Last Minute Revision for CLAT PG: Important Judgements for the Month of July- Part III

The Kerala High Court Calls for Improved Registration and Living Conditions for Migrant Workers

• Case: TGN Kumar v State of Kerala
• The petitioner, TGN Kumar, raised concerns before the Kerala High Court regarding the influx of migrant workers from various states, particularly West Bengal, entering Kerala without proper documentation. He alleged that some workers were using fake identification documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, and highlighted incidents suggesting that certain migrant workers had been involved in criminal activities.
• The Kerala High Court emphasized the necessity for the state to adopt a systematic approach to monitor and improve the conditions of migrant workers. The Court observed that proper registration and verification processes are essential to address potential law and order issues and highlighted the need for decent living conditions to ensure the welfare of these workers.
• The Court directed the Kerala government to report on the current registration process and the measures in place to monitor the living conditions of migrant workers. It further instructed the Local Self-Government Department to establish a robust system for verifying identities and managing the residences of migrant laborers within the state.

Delhi Court Issues Summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in Defamation Case Filed by BJP Leader

• Case: Suresh Karamshi Nakhua v. Dhruv Rathee and Ors
• BJP leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua filed a defamation suit against YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, accusing him of labelling Nakhua as a “violent and abusive troll” in one of his YouTube videos. Nakhua argued that Rathee’s statements had damaged his reputation and adversely impacted his standing within his personal and professional circles.
• The petitioner argued that Rathee’s widely viewed video was a targeted attack that damaged his credibility and public image. The Court acknowledged the potential impact of such allegations, especially when disseminated through popular social media channels and recognized the petitioner’s argument for reputational harm.
• Decision: The Saket District Court in Delhi issued a summons to Dhruv Rathee, asking him to respond to the defamation claims. Additionally, the Court directed Rathee to address the petitioner’s plea for interim relief pending the defamation suit, effectively initiating judicial scrutiny over the matter.

The Supreme Court Declines the Inclusion of Tribunals in the National Judicial Data Grid Due to Funding Constraints

• Case: Petition to include tribunals in NJDG
• Background: Citing the need for improved data transparency and management, Advocate Kishan Chand Jain petitioned for the inclusion of tribunals in the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) under the eCourts Project.
• The Supreme Court noted that the eCourts Project, which currently tailors the NJDG to district courts, lacks the necessary budget for integrating tribunals. It pointed out that including tribunals in NJDG would require additional funding and administrative adjustments, which fall within the purview of the Department of Justice rather than the Court’s mandate.
• Decision: The Court rejected the petition, clarifying that expanding NJDG to include tribunals is beyond the current scope and budget of the eCourts Project. The Court advised the petitioner to present the proposal to the Department of Justice for possible future consideration.

Madras High Court Stays Suspension of KFC Outlet License Over Food Safety Violations, Criticises FSDO Process

• Case: Sapphire Foods v. The Commissioner
• Sapphire Foods, on behalf of KFC, filed a writ petition contesting the Food Safety Designated Officer’s (FSDO) decision to suspend its license in Tamil Nadu due to alleged food safety violations, such as the use of synthetic additives and the reuse of heated oil in cooking.
• The Madras High Court observed that the FSDO’s suspension order was procedurally flawed because the outlet did not receive a prior improvement notice, as required by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. While the law discourages the reuse of cooking oil, it categorizes it as an advisory rather than a mandatory prohibition.
• Decision: The Court stayed the suspension of the KFC outlet’s license, instructing the FSDO to adhere to statutory procedures that mandate an improvement notice before imposing punitive actions. This decision reinforces the need for due process in food safety enforcement actions.

Delhi High Court Orders Patanjali to Retract Claims Blaming Allopathy for COVID-19 Deaths

• Case: Resident Doctors Association, AIIMS, & Ors. v. Ram Kishan Yadav Alias Swami Ramdev and Ors
• The Resident Doctors’ Association of AIIMS filed a defamation suit against Patanjali Ayurved and its promoter, Ramdev, alleging that Ramdev’s statements attributing COVID-19 fatalities to allopathy were defamatory and harmful to public health.
• The Delhi High Court noted that Patanjali’s and Ramdev’s claims against allopathy were unsubstantiated and posed significant risks to public trust in medical systems. The court emphasized that such statements could mislead the public and undermine the reputation of both allopathic and ayurvedic systems of medicine.
• The High Court issued an interim order requiring Patanjali to retract these statements, underscoring the importance of responsible public communication, especially in health matters. The ruling aims to prevent misinformation and protect public health while respecting the integrity of medical practices.