Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh

Comprehensive analysis of landmark judgments from the Supreme Court of India, Punjab & Haryana High Court, and other constitutional courts — with facts, ratio decidendi, and practical impact.

173
Judgments
12
Categories
2
Languages
All Constitutional Law (74) Criminal Law (20) Environmental Law (4) Haryana-Specific (49) Property & Land Law (49) Public Interest Litigation (PIL) (4) Service & Employment Law (66) Women's Rights (6)
2020

Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma

विनीता शर्मा बनाम राकेश शर्मा

(2020) 9 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India (Three-Judge Bench)

Daughters have equal coparcenary rights by birth under the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 — irrespective of whether the father was alive on the date of the amendment.

Constitutional LawProperty & Land Law Hindu Succession Act 1956 Section 6 (as amended 2005)
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2020

Indore Development Authority v. Shailendra

इंदौर विकास प्राधिकरण बनाम शैलेन्द्र

(2020) 3 SCC 412 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)

Section 24 of the Right to Fair Compensation Act 2013 (RFCTLARR Act) — land acquisition lapses only if both conditions met: (a) award not made AND (b) compensation not paid/deposited. "Or" in the section to be read as "and".

Constitutional LawProperty & Land Law RFCTLARR Act 2013 Section 24Land Acquisition Act 1894
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2020

Vidya Devi v. State of Himachal Pradesh

विद्या देवी बनाम हिमाचल प्रदेश राज्य

(2020) 2 SCC 569 — Supreme Court of India

Adverse possession against government land requires 30 years of continuous, hostile, open, and uninterrupted possession. Burden of proof is on the person claiming adverse possession.

Property & Land Law Limitation Act Section 27Article 65 of Limitation Act Schedule
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2019

Vineet Kumar Mathur v. Union of India

विनीत कुमार माथुर बनाम भारत संघ

(2019) 20 SCC 710 — Supreme Court of India

Benami transactions are void under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act. Properties held benami are liable to confiscation by the government.

Property & Land Law Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act 1988/2016
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2018

Kuldeep Singh v. State of Haryana

कुलदीप सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 2587 of 2018 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Guest teachers in Haryana who have served for substantial periods are entitled to consideration for regularization. The State cannot treat them as dispensable despite relying on their services for years.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 21
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2018

Haryana HPSC Recruitment Controversy Cases

एचपीएससी भर्ती अनियमितता मामले

CWP No. 24190/2018 (P&H HC) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

HPSC recruitment must be transparent and merit-based. Irregularities in selection process vitiate the entire recruitment. Courts can quash recruitment where procedural fairness is compromised.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Haryana Public Service Commission Regulations
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2017

Ram Kishan v. State of Haryana

राम किशन बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

2017 SCC OnLine P&H 2894 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Pension is a right, not a bounty. Government cannot arbitrarily withhold or reduce pension of a retired employee. Pension disputes must be resolved promptly.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Punjab Civil Services RulesArticle 14Article 21
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2017

Ram Kishan v. HPSC

राम किशन बनाम हरियाणा लोक सेवा आयोग

CWP No. 12890 of 2017 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

HPSC cannot change the criteria or weightage for selection after the recruitment process has commenced. Any change in rules mid-process violates Article 14 and principles of fairness.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 226
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2016

Prakash v. Phulavati

प्रकाश बनाम फूलवती

(2016) 2 SCC 36 — Supreme Court of India

The 2005 Amendment to Hindu Succession Act (giving daughters equal coparcenary rights) is prospective and applies only if the father (coparcener) was alive on 9 September 2005.

Property & Land Law Hindu Succession Act 1956 Section 6 (as amended 2005)
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2016

Satpal v. State of Haryana

सतपाल बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 7652 of 2015 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

The age relaxation policy for ex-servicemen in Haryana government recruitment must be applied uniformly. Discriminatory application of the policy violates Article 14.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Haryana Ex-Servicemen Rules
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2016

Dharampal v. State of Haryana

धर्मपाल बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 18465 of 2015 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

The Haryana government's policy of engaging Swasthya Karyakartas (health workers) on contractual basis for decades without regularization is exploitative. Directions issued for their regularization.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 21
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2015

Kailash Nath v. DDA

कैलाश नाथ बनाम दिल्ली विकास प्राधिकरण

(2015) 4 SCC 136 — Supreme Court of India

Earnest money deposited in a property transaction can be forfeited only if the contract specifically provides for it and the forfeiture is reasonable. Court can grant relief against forfeiture if the amount is penal in nature.

