Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (17 JUNE 2024)

by | Jun 17, 2024

LAW AND GOVERNANCE

SUPREME COURT RULES ON STAMP DUTY REFUNDS

Bano Saiyed Parwaz vs. Chief Controlling Revenue Authority

The Supreme Court determined that applications for stamp duty refunds must be accepted if filed within six months of payment, regardless of whether the cancellation deed was executed afterwards.

Legal Provisions and Framework:
  • Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958: This legislation regulates the imposition of stamp duties on various instruments within Maharashtra.
    • Section 48: Requires that applications for stamp duty refunds be submitted within six months from the date of payment.
    • Section 47: Outlines the conditions under which stamp duty refunds can be requested.
  • Supreme Court Ruling: The Court emphasized that refund applications filed within the six-month period must be honored, even if the cancellation deed is not yet executed. This decision prevents denial of refunds due to procedural technicalities, ensuring fair treatment for applicants.

 

Source- Supreme Court of India 

KERALA HIGH COURT AFFIRMS SECTION 498A CONVICTION

The Kerala High Court confirmed the conviction of a Muslim man under Section 498A IPC for cruelty and dowry harassment towards his Hindu wife, ruling that the irregularity of their interfaith marriage under Muslim law does not nullify the charges.

Legal Provisions and Framework:
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC):
    • Section 498A: Addresses cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a wife, particularly in relation to dowry harassment.
    • Section 306: Pertains to abetment of suicide.
    • Section 304B: Relates to dowry deaths.
  • Supreme Court Precedents: The Kerala High Court referenced the Supreme Court’s position that the validity of the marriage cannot be used to avoid liability under Section 498A. The key focus is on the treatment of the wife and the nature of the relationship, regardless of the marriage’s technical validity.
  • Muslim Personal Law: The court noted that under Sunni law, the marriage was considered irregular but not void, confirming that the protections of Section 498A apply irrespective of personal law technicalities.

 

Source- Kerala High Court

Anju vs. Rama Gupta

The Punjab & Haryana High Court stated that a cheque lacking an explicit interest component cannot be enforced for interest under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The court quashed the complaint, noting the cheque was issued for the principal debt only.

Legal Provisions and Framework:
  • Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881:
    • Section 138: Specifies penalties for cheque dishonor due to insufficient funds, stipulating that the cheque must be issued for a legally enforceable debt or liability.
    • Section 118: Presumes that every negotiable instrument was drawn for consideration and is for a legally enforceable debt.
    • Section 80: Discusses interest on negotiable instruments, indicating that any claim for interest must be specifically stated.
    • Section 82: Addresses the discharge of negotiable instruments, indicating that once the debt amount is paid, the instrument is discharged.
    • Section 147: Allows for the compounding of offences under the Act.
  • Court’s Interpretation: The court ruled that a cheque cannot be used to claim interest unless explicitly agreed upon. Once the principal amount specified in the cheque is paid, the debt is considered settled, and additional interest cannot be claimed under Section 138. This ruling ensures that cheques are not misused for claims exceeding the stated amount.

 

Source- Punjab & Haryana High Court 

 

GOVERNMENT SCHEME 

DR. S. RADHAKRISHNAN UGC POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

(Ministry of Education)

Objectives: The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship, established by the University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to facilitate advanced research in Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences within Indian universities. It is designed to groom young researchers for academic and research careers while promoting interdisciplinary studies.

Benefits: Successful applicants receive a monthly fellowship of ₹50,000 along with an annual contingency grant of ₹50,000. Additionally, a fixed amount of ₹3,000 per month is provided for Escorts/Reader assistance in cases of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). Accommodation is available in hostels or House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms.

Eligibility: Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in relevant disciplines, be below 35 years of age (with age relaxation for specified categories), and meet academic criteria with a minimum of 55% marks at the postgraduate level (relaxable for reserved categories). They must secure a mentor from a recognized institution and obtain necessary approvals for the research proposal.

 

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME (FOREIGN UNIVERSITY)

(Ministry of Education)

Objectives: The Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) (QIP-FU), initiated by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aims to upgrade the qualifications of Indian faculty by supporting them in pursuing Ph.D. degrees from top-ranked international universities. This program intends to bridge the gap in doctoral qualifications among faculty members and enhance global competitiveness.

Benefits: Faculty members selected under QIP-FU receive a scholarship of ₹25,000 per month to support their doctoral studies abroad. This initiative not only strengthens research capabilities but also exposes participants to advanced facilities and expertise available at reputed foreign institutions.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be full-time, regular faculty members of AICTE-recognized degree-level colleges, possess a master’s degree in their respective field, and have secured admission to a Ph.D. programme at one of the top 500 global universities based on recognized rankings. Previous teaching experience and an admission offer within the last five years are also required.

Source- myScheme 

Also read– APPEAL AGAINST HIGH COURT’S DIRECTIVE TO ACCEPT MEMO IN SUMMARY SUIT INVOLVING RECOVERY OF FUNDS

 

 

Written By Vishakha Khatri

My name is Vishakha Khatri. I am an engineering graduate and a civil service aspirant with a passion for spreading knowledge about Indian polity. I believe that understanding our political system is crucial for every citizen, and I am committed to making this information accessible to everyone in my own easy way. Through my experiences in civil service preparation and my unique perspective as an engineering graduate, I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of Indian polity.

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