#nagpur_bench

Resisting Medical Examination Not Obstruction Under Section 186 IPC: SC The Supreme Court of India ruled on August 12, 2026, that resisting a medical examination does not constitute voluntarily obstructing a public servant under Section 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court quashed criminal proceedings against a woman accused of obstructing a forest department employee in Amravati, overturning a 2025 decision by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. The case, which originated from a 2021 FIR, centered on allegations that the woman, then serving as Lekhapal at the Forest Range Office in Paratwada, resisted a medical examination at Achalpur sub-district hospital. The FIR, registered on May 4, 2021, under Sections 186 and 189 IPC and Sections 110, 112, and 117 of the Maharashtra Police Act, alleged that the woman was found intoxicated and created a disturbance. Prosecutors claimed she resisted the medical examination, leading to a scene being created before she was persuaded to undergo the procedure. However, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and Arun Palli, rejected the prosecution’s argument, stating that the act did not meet the criteria for Section 186 IPC. The court emphasized that Section 186 IPC applies only when an individual voluntarily prevents or interferes with a public servant performing their lawful duties. The justices noted that the woman ultimately complied with the examination, rendering the alleged obstruction non-voluntary. The bench also dismissed the applicability of Section 189 IPC, which addresses threats to influence official functions, stating that the prosecution failed to establish any such intent. Further, the court scrutinized the use of Sections 110, 112, and 117 of the Maharashtra Police Act.#supreme_court_of_india #nagpur_bench #amravati #justices_kv_viswanathan #justices_arun_palli

Fines Alone Cannot Curb Noise Pollution, Nagpur Bench Tells Traffic Police The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has ruled that fines alone are insufficient to address the persistent issue of noise pollution caused by vehicles, directing traffic police to implement more effective preventive measures. The court’s directive came during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Bhupendra Wasnik, alongside suo motu proceedings initiated by the court on the matter. The bench emphasized the need for proactive strategies to curb excessive noise rather than relying solely on penalties after violations occur. The court’s observations followed a submission by traffic police detailing enforcement actions taken over the past two-and-a-half years. According to the police affidavit, measures were taken against vehicles equipped with unauthorized modified silencers, particularly motorcycles such as Bullets, as well as those using horns excessively or at inappropriate volumes. In 2025, authorities seized 440 modified silencers, which were dismantled with the help of mechanics where necessary. The vehicles were restored to their original configurations, and the seized silencers were destroyed to prevent reuse. Between 2024 and July 2026, traffic police recorded 1,515 enforcement actions for noise-related violations, resulting in fines totaling ₹10.27 lakh. The breakdown of these fines showed that in 2024, 568 actions generated ₹3.46 lakh in penalties, while 693 actions in 2025 yielded ₹5.28 lakh. Up to July 2026, 255 actions led to ₹1.53 lakh in fines. However, the court noted that the scale of enforcement should not be measured merely by the number of cases or the amount collected.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #traffic_police #bhupendra_wasnik #whatsapp_helpline

HC Demands Answers On Late-Night ‘Liquor Parties’ In Kachipura The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Bajaj Nagar police to submit a detailed report on actions taken against alleged late-night liquor parties at restaurants in the Shankar Nagar and Kachipura areas. The court mandated the police to file their response by September 4, following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by three residents of Shankar Nagar—Lalit Harode, Aseem Baodia, and Mrudula Phadke. The petition highlighted concerns over violations by local establishments, including noise pollution, traffic disruptions, and unlicensed liquor sales, which have allegedly caused inconvenience to residents and raised law-and-order issues. A division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Raj Wakode was hearing the PIL, which alleged that activities continuing late into the night at the establishments have been causing inconvenience to residents and creating potential law-and-order concerns. The court directed the Bajaj Nagar police to inform it about the action taken so far against such late-night parties. The proceedings also covered alleged illegal constructions and civic violations involving the restaurants. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) issued notices to 27 establishments in 2016 under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. The court was informed that appeals against those notices had subsequently been rejected by the state government, clearing the way for enforcement action against the unauthorized constructions. The petitioner, however, questioned the pace and effectiveness of the civic action. The court was told that an alleged unauthorized construction over a drain on the Shankar Nagar side remained in place.#nagpur_bench #nmc #shankar_nagar #kachipura #bajaj_nagar_police

