Landmark Criminal Cases
1. K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra (1961)
Facts:
Naval officer K.M. Nanavati was tried for the murder of Prem Ahuja, his wife’s lover.
Nanavati claimed he acted in a sudden fit of rage after discovering the affair.
Judgment:
The case was initially tried as a jury trial, but the jury acquitted Nanavati.
However, the Bombay High Court overturned the acquittal and convicted Nanavati of murder.
The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision.
Legal Significance:
The case led to the abolition of jury trials in India, as it exposed vulnerabilities in the jury system.
It emphasized the role of judges in delivering impartial verdicts in criminal cases.
2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Facts:
Maneka Gandhi’s passport was impounded without any reason.
She challenged the arbitrary action of the government.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court held that the “right to travel abroad” is part of the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21.
The Court ruled that any law or executive action depriving a person of personal liberty must be “just, fair, and reasonable.”
Legal Significance:
Expanded the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution.
Introduced the principle of due process in Indian criminal jurisprudence.
Strengthened procedural safeguards against arbitrary government action.
3. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Facts:
The case challenged the Kerala government’s attempts to impose restrictions on property rights through constitutional amendments.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine, holding that Parliament cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution.
Legal Significance:
Though not strictly a criminal case, it has a profound impact on criminal laws and amendments.
Protects fundamental rights, including those relating to criminal justice.
Ensures that constitutional amendments do not erode basic rights and principles.
4. D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997)
Facts:
A man died in police custody, allegedly due to custodial torture.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court laid down detailed guidelines to prevent custodial torture and deaths.
Guidelines included requirements for police to record arrests, inform family members, medical examination of the accused, and use of video recording.
Legal Significance:
Landmark in protecting human rights within the criminal justice system.
Aimed at preventing custodial violence and abuse.
Established procedural safeguards for arrested persons.
5. Nirbhaya Case (Mukesh & Ors. v. State of NCT of Delhi) (2017)
Facts:
In 2012, a brutal gang rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi caused national outrage.
The accused included juveniles and adults.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for the adult convicts.
The case led to sweeping reforms in sexual offense laws, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Legal Significance:
Strengthened laws related to sexual offenses against women.
Led to the establishment of fast-track courts and better victim protection.
Triggered debates on juvenile justice law amendments.
Summary:
These landmark cases reflect the evolution of India’s criminal justice system, emphasizing:
The importance of fair trials and judicial oversight (Nanavati).
Expansion of fundamental rights and due process (Maneka Gandhi).
Constitutional limits on legislative powers (Kesavananda Bharati).
Protection against police excesses (D.K. Basu).
Strengthened legal framework for crimes against women (Nirbhaya Case).
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