Court Upholds Family Court's Maintenance Order

Case Title: Manoj Kumar @ Manoj Sao vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 7

The Jharkhand High Court has recently upheld the order of a Family Court directing the younger son of a man to provide him with a monthly maintenance of Rs. 3000.

Justice Subhash Chand observed, “Though from the evidence adduced by both the parties, it is found that the father is having some agricultural land yet is not able to cultivate the same. He also depends upon his elder son, with whom, he resides. The father has given the share in whole property to his younger son Manoj Sao equally but he has not been maintained by his younger son for more than 15 years. Even if for the sake of argument, the father earns something; it is pious duty of a son to maintain his old aged father.”

Local Body Elections Can Be Held Without Completing 'Triple Test Formalities' For Identifying OBC Seats: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Rina Kumari vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 8

The Jharkhand High Court in a significant judgement has observed that non-completion of the 'triple test formalities' for identifying seats to be reserved for OBC category is not at all a ground to defer or delay election of local self-government

Justice Ananda Sen observed, “the Hon'ble Supreme Court directed that the Election should be notified even if the “triple test formalities” has not yet been completed. From the aforesaid judgment, the issue has been set at rest and now as per the judgment, it is not sine qua non to conclude the “triple test formalities” before holding elections for a local body.”

Railway Claims Tribunal Unjustified In Withholding Interest On Compensation From Date Of Accident Till Delay Condonation: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Pratima Devi v Union of India

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 9

The Jharkhand High Court recently observed that the Railway Claims Tribunal erred in withholding interest on compensation payable to a bereaved family, for the period between the date of accident and the date on which the application for delay in making a claim before the Tribunal was allowed.

Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava observed, “The Tribunal has awarded maximum amount of compensation as per Rules but withholding interest from the date of accident to the date of condonation of delay is not justified under law. Therefore, the appellants are held entitled for simple interest @ 9 % per annum from the date of accident i.e. 25/26.02.2018 till the date of actual payment.”

Arbitration and Conciliation Act | Mere Violation Of Substantive Law By Itself Not A Valid Reason To Set Aside Arbitral Award: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited v Anant Kumar Singh

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 10

The Jharkhand High Court while dismissing an appeal directed challenging the Commercial Court's dismissal of a Section 34 Petition against an arbitrator's award, has held that a mere contravention of substantive law by itself does not constitute a valid ground for setting aside an arbitral award subsequent to the 2015 amendment in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Act).

The division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Anubha Rawat Choudhary observed, “As explained above, it has been held by the Hon'ble Supreme Court that post-2015 amendment a mere contravention of the substantive law of India, by itself, is no longer a ground available to set aside an arbitral award.”

State Can't Empower Registrar To Cancel Registered Sale Deed Sans Declaration By Court That It Is Vitiated By Fraud: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Vinod Shankar Jha vs State of Jharkhand & Ors.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 11

The Jharkhand High Court has held that unless there is a declaration by a civil Court that a deed is vitiated by fraud, a registered deed cannot be cancelled by the Registrar.

Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary set aside a Circular conferring such power on the Registrar and observed that, "The executive power of the State Government under Article 162 is coextensive with the legislative power of the State legislature. But, in the absence of any law, the State or its officers in the exercise of executive authority, cannot infringe citizen's rights merely because legislature has power to make law on the subject...registration of an instrument entails legal consequence affecting the legal rights of a citizen, and power of cancellation of such document cannot be permitted by an executive order, as it will be against the scheme of statutory provisions as contained in the Registration Act, 1908.”

"Knowingly Associated With & Voluntarily Aided Banned Terrorist Organisation": Jharkhand High Court Rejects Bail Plea Of UAPA Accused

Case Title: Kunwar Ganjhu v Union of India

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 12

The Jharkhand High Court recently dismissed an appeal filed against the rejection of bail by the Special Court to a UAPA accused allegedly connected to the banned terrorist organization CPI(Maoist).