Property & Land Law Indian Contract Act Section 74Transfer of Property Act Section 55
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2015

Surya Prakash v. State of Haryana

सूर्य प्रकाश बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 27133 of 2014 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Contractual employees under HKRNL engaged for more than 240 days are entitled to regularization as per the statutory provisions. The State cannot keep workers on contract indefinitely.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 21Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act 2009HKRNL
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2015

Satbir Singh v. State of Haryana

सतबीर सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

2015 SCC OnLine P&H 3256 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Transfer of police constables must follow the government transfer policy. Punitive transfer without disciplinary proceedings is prohibited. Transfer cannot be used as a tool of harassment.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Police ActArticle 14Article 21
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2015

State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih

पंजाब राज्य बनाम राफिक मसीह

(2015) 4 SCC 334 — Supreme Court of India

Government cannot recover excess payments from employees where: (a) payment was not due to employee's misrepresentation, (b) employee had no knowledge of overpayment, and (c) employee has already spent the amount in good faith.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 21
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2014

Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (Property/Election)

भूमि अधिग्रहण मुआवजा मामला

(2014) 3 SCC 183 — Supreme Court of India

Under the new RFCTLARR Act, compensation for land acquisition must include market value plus 100% solatium, and rehabilitation and resettlement benefits are mandatory.

Property & Land Law RFCTLARR Act 2013Land Acquisition Act 1894
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2014

Vinod Kumar v. State of Haryana

विनोद कुमार बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

2014 SCC OnLine P&H 22487 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Government policy on regularization of contractual employees under HKRNL must be implemented uniformly. Selective application violates Article 14.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16HKRNL
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2014

Navneet Kaur v. State of NCT of Delhi (Bhullar Case)

नवनीत कौर बनाम दिल्ली राज्य (भुल्लर मामला)

Curative Petition (Crl.) No. 88 of 2013 — Supreme Court of India

Inordinate delay in disposal of mercy petition and mental illness are supervening circumstances for commutation of death sentence, applicable to all cases including TADA.

Constitutional LawCriminal Law Article 21Article 72TADA
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2014

Gurjit Singh v. State of Punjab (Pre-emption)

गुरजीत सिंह बनाम पंजाब राज्य (हक़ शफ़ा)

(2014) 9 SCC 461 — Supreme Court of India

Pre-emption suit must be filed within prescribed limitation. Pre-emptor must deposit or offer the sale consideration. Delay defeats the right of pre-emption.

Property & Land Law Punjab Pre-emption Act 1913Limitation Act
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2014

Suresh Kumar v. State of Haryana

सुरेश कुमार बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 21456 of 2013 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

The Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules govern seniority determination. Inter se seniority must be strictly as per the date of joining and merit position in the select list.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules
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2013

DIG of Police v. S. Samuthiram

उप पुलिस महानिरीक्षक बनाम एस. समुत्तिरम

(2013) 1 SCC 598 — Supreme Court of India

Directions issued to combat eve-teasing nationwide — deployment of plain-clothed female police, CCTV installation, complaint committees in all institutions.

Constitutional LawCriminal LawWomen's Rights IPC Sections 294509Article 21
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2013

Deepti Prakash Banerjee v. Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre

दीप्ती प्रकाश बनर्जी बनाम सत्येन्द्र नाथ बोस राष्ट्रीय केन्द्र

(2013) 6 SCC 336 — Supreme Court of India

Temporary or contractual employees who have worked for years cannot be terminated without following principles of natural justice. However, regularization cannot be claimed as of right.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 21
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2013

Rajbir Singh v. State of Haryana

राजबीर सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 5731 of 2013 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

HPSC recruitment must be fair, transparent and in accordance with prescribed rules. If the selection process is vitiated by irregularities, the entire recruitment can be quashed.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 226HPSC Rules
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2013

In Re: Amarnath Shrine (Suo Motu)

अमरनाथ तीर्थस्थान मामला (स्वतः संज्ञान)

(2013) 3 SCC 247 — Supreme Court of India

Right to life under Article 21 includes right to live with dignity, safety, and clean environment. Religious tourism must balance with environmental protection.