HC Seeks Flying Logs of NFC Dy CFI The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the Nagpur Flying Club (NFC) administration to produce the official flying log records of its Deputy Chief Flying Instructor (Dy CFI) for the four months ending February 2026. The court’s order comes amid allegations that the Dy CFI continued to fly despite being declared medically unfit for aviation activities. The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas, who also mandated the state government to respond to an application seeking the Dy CFI’s removal from the state-supported aviation training institute within a week. The application, filed by advocate Shriniwas Deshpande—an NFC alumnus—in an ongoing public interest litigation (PIL) case, demands that the divisional commissioner, who serves as the ex-officio chairman of NFC, terminate the Dy CFI’s services from any temporary or honorary post. Deshpande’s plea alleges that the Dy CFI’s continued involvement in flying activities, despite medical restrictions, compromised the safety of cadets and undermined the quality of training at the institute. The application cites communications from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which stated that the Dy CFI had been declared medically unfit for flying activities and was only permitted to function as a “line pilot” without authorization to teach flying lessons. The court’s order follows claims that the Dy CFI’s actions have raised significant safety concerns. The PIL also highlights operational deficiencies at NFC, including the prolonged grounding of two training aircraft and complaints from cadets about the institute’s performance.#nagpur_bench #nagpur_flying_club #mahajyoti #director_general_civil_aviation #shriniwas_deshpande

Bombay High Court Draws Line Between ‘Custody’ and ‘Arrest’ in Detention Case The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently clarified the legal distinction between police “custody” and a formal “arrest” in a case involving a businessman who alleged his fundamental rights were violated due to prolonged detention. The court dismissed his plea, ruling that evidence did not support the claim he was unlawfully detained for over 24 hours before appearing in court. A division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nivedita Mehta emphasized that while custody may sometimes equate to arrest, the two concepts are not interchangeable in all circumstances. The case centered on an investigation into alleged possession of firearms, live ammunition, narcotics, and other items by a co-accused, with the petitioner challenging his detention and subsequent remand. The petitioner, an Itwari resident, argued that he was not formally arrested when police took him from his home on March 31, 2026, and that his liberty was curtailed without proper legal procedures. He relied on CCTV footage to assert that he was not produced in court within the constitutionally mandated 24-hour window. However, the court examined the footage and found it did not show any use of force or restrictions on his movements. Instead, the footage depicted him voluntarily accompanying police personnel as they left his residence. The prosecution, represented by senior counsel Deven Chauhan, contended that the petitioner was initially brought in for an inquiry and formally arrested only after investigators uncovered links between him and the co-accused. The court’s analysis of the evidence included station diary entries, arrest records, and legal precedents. It noted that the accused was produced before the court at 5:15 p.m.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #deven_chauhan #urmila_joshi_phalke #nivedita_mehta

HC Stays Hockey Ground Takeover, Orders Divisional Commissioner to Act on VHA Appeal The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday stayed the proposed takeover of the Amravati Road hockey ground by the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), directing the divisional commissioner to resolve the association’s appeal against the cancellation of its lease within six weeks. The court’s decision came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by VHA after it failed to secure interim protection from the divisional commissionerate. The district administration had issued a notice on August 5 to take possession of the ground on August 13, following a collector’s July 17 order canceling the lease and ordering the resumption of the Nazul land. Advocates Shantanu Khedkar and Anurag Mankar, representing VHA before Justice Nandesh Deshpande, argued that the high court’s intervention was critical to prevent the association from being dispossessed while its appeal remained pending. Mankar emphasized that the divisional commissionerate had not addressed the appeal on its merits and had only declined a stay. “If possession of the ground was taken away while the appeal was pending, the appeal would lose its purpose,” Mankar stated. The dispute centers on approximately 3.80 acres of government-owned Nazul land on Amravati Road, leased to VHA for hockey activities. According to the petition, the lease was renewed in 2007 and was set to expire in September 2037. However, the collector’s July 17 order canceled the lease, citing alleged breaches such as lack of recognition, maintenance issues, and non-payment of annual lease rent of just Rs3.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #vidarbha_hockey_association #divisional_commissioner #nazul_land