A division bench of Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Pradeep Kumar Srivastava observed, “The facts disclosed by the appellant were duly corroborated during course of investigation by way of statement of witnesses and thereby, prima facie the allegation as made against the accused/ petitioner appears to be true.”

Clothes Torn During Free Fight Not Necessarily Offence Of 'Outraging Modesty' U/S 354 IPC: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Mithilesh Kumar Saw @ Mithlesh Saw & ors. vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 13

The Jharkhand High Court, in acquitting an accused under Section 354 IPC, has noted that the mere tearing of clothing during a spontaneous altercation does not necessarily constitute an offence of outraging a woman's modesty.

Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary observed, “For offence under Section 354 IPC, intention to outrage modesty of a woman, is the fundamental ingredient. Touch caused otherwise during the course of a fight, between two warring section cannot be called an act to outrage the modesty. If in a free fight wearing apparels are torn, it will not invariably make out an offence under this Section.”

Strict Proof Of Marriage Not Required U/S 125 CrPC, Parties Living Together As Husband-Wife Sufficient To Order Maintenance: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Ram Kumar Ravi vs State of Jharkhand & Anr.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 14

While rejecting a revision application filed for quashing grant of maintenance to a woman, the Jharkhand High Court held that documentary evidence of marriage in a proceeding under Section 125 of the Cr.P.C, is not required, especially when the evidence is on record that the Applicant was living with the opposite party as husband and wife.

Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary observed, “Documentary evidence of marriage cannot be insisted in all cases, particularly in a proceeding under Section 125 Cr.P.C. If the parties live together as husband and wife, a presumption of marriage can be drawn.”

Father Can't Escape Liability To Maintain Children Citing His Wife's Employment: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Raghubar Singh @ Raghuber Singh vs The State of Jharkhand and ors.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 15

The Jharkhand High Court has made it clear that a father is liable to support and maintain his children, irrespective of their mother's employment.

Justice Subhash Chand observed, “So far as the income of the petitioner—wife in the maintenance application is concerned, admittedly she is getting Rs.12 to 14 thousand per month and she is maintaining herself and both the minor children. Even if the salary of the wife Nibha Singh is taken into consideration, the responsibility of father of both the children is also to maintain both the children.”

S.125 CrPC | 'Once Marital Relationship Is Disproved, There Cannot Be Any Order Of Maintenance': Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Ashok Kumar Singh @ Ashok Singh @ A. K. Singh vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 16

The Jharkhand High Court has held that once the marital relationship is disproved, there cannot be any order of maintenance under section 125 of the CrPc.

Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary observed that the respondent-woman had filed a criminal case against the revision petitioner in 2008 alleging that he made a false promise of marriage to her. This, the Court held, "demolishes the case of the Applicant that she had been married to the petitioner in 2005. Once the marital relationship is disproved, there cannot be any order of maintenance under section 125 of the CrPC.”

Additional Commissioner Of Commercial Taxes Acted In Undue Haste In Disposing Of Revision Applications: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: State of Jharkhand Versus M/s. Ram Kripal Singh Construction Pvt. Ltd.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 17

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes has acted in undue haste in disposing of the revision applications. It is trite law that if an authority acts in undue haste, malice in law is to be presumed, and his action is deemed to be mala fide.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshanhas observed that the Additional Commissioner, merely on the strength of a letter written by DCCT, initiated suo motu revision proceedings without even calling for records of the case and without even examining the orders in question.

Determination Of Value Of Excisable Goods For Assessment Falls Within Exclusive Jurisdiction Of Supreme Court: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Principal Commissioner of Central G.S.T. & Central Excise, Ranchi Versus Bihar Foundary and Casting Ltd

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 18

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the determination of the value of the excisable goods for the purpose of assessment falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India under Section 35L of the Central Excise Act, 1944.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshanhas observed that the appeals are not maintainable, and the same would lie before the Apex Court under Section 35L, as the jurisdiction of the High Court in such matters is specifically excluded under Section 35G and it falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Apex Court under Section 35L.