Constitutional LawEnvironmental Law Article 21Article 48AArticle 51A(g)
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2013

Mukhtiar Singh v. State of Haryana (Change of Land Use)

मुख्तियार सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य (भूमि उपयोग परिवर्तन)

2013 SCC OnLine P&H 22134 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Change of Land Use (CLU) permission is mandatory before converting agricultural land to non-agricultural use in Haryana. Construction without CLU is illegal.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act 1975Punjab Land Preservation Act 1900
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2012

State of Haryana v. Rani Devi

हरियाणा राज्य बनाम रानी देवी

2012 SCC OnLine P&H 4128 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Women in Haryana have equal right to ancestral property after the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005. Daughters are coparceners by birth and have equal inheritance rights.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Hindu Succession Act Section 6 (as amended 2005)Article 14
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2012

Sahara India Real Estate v. SEBI

सहारा इंडिया रियल एस्टेट बनाम सेबी

AIR 2012 SC 3829 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)

Right to free trial and right to free press must be balanced. Courts can impose reasonable restrictions on media reporting to protect fair trial rights.

Constitutional Law Article 19(1)(a)Article 21Article 19(2)
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2012

Suraj Lamp & Industries Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Haryana

सूरज लैम्प एंड इंडस्ट्रीज बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

(2012) 1 SCC 656 — Supreme Court of India

Sale of immovable property through General Power of Attorney (GPA), Agreement to Sell, and Will is not a valid mode of transfer. Only a registered sale deed transfers title to immovable property.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Transfer of Property Act Section 54Registration Act Sections 17 and 49Indian Stamp Act
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2012

Suraj Lamp & Industries v. State of Haryana

सूरज लैम्प एंड इंडस्ट्रीज बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

(2012) 1 SCC 656 — Supreme Court of India

Sale of immovable property through General Power of Attorney, Agreement to Sell, and Will (GPA-ATS-Will transactions) does not convey title. Only a registered sale deed transfers ownership.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Transfer of Property Act Section 54Registration Act Sections 17 and 49Indian Stamp Act
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2012

In Re: Ramlila Maidan Incident

रामलीला मैदान घटना मामला

(2012) 5 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India

Right to peaceful protest and assembly is a fundamental right. Police use of force against sleeping protesters at midnight was unconstitutional.

Constitutional Law Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(b)Article 21CrPC Section 144
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2011

National Hydroelectric Power Corporation v. Narmada

राष्ट्रीय जलविद्युत निगम बनाम नर्मदा

(2011) 6 SCC 803 — Supreme Court of India

Transfer policy must be uniform and non-discriminatory. The employer must follow its own transfer policy. Arbitrary departure from transfer policy is violative of Article 14.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2011

Pawan Pratap Singh v. Reevan Singh

पवन प्रताप सिंह बनाम रीवन सिंह

(2011) 3 SCC 267 — Supreme Court of India

Compassionate appointment is not a vested right but a concession. Must be granted within reasonable time and only to needy dependents.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2011

K.T. Plantation v. State of Karnataka

के.टी. प्लांटेशन बनाम कर्नाटक राज्य

(2011) 9 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)

Right to property is a constitutional right under Article 300A. Deprivation requires authority of law, public purpose, and fair compensation.

Constitutional LawProperty & Land Law Article 300AArticle 14Article 21
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2011

Bhagwan Dass v. State of Haryana

भगवान दास बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

CWP No. 3467 of 2011 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Gram Panchayat employees in Haryana are entitled to minimum wages and cannot be paid below the prescribed minimum. The Panchayat cannot claim financial inability to deny minimum wages.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 21Minimum Wages Act 1948Haryana Panchayati Raj Act
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2011

Kuldeep Singh v. State of Haryana

कुलदीप सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

(2011) 5 SCC 258 — Supreme Court of India

Daily-wage workers in Haryana government who have completed 240 days of continuous service cannot be terminated without compliance with Section 25F of Industrial Disputes Act.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Industrial Disputes Act Section 25FArticle 14
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2011

Narmada Bachao Andolan v. State of M.P. (PIL Maintainability)

नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन बनाम मध्य प्रदेश राज्य (PIL)

AIR 2011 SC 1989, (2011) 7 SCC 639 — Supreme Court of India

Rules relating to maintainability of PIL explained — PIL must not be used for personal gain or as a publicity tool. Courts must scrutinize bona fides of PIL petitioners.

Constitutional LawEnvironmental LawPublic Interest Litigation (PIL) Article 226Article 32
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2011

Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (Right to Die)

अरुणा शानबाग बनाम भारत संघ (मृत्यु का अधिकार)

(2011) 4 SCC 454 — Supreme Court of India

Passive euthanasia is permissible in India under strict guidelines. Active euthanasia remains illegal. Right to die with dignity is recognized.

