At the outset

The recent conflict between lawyers and police officers within the court premises of Kerala has sparked a crucial judicial discourse on preserving the dignity of legal institutions and the rights of individuals. What began as a violent altercation in the Alappuzha District Court complex has evolved into a significant legal matter, prompting Suo moto intervention by the Kerala High Court. As the judiciary seeks to establish protocols to prevent such incidents in the future, this case underscores the urgent need to safeguard constitutional rights and maintain harmony between two essential pillars of justice, the Bar and the Police.

Background

In an unprecedented turn of events over the period of months many things happened after conflict took place between the lawyers and the police which occurred inside the Alappuzha District Court complex where an Advocate, Gopakumar Pandavath, was reportedly attacked by police officers within the premises of the Ramankary Magistrate Court in Alappuzha on September 9, allegedly in retaliation to an altercation that began outside. The act of violence by the police authorities brought widespread condemnation from the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) demanding judicial intervention and asking strict actions against the police involved in
the act of violence.

After the incident the Kerala High Court took Suo moto cognizance of the matter, framing it not as a mere disciplinary concern but as a threat to the sanctity of legal institutions. “The courtroom must never be a battleground,” the Court noted in its preliminary remarks.

Committee for Reconciliation

Over the weeks of hearing, the matter again came to limelight on 9 June 2025 when the Kerala High Court constituted committee to suggest guidelines to improve the relationship between lawyer and police amid the ongoing tussle. The committee comprised of Kerala Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup, Director General of Prosecution TA Shaji, Senior Advocates Santhosh Mathew and S Sreekumar and KHCAA President Yeshwanth Shenoy.

Oral Remarks by the Division bench – caution against mechanical arrests Fast forward to 2 July, the Kerala High court while hearing the matter, Division Bench of Dr. Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice P. M. Manoj made oral remarks
to committee members urging the committee that there should be general guidelines regarding the protocols to be followed in the situations when the conflict, such as in this case where two police officer assaulted a lawyer, occurs inside the court premise.
The court also remarked that the sanctity of the court must be kept with the utmost dignity and respect. The court further stated that the guidelines should not only address situations where a lawyer is the accused, but it should also involve the situation when any accused
person engages in an altercation in the presence of a lawyer. In such cases, police should listen and consider to what the lawyer of the accused has to say for the incident. Emphasizing the importance of dignity in policing the court cautioned against mechanical arrests. The Court observed that neither law enforcement officers nor lawyers are above constitutional norms, and what is needed is not assertion of power but assertion of principles.

Conclusion
The oral remarks made by the Division bench of Kerala High court highlights the importance of Article 14, Article 20, Article 21, Article 22 and necessity to protect and respect the Right of Personal life and liberty of Every individual including the lawyers. Through its ongoing Suo motu proceedings, the Kerala High Court is doing far more than responding to a single episode of violence, it is reshaping the way institutions relate to each other within the justice system. This initiative reflects a proactive model of judicial leadership that moves beyond resolving disputes to nurture institutional harmony and respect for individual dignity. As the proceedings unfold, the Court’s July 2 observations offer a powerful reminder that the practice of law is not just about enforcing rules but it is about nurturing relationships. And the relationship between lawyers and police must be grounded in mutual respect, responsibility, and a common commitment to justice.

All rights reserved. 

Vaibhav Tomar (Adv)

Megha Verma (Adv)

Supreme Court has observed that the relief of specific performance of a contract cannot be granted in the absence of a clear title. The Court was considering an appeal filed by the Defendant in a suit for Specific Performance of a contract. The Trial Court had dismissed the suit. The first Appellate Court allowed the appeal of the plaintiff and decreed the suit. The High Court dismissed the second appeal filed by the appellant.

Registered But Not Owned? The Supreme Court Just Redefined Property Ownership in India

Introduction: The Illusion of Ownership

In India, owning property has always been seen as a symbol of security, success, and stability. Families invest their life savings, sign off on long and expensive sale agreements, and finally breathe a sigh of relief once their property is registered. That moment, when the registrar stamps the sale deed, feels like the finish line.

But what if I told you that having a registered deed does not actually make you the owner? Sounds shocking, right? Yet, that is exactly what the Supreme Court of India has clarified in a game-changing verdict in 2025 and as a practicing lawyer, I believe this may be one of the most important reminders in decades about the legal meaning of ownership.

The Case That Sparked It All

The matter before the court wasn’t new. A cooperative society had sold parcels of land to various individuals through registered sale deeds. The buyers, relying on those documents, believed they had legally become the owners. Their names were on papers, the registration was complete what could possibly go wrong?

Plenty, as it turned out.

The society that executed those transfers did not have a clean title to begin with. It never lawfully acquired the land, and there was no proper chain of title. The purchasers had the form the registration but not the substance: no valid origin of ownership, and no legitimate possession. The issue reached the doors of the apex court, and what followed was a ruling that turned conventional understanding on its head.