CGST Preventive Wing And DGGI Wing To Forward All Investigation And Inter-Related Transaction To State Authorities: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Vivek Narsaria Versus The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 19

The Jharkhand High Court has opined that the Preventive Wing of the CGST and DGGI Wing of the CGST shall forward all their investigation carried out as against the petitioner and inter-related transactions to the State Authorities, who shall continue with the proceedings from the same stage.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan has stated that “we failed to understand as to what had become so emergent that prior to any determination or finding of any irregular/inadmissible/wrong availment of Input Tax Credit, the bank account had to be attached, which appears to be an 'arm twisting method' to make the petitioner succumb to the particular authority, which cannot be the dictum of the Act and we deprecate the same.”

Jharkhand High Court Quashes Disciplinary Proceedings Initiated Against Lawyer On 'Malafide Complaint' By Opposite Party In Litigation

Case Title: VD v. The Jharkhand State Bar Council

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 21

Last week, the Jharkhand High Court annulled disciplinary proceedings initiated by the State Bar Council against a lawyer accused of engaging in an "illicit" physical relationship with his client. The complaint was lodged by the client's husband while being involved in a matrimonial dispute with her.

The lawyer challenged the commencement and continuation of the disciplinary inquiry initiated by the Jharkhand State Bar Council through a notice dated August 26, 2023.

S.100(5) CrPC | Witnesses Of Search And Seizure Not Required To Attend Court Unless Specially Summoned: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Md. Reyazul & Anr. vs State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 22

The Jharkhand High Court, in a recent decision partially allowing a revision application in a case spanning 28 years, emphasized that establishing the fact of recovery merely requires the prosecution to present the seizure list as evidence.

Justice Ambuj Nath observed, “In order to prove the factum of recovery, it is sufficient for the prosecution to adduce the seizure list in evidence. Section 100(5) Cr.P.C. does not require the witnesses of search and seizure to attend the court as a witness unless specially summoned by the court. I do not find any irregularity on the ground that the seizure list witnesses did not appear in the court to record their evidence.”

Jharkhand HC Grants Permission For "Hanumant Katha" Event Featuring Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, Says State Couldn't Substantiate “Law & Order Problem"

Case Title: Hanumant Katha Aayojan Samiti v. The State of Jharkhand & Ors.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 23

The Jharkhand High Court has granted permission to the Hanumant Katha Aayojan Samiti (Samiti) to conduct the "Hanumant Katha '' event, despite the State authorities initially denying approval.

The Court while granting permission to the Samiti, stated, “There is no doubt that the respondents can impose restriction, but ground for such restrictions should be in consonance with the grounds mentioned in Article 19(3) of the Constitution.”

Jharkhand High Court Upholds Income Tax Addition On Failure To Prove Genuineness Of Creditors Who Gave Cash Loan

Case Title: Rajmeet Singh Versus Income Tax Officer, Ward-2(3), Ranchi

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 24

The Jharkhand High Court has upheld the income tax addition as the assessees have failed to prove the identity, creditworthiness, or genuineness of the creditors, who have given cash loans.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan has observed that usually the matter would have been remitted to the AO for mentioning the correct provision and proceeding in accordance with law, but in the instant matter, the source of income in the case of both the assessees has not been proved, inasmuch as both the assessees have failed to prove the identity, creditworthiness, or genuineness of the creditors, who have given cash loans as claimed by them, thus we are of the view that remitting the cases to the AO will be a futile exercise.

Jharkhand High Court Quashes Criminal Proceedings Against Filmmaker-Producer Prakash Jha In Land Allocation Dispute

Case Title: Prakash Jha and ors vs The State of Jharkhand and anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 25

The Jharkhand High Court has quashed all criminal proceedings against Indian film producer Prakash Jha and other accused in connection with a land allocation dispute.