NMC Launches 'Pollution Free Nagpur' Digital Complaint System Following High Court Directive The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has unveiled a new digital complaint system called "Pollution Free Nagpur" in response to ongoing scrutiny from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court regarding noise pollution enforcement. The initiative aims to streamline the process of registering, tracking, and resolving complaints related to noise violations through an integrated platform. NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar confirmed that the system will merge the existing online grievance portal with a centralized mechanism to enhance coordination between civic authorities and law enforcement agencies. Citizens will be able to file complaints via the NMC’s official grievance portal by logging in with their registered mobile numbers and OTPs. They will select the Environment Department and specify the location of the alleged noise violation. Once submitted, complaints will be automatically categorized as "Noise Pollution Complaints" and routed through the backend system. Itankar emphasized that this integration will enable simultaneous action by multiple agencies, including the jurisdictional deputy commissioner of police and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), eliminating the need for complainants to approach each department separately. To improve coordination, the NMC has completed zone-wise mapping of police jurisdictions and plans to use its existing grievance portal as the primary entry point for citizens. The system will facilitate complaint registration, authentication, automatic jurisdiction identification, and real-time transmission to the police and MPCB. It will also allow complainants to monitor the status of their cases and escalate unresolved issues.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #maharashtra_pollution_control_board

HC Questions NMC’s Delay on Shankar Nagar Illegal Structures The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday criticized the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for its delayed action against alleged unauthorized constructions in the Shankar Nagar-Bajaj Nagar area. The court expressed confusion over why civic bulldozers typically remove encroachments within 24 hours in other cases but had remained inactive in this specific location despite legal hurdles being resolved. This observation came during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by residents Dr. Lalit Harode, Aseem Baodia, and Mrudula Phadke. The petition highlighted concerns about several restaurants operating in violation of development regulations, leading to late-night disturbances, noise pollution, and recurring law-and-order issues. The court was informed that the NMC had issued notices under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act in 2016 to 27 establishments in the area for alleged unauthorized constructions. The petitioners argued that appeals against these notices were recently dismissed by the state government, removing legal barriers to enforcement. However, no action had been taken to address the violations. The NMC’s advocate, Jemini Kasat, requested 10 days to file a detailed affidavit outlining the proposed measures, which the court approved. The civic body was directed to submit its response within the stipulated period. Senior counsel Akshay Naik, representing the petitioners, clarified that the residents had no objection to restaurants located between Bajaj Nagar Square and Kachhipura Square, including several well-known establishments. Their grievance was specifically focused on unauthorized constructions and activities in other parts of the locality.#nagpur_bench #nagpur_municipal_corporation #shankar_nagar_bajaj_nagar #dr_lalit_harode #aseem_baodia

Bombay High Court Suspends Life Sentence in POCSO Case, Orders Hearing on Circumstances The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently suspended the life sentence of a man convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, citing the need to examine the circumstances surrounding the case during the final hearing of the appeal. The court emphasized that while the legal principle of a minor’s consent being irrelevant remains valid, the specific context of the relationship between the accused and the victim must be considered. The decision was announced last week by a division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nivedita Mehta, following an application filed by a man from Wardha who was initially convicted by a sessions court in Wardha on October 7, 2024. The accused was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life and fined Rs10,000, while being acquitted of charges under the Information Technology Act. His legal team, represented by counsel AS Band, sought the suspension of the sentence, arguing that the physical relationship with the survivor developed during a period of mutual affection. The prosecution, however, maintained that the survivor’s status as a minor rendered her consent legally insignificant under the POCSO Act. The court’s order highlighted the survivor’s testimony, which consistently stated that she and the accused were in love and that their relationship began during that time. The bench noted that while the legal system does not recognize the validity of a minor’s consent, the specific circumstances of how the relationship evolved must be evaluated.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #urmila_joshi_phalke #poCSO_act #nivedita_mehta

