“THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE SHALL BE THE HIGHEST LAW.”
CORPORATE
Halliburton Offshore Services Inc v. Vedanta Limited & Anr
Lockdown prima facie in nature of force majeure – Delhi High Court stays invocation of bank guarantees
The Delhi High Court observed that the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic was prima facie in the nature of a force majeure event.
Considering the extraordinary circumstances arising from the lockdown, the Court passed an interim order restraining invocation of bank guarantees.
The Judgement can be accessed at:
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ENVIRONMENT
National Green Tribunal raises concern over disposal of biomedical waste generated from COVID-19 treatment
NGT directs authorities to address risks arising from unscientific disposal of biomedical waste
The National Green Tribunal expressed concern regarding unscientific disposal of biomedical waste generated during treatment of COVID-19 patients.
The Tribunal urged State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees to take serious preventive measures to reduce environmental and public health risks.
The Order can be accessed at:
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PROPERTY
Shankar Sakharam Kenjale (Died) through Legal Heirs v. Narayan Krishna Gade and Another
Right to redeem mortgage can be extinguished only through process known to law – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reiterated the principle “once a mortgage, always a mortgage” while decreeing a redemption suit filed in 1978.
The Court held that the right of redemption can be extinguished only through recognized legal methods such as contractual extinguishment, merger or statutory bar.
The Bench further observed that a mortgagee in possession must restore possession when a valid redemption suit is filed unless extinguishment of redemption rights is established in accordance with law.
The Judgement can be accessed at:
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COVID-19
Supreme Court directs States and Union Territories to ensure safe transit for released prisoners during lockdown
States directed to facilitate safe travel of prisoners released during COVID-19 lockdown
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to ensure safe transportation arrangements for prisoners released from jails during the national lockdown.
The direction was issued to enable released prisoners to safely return to their homes amid COVID-19 restrictions.
The Order can be accessed at:
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Amit Agarwal @ Sonu Agarwal v. Union of India through the National Investigation Agency
Jharkhand High Court extends all interim orders during lockdown period
In view of restricted court functioning during the national lockdown, the Jharkhand High Court extended the operation of all interim orders and provisional bail orders passed by it and subordinate courts till April 30.
The extension applied to orders which had expired or were due to expire between March 16 and April 14, 2020.
The Judgement can be accessed at:
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Jerryl Banait v. Union of India & Anr
Supreme Court directs Government to ensure PPE and police protection for healthcare workers
The Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure adequate availability of Personal Protective Equipment for healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.
The Court also directed authorities to provide necessary police protection to healthcare professionals facing harassment or threats during the pandemic.
The Order can be accessed at:
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Shashank Deo Sudhi v. Union of India & Ors
Supreme Court directs COVID-19 testing to be conducted free of cost
The Supreme Court directed that COVID-19 testing be conducted free of cost in both Government laboratories and approved private laboratories.
The Court directed the Union Government to issue necessary directions for implementation of free testing measures.
The Order can be accessed at:
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Sarva Hara Jan Andolan through Ulka Mahajan & Anr v. State of Maharashtra & Ors
Bombay High Court directs State to provide basic necessities to stranded migrant workers
The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra Government to ensure availability of food, drinking water, medicines, healthcare and hygienic toilet facilities for migrant workers stranded during the lockdown.
The Court emphasized the need to protect vulnerable migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The Order can be accessed at:
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ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD
Leung Kwok Hung v. Secretary for Justice Chief Executive in Council
Hong Kong High Court declares ban on face covering masks during lawful assemblies unconstitutional
The Hong Kong High Court held that provisions prohibiting the use of face coverings during lawful public meetings and processions were unconstitutional.
The Court examined Section 3 of the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation which restricted use of masks likely to prevent identification during assemblies and processions.
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