Fractured Ribs Or Treated Hip Dislocation Alone Cannot Establish Permanent Disability Without Medical Proof: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court held that a fracture of ribs or a treated hip dislocation cannot, by itself, justify a finding of permanent disability in the absence of supporting medical evidence. It noted that the claimant failed to establish the consequences of the vertebral injury, and even the witness testimony was unreliable.Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai remarked that : “the fracture of ribs...

Sikkim High Court To Organise National Conclave On Technology And Judicial Education At Gangtok

The High Court of Sikkim is organising a two-day “National Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education” at Gangtok on May 1 and 2, 2026. The conclave will include the following conferences:National Technology Conference for Transformation of the Indian Judiciary; andConference of Commonwealth Judicial Educators in the Digital Age, organised by the Sikkim Judicial Academy under the aegis...

Sikkim High Court Directs State To Consider Sub-Classification Within 'Blindness & Low-Vision Disability' Quota In Public Employment

The Sikkim High Court has directed the State Government to consider providing sub-classification within the "Blindness and Low-Vision" category in public employment, observing that treating unequals as equals undermines substantive equality. Applying the principle of reasonable accommodation, the bench of Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque in his order observed:"The inherent differences in...

Fair Reporting Of FIR Not 'Media Trial'; Press Acts As Watchdog Of Democracy: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court has held that fair and accurate reporting of the registration of an FIR, without sensationalism or prejudgment, cannot be termed as a “media trial.” It remarked that reporting on criminal proceedings is the role of the press as the fourth pillar of democracy and is a part of the media's duty as a public watchdog. The Court further clarified that such...

Sikkim High Court Sets Aside Interim Compensation For Alleged Railway Work Damage; Notes No Such Relief Was Sought

The Sikkim High Court has set aside an interim relief providing compensation to a landholder whose house was allegedly damaged due to the railway works, observing that the compensation can be granted by way of interim relief in exceptional cases where there is an immediate threat to the life of a citizen and no other means are available to safeguard their life and liberty. The division bench...

Non-Disclosure Of Minor Criminal Cases Leading To Acquittal Should Not Automatically Lead To Termination: Sikkim High Court

The High Court of Sikkim has set aside the termination of a constable employed in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), holding that suppression of minor criminal cases which ultimately resulted in acquittal should not automatically lead to termination from service. The Court emphasized that authorities must evaluate the nature of the offence, the nature of the post, and the socio-economic background...

“Professional Misunderstandings Should Be Resolved Through Dialogue, Not Courts”: Sikkim HC Declines Interference In Transfer Dispute

The Sikkim High Court held that workplace disputes involving personal grievances and communication gaps should be addressed through introspection and mutual understanding, rather than blame or litigation. The Court noted that strained professional relationships often arise from misunderstandings rather than legal violations and the employees must focus on their responsibilities and engage...

Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sworn In As Chief Justice Of Sikkim High Court

Justice A Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court on Sunday (January 4). Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur administered the oath of office to Justice A Muhamed Mustaque. Justice Mustaque is a native of Thana in Kannur District. He has obtained Law Degree from V.B College of Law, Udupi and later completed his LL.M from MG University in Labour Law. After enrolling...

'Pride Comes Before Fall': Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder Retires From Sikkim High Court After Four-Year Tenure

Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder retired as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court on 14 December 2025.Justice Somadder was elevated as a Judge of the Calcutta High Court in 2006. In his extempore farewell address, Justice Somadder reflected on his judicial journey with warmth and humour. Recalling his transfers across High Courts, he remarked that he had always viewed them...

Income Tax Act | Sikkim High Court Allows S.80P(2)(d) Deduction On Interest Earned From Co-operative Banks By Non-Bank Co-operative Society

The Sikkim High Court has held that a non-bank co-operative society is entitled to claim deduction under Section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on interest income earned from investments made with co-operative banks, and that Section 80P(4) does not bar such deduction. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder and Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai allowed the tax appeal...

Delay Attributable To State: Sikkim High Court Affirms Arbitral Award Of ₹5.88 Crore; Rejects State's Challenge

The High Court of Sikkim dismissed an appeal under section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) filed by the State of Sikkim and its Power Department challenging an arbitral award that granted escalation and interest to contractor for work executed on a 66/11KV sub-station project at Mangan. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder...

Income Tax Act | Alternative Remedy No Bar When Reassessment Notice Lacks Jurisdiction U/S 148/149: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court stated that when the reassessment notice itself is illegal, issued without jurisdiction, or beyond the time limit prescribed under the Income Tax Act, the Court can directly examine the validity of the notice under Article 226, even though an appeal under the Act is otherwise available.A Single Bench of the Sikkim High Court, comprising Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai,...