Justice Sanjay Dwivedi observed, “Section 415 I.P.C. is definition of cheating. In the light of said definition to hold a person guilty of cheating it is necessary to show that he had fraudulent and dishonest intention at the time of making the promise. Consequence of not encashing of drafts in question suggests that intention from the very beginning was not there which is paramount consideration in a case arising out under section 415 I.P.C. and other sections with regard to the cheating.”

Illegal Mining Case: Jharkhand High Court Rejects Bail Plea Of Pankaj Mishra, MLA Representative Of Hemant Soren

Case Title: Pankaj Mishra Versus Union of India through Directorate of Enforcement, Government of India

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 26

The Jharkhand High Court on Saturday rejected the bail petition of Pankaj Mishra, an MLA representative of the state's former Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary observed, “Petitioner being the political representative of the then Chief Minister enjoys political and administrative connection. Matter involves crime proceed being generated by large scale illegal mining activity being carried out, and the Petitioner appears to be the king pin. There are prima facie materials to suggest his pivotal role in laundering of the crime proceed generated in illegal mining activity. Trial is at its nascent stage with charge being framed on 03.03.2023 and out of 42 only 10 witnesses having been examined. Petitioner's health condition is monitored by the Jail doctors and was referred to and treated in higher centre at Delhi.”

Dept. To Inform Charges To Person Against Whom Income Tax Proceedings Are Initiated: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s. Pasari Casting and Rolling Mills Private Ltd. Versus Income-tax Department

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 27

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the show cause notice should give the noticeee a reasonable opportunity to make objections against proposed charges indicated in the notice, and the person proceeded against must be told the charges against him so that he can make his defense and prove his innocence.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan has observed that in the entire course of the proceeding, at no stage is the petitioner made aware of the provisions of law that have been contravened and/or under which the additions are sought to be made, which is in gross violation of the principles of natural justice, and the procedure adopted by the Department is not fair or proper.

Asking Accused To Pay To Complainant Amount Alleged To Have Been Cheated For Securing Bail Not Proper: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Sudhir Narayan & Ors. v. The State Of Jharkhand & Anr.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 28

The Jharkhand High Court recently set aside a bail condition imposed on accused to pay to the complainant an amount of Rs.12 lakh alleged to have been cheated by him.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi held that inclusion of a condition for payment of money for bail tends to create an impression that bail could be secured by depositing money alleged to have been cheated. "That is really not the purpose and intent of the provisions for grant of bail," the bench said.

Three-Years Limitation Period For Tax Reassessment Assessment Notice on Concealed Income Below Rs. 50 Lakh: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s Sevensea Vincom Private Limited vs The PCIT, Central Circle-I, Ranchi & Ors.

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 29

The Jharkhand High Court has held that any notice under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, is normally three years from the end of the relevant assessment year and extendable beyond three years to 10 years, provided the income that has escaped assessment is Rs. 50,00,000 or more.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan have observed that the reassessment notice issued under Section 148 is barred by the limitation period prescribed under Section 149, is illegal, unsustainable, and void ab initio, and is liable to be set aside; consequently, all subsequent actions, notices, and orders are also liable to be quashed.

Reopening Notice Issued U/s 148 Merits To Be Quashed If Barred By Limitation Period Prescribed U/s 149: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s. Sevensea Vincom Private Limited Verses Principal Commissioner of Income Tax

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 30

Finding that the notice issued u/s 148 is barred by the limitation period prescribed u/s 149 of the Income tax Act, 1961, the Jharkhand High Court (Ranchi Bench) ruled that the very initiation of reassessment proceeding is wholly without jurisdiction.

The Division Bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan observed that “The three-year time period of A.Y 2016-17 had ended on 31.03.2020. Accordingly, the Impugned Notice, dated 21.07.2022, is beyond 3 years' time period. Further, the said notice is for alleged escaped income of Rs. 39,21,450/- which is less than Rs. 50,00,000/- and thus, the said notice cannot take the benefit of extended period of limitation which is beyond three years till ten years”. (Para 10)

'Murder Accused-BJP President' Remark: Jharkhand High Court Dismisses Rahul Gandhi's Plea To Quash Defamation Suit Filed By BJP's Navin Jha

Case Title: Rahul Gandhi Versus The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 31

The Jharkhand High Court has dismissed the petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to quash the ongoing proceedings in the trial court in a criminal defamation suit filed against him for calling former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president and current Union Home Minister Amit Shah a "murder accused".