Centre Approves Rs 16.92 Crore for Nagpur Bench Heritage Building Restoration, High Court Seeks Detailed Affidavit The Centre has approved Rs 16.92 crore for the restoration of the historic building housing the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, as revealed during a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) hearing. The high court, which initiated the PIL after assessing the deteriorating condition of the century-old heritage structure, was orally informed that the Centre had cleared half of the proposed Rs 30-crore budget for the conservation project. The approval was announced during a hearing presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode. The court directed the Centre and the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing the statutory provisions, government resolutions, and procedural framework governing the sanction and release of the funds. It also sought clarification on whether the approved amount would be disbursed in phases and the timeline for disbursement. The bench emphasized the need for transparency, requiring authorities to submit the complete details through a sworn affidavit for the next hearing. The PIL was initiated by the high court itself after noting the poor condition of the heritage building, which is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines. The ASI had previously stated that all conservation work must strictly adhere to its heritage conservation norms. Initially, the restoration work was entrusted to the Public Works Department (PWD), but the court’s intervention has shifted the focus to ensuring compliance with heritage preservation standards.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #public_works_department #archaeological_survey_of_india #centre

Bombay High Court Grants Rs 20,000 Monthly Maintenance to Educated, Unemployed Wife The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently ruled in favor of an unemployed, educated wife, increasing her monthly maintenance from Rs 11,000 to Rs 20,000, while also raising the maintenance for her minor son from Rs 9,000 to Rs 11,000. The court dismissed a criminal revision petition filed by the husband, an assistant professor from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, who had challenged the Nagpur family court’s original order. The husband argued that his wife, who holds a master’s degree in computer applications (MCA), had resigned from her teaching job in 2016 solely to claim maintenance and had allegedly concealed her employment at another engineering college. The court, however, found the husband’s claims unsubstantiated. It noted that documentary evidence confirmed the wife had resigned from a Nagpur-based engineering college on March 30, 2016, citing health issues. There was no proof she had deliberately quit her job to seek maintenance. The court also clarified that while her name appeared on a faculty list at another engineering college, the institution had never formally appointed her as an assistant professor. The bench emphasized that the wife had actively sought employment after leaving her teaching position. She had applied for several government and public sector jobs but remained unsuccessful despite her qualifications and experience. Justice MM Nerlikar observed that the evidence demonstrated her efforts to secure employment, stating, “When suitable employment is not available, it would be difficult to conclude that she is intentionally remaining unemployed.#coimbatore #tamil_nadu #bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #nagpur_family_court

HC Push Ends Bansi Nagar Liquor Shop Ordeal, Residents Hope It’s Final Nagpur: Nearly two years after residents of Bansi Nagar launched a campaign against a country liquor shop near the Metro station, the outlet has finally been shut following directions from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. For residents, the closure marks the end of a prolonged legal battle and raises hopes of restoring normalcy in the neighbourhood. Advocate Kalyani Kalbande, representing the petitioner, told TOI that the collector issued the closure order on June 27, following which the shop was shut on June 29. The High Court held that the regularisation (RL) granted to the premises had lapsed as mandatory conditions were not fulfilled. It directed the Nagpur collector to take consequential action and submit a compliance report by June 30. The divisional bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode also sought an explanation from the excise department for its nearly year-long delay in acting despite being aware of the violation. According to the collector’s order, the excise licence has been suspended and the outlet will remain closed until the premises are regularised by the competent authority or the licence is shifted to another location. The order also directs the excise department to ensure the shop does not resume operations during this period. Since 2024, TOI has consistently reported residents’ complaints that the outlet had become a hub for public drinking. Locals alleged intoxicated patrons often sprawled on roads, sometimes semi-clothed or unconscious, creating an atmosphere of insecurity. Women avoided the stretch after dark, parents feared for children walking to school, and families visiting a nearby children’s hospital were forced to pass through crowds of drunken customers.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #bansi_nagar #kalyani_kalbande #ravi_yelure

