Top 5 Criminal Law Cases for Judiciary Aspirants: Part I

Are you an aspiring judge with a goal to master Criminal Law and ace your judicial services exams with confidence? You’re not alone; and you’re definitely in the right place. Do you want to excel in your judicial services exams with confidence? Edzorb Premium Membership is your one-stop solution!

With expertly curated notes, high-yield case law summaries, and exam-oriented study material, we ensure you grasp the most important legal precedents that every judiciary aspirant must know. Let’s dive into the Top 5 Criminal Law Cases that are crucial for judiciary preparation!

📖 1. K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra (1962)

Relevant Statutes: Sections 300, 302 & 304 (IPC)

Case Overview:

One of India’s most sensational criminal cases, involving love, betrayal, and a high-profile trial. Naval officer K.M. Nanavati shot businessman Prem Ahuja upon discovering his wife’s affair. The case questioned the applicability of “grave and sudden provocation” as a defense.

Supreme Court Ruling:

🎡 Ruled that Nanavati’s act was premeditated, convicting him of murder under Section 302 IPC.

Why It’s Important:

• Defines the distinction between murder and culpable homicide.
• Limits the scope of sudden provocation as a defense.

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📖 2. State of Uttar Pradesh v. Ram Babu Misra (1980)

Relevant Statutes: Sections 161-164 (CrPC)

Case Overview:

The case revolved around bribery allegations and the admissibility of confessions made in police custody. The main issue? Can a confession given to the police be used in court?

Supreme Court Ruling:

🎡 Confessions made to police officers are inadmissible, reinforcing Section 161 and 162 CrPC safeguards.

Why It’s Important:

• Ensures protection against forced confessions.
• Strengthens the fair trial principles in Indian law.

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📖 3. Pakala Narayana Swami v. Emperor (1939)

Relevant Statutes: Section 32(1) (Indian Evidence Act)

Case Overview:

A landmark case on dying declarations, the question was: Must a person be on their deathbed for their statement to be considered as dying declaration?

Privy Council Ruling:

🎡 Ruled that statements made before death are admissible if the person believed death was imminent, broadening the scope of dying declarations.

Why It’s Important:

• Key case for Evidence Act interpretations.
• Defines the scope and applicability of dying declarations.

📖 4. Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980)

Relevant Statutes: Section 302 (IPC), Section 354(3) (CrPC)

Case Overview:

Does the death penalty violate Article 21 (Right to Life)? This case questioned the constitutional validity of capital punishment.

Supreme Court Ruling:

🎡 Upheld the death penalty but restricted it to the “rarest of rare” cases.

Why It’s Important:

Defines when and how the death penalty should be applied.

Crucial for understanding constitutional morality and criminal justice.

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📖 5. Zahira Habibullah Sheikh v. State of Gujarat (2006)

Relevant Statutes: Sections 195, 340 (CrPC) & Sections 114, 151 (Evidence Act)

Case Overview:

Zahira Sheikh, a key witness in the Best Bakery case, turned hostile in court, leading to acquittals in the Gujarat riots trial. Later, she revealed she had testified falsely due to intimidation.

Supreme Court Ruling:

🎡 The court emphasized witness protection and strict penalties for perjury, ordering a retrial.

Why It’s Important:

• Highlights the importance of witness credibility.
• Strengthens protections against hostile witnesses and false testimony.

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🏆 If you’re a judiciary aspirant, these must-know cases will help you.

• Ace judiciary exams
• Sharpen legal analysis skills
• Build a solid foundation for judicial practice

📈 Success in judiciary exams isn’t about studying MORE, it’s about studying SMARTER.

💡 Be the judge of your own success – Start your Edzorb journey today!