Madhya Pradesh High Court Quarterly Digest: January - March, 2025

Madhya Pradesh High Court Paves Way For Major Couple To Reside Together But Expresses Concern Over Live-In Relationship At 'Tender Age'

Case Title: Anjali Kushwah And Others Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 1

The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently allowed a major couple to reside together without wedlock considering the fact that both the petitioners were above 18 years of age and thus, their choice needs to be protected.

The court however, expressed concern over the choice of the petitioners to enter into live in relationship at such a tender age.

Objection By Member Of A Community Doesn't Take Away A Person's Right To Pray As Per His Religion Under Article 25: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Vijay Katara Versus Principal Secretary And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 2

Allowing a plea for conducting a New Year programme for the Christian Community which was opposed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court observed that merely on the basis of certain objections raised by a member of one community, a person cannot be denied the right to assemble and pray as per his religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution.

Madhya Pradesh HC Directs State To Complete Seat Enhancement Process In Private Medical Colleges And Provide EWS Reservation

Case Title: Atharv Chaturvedi Vs. The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 3

In a plea seeking EWS reservation in the state's Private Medical Colleges, the Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the State government and National Medical Commission to complete the process of increasing seats in such colleges and provide for EWS reservation in accordance with Union Health Ministry's notification.

'Glaring Malpractice': Madhya Pradesh HC Pulls Up Secondary Education Board For Incorrect Evaluation Of Student's Answer Copy, Fines ₹25,000

Case Title: Saket Tiwari Versus M.P. Board Of Secondary Education And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 4

The Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court recently pulled up MP Board of Secondary Education for "glaring malpractice" in the evaluation of a Class 12 student's examination copy and directed the Board to pay cost of Rs. 25000 to the student for the irresponsible treatment meted out to him.

'Religious Terrorism Is Tragic And Dangerous': MP High Court Declines Bail To Alleged ISIS Follower For Conspiring To Attack Ordnance Factory

Case Title: Mohd. Shahid Khan Versus Union Of India

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 5

While declining bail to an alleged follower of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS, the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that religious terrorism is tragic and dangerous and therefore, court cannot express leniency to persons facing serious allegations of terrorism and unlawful activities.

Naib Nazir Cannot Decide Maintainability Of Plea For Mutual Divorce, Should Be Left To Discretion Of Family Court: MP High Court

Case Title: Smt. Yashika Shah and Others versus The Registrar

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 6

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that a Naib Nazir cannot decide the maintainability of an application and should leave it to the discretion of the Court. The court thus, directed the Naib Nazir to refrain from making such endorsements on applications filed by the parties.

Naib Nazir is a member of the Nazarat, which is a process serving agency of the district courts.

NEET-PG 2024: Madhya Pradesh High Court Directs State To Conduct Fresh Counselling For Vacant NRI Quota Seats

Case Title: Dr. Ojus Yadav Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 7

The Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State's Department of Medical Education to forthwith conduct fresh counselling for vacant NRI Quota seats in the NEET-PG 2024 counselling.

In doing so, the court vacated its interim order passed on December 18, 2024 while dismissing a plea–questioning the procedure for filling up of such seats, on the ground that the criteria formulated for allotment of seats by the State Government appears to be fair and reasonable. 

Arbitrator Empowered To Pass Order For Dissolution Of Partnership Firm Once Dispute Is Referred: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Mahesh Patel Vs Yashwant Netram And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 8

The Madhya Pradesh High Court bench of Justice Subodh Abhyankar has held that the Arbitrator is empowered to pass an order for dissolution of the partnership firm once the matter is referred.

Termination Of Employee For A Single Clerical Mistake In Entire Service Career 'Excessive', Minor Penalty Could Be Imposed: MP High Court

Case Title: The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others Versus Smt. Hemlata Tala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 9

While dismissing the State's appeal against an order for payment of back wages to a terminated employee, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court opined that termination of an employee based on a singular clerical mistake in entire service career seems to be 'excessive' and minor penalty could have been imposed.

Thus, the court directed the State to pay 50% back wages to the said employee.