Constitutional Law Article 21IPC Section 309
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2011

Devi Lal v. State of Haryana (Lal Dora)

देवी लाल बनाम हरियाणा राज्य (लाल डोरा)

2011 SCC OnLine P&H 15234 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Lal Dora land (village abadi area) is subject to Haryana development regulations. Construction on Lal Dora land now requires compliance with building norms in notified areas.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act 1975Punjab Land Revenue Act
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2010

S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal

एस. खुशबू बनाम कन्नियम्मल

AIR 2010 SC 3196, (2010) 5 SCC 600 — Supreme Court of India

Freedom of speech includes the right to express views on social issues. Media must follow responsible reporting guidelines for sub-judice matters.

Constitutional Law Article 19(1)(a)IPC Section 499500
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2010

State of Karnataka v. M.L. Kesari

कर्नाटक राज्य बनाम एम.एल. केसरी

(2010) 9 SCC 247 — Supreme Court of India

The one-time exception in Umadevi for regularization of employees who worked 10+ years applies to all such employees irrespective of whether they were parties to that case.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2010

Municipal Committee, Panchkula v. Surinder Kaur

नगर समिति, पंचकुला बनाम सुरिंदर कौर

LPA No. 1082 of 2010 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Employees of Municipal Committees and Municipal Corporations in Haryana constitute separate cadres. Seniority in one cadre cannot be counted for promotion in a different cadre.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Haryana Municipal Act
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2010

Rajinder Singh v. Santa Singh

राजिन्दर सिंह बनाम सांता सिंह

(2010) 5 SCC 91 — Supreme Court of India

Permission of the competent authority is mandatory for sale of agricultural land in Punjab and Haryana to persons who are not agriculturists. Sale without permission is void.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Land Reforms Act Section 9Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act
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2010

Baldev Singh v. State of Haryana (Shamlat Deh)

बलदेव सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य (शामलात देह)

2010 SCC OnLine P&H 8312 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Shamlat deh (village common land) cannot be sold, transferred, or encroached upon. Panchayat has duty to protect common land for community use.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act 1961Haryana Panchayati Raj Act
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2009

Naz Foundation v. Government of NCT of Delhi

नाज़ फाउंडेशन बनाम दिल्ली सरकार

2010 CriLJ 94, (2009) 3 RCR (Criminal) 523 — Delhi High Court (Division Bench)

Section 377 IPC unconstitutional insofar as it criminalizes consensual sexual acts between adults in private. Right to privacy and dignity includes sexual orientation.

Constitutional Law Article 14Article 15Article 21IPC Section 377
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2009

Raghunath v. State of Haryana

रघुनाथ बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

(2009) 3 SCC 208 — Supreme Court of India

In land acquisition proceedings, the market value must reflect the genuine market rate prevailing at the time of Section 4 notification. Courts must consider sale deeds of comparable properties.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Land Acquisition Act 1894 Sections 423Article 300A
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2009

Gram Panchayat of Village Nahri v. State of Haryana

ग्राम पंचायत, गाँव नहरी बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

2009 SCC OnLine P&H 5678 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Gram Panchayat has locus standi to protect village common lands. Encroachment on pond (johad), cremation ground, or charanghah must be removed by the State.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act 1961Haryana Panchayati Raj Act 1994
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2009

Hemaji Waghaji Jat v. Bhikhabhai Khengarbhai Harijan

हेमाजी वाघजी जाट बनाम भीखाभाई खेंगरभाई हरिजन

(2009) 16 SCC 517 — Supreme Court of India

Adverse possession is a concept which rewards the trespasser and punishes the rightful owner. Courts should strictly scrutinize claims of adverse possession.

Property & Land Law Limitation Act 1963 Section 27
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2009

State of Haryana v. Gurnam Singh

हरियाणा राज्य बनाम गुरनाम सिंह

(2009) 16 SCC 269 — Supreme Court of India

Promotion to a higher post must be based on the relevant recruitment and promotion rules. The State cannot bypass the rules by making ad hoc promotions indefinitely.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Haryana Service Rules
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2008

K.B. Saha & Sons Pvt. Ltd. v. Development Consultant Ltd.

के.बी. साहा एंड सन्स बनाम डेवलपमेंट कंसल्टेंट

(2008) 8 SCC 564 — Supreme Court of India

Specific performance of contract for sale of immovable property is a discretionary remedy. The court considers conduct of parties, readiness and willingness to perform, and whether damages would be adequate.