What the Supreme Court Held

In its verdict, the Supreme Court ruled in no uncertain terms that registration of a property document does not by itself confer ownership. The act of registering a sale deed or agreement is merely a procedural requirement under the Registration Act of 1908. It creates public notice and admissibility in evidence, but not title in itself.

Ownership, the Court emphasised, is a legal status that arises only when the transferor has a valid title to the property and has lawfully delivered possession to the transferee. Without this, a registered document becomes just a piece of paper legally ineffective and incapable of standing up in court.

This clarity is crucial. It distinguishes between registration as a legal formality and title as a substantive legal right. The Court further noted that even the most perfectly drafted and duly stamped deed cannot create rights if the person executing it had no rights to begin with.

Possession: The Silent Hero

Another vital aspect the Court emphasised was the role of possession in determining ownership. In Indian property law, possession isn’t just a physical fact it often carries presumptive legal weight. If a person has been in long, undisputed possession, especially with the knowledge of others, it can even help establish ownership over time (though that’s another discussion involving adverse possession).

But in this case, possession was never properly transferred. The so-called owners had documents, but not the land. And once again, the Court held firm: without lawful possession, ownership is incomplete even if the documents are registered.

Why This Judgment Is a Big Deal

This ruling has far-reaching consequences. For decades, Indian property transactions have operated on the assumption that once a property is registered in someone’s name, they become the owner. For many laypersons and even some practitioners “registry ho gaya” was the end of the story. But legally, this was never the whole truth.

Before this judgment, while courts did expect proof of title and possession, it was rare for ownership to be outright rejected just because the original seller didn’t have a perfect title, especially when registration had taken place. This verdict decisively changes that. It reasserts the need for a valid origin of title, a clear chain of transfer, and actual delivery of possession not just a rubber stamp from the registrar.

How the Law Stood Before — And What’s Changed

Historically, ownership in India was determined by a bundle of rights: title, possession, and the ability to transfer or alienate the property. Registration was always part of the legal process, but never a complete proof in itself. However, over time, due to the complexity of land records, delays in litigation, and lack of awareness, registration began to be treated as proof of ownership in practice, if not in law.

This judgment re-aligns that practice with legal reality. It reminds everyone from buyers to brokers to bankers that a registered document cannot transfer what never legally existed. The principle of nemo dat quod non habet (no one can transfer what they do not own) is alive and well in Indian jurisprudence.

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, this verdict should sound a warning bell. Before signing that sale deed or transferring funds, it is no longer enough to see a registered document or trust the word of the developer. Buyers must conduct thorough due diligence verify the root of title, examine past transactions, check mutation records, confirm physical possession, and obtain a non-encumbrance certificate. It’s no longer just good practice it’s essential.

For sellers, this judgment calls for honesty and caution. One cannot simply execute a sale deed and hope that registration will mask flaws in their title. If the ownership is unclear, disputed, or under litigation, those facts must be disclosed. Failing to do so could invalidate the entire transaction.

What Lawyers Need to Know

For us, as legal professionals, this judgment is a moment of both caution and opportunity. It raises the bar for legal scrutiny in property transactions. Drafting a good sale deed is no longer enough lawyers must now investigate title, examine possession, and advise clients on real risks.

At the same time, it offers us a chance to reinforce the value of the legal profession in real estate matters. In a field riddled with informal dealings and half-baked documentation, this verdict tells the world: law matters, and you better follow it properly.

Conclusion: More Than a Judgment — A Reset Button

This Supreme Court ruling does not merely interpret a statute it resets the way India views property ownership. It restores faith in legal principles, protects genuine owners, and warns against shortcuts and legal illusions.

As a lawyer, I welcome this decision. It brings clarity in a field that was becoming increasingly murky. It strengthens the rule of law in real estate, where ambiguity often leads to fraud and long-drawn disputes. And most importantly, it reminds everyone whether they’re buying a flat or a farm that ownership is not a matter of paperwork alone. It is a matter of law, possession, and truth.

So next time someone waves a registered deed and says, “This land is mine,” ask them:
“But did you check the title?”

All Rights Reserved (Vaibhav Tomar Adv)

Reimagining Consumer Justice: From the 1986 Act to the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018

A Lawyer’s Perspective on the Evolution of Consumer Protection in India

In a rapidly digitising world, consumer rights are no longer confined to traditional buyer-seller relationships. With online marketplaces, influencer-driven marketing, and cross-border e-commerce, the original Consumer Protection Act, 1986, though path-breaking in its time, had become obsolete. As a legal professional closely working with consumer disputes, the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 was a welcome development an earnest attempt to modernise the law and bring it in tune with today’s realities.

Why the 1986 Act Needed a Redesign

The 1986 Act was a landmark legislation that provided for the establishment of consumer councils and adjudicatory forums. However, over time, it became evident that:

A mere amendment would not suffice. What the country needed was an overhaul a fresh piece of legislation grounded in the same philosophy but responsive to modern consumer ecosystems.