Muslim Male Cannot Seek Divorce Under Dissolution Of Muslim Marriages Act But Has Remedy Under Family Courts Act: MP High Court

Case Title: Mohammad Shah Vs. Smt. Chandani Begum

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 10

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has made it clear that even though a Muslim man has no way to seek divorce under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, he is not rendered remediless in law and he can seek recourse under Section 7 of the Family Court Act, 1984 to seek divorce from his wife.

Once Selection Process Culminates Into Document Verification, It Shouldn't Be Cancelled Citing Technical Infirmity: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Ms. Kritika Mandloi And Others Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 11

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that once any selection process for a job post is culminated into the process of document verification after selection of candidates, it should not be cancelled citing technical infirmities in the original advertisement.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Grants Custody Of New-Born To Minor Rape Survivor Under Guardianship Of Her Parents

Case Title: Prosecutirix X Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 12

The Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court granted the custody of a new-born baby to her mother, a minor rape survivor, under the guardianship of her parents.

[NEET PG 2024] MP HC Directs Authorities To Not Compel Candidates To Resign From Counselling Or Forfeit Deposit Till 2nd Round Result Is Declared

Case Title: Dr. Yash Dubey And Others Versus Union Of India And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 13

The MP High Court has directed the Centre and State authorities to not compel candidates to resign from All India 2^nd round counselling of NEET PG and to not forfeit the security amount till the results of 2^nd round of counselling is declared by the State.

Matter Relating To Partnership Act & Partnership Deed Where Third-Party Rights Are Involved Cannot Be Referred To Arbitration: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Gokul Bansal Vs. Vipin Goyal & Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 14

The Madhya Pradesh High Court Bench of Justice Anand Pathak held that when matter relates to Partnership Act and partnership deed and third-party rights are also involved then it cannot be referred to arbitration.

Long Delay In Test Identification Parade Coupled With Infirmities Makes The Case Doubtful: Madhya Pradesh HC Sets Aside 2014 Rape Conviction

Case Title: Sanju Sonkar Alias Sanju Khatik Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 15

While setting aside a 2014 conviction order in a rape case as there was a 10-month delay in identification of the accused, the Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court said that long delay in holding Test Identification Parade (TIP) coupled with infirmities and inconsistencies had rendered the prosecution's case doubtful.

[Custody Battle] Father's Consent For Renewing Child's Passport Not Required If Mother Files Declaration As Per Passport Rules: MP High Court

Case Title: X (Minor) D/O Shri Nitish Janardan Bharadwaj And Smt. Smita Nitish Bharadwaj And Others v/s Union Of India And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 16

The Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court directed that the Regional Passport Office, Bhopal to renew the passports of the minor daughters of actor Nitish Bharadwaj while holding that the passport of minor children can be renewed without father's consent if there is no prohibitory order from any competent court.

Plea Filed To Settle Personal Score: Madhya Pradesh HC Dismisses PIL Against Shopping Complex Construction, Imposes ₹25K Cost On Litigant

Case Title: Shri Jitendra Singh Mandloi Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 17

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a PIL against construction of a shopping complex after noting that the petitioner had misused the process of law by making "false and incorrect allegations" in order to "settle personal score". In doing so, the court also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner.

Undisputed Will Executed Under Law Can Be Relied Upon To Mutate Names Of Persons For Municipal Records: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Gopal Das Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 18

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court held that for purposes of Municipal Records, a will can be relied upon to mutate the names of the persons who are the beneficiaries of the same.

Not A Fair Election, 13 Out Of 25 Members Didn't Vote: Madhya Pradesh HC Cancels Election Of Ujjain Panchayat President, Directs Fresh Poll

Case Title: Bhanwarbai And Others Versus Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 19

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the election to the post of President Janpad Panchayat, Ujjain as illegal and void and ordered for fresh elections, after noting that out of the 25 elected members, 13 were not permitted to cast a vote.

Violation Of Service Rules Not Violation Of Public Function, Action Against Private Employee Not Amenable Under Article 226: MP High Court

Case Title: Vikram Singh versus Union of India and Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 20

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that violation of service rules would not come within the purview of violation of discharge of public functions. In doing so, the court opined that the impugned action must relate to a 'public duty' in order to come under the ambit of Article 226 of the Constitution.