Property & Land Law Specific Relief Act 1963 Sections 1620Transfer of Property Act
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2008

Tek Chand v. State of Haryana (Partition)

टेक चंद बनाम हरियाणा राज्य (बँटवारा)

2008 SCC OnLine P&H 12456 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Revenue court has jurisdiction to partition agricultural land. Partition by metes and bounds should ensure each co-sharer gets a compact block of land equivalent to their share.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Land Revenue Act Sections 135-140Partition Act 1893
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2008

Devinder Singh v. State of Punjab

देविन्दर सिंह बनाम पंजाब राज्य

(2008) 1 SCC 728 — Supreme Court of India

During pendency of consolidation proceedings under the East Punjab Holdings (Consolidation and Prevention of Fragmentation) Act, civil courts have no jurisdiction over land disputes covered by consolidation.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law East Punjab Holdings (Consolidation and Prevention of Fragmentation) Act 1948
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2008

Rajbir Singh Dalal v. Chaudhari Devi Lal University

राजबीर सिंह दलाल बनाम चौधरी देवी लाल विश्वविद्यालय

(2008) 9 SCC 284 — Supreme Court of India

University recruitment must follow UGC norms and guidelines. Appointments made in violation of minimum qualification requirements are void ab initio.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law UGC ActArticle 14Article 16
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2007

Tek Chand v. State of Haryana

टेक चंद बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

2007 SCC OnLine P&H 1856 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Regularization of contractual employees under HKRNL is subject to fulfillment of conditions prescribed. Government must frame clear policy for absorption of daily-wage workers.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law HKRNL (Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act)
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2007

I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu

आई.आर. कोएल्हो बनाम तमिलनाडु राज्य

AIR 2007 SC 861, (2007) 2 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India (9-Judge Constitution Bench)

Laws placed in the Ninth Schedule after 24 April 1973 are subject to judicial review if they violate the basic structure of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law Article 31BNinth ScheduleArticle 141921
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2007

Municipal Committee, Patiala v. Model Town Residents Association

नगर समिति, पटियाला बनाम मॉडल टाउन निवासी संघ

(2007) 8 SCC 669 — Supreme Court of India

Municipal bodies have a statutory duty to provide basic civic services. Failure to provide water supply, sanitation, and roads is actionable. Citizens can enforce municipal obligations through writ petitions.

Constitutional LawHaryana-Specific Punjab Municipal ActArticle 21Article 226
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2007

Gurdev Kaur v. Kaki

गुरदेव कौर बनाम काकी

(2007) 10 SCC 21 — Supreme Court of India

A woman who has been in possession of property as part of a settlement or agreement cannot be evicted without following due process. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.

Property & Land Law CPC Order XXXIXTransfer of Property ActSpecific Relief Act Section 6
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2006

Epuru Sudhakar v. Government of A.P.

एपुरू सुधाकर बनाम आंध्र प्रदेश सरकार

2006 AIR (SC) 3385, (2006) 8 SCC 161 — Supreme Court of India

Presidential/Governor's pardon power is not immune from judicial review. Pardon can be cancelled if obtained by fraud, misrepresentation, or non-application of mind.

Constitutional LawCriminal Law Article 72Article 161Article 32
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2006

M.V. Bijlani v. Union of India

एम.वी. बिजलानी बनाम भारत संघ

(2006) 5 SCC 88 — Supreme Court of India

Promotion is not a fundamental right but employee has a right to be considered. Supersession must be based on rational and non-arbitrary criteria.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2006

Chimanlal Jagjivandas v. Shreechand Keshrichand

चिमनलाल जगजीवनदास बनाम श्रीचंद केशरीचंद

AIR 2006 SC 3284 — Supreme Court of India

In suit for partition, the court considers both the shares of the parties and the equities. The plaintiff in a partition suit is not entitled to specific portion but to his share in the totality of property.

Property & Land Law CPC Order XX Rule 18Partition Act 1893
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2006

Secretary, State of Karnataka v. Umadevi

कर्नाटक राज्य सचिव बनाम उमा देवी

(2006) 4 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)

Irregular or contractual appointments cannot claim regularization as a matter of right. Public employment must follow Articles 14 and 16 — recruitment through proper process.

Constitutional LawService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 21
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2006

Secretary, State of Karnataka v. Umadevi (3)

सचिव, कर्नाटक राज्य बनाम उमादेवी (3)

(2006) 4 SCC 1 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)

Regularization of irregular or contractual appointments cannot be claimed as a matter of right. Only duly selected candidates through proper recruitment process are entitled to regular appointments.

