Monday, June 23, 2025

Criminal Petition No. 101514 of 2025 (Ashok vs. Fayaz Aahmad) decided by the Karnataka High Court

 

Criminal Petition No. 101514 of 2025 (Ashok vs. Fayaz Aahmad) decided by the Karnataka High Court:


⚖️ Case Summary

  • Petitioner: Ashok, challenging the Magistrate’s cognizance in a cheque-bounce (Section 138 NI Act) complaint filed by Fayaz Aahmad.

  • Respondent: Fayaz Aahmad (complainant under NI Act).

  • Court: Karnataka High Court – Hon’ble Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar.

  • Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 172 casemine.com+3livelaw.in+3livelaw.in+3.


๐Ÿ“Œ Legal Issue

Whether a Magistrate must afford the accused an opportunity to be heard under Section 223 of the BNSS Act before taking cognizance of a complaint filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.


๐Ÿ” Court Findings

  • The court clarified that for complaints under Section 138 NI Act, the special procedural mechanism overrides general BNSS provisions.

  • As a result, Magistrates are not required to give the accused prior hearing under Section 223 BNSS before taking cognizance in such cases livelaw.in+1livelaw.in+1.


✒️ Final Outcome

  • The petition by Ashok was dismissed.

  • The Magistrate’s order taking cognizance without issuing notice to Ashok was upheld as legally valid.


๐Ÿ“Œ Practical Implication

This ruling reaffirms that in cheque-bounce cases (Sec. 138 NI Act), the summary procedure is strictly followed, and accused persons do not receive a prior hearing before the Magistrate takes cognizance, even though Section 223 of the BNSS Act suggests it in more general offences.

Under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, when a Hindu female dies intestate (without a will), her property devolves as per Section 15 and Section 16 of the Act

 Under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, when a Hindu female dies intestate (without a will), her property devolves as per Section 15 and Section 16 of the Act.


๐Ÿ” Relevant Legal Provisions:

Section 15(1) of the Hindu Succession Act governs the succession of a female Hindu’s property, and Section 16 lays down the rules of succession.

Section 15(1): Order of heirs

The property of a female Hindu dying intestate shall devolve:

(a) first, upon the sons and daughters (including children of any pre-deceased son or daughter) and the husband;

(b) second, upon the heirs of the husband;

(c) third, upon the mother and father;

(d) fourth, upon the heirs of the father;

(e) lastly, upon the heirs of the mother.


๐Ÿงพ Given Scenario Breakdown:

  • Deceased: Hindu mother, died intestate.

  • Predeceased: Her husband (died earlier).

  • Surviving heirs:

    • One living daughter (sister).

    • One predeceased daughter (died earlier), who left behind:

      • A son (grandson of deceased mother).

      • A husband.


✅ Legal Succession Based on Section 15(1)(a):

At the time of the mother’s death, the legal heirs in Clause (a) are:

  • Daughter (alive) → direct Class I heir.

  • Son of predeceased daughtergrandchild through daughter, and as per Section 15(1)(a), child of a predeceased daughter is included.

  • Husband of predeceased daughternot included in clause (a). He is not a legal heir to his mother-in-law under the Hindu Succession Act.


๐Ÿ“˜ Property Distribution:

So the property of the deceased mother will devolve equally between:

  1. Her living daughter, and

  2. Her grandson (i.e., the son of the predeceased daughter).

Thus, each will get 50% share in the mother’s estate.


❌ Excluded:

  • The husband of the predeceased daughter does not inherit anything from the mother-in-law under the Hindu Succession Act.


๐Ÿ“Œ Final Answer:

Under Section 15(1)(a) read with Section 16 of the Hindu Succession Act:

  • Living daughter → ½ share

  • Grandson (son of predeceased daughter) → ½ share

  • Husband of predeceased daughterNo share

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

 "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

๐Ÿ“– Context:

This powerful line comes from Dr. King's “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (1963), written during the American civil rights movement. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of human rights—that allowing injustice in one place ultimately undermines justice everywhere, no matter how distant.


๐Ÿง  Meaning:

  • Injustice is not isolated: If we ignore or tolerate injustice in one part of society, it weakens the moral and legal structure everywhere.

  • Solidarity matters: Everyone must stand against injustice, even if it doesn't affect them directly.

  • Justice is universal: You cannot safeguard your own rights while turning a blind eye to the rights of others.


๐Ÿ› Relevance in Law and Society:

  • Used in court judgments, legal education, and activism worldwide.

  • Inspires human rights advocacy, constitutional law interpretation, and public interest litigation.