On February 16, Gandhi's written version was presented in the court, after which, the bench of Justice Ambuj Nath reserved the decision.

Person Who Assists With Proceeds Of Crime May Be Prosecuted Under PMLA Though Not Booked For Existing Scheduled Offence: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Mukesh Mittal vs Union of India through Directorate of Enforcement

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 32

The Jharkhand High Court has observed that individuals implicated in a PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) case, who become involved after the commission of the scheduled offense by aiding in the concealment or utilization of proceeds of crime, are not required to be accused in the scheduled offense.

The court emphasized that these individuals can still face prosecution under PMLA as long as the scheduled offense remains valid.

S.125(4) CrPC | Wife Residing Away From Husband Without Any Reasonable Cause Not Entitled To Maintenance: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Amit Kumar Kachhap vs Sangeeta Toppo

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 33

The Jharkhand High Court has stated that if a wife chooses to live separately from her husband without any valid reason, she is not eligible for maintenance under Section 125 (4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Justice Subhash Chand emphasized, “In view of the overall evidence adduced on behalf of both the parties, it is found that the respondent-applicant has been residing aloof from the husband without any reasonable cause. Accordingly, this point of determination is decided in favour of the petitioner-husband and against the opposite party-wife. In consequence thereof, in view of Section 125 (4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 she is not entitled to any amount of maintenance.”

Jharkhand HC Rejects Ex-CM Hemant Soren's Plea Seeking Nod To Participate In State Assembly Budget Session

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 35

The Jharkhand High Court today DISMISSED a petition filed by the former state Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking permission to participate in the budget session of the assembly which started on February 23.

A bench of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad had reserved its verdict in the matter on February 26 after hearing Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal (appearing for Soren) and Addl. Solicitor General of India SV Raju [for the Enforcement Directorate (ED)] at length.

Jharkhand Minerals Rules | Mere Pendency Of Confiscation Proceeding No Bar To Dispose Of Application For Release Of Vehicle: High Court

Case Title: Sadhan Nandi vs The State Of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 34

The Jharkhand High Court while overturning the trial court's decision denying the release of a seized truck involved in an alleged illegal stone crushing operation, has observed that mere pendency of confiscation proceeding is not a bar to dispose of the application for release of the vehicle.

Justice Subhash Chand observed, "From the bare perusal of Rule 11(v) of the Jharkhand Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2017, it is evident that though the court of Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned is empowered to conduct the confiscation proceeding in regard to the minerals, tool, equipment, vehicle or anything seized shall dispose of the same; yet this jurisdiction of the court of Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned is not exclusive jurisdiction.”

Jharkhand HC Declines Aventis Pharma's Plea To Quash Criminal Proceedings Over Ofloxacin Tablet Samples Allegedly Not Upto Standard Quality Requirements

Case Title: M/s Aventis Pharma Limited vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 36

The Jharkhand High Court has rejected the plea of Aventis Pharma, a global healthcare company, seeking to dismiss the entire criminal proceedings related to a complaint filed under section 27(d) of the Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The complaint arose from a dispute regarding samples of Ofloxacin Infusion taken from three different batches.

The samples were collected following a complaint from the Director of Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS), Ranchi, and were subsequently investigated by the Government Analyst in Kolkata.

Issuance Of Pre-SCN Consultation Is Mandatory Requirement For Issuing SCN Under Customs Act, 1962: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s. Bihar Foundry & Castings Ltd. Versus Union of India

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 37

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the issuance of pre-SCN consultation is mandated under proviso to Section 28(1)(a) of the Customs Act, 1962, before issuing the show cause notice.

The bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan has observed that the mandatory pre-SCN consultation, as mandated under proviso to Section 28(1)(a) of the Customs Act, 1962, read with the Pre-Notice Consultation Regulation, 2018, was not complied with while issuing the impugned SCNs; hence, the subsequent Order-in-Original and the 1st Appellate Order were bad in law, being void ab initio and a nullity in the eyes of law.

In Case Of Composite Negligence Injured Person Has Choice To Claim Whole Damage Against All Case Title: National Insurance Company Ltd. Vs Ratan Devi LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 38Or Any Of The Wrongdoers: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: National Insurance Company Ltd. Vs Ratan Devi

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 38

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that in instances of composite negligence resulting in harm or death to an individual by two or more wrongdoers, whether they act jointly or independently, they bear joint and several liability. In such cases, the injured party retains the option to seek full compensation from any or all of the negligent parties involved, given the nature of composite negligence, the Court further observed.

Justice Subhash Chand observed, “From the averment made in the claim petition and also the evidence on record, oral and documentary, it was a case of composite negligence and in case of a composite negligence where the damage or death is caused to any person by two or more wrongdoers, they may be either joint or independent tort-feasors, they are jointly and severely liable. Injured person has the choice to claim whole damage against all or any of them since it is a case of composite negligence.”

Consent Not Coerced: Jharkhand High Court Overturns Rape Conviction After 12 Years

Case Title: Mohidul Sk vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 39

After a 12-year period, the Jharkhand High Court overturned a trial court's conviction order in a rape case, allowing an appeal filed by the accused.

Court observed that in the instant case there had been an ongoing physical relationship between the appellant and the victim for approximately six months, and it was only after the victim became pregnant that the matter was brought to light.

Moreover, upon reviewing the evidence, the Court concluded that the relationship between the appellant and the victim was consensual, leading to pregnancy before the case was officially reported.

[S.304 IPC] Nature Of Injury Shows Intention/ Knowledge Of Assailant To Cause Death, Difficult To Ascertain It Sans Postmortem Report: Jharkhand HC

Case Title: Jageshwar Ravidas and Anr vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 40

The Jharkhand High Court, in partly allowing a criminal appeal related to a 27-year-old murder case, noted that the intention of an assailant can be discerned from the nature of the injury inflicted, and without sufficient evidence of such intention, it becomes challenging to establish that the assailant had the requisite intent to cause death.

Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary observed, “After having considered the submissions advanced on behalf of both sides and the materials on record, I find force in the argument advanced on behalf of the appellants that in absence of proof of postmortem examination report, when the nature of ante-mortem injury has not been proved, it is difficult to ascertain the intention or knowledge of the assailant to cause death.”

'Life-Saving Medical Device': Jharkhand HC Emphasizes Quality Over Price In Tender For Defibrillators, Says Pricing Can't Be Sole Criterion For Successful Bid

Case Title: Hosco Pvt. Ltd. vs Jharkhand Medical & Health Infrastructure Development & Procurement Corporation Ltd and Ors

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 41

In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed a writ petition filed by Hosco Pvt. Ltd. while firmly emphasizing that price alone cannot be the determining factor in awarding a contract. Furthermore, it was ruled that a tenderer lacking technical qualifications does not have standing to challenge the tender process.

The Court also held that judgments made by expert committees must not be subject to scrutiny by courts and in cases involving tenders, the focus should solely be on the decision-making process rather than the perceived validity of the decision itself.

Question Of Liquidated Damages Would Arise Only When The Contract Is Terminated On Account Of Breach Of The Terms And Conditions Of The Contract: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s Aditya and Rashmi Construction Pvt. Ltd. vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 42

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that the matter of liquidated damages comes into play specifically when a contract is terminated due to a breach of its terms and conditions, and moreover, if the termination of the contract itself is deemed unlawful, various consequences may ensue, such as the potential imposition of liquidated damages or the initiation of a certificate proceeding to recover the relevant amount.