Constitutional LawService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 309
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2006

M.V. Bijlani v. Union of India

एम.वी. बिजलानी बनाम भारत संघ

(2006) 5 SCC 88 — Supreme Court of India

Next-below-rule — when a senior officer's seniority is restored, all consequential benefits including promotion must follow. Officers promoted in the interim do not lose their right.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2005

M.A. Rasheed v. State of Kerala

एम.ए. रशीद बनाम केरल राज्य

(2005) 2 SCC 18 — Supreme Court of India

The pay scale attached to a post at the time of appointment is a term of service. Any downward revision of pay scale without following due process and without valid justification is arbitrary.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 309
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2005

Haryana Roadways v. Rudhan Singh

हरियाणा रोडवेज बनाम रूधन सिंह

2005 (3) SCT 590 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Haryana Roadways employees appointed on daily wages who have completed more than 10 years of service are entitled to be regularized in accordance with the Umadevi principles.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 21
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2005

Nagar Palika, Jind v. Jagat Ram

नगर पालिका, जींद बनाम जगत राम

2005 SCC OnLine P&H 1887 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Municipal land cannot be adversely possessed. Public property vested in municipality or panchayat is not subject to adverse possession claims by private individuals.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Limitation Act Section 27Haryana Municipal Act
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2005

Himachal Pradesh v. Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd.

हिमाचल प्रदेश बनाम गुजरात अम्बुजा सीमेंट लि.

(2005) 6 SCC 499 — Supreme Court of India

Land ceiling laws prevail over subsequent transactions. Surplus land vests in the State by operation of law. No individual can hold land exceeding the prescribed ceiling.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Land Reforms ActHaryana Ceiling on Land Holdings Act
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2005

Ganga Ram v. HUDA

गंगा राम बनाम हुडा

(2005) 12 SCC 167 — Supreme Court of India

HUDA (now HSVP) allotments must follow transparent procedure. Arbitrary cancellation of allotment without hearing is violative of Article 14. Allottees have a legitimate expectation of fair treatment.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Haryana Urban Development Authority ActArticle 14
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2004

Balvant N. Viswamitra v. Yadav Sadashiv Mule

बलवंत एन. विश्वामित्र बनाम यादव सदाशिव मुले

(2004) 8 SCC 706 — Supreme Court of India

A sale deed once executed and registered transfers title to the vendee. The vendor cannot unilaterally cancel the sale deed. Cancellation requires a decree of court.

Property & Land Law Transfer of Property Act Section 54Registration Act
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2004

Rame Gowda v. M. Varadappa Naidu

रामे गौड़ा बनाम एम. वरदप्पा नायडू

(2004) 1 SCC 769 — Supreme Court of India

Government land cannot be adversely possessed. No person can claim ownership of government land by adverse possession. The Limitation Act bars the remedy, not the right.

Property & Land Law Limitation Act 1963 Article 112Government Grants Act
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2003

P.U. Joshi v. Accountant General

पी.यू. जोशी बनाम महालेखाकार

(2003) 2 SCC 632 — Supreme Court of India

Equal pay for equal work is a constitutional goal but not an absolute right. Difference in pay scales can be justified by difference in qualifications, responsibilities, and experience.

Constitutional LawService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 39(d)
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2003

Shanti Devi v. Hukam Chand

शांति देवी बनाम हुकम चंद

(2003) 2 PLR 393 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court (Full Bench)

Right of pre-emption under Punjab Pre-emption Act is available to co-sharers and adjoining owners. The right must be exercised within the statutory period.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Pre-emption Act 1913Haryana Pre-emption Act
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2003

Smt. Katiji v. Second Income Tax Officer (Pre-emption analogy)

जय सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य (पूर्व क्रय अधिकार)

RSA No. 2834 of 2002 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

The right of pre-emption under the Punjab Pre-emption Act (applicable to Haryana) is a weak right. It must be exercised strictly within the prescribed limitation period and conditions.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Punjab Pre-emption Act 1913Article 226
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2003

Smt. Ram Devi v. State of Haryana

श्रीमती राम देवी बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

2003 (2) RSJ 625 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Haryana government must follow the 1996 transfer policy for police personnel. Mass arbitrary transfers violate Article 14. A transfer order without adherence to the transfer policy is liable to be quashed.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 226Haryana Police Transfer Policy 1996
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2003

Satbir Singh v. State of Haryana (Land Ceiling)

सतबीर सिंह बनाम हरियाणा राज्य (भूमि हदबंदी)

2003 SCC OnLine P&H 578 — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Land ceiling laws must be strictly followed. Benami transactions to circumvent ceiling limits are void. Surplus land vests in the State for redistribution.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Haryana Ceiling on Land Holdings Act 1972Benami Transactions Act
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2003

Balram Kumawat v. Union of India

बलराम कुमावत बनाम भारत संघ

(2003) 7 SCC 628 — Supreme Court of India

Mutation in revenue records does not create or extinguish title. It is merely a fiscal/administrative process for revenue collection and has no bearing on ownership rights.