  • Quoted frequently in Indian courtrooms and judgments to highlight the importance of upholding equality, liberty, and justice for all.

On the Constitution & Rights

 

๐Ÿ“œ On the Constitution & Rights

๐ŸŸฉ "Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it."
— Judge Learned Hand

๐ŸŸฉ "Equality before law is not enough; we must ensure equality in the eyes of the law."
— Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah

๐ŸŸฉ "Justice delayed is justice denied."
— Legal Principle (Popular in Indian Judiciary)

Indian Legal Thinkers

 

Indian Legal Thinkers

๐ŸŸซ Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
"Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age."

๐ŸŸซ Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
"Procedure is the handmaid, not the mistress, of justice."

๐ŸŸซ Justice H.R. Khanna
"The Constitution is not a parchment of paper; it is a way of life."

๐ŸŸซ Justice P.N. Bhagwati
"Law must not sit limply, while those who defy it go free and those who seek its protection lose hope."

Quotes on Constitutional Law and Justice

 

๐Ÿ“œ Quotes on Constitutional Law and Justice:

  1. "The Constitution is the supreme law of the land."
    Article 141, interpreted by the Supreme Court

  2. "Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it."
    Learned Hand (quoted often in Indian judgments)

  3. "Equality before law is not enough; we must ensure equality in the eyes of the law."
    Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah

Quotes on Lawyers and Advocacy

 

⚖️ Quotes on Lawyers and Advocacy:

  1. "A lawyer without books would be like a workman without tools."
    Thomas Jefferson

  2. "A lawyer’s duty is not to speak for victory, but for justice."
    Modern legal maxim

  3. "The first duty of society is justice."
    Alexander Hamilton

  4. "It is the lawyers who run the civilization. Judges are the passive part."
    Justice Krishna Iyer

Quotes by Indian Legal Thinkers

 

Quotes by Indian Legal Thinkers:

  1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Father of the Indian Constitution)

    "Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age."

  2. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer (Renowned Supreme Court Judge)

    "Procedure is the handmaid, not the mistress, of justice."

  3. Justice P.N. Bhagwati (Pioneer of PIL in India)

    "Law must not sit limply, while those who defy it go free and those who seek its protection lose hope."

  4. Justice H.R. Khanna (Famous for dissent in ADM Jabalpur case)

    "The Constitution is not a parchment of paper; it is a way of life."

Inspirational Law Quotes

 

⚖️ Inspirational Law Quotes:

  1. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
    Martin Luther King Jr.

  2. "The safety of the people shall be the highest law."
    Marcus Tullius Cicero

  3. "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."
    Legal Maxim (Latin: Ignorantia juris non excusat)

  4. "Law is not law, if it violates the principles of eternal justice."
    Lydia Maria Child

  5. "A good lawyer knows the law; a great lawyer knows the judge."
    Legal Humour

  6. "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws."
    Tacitus

  7. "It is the spirit and not the letter of the law that keeps justice alive."
    Earl Warren

  8. "No man is above the law and no man is below it."
    Theodore Roosevelt

  9. "The law is reason, free from passion."
    Aristotle

  10. "Justice delayed is justice denied."
    William E. Gladstone (Popularised in Indian context by the judiciary)

What is Law ?

 Law is a system of rules created and enforced by a governing authority to regulate behavior, maintain order, resolve disputes, and ensure justice within a society.


๐Ÿ” Definition:

Law is a set of rules recognized by a country or community as regulating the actions of its members, and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties.


⚖️ Key Purposes of Law:

  1. Maintain order and peace in society.

  2. Protect rights and liberties of individuals.

  3. Provide mechanisms for resolving disputes.

  4. Promote justice, fairness, and equality.

  5. Regulate conduct in personal, public, and commercial life.


๐Ÿ“š Types of Law:

TypeDescription
Constitutional LawDeals with the framework of the state and rights of individuals.
Criminal LawDeals with crimes and punishments (e.g., theft, murder).
Civil LawCovers disputes between individuals (e.g., contracts, property).
Administrative LawGoverns actions of government agencies.
Family LawCovers marriage, divorce, adoption, etc.
Corporate/Commercial LawRegulates business activities.
International LawRules between countries.

๐Ÿ›️ Sources of Law:

  1. Constitution

  2. Legislation (Statutes/Acts)

  3. Judicial Precedents (Case Law)

  4. Customs and Traditions

  5. International Treaties


๐Ÿ’ฌ Famous Quote:

"Where there is no law, there is no freedom."
John Locke

LL.M. stands for Legum Magister in Latin, which means Master of Laws in English

 LL.M. stands for Legum Magister in Latin, which means Master of Laws in English.