Plea Based On Newspaper Report, No Research Done To Support Claim: Madhya Pradesh HC Dismisses PIL Alleging Cracks In A New Flyover

Case Title: Narmada Prasad Mishra Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 21

The Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (January 20) refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation petition, filed on the basis of a newspaper report, observing that no research or scientific report was submitted to support the claims regarding damages in a newly constructed flyover in the city.

Turtle Killed By Witchcraft? Madhya Pradesh High Court Asks State Authorities To Investigate Under Wildlife Protection Act

Case Title: Abhijeet Pandey Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 22

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has asked the State authorities including the Principal Secretary in the State's forest department, to investigate a purported video alleging that a turtle was hunted/killed by way of witchcraft in the city last year.

The court has directed the respondent authorities to take into consideration the complaint made by the petitioner in a PIL and to investigate the matter under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

PIL On Inaction Against 'Illicit Liquor Trade': Madhya Pradesh HC Directs Indore Excise Commissioner To Decide Representation In 4 Weeks

Case Title: Mathiyas Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 23

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Excise Commissioner, Indore to take a decision on a representation regarding inaction against liquor merchants for carrying alleged illicit trade of liquor in Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Denies Bail To Man Accused Of Leopard Hunting, Cites Severity Of Offence

Case Title: Munim Singh Gond Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 24

The Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has denied bail to a man accused of being involved in Leopard hunting booked under the Wildlife Protection Act after noting the severity of the offence alleged.

Direct DMs To Not Pass Orders Under Political Pressure: MP High Court To State Chief Secretary

Case Title: Shri Antram Awase Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 25

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has asked the Chief Secretary of State to direct District Magistrates to not act and pass orders under political pressure, without appreciating the true intent and meaning of law.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To Narcotics Inspector Accused Of Taking Bribe For Granting Opium License

Case Title: Abhishek Versus Central Bureau Of Investigation

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 26

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court recently denied anticipatory bail to a Narcotics Inspector booked for being involved in taking bribe through another person to facilitate grant of opium license.

Madhya Pradesh HC Closes Guest Faculty's Plea Alleging Harassment By College Authorities To Join RSS, State Assures To Take Action

Case Title: Dr. Ramjas Choudhary Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 27

The Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently disposed of a plea filed by a guest faculty, alleging that he was being forced to join Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) by the college authorities.

Justice Vivek Agarwal closed the matter after the State submitted that concerned Superintendent of Police will look into the complaint.

'Vested Interest, Should've Challenged All Illegal Religious Structures': MP High Court Dismisses Plea For Removal Of Temple, Imposes 25K Cost

Case Title: Hemant Malviya Versus The State Of M.P. And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 28

While dismissing a plea seeking a review of an order dismissing a PIL for the removal of one particular temple in the city, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court observed that the litigant who claimed to be a journalist, did not disclose why the removal of this temple was in public interest adding that he appeared to have a vested interest.

The court further observed that if the litigant was aggrieved by the illegal construction of religious places, then he should have challenged all the religious structures constructed either on government land or without permission.

Experience Gained By Discharging Duties 'For A Long' Time Is Enough To Hold That Employee Is Qualified For Post: MP High Court Reiterates

Case Title: Ram Dayal Yadav Versus State of M.P. And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 29

The Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court reiterated that experience gained by discharging duties for a long period of time is sufficient to hold that an employee has the requisite qualifications.

In doing so, Justice Sanjay Dwivedi allowed a man's plea who was terminated from service as a Driver noting that apart from him not having the required educational qualification there were no other lacunae shown by the authority showing any deficiency in his driving. It thereby termed his dismissal as unjust.

[Senior Citizens Act] Son-In-Law Must Vacate Father-In-Law's House In Case Need Arises For Peaceful Income For Senior Citizen U/S 23 Of The Act: MP HC

Case Title: Dilip Marmat Versus Collector And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 30

The Madhya Pradesh High Court in a recent ruling ordered eviction of a son-in-law residing on premises belonging to his retired father-in-law who needed the said property as a source of additional income to maintain his wife and children.