Unregistered Instrument Of Settlement And Evidence Of Possession Can Be Considered As Sufficient Proof Of Settlement In The Matters Of The Agricultural Lease: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Sahodar Mahto Vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 43

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that settlements, akin to leases, must adhere to the registration requirements outlined in Section 17 of the Registration Act. Nevertheless, in cases concerning agricultural lease or settlement, an unregistered settlement document, coupled with evidence of possession, has been deemed adequate to establish the existence of a settlement agreement.

According to the petitioners' case, the land in question was initially recorded in the R.S. Record of Rights as Gair Mazarua Khas belonging to the former landlord. Subsequently, 1.60 acres of this land were settled in favor of the petitioner's father.

Fair Trial Can Be Ensured By Allowing Additional Documentary Evidence Even After Conclusion Of Evidence U/S 311 R/W S.91 CrPC: Jharkhand HC

Case Title: Binod Kumar Mishra vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 44

In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court while granting permission for the submission of additional documentary evidence in a case pertaining to the dishonour of a cheque ruled that while Section 311 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Cr.P.C.) does not explicitly address the addition of documentary evidence when read in conjunction with Section 91, additional documentary evidence can be submitted to ensure a fair trial and reach a just decision even after the conclusion of evidence.

Section 376 IPC | Minor's Consent Not Ground To Absolve Accused: Jharkhand High Court Reiterates

Case Title: Sachindra Singh @ Sacha @ Sachchi Singh Versus The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 45

The Jharkhand High Court while affirming a judgment of conviction passed by the trial Court and sentence under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, has observed that despite the victim being a consenting party and engaging in a sexual relationship leading to her pregnancy over several months, the accused cannot be absolved of guilt solely based on her consent as she was a minor.

[S.82 CrPC] Before Issuing Proclamation, Court Must Record Satisfaction That Accused Is Absconding To Evade Arrest: Jharkhand High Court Reiterates

Case Title: Julekha Khatoon v. The State Of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 46

The Jharkhand High Court has emphasized that when issuing a proclamation under Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), the court must record its satisfaction regarding whether the accused is absconding or concealing themselves to evade arrest.

The Jharkhand High Court ruled that the orders issued by the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM), which included a non-bailable warrant, a proclamation under Section 82 of Cr.P.C., and an attachment order of the petitioner's property under Section 83 of Cr.P.C., were legally unsustainable.

Conditions Imposed While Granting Bail Must Not Be 'Onerous, Unreasonable Or Excessive': Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Sudhir Narayan vs. the State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 47

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the conditions to be imposed while granting bail must not be onerous or unreasonable or excessive. The Court stressed that conditions should aim to ensure the accused's appearance before authorities, unhindered trial proceedings, and community safety.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi observed, “The conditions to be imposed must not be onerous or unreasonable or excessive. In the context of grant of bail, all such conditions that would facilitate the appearance of the accused before the investigating officer/ Court, unhindered completion of investigation/trial and safety of the community assume relevance. However, inclusion of a condition for payment of money for bail tends to create an impression that bail could be secured by depositing money alleged to have been cheated. That is really not the purpose and intent of the provisions for grant of bail.”

Gravity Of Offence No Ground To Deny Bail To Juvenile Unless Exceptional Circumstances U/S12 JJ Act Established: Jharkhand High Court Reiterates

Case Title: Md. Ramjani Vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 48

In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court emphasized that gravity of offence cannot be the ground to deny the bail application of a juvenile, unless there are exceptional circumstances as provided in the proviso to Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Section 12 prescribes that a child alleged to be in conflict with law shall be released on bail with or without surety or placed under the supervision of a probation officer/ any fit person. The proviso states that the juvenile shall not be so released if there appears reasonable grounds for believing that the release is likely to bring him into association with any known criminal or expose the said person to moral, physical or psychological danger or the person's release would defeat the ends of justice. The JJ Board is further mandated to record the reasons and circumstances for denying bail.