๐Ÿ” Full Form:

LL.M. = Master of Legislative Law

Just like LL.B., the double "L" in LL.M. represents the plural form of "Lex" (law), so Legum Magister translates to Master of Laws.


๐ŸŽ“ What is an LL.M.?

LL.M. is a postgraduate degree in law, pursued after completing LL.B.


๐Ÿ“š Key Details:

  • Duration: Usually 1 year in India (as per UGC norms), but can be 2 years in some other countries.

  • Eligibility: Must have completed LL.B. (either 3-year or 5-year course).

  • Specializations may include:

    • Constitutional Law

    • Criminal Law

    • Corporate/Business Law

    • Human Rights

    • International Law

    • Intellectual Property Law

    • Environmental Law

    • Taxation Law


๐ŸŽฏ Purpose of LL.M.:

  • Deepen your legal expertise in a specific area.

  • Become eligible for academic, research, or judicial service roles.

  • Strengthen your profile for Ph.D. in Law or international legal careers.

LL.B. = Bachelor of Legislative Law

 LL.B. = Bachelor of Legislative Law

The double "L" in LL.B. stands for the Latin word "Legum", which is the plural of "Lex" (meaning law). The abbreviation uses the doubled "L" to denote plurality.


๐Ÿ“š What is LL.B.?

LL.B. is an undergraduate law degree that qualifies a person to practice law (after also completing the Bar Council of India requirements).


๐Ÿง‘‍๐ŸŽ“ Types of LL.B. Programs in India:

  1. 3-Year LL.B.

    • For students who have already completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline.

    • Offered by traditional universities like University of Calcutta, Delhi University, Mumbai University, etc.

  2. 5-Year Integrated LL.B.

    • For students after 10+2 (Class 12).

    • Combines a law degree with another undergraduate degree (e.g., B.A. LL.B., B.Com. LL.B., BBA LL.B.).

    • Offered by institutions like NLUs (National Law Universities), private universities, and law colleges.


⚖️ After LL.B., you can:

  • Enroll with the Bar Council of India to become an advocate.

  • Appear for judicial services exams.

  • Pursue LL.M. (Master of Laws).

  • Join corporate legal departments, NGOs, academia, etc.

Mutual Divorce Application

 

District: South 24 Parganas

In the Court of Learned District Judge at Alipore, South 24 Parganas

 

Matrimonial Suit No _______ of 2025.

 

In the Matter of: 

Sri. Sayan Mukherjee, Son of: Santanu Mukherjee, Aged about: 27 Years, Residing at: Premises no. 1/4, Rajendraprasad Colony, Post Office: Tollygunge, Police Station: Jadavpur, Kolkata - 700033. District: South 24 Parganas. Mobile No. 8017978518.

..... Petitioner No: 1/Husband

 

And 

 

Smt. Nistha Bakshi, Wife of: Sayan Mukherjee, Daughter of: Tilak Bakshi, Aged about: 26 Yrs Residing at: 60, Bikramgarh, 3rd Floor, Near Hari Sava Math, Jadavpur University, Kolkata: 700032. Mobile No. 9123336713.

.........Petitioner No: 2/Wife

 

An Application for a Decree of Mutual Divorce under Section 13B of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

 

 

 

The humble joint petition of both the petitioners named above, most respectfully;

Sheweth as under :

 

1.   That the Petitioner No.1 and the Petitioner No. 2 were adult at the time of their marriage. The marriage between them was solemnized by the consent of both the petitioners and their family members, and they are permanently residing at their respective address which is mentioned in the cause title of this application.

 

2.   That the Petitioner no. 1 and the Petitioner no. 2 got married with each other according to the Hindu rights and ceremony on 25th Day of March 2016 by performing Hindu Rituals. Followed by the Social Marriage between them on 25th Day of March’ 2016, and  from the very next day of their marriage, they started to live as husband and wife Under one roof at the residence of the Petitioner no.1 /husband being Premises no. 1/4, Rajendraprasad Colony, Post Office: Tollygunge, Police Station: Jadavpur, Kolkata - 700033. District: South 24 Parganas. 

 

3.   That before marriage the Petitioner no.1 /Husband was engaged in the service and was residing at the Premises no. 1/4, Rajendra prasad Colony, Post Office: Tollygunge, Police Station: Jadavpur, Kolkata - 700033. District: South 24 Parganas. The Petitioner No: 2 Smt. Nistha Bakshi, before the marriage engaged in house hold work and were residing at her parental home at Premises No. 60, Bikramgarh, 3rd Floor, Near Hari Sava Math, Jadavpur University, Kolkata: 700032

 

4.   That the marriage between the Petitioner no.1 /Husband and the Petitioner no.2 /Wife, was duly consummated between them.

