The Bombay High Court, in Alka Shrirang Chavan v. Hemchandra Rajaram Bhonsale, reaffirmed the doctrine of lis pendens under Section 52 of the Transfer of Property Act. Justice Madhav J. Jamdar held that any property transfer made while a related suit is pending remains subject to the court’s final decree. The case involved subsequent purchasers resisting a decree for specific performance, but the Court ruled they were bound by the outcome since their purchase was pendente lite. The judgment underscores that buyers must conduct due diligence, as private transfers cannot override judicial authority.
The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR against a man accused of staring at a woman during a flight, after both parties amicably settled the matter. Justice Ravinder Dudeja, in Prashant Pareek v. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Anr, noted that continuing proceedings under Section 509 IPC would serve no purpose since the dispute was resolved. The Court emphasized that in minor, non-violent cases, genuine settlements can be encouraged, while still recognizing that allegations of insulting a woman’s modesty are taken seriously under law.
The Supreme Court of India in We The Women of India v. Union of India (W.P.(C) No. 1156/2021) directed all States and Union Territories to better implement the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. It ordered appointment of Protection Officers within six weeks, wide public awareness drives, free legal aid via NALSA and state/district legal services, and identification/notification of shelter homes and service providers at district and taluka levels within ten weeks. The measures aim to ensure timely protection, legal help and safe shelter for victims.