Property & Land Law Punjab Land Revenue ActTransfer of Property Act
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2003

Registrar General, High Court of Madras v. R. Perachi

रजिस्ट्रार जनरल, मद्रास उच्च न्यायालय बनाम आर. पेरासी

(2003) 7 SCC 222 — Supreme Court of India

A person promoted on temporary/officiating basis has no right to the promotional post. Reversion of such person to the parent cadre is not punitive and does not require disciplinary proceedings.

Service & Employment Law Article 311Article 14
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2002

B.S. Bajwa v. State of Punjab

बी.एस. बाजवा बनाम पंजाब राज्य

(2002) 1 SCC 187 — Supreme Court of India

Settled seniority cannot be disturbed retrospectively. Reopening seniority after long gap causes grave prejudice.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2002

Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms

भारत संघ बनाम लोकतांत्रिक सुधार संघ

AIR 2002 SC 2112, (2002) 5 SCC 294 — Supreme Court of India

Citizens have a fundamental right to know the antecedents of election candidates — criminal record, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications must be disclosed.

Constitutional Law Article 19(1)(a)Article 21Article 226Representation of People Act
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2002

S.N. Kacker v. Nand Kishore Bhaiya

एस.एन. कक्कड़ बनाम नंद किशोर भैया

(2002) 5 SCC 499 — Supreme Court of India

For adverse possession, the possession must be open, continuous, hostile, and to the knowledge of the true owner for 12 years. Mere occupation is not enough.

Property & Land Law Limitation Act 1963 Section 27Article 65
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2001

Union of India v. S.K. Sinha

भारत संघ बनाम एस.के. सिन्हा

(2001) 4 SCC 228 — Supreme Court of India

Compassionate appointment is not a vested right but a concession. It must be made only to meet the immediate financial crisis of the bereaved family. Delay of several years defeats the purpose.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2001

Om Kumar v. Union of India

ओम कुमार बनाम भारत संघ

(2001) 2 SCC 386 — Supreme Court of India

Proportionality principle applies to disciplinary proceedings. The punishment imposed must be proportionate to the gravity of misconduct. Shockingly disproportionate punishment can be set aside by courts.

Constitutional LawService & Employment Law Article 14Article 311
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2001

Shyam Sunder v. Ram Kumar

श्याम सुंदर बनाम राम कुमार

(2001) 8 SCC 24 — Supreme Court of India

In a partition suit, every coparcener has an indefeasible right to his share. Court must pass preliminary decree determining shares and then final decree for actual division.

Property & Land Law Hindu Succession ActCPC Order XX Rule 18
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2001

K. Duraisamy v. State of Tamil Nadu

के. दुरईसामी बनाम तमिलनाडु राज्य

(2001) 2 SCC 538 — Supreme Court of India

Daily wage workers performing same duties as regular employees for years are entitled to equal wages. State cannot exploit labour by keeping workers on daily wages indefinitely.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 39(d)Article 43
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2000

Rudra Kumar Sain v. Union of India

रुद्र कुमार सैन बनाम भारत संघ

(2000) 8 SCC 25 — Supreme Court of India

If the initial appointment is illegal and void, no right accrues to the appointee. An illegal appointment cannot be regularized.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2000

Rudra Kumar Sain v. Union of India

रूद्र कुमार सैन बनाम भारत संघ

(2000) 8 SCC 25 — Supreme Court of India

Compassionate appointment is not a vested right but an exception to the normal rule of recruitment. It must be granted immediately after death/retirement of the breadwinner, not after years of delay.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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2000

Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (Dam Case)

नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन बनाम भारत संघ (बांध मामला)

AIR 2000 SC 3751, (2000) 10 SCC 664 — Supreme Court of India

Large dam construction permitted subject to compliance with environmental conditions, proper rehabilitation of displaced persons, and monitoring by authorities.

Constitutional LawEnvironmental Law Article 21Article 48AEnvironment Protection Act 1986
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1999

Vidyadhar v. Manikrao

विद्याधर बनाम मानिकराव

(1999) 3 SCC 573 — Supreme Court of India

A Hindu coparcener has the right to seek partition of joint family property at any time. No coparcener can prevent another from exercising the right to partition.

Property & Land Law Hindu Succession ActTransfer of Property Act
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1999

Vidya Devi v. State of Himachal Pradesh

विद्या देवी बनाम हिमाचल प्रदेश राज्य

(1999) 2 SCC 4 — Supreme Court of India

Mutation in revenue records does not confer title. It is merely a fiscal record for revenue collection purposes. Title can only be determined by a competent civil court.