 

5.   That out of the said wedlock one female Child was born who recognized as Sanvika Mukherjee on 6th day of April 2017

 

6.   That after birth of the said female child there was frequent cruel relinquished between the petitioners in relating to very petty domestic issues

 

7.   That thereafter both the petitioners realized that there is differences of opinion, habit, decision making, like, dislike etc., for which the petitioners are not able to continue with their matrimonial tie. 

 

8.   That several attempts were made on behalf of the near relatives, well wishers and common friends for their re-union or reconciliation but all are in vain due to difference of opinion between the parties to the suit and as such they have decided to dissolve their marriage on mutual consent.

 

9.   That the Petitioner no.1, has returned all the “Stridhan” articles and other belongings to the Petitioner no.2 / wife, and she received the same and she shall never claim for the same at present or in future.

 

10.                That both the parties shall never raise any demand or claim to each other in future and the petitioner no.2 surrendered her right in favour of the petitioner no.1, and the petitioner no.1, also surrendered his right in favour of the petitioner no.2.

 

11.                That there is or shall not have any claim or demand from each other at present or in future.

 

12.                That the Petitioner No: 2, Smt. Nistha Bakshi, left her matrimonial home on 20th day of August’ 2022 and went to her parental house and since then she is residing at her parental home, at Premises No. 60, Bikramgarh, 3rd Floor, Near Hari Sava Math, Jadavpur University, Kolkata: 700032, District South 24 Parganas. 

 

13.                That the minor female child Sanvika Mukherjee stayed in the custody, care and protection of the Petitioner no. 1 /Husband and the Petitioner no. 2, Smt. Nistha Bakshi may visit her child and take care with her love and affection.

 

14.                That both of your petitioners during the period felt and realized that it would not be possible for each of them any further to live together and maintain their matrimonial relationship as lawful Husband and Wife, despite best efforts of both the petitioners and their relations to adjust with each other.

 

15.                That under the aforesaid facts, and circumstances, both of your petitioners have mutually agreed and decided that for the joint interest of the petitioners hereto would be better for each of them to dissolve the marriage held between them and solemnized on 25th March’ 2016, under the Hindu rites and customs, by a Decree of Divorce on mutual consent and accordingly your petitioners without being influenced by any fraud, coercion, and or under undue influence have mutually consented to file the present joint petition for Decree of Divorce on mutual consent before the Learned Court.

 

16.                That there has not been any unnecessary or improper delay in filing the present joint petition for Divorce and there is no other legal impediment and or ground to grant of the relief as prayed for by the petitioners.

 

17.                That the Petitioners further submit that there was a total breach of relationship between the parties in a suit and in every aspect both the petitioners are disagreed to continue their marital life and at the same time there is no possibility of revival of the matrimonial relationship between the parties to the suit as Husband and Wife. The Several attempts of reconciliation by the family and friends of the both the petitioners but as such no result has come out and after your Petitioners have also realized that there is no chance of reconciliation between themselves and the marriage solemnized between both the Petitioners on 25th March’ 2016, is required to be dissolved by a Decree of Divorce on mutual consent and accordingly your petitioners without being influenced by any fraud, coercion, and or under undue influence have mutually consented to file the present joint petition for Decree of Divorce on mutual consent before the Learned Court, as their relation has turned into a fruitless affairs.

 

18.                That one Matrimonial Suit being no. 2052 of 2024, has been instituted by the Petitioner no. 1, Husband and the Petitioner no. 2, wife, before the Learned District Judge, at Alipore, South 24 Parganas, which has been withdrawn by the Petitioners since the said application was suffered with inherent defect in presentation before the Learned Court, and as the Petitioner amicably reached at their resolution for mutual Divorce, by way of presenting this application, before the Learned Court.

 

19.                That the present joint petition for divorce is made bonafide and for the interest of justice to save two life from total ruination and the present joint petition is being filed not in collusion with each other.

 

20.                That both the Petitioners to the Suit state that there is no litigation is pending in between them, before any Court of Law, as on the even day on presenting this application before the Learned Court.

 

21.                That the petitioners are filing the present application of their own free will and volition and are well aware of the implication of the present application in terms of the provision of Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act’ 1955.

 

22.                That there is no collusion or connivance by and between the parties of this present application, before the Learned Court.

 

23.                That there is no unnecessary delay in filling the present application before the Learned Court.

 

24.                That there is no legal impediment in granting the Decree of Divorce by mutual consent to the parties of this present application.