Govt’s Vidarbha Backlog Claim Labeled a Blatant Lie by Activist Nagpur: Prominent Vidarbha statehood activist Nitin Ronghe has accused the Maharashtra government of spreading a “blatant falsehood” by claiming that the region’s irrigation backlog has been fully cleared. Ronghe, convener of Maha Vidarbha Janjagaran, criticized the state government’s assertion made in a written reply to the Assembly last month, arguing that the claim is a repetition of misleading information. He pointed out that the current chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had previously opposed similar claims two decades ago. Ronghe was responding to the government’s reply on the status of long-defunct statutory development boards, which it claimed had been defunct since 2020 with reconstitution pending at the Centre. The government stated that the financial backlog for Vidarbha and Marathwada had been cleared by 2011, with 94% of the region’s physical irrigation backlog addressed. It also noted that Vidarbha’s share of development funds slightly exceeded its formula entitlement. Ronghe dismissed the government’s claim as a “half-truth,” using an analogy to illustrate his point. He compared the situation to a husband who promised his wife in 2011 to buy gold worth Rs25,000, which would have been approximately 10 grams of gold at that time. However, the husband delayed the purchase and eventually bought the gold years later, only to find that the same amount now fetched barely three grams. Ronghe argued that the government’s assertion that the 2011 financial backlog had been cleared is similarly flawed, as the value of funds has eroded over time.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #nagpur_bench #nitin_ronghe #maha_vidarbha_janjagaran

Helmet Exemption For Sikhs Is Valid Classification: HC The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently ruled that the legal exemption allowing Sikh men wearing turbans to bypass mandatory helmet requirements while riding two-wheelers is a valid classification under the Motor Vehicles Act. The court upheld the provision, stating it does not violate the constitutional guarantee of equality under Article 14. The decision was delivered in response to a petition filed by Kirtesh Chaudhari, a 23-year-old student who challenged the exemption as discriminatory. Chaudhari argued that exempting Sikh men from wearing helmets constituted a violation of Article 14, which ensures equality before the law. He contended that the exemption treated Sikhs differently from other road users, thereby infringing on their fundamental rights. However, the High Court rejected this argument, emphasizing that Article 14 does not prohibit reasonable classification. The bench clarified that the government is permitted to create distinct categories for different groups if there is a logical basis and a legitimate public purpose. The court observed that the exemption for Sikhs is based on practical considerations related to safety and cultural practices. The judges noted that the turban, a traditional article of clothing for Sikhs, provides a level of head protection that may render the mandatory helmet requirement unnecessary in certain cases. They further stated that the exemption cannot be interpreted as religion-based discrimination, as it is tied to the physical characteristics of the turban rather than religious identity. Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act mandates the use of protective headgear for all individuals operating two-wheelers. However, the provision includes an exception for Sikh men wearing turbans.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #kirtesh_chaudhari #motor_vehicles_act #sikh_community

