Sahayata & Sahayata

  📌 Case Title Bernard Lyngdoh Phawa v. State of Meghalaya Criminal Appeal No. 3738 of 2023 Decision Date: 27 January 2026 🔍 Background of the Case The case arose from a missing person complaint that later led to the discovery of a dead body buried in a graveyard. The prosecution alleged kidnapping, murder, and destruction of evidence based on: “Last seen together” theory Recovery of body and rope Alleged ransom calls Seizure of belongings of the deceased Confessional statements under Section 164 CrPC The Trial Court acquitted the accused, holding that the chain of circumstantial evidence was incomplete. However, the High Court reversed the acquittal and convicted the accused for murder (Section 302 IPC) and causing disappearance of evidence (Section 201 IPC). ⚖️ Issues Before the Supreme Court Whether the High Court was justified in reversing a well-reasoned acquittal Whether conviction could be sustained on uncorroborated confessional statements Whether the prosecution prove...

1. Purpose & Legal Basis Issued under the UGC Act, 1956 , replacing the 2012 Equity Regulations . Aligns with NEP 2020 , which treats equity and inclusion as foundational to higher education. Aims to eradicate discrimination and promote full equity across all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India UGC-Promotion-of-Equity-in-HEIs… 2. Scope of Application Applicable to all HEIs in India (universities, colleges, deemed universities). Covers students, faculty, staff, and management . Applies to formal, ODL, and online modes of education UGC-Promotion-of-Equity-in-HEIs… 3. Grounds of Prohibited Discrimination Discrimination is prohibited only on the basis of: Religion Race Caste (SC/ST/OBC) Gender (including third gender) Place of birth Disability Includes both direct and indirect discrimination impairing equality or human dignity UGC-Promotion-of-Equity-in-HEIs… 4. Duties of Higher Education Institutions Mandatory duty to: Eliminate discrimination Promote equity and inclu...

  The Hon'ble Delhi High Court draws a firm line between sexual assault and failed romantic relationships Introduction In a significant and thought-provoking judgment, the Delhi High Court has cautioned against the misuse of rape laws to criminalise consensual relationships that later turn sour. The Court emphasized that criminal law, especially provisions relating to rape and atrocities under the SC/ST Act, cannot be invoked merely because a relationship failed to culminate in marriage. Background of the Case The petitioner sought quashing of an FIR registered under  Section 376 IPC  (rape) and  Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 . The complainant alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the petitioner on the false promise of marriage and subjected to caste-based remarks. The FIR was lodged  nearly five months after  the alleged incident, following the breakdown of a long-standing relationship between two consenting adults....