Legal rulings reshape key policies—FASTag enforcement upheld, gold smuggling accused denied bail, and SC revokes bail in Rajasthan exam scam. Justice in action!
BOMBAY HIGH COURT UPHOLDS MANDATORY FASTAG POLICY
Case Name: Arjun Raju Khanapure v. Union of India
Bombay High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the obligatory FASTag policy and double toll fees for non-FASTag vehicles. The court opined that FASTag is a policy decision directed towards advancement in toll collection and that it is not a penalty. The court further highlighted that such policy decisions cannot be interfered with unless arbitrary or unconstitutional.
Legal Provision & Framework:
- Article 19(1)(d) of the Indian Constitution: Right of freedom of movement.
- National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008: Regulates collection of tolls.
- NHAI Circulars (February 2021): Requires FASTag and double toll charges for cash payments.
Source: BOMBAY HIGH COURT
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (15 MARCH 2025)
BENGALURU GOLD SMUGGLING CASE: COURT DENIES BAIL
Case Name: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence v. Ranya
Ranya has been denied bail for smuggling gold worth ₹12.86 crores, weighing around 14.2 kg. The court cited a broad smuggling net involving investigations that are ongoing. She had used VIP routes to be arrested at Bengaluru Airport. In a seizure by DRI, cash and ornaments costing ₹4.73 crores were confiscated from Ranya’s residence, adding layers of complication with respect to the case.
Legal Provision & Framework:
- Customs Act, 1962 (Section 102): Powers of seizure and arrest by customs officers.
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002: Potential application by reason of money transactions.
Source: SPECIAL COURT FOR ECONOMIC OFFENCES
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (15 MARCH 2025)
SUPREME COURT CANCELS BAIL IN RAJASTHAN EXAM SCAM
Case Name: State of Rajasthan v. INDRAJ SINGH ETC.
The Supreme Court cancelled the bail of two accused in the Rajasthan government exam scam and remarked that recruitment has to be totally fair because thousands of candidates rely on the integrity of the process. They are alleged to have used proxy candidates, tarnishing the credibility of the government recruitment process in the eyes of the public.
Legal Provision & Framework:
- IPC, 1860 (Sections 420, 468, 471): Cheating, forgery, and making use of forged documents.
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Applicable in case of involvement of government officials.
- Supreme Court’s Bail Guidelines: Exceptional grounds for cancellation of bail.
Source: Supreme Court of India
Also Read- DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (13 MARCH 2025)