HC Seeks Urgent ASI Nod for Rs19 Crore Revival of Historic Court Building The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to expedite its decision on a Rs19 crore proposal for the conservation and restoration of the historic Old High Court Building in Civil Lines. The court, presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, emphasized the need for an urgent response, setting a deadline of July 6 for further proceedings. The directive came during a hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the deteriorating condition of the 19th-century heritage structure, which is considered one of Nagpur’s most iconic judicial landmarks. Ashutosh Dharmadhikari was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter. The revised conservation plan, jointly prepared by the ASI and the Public Works Department (PWD), was submitted after a detailed review meeting mandated by earlier court orders. ASI counsel Mugdha Chandurkar informed the bench that the proposal would now be forwarded to the ASI director general in New Delhi for final approval. The court ordered the ASI chief to provide a decision within seven days, underscoring the urgency of preserving the heritage site. Initially, the PWD had proposed a restoration plan costing nearly Rs30 crore. However, the ASI informed the court that the building, classified as a protected heritage monument, required adherence to strict conservation norms and archaeological preservation guidelines. This necessitated a revised estimate, leading to the current Rs19 crore proposal.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #public_works_department #archaeological_survey_of_india #old_high_court_building

HC Questions Decade-Long Delay In Action Against Alleged Illegal Constructions in Kachipura The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in addressing illegal constructions in the Kachipura area, which lies between Shankar Nagar and Bajaj Nagar. The court highlighted the decade-long stagnation in resolving the issue despite notices issued in 2016. During the hearing, counsel for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Gemini Kasat, informed the court that notices under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act were issued in 2016 after unauthorized constructions were identified. However, the demolition process stalled when the affected establishments approached the state government, which stayed the proceedings pending adjudication of their appeals. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode questioned the prolonged inaction, emphasizing the need for clarity on why the matter remained unresolved for nearly a decade. Additional government pleader Sangeeta Jachak clarified that the stay was not granted under Section 53(1) of the MRTP Act but was instead linked to Section 47, which pertains to development permissions. She explained that the establishments had approached the state government under Section 47 after the NMC rejected their requests for additional development permissions. Kasat, however, cited records indicating that the civic body had treated the stay as related to Section 53(1) proceedings. The court noted the discrepancy and directed both the NMC and the state government to submit detailed responses by June 24. The case was initiated by a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by three residents of Shankar Nagar—Dr Lalit Harode, Aseem Baodia, and Mrudula Phadke.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #kachipura

After HC rap, edu dept brings CBSE schools under June 30 reopening order All schools in Nagpur district, including CBSE-affiliated institutions, were issued a notice by the education department on Monday to reopen on June 30 for the academic year 2026-27. The order, issued after a directive from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, marks the first time the department has explicitly brought non-state board institutions under the same reopening date as state board schools. The high court had earlier scrapped the education department's earlier circulars, which had set June 15 and June 22 as reopening dates, and directed all Vidarbha schools to reopen only from June 30 in line with a government resolution dated April 20, 2023. A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode criticized the department's conduct as "totally arbitrary" and lacking reason. The bench noted that the state failed to collect temperature data or consult medical experts before fixing the reopening date. The court warned that any future circular or action contrary to the order would invite proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act. The notice by the education department is significant because for years, local officials had taken a stand that they could not interfere with the academic calendars of CBSE schools, leaving them free to reopen well before state board institutions. TOI had reported that several CBSE schools in Nagpur had either resumed classes for senior students or issued reopening notices for mid-June, despite temperatures continuing above 43 degrees Celsius. The notice, issued jointly by primary and secondary education officers of the zilla parishad, cited the HC order and stated that the decision was taken to ensure there was no contempt of court.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #nagpur_district #liladhar_thakre #vijay_d_kombey