Dismissing the appeal, the High Court upheld the decision of the writ court wherein it was opined that by implication if the house was given to the daughter, the son-in-law after the death of the daughter, will be included in the definition of children as defined in Section 2(a) of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizen Act, 2007 and therefore, the son-in-law has a duty to maintain the senior citizen as defined in Section 2(h) of the Act.

NEET 2024 | Vacant NRI PG Seats In Private Colleges To Be Included In Last Round Of Counselling For General Quota: State To Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Dr. Khyati Shekhar Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 31

In a plea seeking inclusion of 48 vacant NRI seats of Private Medical Colleges and its conversion into General quota seats for meritorious candidates, the State government told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that if NRI seats are vacant, it will be filled from the General category based on merit in the last round of the counselling process of NEET-PG 2024.

Info On Filing Of Bail Pleas Is Seamlessly Reaching Police Stations Who Are Uploading Case Diaries: Addl DGP SCRB Tells Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Bharatlal versus State of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 32

In a matter concerning seamless requisitioning and transmission of Case Diaries, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court directed its Registrar IT in consultation with the Additional Director General of Police, State Crime Record Bureau to prepare project report and submit before the court's Computerization Committee within 15 days.

Thus, after hearing the suggestions and steps taken to facilitate seamless requisitioning and transmission of case diaries, the Court closed the matter with the following directions:

1. The Registrar I.T.-C.S.A in consultation with the ADGP (S.C.R.B.) shall prepare project report and submit before the Computerization Committee of High Court of Madhya Pradesh at the earliest, preferably within 15 days.
2. If further test run is required, it may be taken up for requisition and uploading of case diaries for this Court.
3. The Commissioner of Police, Indore and the Superintendents of Police are expected to supervise the test run for online requisition and uploading of case diaries within their jurisdiction.
4. The State Government is expected to provide adequate bandwidth and seamless network at every police station.

Cases Of Missing Persons Cannot Be Pursued Under Habeas Corpus Jurisdiction: MP High Court Reiterates

Case Title: Simmi Bai Versus Shrimaan Police Mahanirikshak Mahodaya And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 33

While hearing a Habeas Corpus Petition, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has reiterated that cases of missing persons cannot be brought under the provision of Habeas Corpus and that such cases are to be filed under regular provisions of the penal law.

Governor Can't Punish Guilty Govt Official By Dismissal Under Rules, Can Only Withhold/Withdraw Pension For Misconduct: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Nausad Qureshi Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 34

While setting aside a dismissal order of a retired government official, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court concluded that under the state civil service pension rules the Governor can only withhold or withdraw the officer's pension for grave misconduct/negligence but cannot impose punishment of dismissal.

Mutation | Tehsildar Can't Relegate A Person To Civil Court To Seek Declaration That He Is Legal Representative Of Deceased Owner: MP High Court

Case Title: Rahul Shukla versus The State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 35

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that Tehsildar cannot relegate a person to Civil Court to seek declaration that he is the legal representative of the deceased property owner, to get his name mutated.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Directs Rape Accused To Handover All Electronic Gadgets, Password Of Social Media Accounts For Investigation

Case Title: Tej Narayan Sharma Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 36

While granting anticipatory bail to a rape accused, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed him to handover all his electronic gadgets along with the password of his all social media platforms to the investigating agency. The court also directed the applicant to submit all documents and intimate pictures of the victim to the investigating agency and the victim.

Burden Of Cases Over Courts Can't Be Ignored: MP High Court Imposes ₹50K Cost On Nursing College For Filing Frivolous Petition

Case Title: K.L. Sharma College Of Nursing Sehore Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 37

While dismissing a review petition filed by a Nursing College seeking grant of recognition, the Madhya Pradesh High Court imposed a cost of Rs. 50,000 on the petitioner-college for wasting court's time by filing frivolous petitions and applications.

The court also remarked that the petition has been drafted very carelessly and without any sensible approach.

