Legal news archive | November 2017
This archive brings together reports published in November 2017 about decisions and proceedings before the Supreme Court of India and High Courts, including criminal justice, road safety, public appointments and civil liberties.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court considered sentencing in a case involving the rape and murder of a minor. The linked report discusses commutation of the death sentence; it should not be treated as a statement of current sentencing law.
Archived report: November 2017. Read the linked original for the full case details and procedural status as reported at that time.
A report concerning proceedings in the Assam Public Service Commission recruitment controversy involving Rakesh Kumar Paul and Akhil Gogoi. The procedural dates in the original report are historical, not upcoming hearings.
Archived report: November 2017. Read the linked original for the full case details and procedural status as reported at that time.
The Supreme Court addressed implementation of road-safety recommendations in S. Rajaseekaran v. Union of India. The case concerns institutional compliance and road safety measures.
Archived report: November 2017. Read the linked original for the full case details and procedural status as reported at that time.
The Court considered the legal response to violence and unlawful acts associated with strikes, bandhs and agitations in Koshy Jacob v. Union of India. The original report describes a proposal, not proof that a particular law was subsequently enacted.
Archived report: November 2017. Read the linked original for the full case details and procedural status as reported at that time.
The Supreme Court acquitted a person after a prolonged period of incarceration in a murder case, highlighting the importance of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Archived report: November 2017. Read the linked original for the full case details and procedural status as reported at that time.
The Constitution Bench decision in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India, delivered on 24 August 2017, recognised privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution. This August judgment is retained as a related item originally linked from the November archive.
Archived report: November 2017. Read the linked original for the full case details and procedural status as reported at that time.
Criminal law: For offences committed before 1 July 2024, the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the applicable transitional and savings provisions may remain relevant. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 generally governs offences under the new framework from 1 July 2024. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 subject to applicable savings and transition rules. Always check the date of the alleged offence and the procedural stage before applying a provision.
Constitutional rights: Article 21 protects life and personal liberty; in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court held that privacy is constitutionally protected. Article 136 concerns the Supreme Court's discretionary special-leave jurisdiction, while Article 141 makes the law declared by the Supreme Court binding on courts within India.
Official sources for verification: Supreme Court of India, eCourts Judgments, India Code legislation database and e-Gazette of India. Check the actual judgment or order for the bench, date, operative directions and subsequent developments.