[Dowry Death] Court Shall Presume Accused's Guilt If Prosecution Able To Prove Essential Elements Of S.304B IPC: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: Suresh Prasad Vs The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 49

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that when the prosecution establishes the fundamental elements of Section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code, the court can assume the guilt of the accused, and consequently, under the provision of Section 106 of the Indian Evidence Act, the burden shifts to the accused to challenge this presumption of guilt and demonstrate their innocence.

Justices Ratnaker Bhengra and Ambuj Nath observed, “The provision of Section 113-B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 manifests the intention of legislature making mandatory application on the part of the Court to presume that death has been committed by a person who had subjected her to cruelty and harassment in connection with demand of dowry. Once the basic ingredient of Section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code is proved by the prosecution then the Court will presume the guilt of the accused. At this stage, the burden shift upon the accused as per the provision of Section 106 of the Indian Evidence Act to rebut this presumption of guilt and to prove his innocence.”

21 Yrs Later, Jharkhand HC Stays Further Effect Of 2003 Resolution On SC/ST Reservations In Service Promotions Citing Variance With SC Order

Case Title: Raghubansh Prasad Singh and Ors vs. The State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 50

After a lengthy legal battle spanning 21 years, the Jharkhand High Court has stayed further effect of a 2003 Resolution passed by the State government for providing reservations to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in service promotions.

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar allowed 12 writ petitions on finding the Resolution to be in non-compliance with Supreme Court guidelines.

Jharkhand High Court Stays Arrest Warrant Against Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Over Remark On Amit Shah

Case Title: Rahul Gandhi vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 51

In relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Jharkhand High Court has stayed the non-bailable warrant issued against him by Chaibasa civil court on February 27 this year in a 2018 defamation case concerning his remarks on Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Justice Rajesh Kumar presiding over the case, postponed the warrant for one month with a condition, directing Gandhi to take necessary legal measures before the trial.

Jharkhand High Court Directs State To Release 19 Yrs Of Pending Salary To Employee Who Was Reinstated After Illegal Termination

Case Title: Bhavesh Kant Jha vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 52

The Jharkhand High Court has directed the State government to release 19 years of pending salary to an illegally terminated employee of its Department of Industries (Handloom, Resham and Sericulture).

The court reiterated that in cases where an employee is found to be entirely blameless, yet subjected to illegal termination motivated by malice, it would be unjust to deny them the benefits of employment they rightfully deserve.

Examination Of Investigating Officer Crucial In Circumstantial Evidence Cases: Jharkhand High Court Sets Aside Murder Conviction

Case Title: Jumed Khan vs The State of Jharkhand and Anr

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 53

In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court has underscored the pivotal role of Investigating Officer in cases reliant on circumstantial evidence. The Court highlighted that failure to establish the evidence collected by the former Investigating Officer by the second Investigating Officer could prove fatal to the prosecution's case.

Justice Subhash Chand observed, “In this case, the first Investigating Officer, who investigated the whole of the case, has not been examined only the second Investigating Officer has been examined as P.W.-6, Kiren Surin, who filed the charge-sheet relying upon the evidence collected by the former Investigating Officer. In case of circumstantial evidence, the examination of the Investigating Officer becomes very important. More so, the evidence, which has been collected by the former Investigating Officer has not been proved by the 2nd Investigating Officer, as such, the same becomes fatal to the prosecution case.”

Public Representative Entitled To Raise Legitimate Public Issue: Jharkhand HC Discharges BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Booked For 2009 Demonstrations

Case Title: Nishikant Dubey (Member of Parliament) vs State of Jharkhand

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Jha) 54

While observing that a public representative is entitled to raise a legitimate public issue in peaceful demonstrations, the Jharkhand High Court on February 9, discharged the Member of Parliament (MP) Nishikant Dubey from a criminal case associated with a 2009 protest.

Dubey, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), represents the Godda constituency in Jharkhand.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, "The public representative is entitled to raise a legitimate public issue and for that, a peaceful demonstration is going on everywhere. The petitioner is not indulged in any act of violence."