The Madras High Court recently delivered a significant ruling reinforcing the rights of lawyers and litigants to access video conferencing facilities for court hearings. This landmark decision stems from the grievances raised by a remand prisoner regarding his ongoing solitary confinement and the challenges faced by lawyers attending court hearings physically. The Court emphasized that video conferencing, which is now a rule by the High Court, cannot be denied by any trial court. This development marks a step forward in ensuring the accessibility of justice for all, including in remote or underserved regions like Poonamallee. Video Conferencing: A Fundamental Right for Legal Representation In an era where digital solutions are transforming the legal landscape, the Madras High Court’s recent observation is a critical reminder of the importance of modernizing the judicial process. During a case concerning a remand prisoner, the Court made it clear that trial courts cannot refuse to provide video conferencing facilities for lawyers or litigants. The case in question involved Fakrudeen, a remand prisoner detained in judicial custody since 2013. He highlighted the difficulties he faced in engaging a lawyer due to the trial court’s location in a remote area, making it inconvenient for attorneys to travel. Several lawyers also voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities at the Poonamallee trial court, including the absence of video conferencing facilities. The Court directed that these issues be rectified and made a strong statement about the necessity of video conferencing as an accessible legal tool. Improving Basic […]
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In a landmark judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a significant ruling. The court declared that a mother-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her daughter-in-law. This applies when the daughter-in-law secured a job on compassionate grounds after her husband’s demise. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar stressed that compassionate appointments extend beyond being mere employment opportunities. These appointments include inherent moral and ethical duties toward the deceased’s dependents. The court directed the petitioner, who earns ₹80,000 monthly, to pay ₹10,000 monthly maintenance. This maintenance is intended for her mother-in-law, emphasizing accountability tied to compassionate appointments. The decision highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting laws to ensure justice and fairness. It underscores the importance of context-sensitive rulings to uphold ethical obligations in such cases. Mother-in-Law Entitled to Maintenance from Daughter-in-Law, Rules High Court Updated At : 01:06 PM Dec 24, 2024 IST In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court addressed compassionate appointment obligations. The court held that a mother-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her daughter-in-law. This applies if the daughter-in-law secured a job on compassionate grounds after her husband’s death. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar dismissed the plea filed by the daughter-in-law in this case. He emphasized that compassionate appointments are not just about securing employment opportunities for dependents. These appointments involve honoring moral and ethical responsibilities toward the deceased’s dependents. The case involved a petitioner who obtained a junior clerk position in 2005. She was employed at the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, following her husband’s demise that […]
In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu’s legal and law enforcement communities, the Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a contentious land grabbing case on East Coast Road (ECR). Justice G. Jayachandran’s ruling on August 17, 2024, not only addresses the specific case at hand but also delivers a scathing indictment of the Tamil Nadu police force’s handling of property-related crimes. This article delves into the details of the case, explores the court’s critical observations, and discusses the broader implications for property owners and the justice system in Tamil Nadu. As legal experts at Rajendra Law Office LLP, we break down this significant development and its potential impact on property rights and law enforcement accountability in the region. Madras High Court Orders CBI Probe into Land Grabbing Case, Criticizes Tamil Nadu Police Date: August 18, 2024 Background In a significant development that underscores the importance of fair and effective law enforcement, the Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a land grabbing case on East Coast Road (ECR). This decision, made by Justice G. Jayachandran on August 17, 2024, comes with strong criticism of the Tamil Nadu police’s handling of such cases. The case in question involves a valuable property spanning 18.25 cents on ECR. The petitioner, T. Karthik, sought police protection for both his life and the property, alleging that it had been forcibly taken over by the henchmen of an individual […]
Lawyer Solicitation Through Online Platforms: In a landmark judgment passed on July 3rd, 2024, the Madras High Court took a strong stance against lawyers soliciting work through online service providers. The court emphasized that the legal profession is not a business driven by profit, but rather a service to society. The verdict comes in response to a petition filed against websites like Quikr, Sulekha, and Justdial, which offered online lawyer services. Madras High Court Cracks Down on Lawyer Solicitation Through Online Platforms Unethical Solicitation and Violation of Rules: The court, presided over by Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice C Kumarappan, highlighted that such practices violate the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules. These rules strictly prohibit lawyers from advertising or soliciting work directly or indirectly, including actions like furnishing newspaper comments or publishing photographs related to cases. The bench pointed out the fundamental difference between the legal profession and other professions. Legal services are not a “job” or a “business,” but rather a means to provide social welfare. While lawyers do receive fees, these fees are a token of respect for their knowledge and time invested in a case. Dignity and Integrity at Stake on Lawyer Solicitation Through Online Platforms : The court expressed concern about the growing trend of “business models” within the legal profession. Practices like lawyer rankings and customer ratings were deemed detrimental to the dignity and integrity expected from legal professionals. Justice Subramaniam stated, “It is agonising that some legal professionals today are trying to adopt […]
Six executives of Sterling Holidays, including the managing director and chief executive officer, have been booked by the Entrustment Document Fraud (EDF) wing of the Central Crime Branch on charges of Cheating and Criminal Conspiracy. This action follows a complaint by Velmurugan, founder of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), who alleges that the company failed to honor the benefits of his lifetime membership, resulting in widespread deceit of multiple members. 6 Executives Booked for Fraud: Cheating and Criminal Conspiracy TNN / Jun 7, 2024, 04:16 IST Chennai: The Entrustment Document Fraud (EDF) wing of the Central Crime Branch has booked six board members of Sterling Holidays on charges of cheating. This action, taken on Thursday, follows a complaint filed by Velmurugan, founder of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK). Velmurugan claimed that he obtained a lifetime membership from Sterling Holidays, for which he paid a sum of ₹7.5 lakh. One of the key benefits of this membership was the promise of 15 days of free stay at any of the company’s resorts across the country each year. Velmurugan stated that he used this benefit for a five-day stay at Sterling Holidays’ Munnar resort in 2019. However, he alleged that he was denied free stays at their resorts for the subsequent five years. In his complaint, Velmurugan accused Sterling Holidays of defrauding him and many other members in a similar manner. He asserted that the company had engaged in a systematic pattern of deceit and betrayal of trust. Based on his allegations, the EDF […]