Wife In Love With Someone Else Without Any Physical Relations Is Not Adultery: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Amit Kumar Khodake v. Smt. Madhuri @ Anjali

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 38

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that merely because the wife is in love with someone else is not enough to prove adultery on her part to deny her maintenance. The Court categorically held that for sexual intercourse is necessary for adultery.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Rebukes Sub Divisional Officer Over Handwritten, Illegible Orders Passed In Election Petition

Case Title: Sanjay Maliwal vs. Kavita Thakur and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 39

In a petition challenging concerned Sub-divisional Officer's order which closed the litigant's right to produce witnesses in an election case, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High said that the SDO had taken the judicial proceedings in a "casual manner" after noting that the officer's handwritten order sheets were "absolutely illegible".

The court thus directed the SDO not to treat judicial proceedings conducted by him casually in future and ensure that order sheets are legible.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Lays Down SOP For Termination Of Pregnancy Upto & Beyond 24 Weeks In Sexual Assault Cases

Case Title: In Reference (Suo Motu) Versus The State of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 40

The Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a suo motu reference petition, laid down standard procedures for termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks and for pregnancies exceeding 24 weeks in cases concerning rape and sexual assault.

The court took up the matter in view of divergent decisions passed by the single judge benches at Indore concerning termination of pregnancies under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The court also directed that the privacy of the victim should be maintained strictly in view of statutory provisions of Section 5A of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Imposes 25K Cost On State Over 'Cryptic' Externment Order

Case Title: Bhura Kaurav Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 41

While quashing a 'cryptic' externment order passed by District Magistrate, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State to pay a cost of Rs 25,000 to the petitioner who was externed from the district of Chhindwara and neighbouring districts for a period of three months.

The court termed the impugned order as cryptic and that it has been passed in an arbitrary and illegal manner as the District Magistrate did not consider the fact that till date there was no conviction against the petitioner.

Anticipatory Bail Plea Maintainable Even If Chargesheet Shows Accused As Declared Absconder: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Deepankar Vishwas Versus State Of Madhya Pradesh Through P.S. Omti, District Jabalpur

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 42

The Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court while answering a reference made by a single judge, clarified that an anticipatory bail plea is maintainable even if the chargesheet filed shows the accused as a declared absconder.

The court further ruled that an anticipatory bail plea is maintainable even when proceedings under CrPC Section 82 (Proclamation for person absconding) & 83 (Attachment of property of person absconding) or Section 299 (Record of evidence in absence of accused) have been initiated against the accused or when the accused has been declared as absconder/proclaimed offender.

'Disclose Social Media Passwords, Provide Body Fluids, Blood Samples If Required By IO': MP High Court Directs Accused Seeking Bail

Case title: Murli Manohar Soni Vs. State Of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 43

Granting anticipatory bail to a man booked under Section 69 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc.), the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently imposed some unusual bail conditions on him.

A bench of Justice Devnarayan Mishra directed the accused to cooperate with the investigating agency, submit all electronic gadgets, such as laptops and mobiles, and disclose his passwords for all social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.

Traffic Congestion: Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders Dismantling Of BRTS Corridor In Indore City

Case Title: Kishore Deepak Kodwani And Others Versus State Of M.P. And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 44

While hearing a plea in nature of Public Interest Litigation questioning the utility and necessity of construction of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS Corridor) in the city of Indore, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State to remove the BRTS corridor as it has lost its utility in the present day scenario.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Issues Contempt Notice To State Social Justice Department's Joint Director For 'Misquoting' Court Order

Case Title: Rajendra Soni Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 45

The Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a contempt notice to Joint Director, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Gwalior for misquoting the court's order to state that 'skilled grade' benefit was being granted to the petitioner under the court's directions.

The high court in its order noted that Joint Director had "deliberately passed an erroneous order" treating the petitioner as skilled and giving benefit of skilled grade by wrongly mentioning that it is being done under the directions of the High Court. It asked the officer to explain why the order has been misquoted even though there is no direction to give benefit to petitioner to treat him as skilled.