The 2018 Bill: A Progressive Step Toward Accountability

A. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

The establishment of the CCPA marked a significant institutional shift. Unlike the passive adjudicatory nature of consumer forums, the CCPA was created with quasi-judicial powers, empowering it to:

For legal practitioners, the CCPA introduced a more proactive system of consumer enforcement, removing the burden from individual litigants.

B. Codification of Product Liability

The Bill provided a long-awaited definition of product liability, enabling consumers to sue for harm caused by:

Importantly, liability was extended not just to manufacturers, but also to service providers and sellers, thereby introducing a chain of accountability. This shift changed the dynamics of litigation, as practitioners could now build stronger cases with multi-tiered responsibility.

C. Regulation of Misleading Advertisements

With the rise of influencer culture and celebrity endorsements, the 2018 Bill addressed the need for ethical advertising. Key features included:

As counsel advising both brands and endorsers, the legal community was tasked with ensuring advertising due diligence a role that had been underemphasised before.

D. Unfair Contracts & Consumer Rights

For the first time, the Bill identified and declared specific contract terms as “unfair”, such as:

This empowered consumers to challenge standard-form contracts, especially in sectors like telecom, banking, and housing, where negotiation was practically impossible. Lawyers now had a statutory backing to litigate against predatory corporate behaviour.

3. Strengthened Dispute Resolution Framework

The traditional three-tier system District, State, and National Commissions was retained, but key improvements were introduced:

For advocates and law firms, this opened up faster resolution options and minimised the need for prolonged adversarial litigation.

Challenges and Concerns in Legal Circles

While the Bill was largely welcomed, the legal fraternity raised valid concerns:

It became imperative for lawyers to not only litigate but also assist businesses in understanding their new responsibilities under the law.

Transformation into the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 was the foundation stone of what eventually became the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which came into effect on 20th July 2020. Key provisions from the 2018 Bill were retained, and some were further strengthened:

The Road Ahead: A Lawyer’s Role in a New Era

This legal transformation signifies more than statutory changes it calls for a change in legal consciousness. As lawyers, we must:

The evolution from 1986 to 2018 and finally, to the Act of 2019signals a more equitable and responsive legal system for consumers. The journey is far from over, but as legal professionals, we now have better tools to ensure that consumer sovereignty is not just a slogan but a living reality.

Blogs Written By Sharmita Samant (4th Year BALLB)

NMIMS Kirit. P. Mehta School of Law

Madras High Court has granted divorce to a husband on the ground of mental cruelty under Section 13(1)(i-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, holding that unsubstantiated allegations of a sexual nature made by the wife against her husband and father-in-law constituted cruelty.

The Court allowed the husband’s appeals challenging the Family Court’s decision, which had previously dismissed his divorce petition and allowed the wife’s plea for restitution of conjugal rights

Conclusions

22. In view of the foregoing narrative, these Civil Miscellaneous Appeals are allowed and the Orders passed by the Family Court are set aside. The petition filed by the appellant / husband seeking to dissolve his marriage with the respondent is allowed, the petition filed by the respondent / wife seeking restitution of conjugal rights is dismissed, and their marriage is dissolved by a Decree of divorce. It is made clear that although these appeals are allowed and divorce is granted in favour of the appellant / husband, the respondent / wife as well as the minor child is entitled to claim maintenance / enhanced maintenance subject to the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 or any other laws in force, from the appellant. This judgment, granting the dissolution of marriage, will not in any way affect the respondent’s right to claim maintenance. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, there shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Civil Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

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Madras_High_Court_judgment___June_4__2025

All Rights Reserved (Vaibhav Tomar Adv)

DELHI HIGH COURT

Order XIII-A CPC Commercial disputes – Summary judgment – Conditions for granting summary judgment – Plaintiff seeking refund of consideration amount for property after acquisition proceedings declared lapsed – Defendant asserting plaintiff still holds possession and raising objections including limitation and non-joinder of necessary parties – Held, summary judgment cannot be granted when contentious and triable issues arise, particularly regarding possession of property and other factual disputes – Recording of oral evidence necessary. [Paras 40 to 54]

To read the Judgment click Here :

RELIANCE EMINENT TRADING AND COMMERCIAL vs DDA The Law Literates

TRIPURA HIGH COURT

(POCSO) Act Section 6 Rape allegations Accused convicted by trial court Appeal against conviction Medical evidence not corroborating claims of sexual assault Blood samples from victim and accused failing to match Serious doubts raised on credibility of victim’s testimony due to inconsistencies and alleged influence during testimony Held, conviction cannot rest solely on uncorroborated testimony of victim in absence of reliable evidence – Accused entitled to benefit of doubt – Conviction set aside and accused acquitted.

To read the judgment Click Here 👇🏻

All Rights Reserved (Adv Vaibhav Tomar)