Property & Land Law Punjab Land Revenue Act Section 35Transfer of Property Act
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1998

Vineet Narain v. Union of India (Hawala Case)

विनीत नारायण बनाम भारत संघ (हवाला मामला)

AIR 1998 SC 889, (1998) 1 SCC 226 — Supreme Court of India

CBI must be insulated from political pressure. CVC given statutory status. Directions issued for independence of investigating agencies in cases against powerful persons.

Constitutional Law Article 32Article 14Delhi Special Police Establishment Act
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1998

Faqir Chand v. Shri Niwas

फकीर चंद बनाम श्री निवास

(1998) 4 RCR (Civil) 455 (P&H) — Punjab & Haryana High Court

Eviction of tenants in Haryana is governed by the Haryana Urban (Control of Rent and Eviction) Act. Landlord must prove specific grounds for eviction.

Haryana-SpecificProperty & Land Law Haryana Urban (Control of Rent and Eviction) Act 1973
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1998

B.V. Sivaiah v. K. Addanki Babu

बी.वी. शिवैय्या बनाम के. अड्डांकी बाबू

(1998) 6 SCC 720 — Supreme Court of India

A person appointed to a particular cadre/post cannot be unilaterally transferred to a different cadre. The conditions of service at the time of appointment are binding on both employer and employee.

Service & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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1997

D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal

डी.के. बसु बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य

AIR 1997 SC 610, (1997) 1 SCC 416 — Supreme Court of India

Comprehensive guidelines for arrest and detention to prevent custodial violence. Compensation for violation of fundamental rights during custody.

Constitutional LawCriminal Law Article 21Article 22Article 32
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1997

Surinder Singh v. State of Punjab

सुरिंदर सिंह बनाम पंजाब राज्य

(1997) 10 SCC 576 — Supreme Court of India

Reversion from a higher post to the lower cadre is not a punishment if the employee held the higher post only in an officiating or temporary capacity. The employee has no vested right in the higher post.

Service & Employment Law Article 311Article 14
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1997

Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh

समता बनाम आंध्र प्रदेश राज्य

AIR 1997 SC 3297, (1997) 8 SCC 191 — Supreme Court of India

Transfer of tribal land to non-tribals including mining companies is prohibited in Scheduled Areas. Right to livelihood of tribals is not mere survival but life with dignity.

Constitutional LawHaryana-Specific Fifth ScheduleArticle 21AP Scheduled Areas Land Transfer Regulation
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1997

S.S. Bola v. B.D. Sardana

एस.एस. बोला बनाम बी.डी. सरदाना

(1997) 8 SCC 522 — Supreme Court of India (Constitution Bench)

Seniority of ad hoc/temporary promotees vis-à-vis regular promotees clarified. Length of continuous officiation in promotional post determines seniority subject to rules.

Constitutional LawService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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1997

Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan

विशाखा बनाम राजस्थान राज्य

(1997) 6 SCC 241, AIR 1997 SC 3011 — Supreme Court of India

Sexual harassment at workplace defined and guidelines issued (Vishaka Guidelines). Right to work with dignity is a fundamental right under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21.

Constitutional LawWomen's Rights Article 14Article 15Article 19(1)(g)Article 21
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1996

State of Haryana v. Jasmer Singh

हरियाणा राज्य बनाम जसमेर सिंह

(1996) 11 SCC 77 — Supreme Court of India

Contractual employee retained beyond tenure cannot be terminated without following principles of natural justice.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16Article 21
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1996

Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay v. Industrial Development Investment Co.

बृहन्मुंबई नगर निगम बनाम औद्योगिक विकास निवेश कंपनी

(1996) 11 SCC 501 — Supreme Court of India

An unauthorized construction can be demolished by the municipal authority without prior notice only in exceptional cases. Normally, principles of natural justice require notice and hearing before demolition.

Property & Land Law Article 14Article 21Municipal Corporation Act
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1996

Pawan Kumar v. State of Haryana

पवन कुमार बनाम हरियाणा राज्य

(1996) 2 SCC 714 — Supreme Court of India

Seniority in government service is a valuable civil right. It cannot be taken away without following due process of law. Any alteration of seniority list must be preceded by notice and hearing.

Haryana-SpecificService & Employment Law Article 14Article 16
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1996

Chameli Singh v. State of U.P.

चमेली सिंह बनाम उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य

AIR 1996 SC 1051, (1996) 2 SCC 549 — Supreme Court of India

Right to shelter is a fundamental right under Article 21. Right to livelihood includes the right to adequate housing as part of the right to live with dignity.

Constitutional Law Article 19Article 21Land Acquisition Act 1894
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