 

25.                That for the end of justice the Learned Court will be pleased to dissolve the marriage between the petitioners by a Decree of Divorce as contemplated under the provision of Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act’ 1955.

 

26.                That the cause of action or the instant suit arose on and from 25th March’ 2016, i.e. from the date of marriage and finally on and from 20-08-2022, when the petitioner no. 2 / wife left the matrimonial house and started living at her parental house at Premises being no. 60, Bikramgarh, 3rd Floor, Near Hari Sava Math, Jadavpur University, Kolkata: 700032.

 

27.                That the Court fees of Rs. 100/- affixed on this application as of Ad-voleram Court fees for the present matrimonial application under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act’ 1955.

 

28.                That the Petitioners enclose herewith the Social marriage invitation Card, marriage pictures, Birth Certificate of the female child, etc. and other necessary documents.

 

29.                That the Petitioners crave leave of the Learned Court to produce the relevant and on necessary documents and or papers, at the time of hearing of this application, before the Learned Court.

 

30.                That this application is made bona fide in the interest of administration of justice.

 

 

In view of the facts and circumstances stated above your petitioners most humbly prayed that your Honour may graciously be pleased to admit this application / petition and pass necessary order for the dissolution of marriage between the petitioners, solemnized on 25th day of March’ 2017, and issue decree of divorce on mutual consent as provided under section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act’ 1955, and / or pass such other necessary order or orders as your Honour may deed fit and proper for the end of justice.

 

And for this act of kindness, the petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.

VERIFICATION

I, Sri Sayan Mukherjee, the petitioner no.1, of the instant application made under section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act’ 1955, for the Mutual Divorce, and I am well conversant with all the material facts and circumstances, as mentioned in the forgoing paragraphs of the instant application, and whereas I, verify this application as on this…………..day of ……………………2025, at Alipore Judges’ Court.

 

 

                                                          Sri Sayan Mukherjee

                                                Petitioner no.1, of the application.

 

 

VERIFICATION

I, Smt. Nistha Bakshi, the petitioner no.2, of the instant application made under section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act’ 1955, for the Mutual Divorce, and I am well conversant with all the material facts and circumstances, as mentioned in the forgoing paragraphs of the instant application, and whereas I, verify this application as on this…………..day of ……………………2025, at the Alipore Judges’ Court.

 

 

                                                          Smt. Nistha Bakshi.

                                                Petitioner no.2, of the application.

                                                         

 

AFFIDAVIT

 

I, Sri. Sayan Mukherjee, Son of Santanu Mukherjee, Aged about: 27 Years, by faith Hindu, by Occupation Service, Residing at: Premises no. 1/4, Rajendraprasad Colony, Post Office: Tollygunge, Police Station: Jadavpur, Kolkata - 700033. District: South 24 Parganas, do hereby solemnly affirm and say as follows :-

 

1 : That I am the petitioner no.1, of this suit and as such I am well conversant with the material facts and circumstances of this Suit.

2 : That the statements made in the paragraph no. 1 to 18 are all true to my knowledge and belief and the rest are my humble submission before this Ld. Court.

The above statements are true to the best of my knowledge or information best known to me, and I verified this affidavit as on ……………….day of………………………2025, at the Alipore Judges’ Court.

 

                                                                             DEPONENT

                                                                   Identified by me,

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                   Advocate for the Petitioner no.1.

 

Prepared in my office,

 

 

 

 

Advocate for the Petitioner no.1.

Dated :……………………2025.

Place : Alipore Judges’ Court.                                                  NOTARY

 

 

AFFIDAVIT

 

I, Smt. Nistha Bakshi, Wife of: Sayan Mukherjee, Daughter of: Tilak Bakshi, Aged about: 26 Yrs by faith Hindu, by Occupation House Wife, Residing at: Premises being no. 60, Bikramgarh, 3rd Floor, Near Hari Sava Math, Jadavpur University, Kolkata: 700032, do hereby solemnly affirm and say as follows :-

1 : That I am the petitioner no. 2, of this suit and as such I am well conversant with the material facts and circumstances of this Suit.

2 : That the statements made in the paragraph no. 1 to 18 are all true to my knowledge and belief and the rest are my humble submission before this Ld. Court.

The above statements are true to the best of my knowledge or information best known to me, and I verified this affidavit as on ……………….day of………………………2025, at the Alipore Judges’ Court premises.

 

 

                                                                             DEPONENT

                                                                   Identified by me,

                            

 

                                                          Advocate for the Petitioner no.2.

 

Prepared in my office,

 

 

 

Advocate for the Petitioner no.2.

 

Dated :……………………2025.

Place : Alipore Judges’ Court.                                                  NOTARY