The case relates to the 2017 murder of junior engineer Ujjwal Raj in Bihar. A trial court had earlier convicted five men and sentenced them to life imprisonment. However, the High Court reviewed the evidence and found serious flaws in the trial court’s reasoning.

A division bench of Justices Bibek Chaudhuri and Chandra Shekhar Jha said the conviction relied mainly on confessional statements made to the police. Such statements cannot be used as valid evidence in criminal trials under Indian law. Because of these mistakes, the court acquitted all five accused.

The judges strongly criticized the trial court’s handling of the case. The Patna High Court stops trial judge from hearing criminal cases for now and directed that he undergo special training on criminal law and evidence rules before handling such matters again.

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Officials have made it clear that lawyers and their clerks must carry valid identity cards. Without ID proof, entry will not be allowed under any circumstances. Security staff will verify identity at the gate before permitting access.

The court has also introduced strict vehicle rules. Only vehicles with valid passes issued by the court can enter the premises. This step aims to prevent unauthorized access and improve safety.

Authorities said these changes were made after a high-level review of security arrangements. The Registrar General has informed bar associations about the updated rules.

Court officials urged everyone to cooperate with security checks. They believe the move will ensure a safer and more disciplined environment for judges, lawyers, and visitors.

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A division bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S dismissed an appeal filed by defaulting borrowers. The appeal challenged recovery proceedings initiated by a co-operative bank. The court upheld an earlier single judge order that refused to interfere.

The borrowers had taken three loans from Vazhoor Farmers Service Co-operative Bank by mortgaging their property. After repayment defaults, arbitration proceedings followed under the Kerala Co-operative Societies Act. While one loan account was settled under OTS, disputes continued over remaining dues.

The bench noted that borrowers repeatedly approached courts and failed to fully use settlement opportunities already granted. Relying on Supreme Court and earlier High Court rulings, the judges said courts cannot rewrite loan contracts. Directing banks to offer fresh concessions under writ jurisdiction was held impermissible. The writ appeal was dismissed.

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The case involved an adolescent boy, which raised legal questions about consent. The accused remained in custody for several months before approaching the High Court for relief. During the hearing, the defence argued that the interaction occurred with mutual consent and without force.

The court examined the case records and noted the absence of clear evidence showing coercion or manipulation. Judges said that each case under POCSO must be assessed on its own facts. They observed that the law should not be applied mechanically, especially when circumstances suggest a consensual relationship.

While granting bail, the court clarified that the order does not decide the final outcome of the case. The accused must cooperate with the investigation and appear before the trial court as required. The judges stressed that the trial process will continue and that the prosecution will have the opportunity to present evidence.

Legal experts welcomed the ruling and said it provides guidance on how courts should handle sensitive POCSO cases. They pointed out that the judgement highlights the need to strike a balance between child protection and fairness to the accused. Lawyers believe the order may help prevent misuse of the law in cases where consent is a key factor.

The trial court will now proceed with the case and examine all evidence in detail. The High Court’s observations are expected to influence how similar cases are approached in the future.

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