The cases every Indian business should know — what each one established, and the Act it connects to. AI-curated summaries pending expert review (beta); educational, not legal advice. Always read the judgment at the official source.
An agreement with a minor is void ab initio — a foundational reading of who can enter a binding contract under the Indian Contract Act.
You cannot accept an offer you did not know about — knowledge of the offer is essential to acceptance (and to claiming a reward).
A negative covenant operating DURING employment (e.g. not to work for a competitor while employed) can be valid and is not necessarily a restraint of trade under s.27.
A restraint that operates AFTER employment ends is generally void under s.27 of the Indian Contract Act — a key point for post-employment non-compete clauses.
Laid down binding guidelines against workplace sexual harassment — the framework later codified by the POSH Act, 2013.
A nine-judge Constitution Bench unanimously recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution (Articles 14, 19 and 21), overruling the earlier MP Sharma and Kharak Singh views — the constitutional foundation the DPDP Act, 2023 later builds on.
Restates the doctrine of privity of contract: a person who is not a party to a contract generally cannot sue to enforce its terms, subject to recognised exceptions.
Recognised that a domain name can function like a trade mark, identifying commercial origin, and may be protected under the law of passing off.
Read the 'public policy' ground in s.34 to include 'patent illegality', widening the scope to set aside a domestic arbitral award — a position later narrowed by the 2015 amendments.
Distinguished mere allegations of fraud (arbitrable) from serious, complex allegations of fraud (which a court may decline to refer to arbitration) when considering a s.8 reference.
Addressed territorial jurisdiction for a s.138 dishonoured-cheque complaint, tying it to the drawer's bank where the cheque is dishonoured — later modified by the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Act, 2015.
Held that immovable property is transferred only by a duly stamped and registered deed of conveyance; a sale agreement, general power of attorney or will does not by itself convey title.
Examined the standard for relief against oppression and mismanagement, holding the threshold is stringent and that disagreement or loss of confidence alone does not establish oppression.