Your weekly dose of legal insights, industry trends, and research-driven updates
1. Hotel Leelaventure Wins Relief as SC Bars Compound Interest on ?15.5 Cr Refund Award
The Supreme Court has ruled that PBSAMP Projects Pvt. Ltd. cannot claim compound interest on an arbitral award against HLV Limited (formerly Hotel Leelaventure). The dispute stemmed from a 2014 MoU for land transfer under which PBSAMP paid ?15.5 crore in advance. An arbitral tribunal later ordered HLV to refund the sum with 21% simple interest until repayment. While HLV paid over ?44 crore in compliance, PBSAMP sought additional compound interest during execution. The Court held that since the MoU and award specified only simple interest no further claim could be introduced at execution. It restored the executing court’s order and set aside the Telangana High Court remand.
2. Rajasthan’s 2007 Tax Exemption for Asbestos Units Struck Down as Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court has ordered against Rajasthan’s 2007 notification granting VAT exemption to local asbestos manufacturers using fly ash holding it violated Article 304(a) of the Constitution. The notification gave tax relief only to industries set up in Rajasthan before December 2006, disadvantaging companies operating from outside the state like U.P. Asbestos Ltd. and Everest Industries Ltd. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna held that while states may encourage industrial growth such exemptions cannot create fiscal barriers against goods from other states. The Court reaffirmed that freedom of trade under Articles 301-304 requires equal treatment of local and imported goods.
3. CJI: Legal Education Needs Tech Integration to Widen Access to Justice
At the inaugural Prof (Dr) N R Madhava Menon Memorial Lecture, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai called for a complete reimagining of legal education. Stressing that access to justice must not remain “a privilege for the few,” he urged the use of technology, regional languages and legal aid integration to expand reach. Justice Surya Kant set to be the next CJI emphasized that law must stay rooted in lived realities not ivory towers and pushed for interdisciplinary and digital-first pedagogy. Both judges underlined that future-ready lawyers must blend legal skills with compassion, social justice and constitutional values.
4. Delhi HC School Cannot Refuse Admission to Children with Disabilities It Violates Disability Rights Act
The Delhi High Court has dismissed GD Goenka Public School’s appeal against a single-judge order directing it to re-admit Aadriti Pathak, an 8-year-old child with mild autism. The Court held that denying her admission violated the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates inclusive and non-discriminatory education. Expert committees from IHBAS confirmed Aadriti could thrive in a regular school with the support of a shadow teacher. The Bench criticized the school’s non-cooperative stance, ruling that private institutions too are bound by the RPwD Act. The school must comply within two weeks and ensure reasonable accommodation for the child.
https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/app/showFileJudgment/68323092025LPA4992025_171906.pdf
5. Buying Flight Tickets Doesn’t Count as ‘Commercial Dispute’, Rules Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court has dismissed an appeal by Chand Mehra and another passenger against British Airways over a ?5.09 lakh ticket refund claim. The appellants argued their dispute fell under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 as it involved provision of services. However, the Court held that purchasing air tickets does not amount to a “commercial dispute” since it lacks elements of trade or business. Upholding the Saket Commercial Court decision to return the plaint and the Bench ruled that such claims must be pursued before ordinary civil courts. The judgment reinforces strict interpretation of what qualifies as a commercial dispute under law.
https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/app/showFileJudgment/68323092025FAOC2452024_145435.pdf
6. Business Law Emerges as Decisive Force in Global Mergers and Acquisitions
Business law is proving to be the backbone of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), shaping whether billion-dollar deals succeed or collapse. According to The Law Brigade, about 40% of M&A transactions face delays often due to legal challenges ranging from antitrust scrutiny to data privacy compliance. With the FTC tightening pre-merger filing rules in 2025 and regulators taking a tougher stance on competition. However, businesses must integrate legal strategy early in the process. From due diligence to post-merger compliance, experts stress that strong legal frameworks are no longer optional they are essential to faster, smoother and legally sound dealmaking.
https://thelawbrigade.com/general-research/how-business-law-impacts-mergers-and-acquisitions/
7. Supreme Court: High Courts Cannot Undo Bank Auctions Once Sale Is Confirmed
The Supreme Court has ruled that borrowers cannot seek to redeem mortgaged property after a bank auction is concluded under the SARFAESI Act. The Court held that once a sale is confirmed and a certificate issued the auction purchaser’s rights become vested and High Courts cannot interfere using equitable considerations . Clarifying the effect of the 2016 amendment to Section 13(8), the bench stated that the borrower’s right of redemption now ends on publication of the auction notice, not at sale registration. The judgment restores certainty in bank recoveries, warning against attempts to undermine public auctions and affirming that third-party rights created afterward are invalid.
8. SC Judgment on AIFF: Players, Coaches and Clubs to Have Bigger Role in Governance
The Supreme Court of India has delivered its long-awaited judgment on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) case directing the federation to adopt a new constitution aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and fair governance. The Court approved key provisions relating to the inclusion of eminent players, conflict-of-interest safeguards and uniform rules for state associations. It also restored election bye-law provisions to strengthen fairness in polls. The AIFF has been instructed to convene a special general body meeting within four weeks to implement the changes. The judgment hailed as a “new beginning for Indian football” is expected to align the sport with global best practices and create stronger support for players.
https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2017/35846/35846_2017_7_1501_64418_Judgement_19-Sep-2025.pdf
9. Justice Vikram Nath: AI Can Help Courts Work Faster Through Better Research and Case Management
Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath acknowledged the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the justice system. He noted that AI can enhance efficiency by assisting with research, drafting and streamlining case management. According to him such tools can reduce delays and ease the burden on courts by helping judges focus on interpretation and reasoning. However, he cautioned against viewing AI as a substitute for human intelligence, stressing that core judicial functions require empathy, discretion and moral judgment. His remarks highlight the judiciary’s openness to leveraging AI while ensuring human oversight remains central to the justice process.
10. India Tightens Clarity on Tax Laws for Angel Investors, Startup Founders and VCs
India tax regime is tightening oversight on startup funding. Under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, share premiums above fair market value are taxed as “income from other sources” unless the startup is DPIIT-recognised. Companies must file Form 56F/243Q to report such issues. For investors, Section 112A governs long-term capital gains (over 24 months, taxed at 10%) while Section 111A covers short-term gains at 15%. Startups may claim a three-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC. ESOPs, taxed under Section 17(2)(vi) as perquisites and create added liability at exercise. SEBI registered funds enjoy pass through treatment under Section 10(23FB).
https://inc42.com/resources/a-guide-to-tax-laws-for-angel-investors-startup-founders-and-vcs/