Ram Jhula Hit-and-Run Case Transferred to New Judge After 10 Adjournments The high-profile Ram Jhula hit-and-run case, which resulted in the deaths of two young men on the bridge in February 2024, has been transferred to a new judge after prolonged delays. The case, which had been stalled for months at the charge-framing stage, was moved to a different court following repeated adjournments and the families’ persistent demands for expedited justice. The next hearing, originally scheduled for September 2, had been postponed by over 100 days, prompting frustration among the victims’ relatives. The incident occurred on February 25, 2024, when a speeding Mercedes, allegedly driven by Ritika Maloo under the influence of alcohol, collided with a two-wheeler on the Ram Jhula bridge. The crash claimed the lives of Mohammad Atif and Mohammad Hussain Gulam Mustafa, both in their early thirties. Hussain, a software engineer and the sole breadwinner of his family, died instantly, while Atif succumbed to his injuries hours later. Forensic tests confirmed the presence of alcohol in Maloo’s blood sample, underscoring the severity of the incident. Despite directives from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court to expedite the case and transfer the investigation to the State CID, the trial faced significant delays. The court granted more than 10 adjournments, citing the backlog of pending cases. The families of the deceased, particularly Atif’s elder brother Atik, expressed anguish over the prolonged wait for justice. Atik criticized the judicial system, stating, “We are getting long dates. Can anyone understand our pain?” The emotional toll was further compounded by the death of Hussain’s father, Ghulam Mustafa, who passed away in March 2024, unable to endure the trauma of the delay.#nagpur_bench #ram_jhula_bridge #ritika_maloo #mohammad_atif #mohammad_hussain_gulam_mustafa

High Court Upholds Undertrial Prisoner’s Right to Education The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently ruled that an undertrial prisoner cannot be denied access to education solely due to incarceration, directing authorities to allow a 69-year-old inmate at Nagpur Central Prison to appear for an LLB examination without incurring escort charges. The court’s decision, delivered by a division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi Phalke and Nivedita Mehta, granted the petitioner, Purushottam Kumar Sinha, the right to attend the Summer 2026 LLB second-semester examination under specific conditions. Sinha, an undertrial prisoner and student of Dr BRA Law College, affiliated with Nagpur University, had sought permission to appear for the exam. His petition argued that the exorbitant escort fees imposed by prison authorities effectively barred him from pursuing his education, violating his constitutional rights under Article 21. The court acknowledged that incarceration should not obstruct a prisoner’s educational progress, emphasizing that denying access to education due to financial constraints would be “harsh and unreasonable.” The court directed Nagpur Central Prison authorities to escort Sinha to the examination center on scheduled dates without charging any fees. It also mandated the deployment of security personnel during his travel and throughout the examination period. Additionally, the bench ordered Dr BRA Law College to provide a separate examination hall and an invigilator for Sinha, while allowing a security cordon around him during the exam. The petitioner’s counsel, NS Padia, had argued that the denial of educational access due to inability to pay escort charges constituted an infringement of the prisoner’s fundamental rights to education and dignity.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #purushottam_kumar_sinha #dr_bra_law_college #nagpur_central_prison

Parents Question June 15 Reopening for CBSE Schools in Vidarbha Parents and education groups in Vidarbha are raising concerns about the decision to reopen CBSE schools on June 15, citing adverse weather conditions that pose risks to students' health. The issue gained attention after the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court sought a response from the state government regarding the timing of school reopenings in the region. While the court’s inquiry focused on state-run schools, parents and associations are now pushing for similar scrutiny of CBSE institutions, which have historically opened earlier than other schools in the area. The debate centers on the region’s extreme heat, which has led to delays in school reopenings for non-CBSE institutions in Vidarbha. Schools in the region typically start after June 26 due to the scorching temperatures, which are significantly higher than in areas like Konkan and Pune. However, CBSE schools in Nagpur have traditionally reopened earlier, often before June 15. This year, the state government mandated that all Vidarbha schools, including CBSE institutions, align with the rest of Maharashtra by reopening on June 15. Yogesh Pathare, national coordinator of the Jagruk Palak Samiti, highlighted the long-standing issue, noting that government orders issued in 2009 and 2012 explicitly recommended delaying the reopening of schools in Vidarbha to avoid the harsh summer heat. These directives, he argued, were ignored, placing students at risk of health complications. Pathare emphasized that the climate in Vidarbha is distinct from other parts of Maharashtra, yet the decision to reopen early continues to disregard these conditions.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #vidarbha #jagruk_palak_samiti #csswa