Don't Forget That Time Is Valuable: Madhya Pradesh HC In PIL Against Display Of Long Advertisements In Movie Theatres

Case Title: Swati Agrawal Versus Union Of India & Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 46

In a PIL claiming inconvenience caused to movie-goers due to display of long advertisements before the start of movies, the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court observed that while it is for the Centre to take a call on the issue however "one cannot forget that Time is a valuable Resource".

While it did not enter into the issue, the court disposed of the plea observing that it expects the authorities to engage in meaningful discussion with all stakeholders and that divergent views are reconciled.

Male Teacher's Privacy Not Affected In Sending His Photo As Attendance Proof, Solution Needed To Protect Female Teachers: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Mahesh Kumar Koli and Another Vs. State of Madhya Pradesh and Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 47

While hearing an appeal against photograph-based attendance rule for teachers and students in government schools in Vidisha district, the Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court said that the privacy of a male teacher is not affected in sending his photograph as a proof of attendance.

However, the Court expressed concern over the privacy of female staff and girl students and suggested the state government's Department of Information and Technology, to devise a solution by creating an App, or amending the existing app, to protect the privacy of female staff/girl students and also ensure the attendance of both male and female teachers.

Ensure That All Inculpatory & Exculpatory Material Collected In Probe Is Given To Accused Before Trial Begins: Madhya Pradesh HC To State

Case Title: Amitabh Gupta Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 48

While disposing of Public Interest Litigation petition, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State to ensure case diary and charge sheet filed under Section 193 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) contains all the evidence which is both inculpatory as well as exculpatory in nature.

Section 193 of BNSS to Report of police officer on completion of investigation.

While referring to the decision of Supreme Court in In Re: To Issue Certain Guidelines Regarding Inadequacies and Deficiencies in Criminal Trials, the high court also directed the State to ensure strict compliance of Rule 117-A of Madhya Pradesh Rules and Orders (Criminal) by supplying all the material inculpatory as well as exculpatory, collected during the course of investigation to the accused before commencement of his trial.

MP High Court Cites Wrath Of Timber Mafia Depicted In 'Pushpa', Annuls Notification Exempting 62 Species Of Forest Produce From Transit Rules

Case Title: Vivek Kumar Sharma versus The State of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 49

In a significant ruling, a three-judge bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has annulled a 2015 State Notification exempting 62 species of forest produce from the operation of the rigours of provisions under the Transit Rules, 2000.

The court held the 2015 notification and subsequent 2017 amendment are "ultra vires" the provisions of Sections 41(1), (2) & (3) of the Forests Act and violative of Articles 14, 21, 48-A of the Constitution of India. It further observed that it was constrained to believe that exemption notification "had made the trees, plantation and biodiversity of the State present in its forest areas extremely vulnerable to the timber mafia".

Compelling Wife To Discontinue Studies Is Akin To Destroying Her Dreams, Amounts To Mental Cruelty: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: X v/s Y

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 50

While granting divorce to a woman, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that compelling the wife to discontinue her studies or putting her in a position not to continue her studies amounts to mental cruelty and constitutes a ground for divorce under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

In doing so the court said that the family court ignored the fact that this was not a case where the woman was taking advantage of her own fault, but a case where she was sacrificing her dreams and career in the name of marital obligations.

'Acted As Govt Agent': Madhya Pradesh HC Fines Chief Information Commissioner ₹40K For Delay In Disclosing Info On Animal Husbandry Director

Case Title: Neeraj Nigam Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 51

In a plea claiming non-disclosure of information sought under the Right to Information Act within the stipulated time, the Madhya Pradesh High Court said that the Chief Information Officer had acted as an "agent" of the Government by not examining the facts of the case in detail.

The petitioner, a journalist, had sought information related to the tenure and work area of Director, Animal Husbandry in the state. The information sought by the petitioner, included the officer's first appointment order, posting order, all transfer and suspension orders made by the officer, attested copy of his caste certificate, complaints pending against him among others.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Denies Relief To Advocate Booked For Client's Rape

Case Title: Munshilal Dhakad Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 52

The Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has refused to quash an FIR lodged against an Advocate for allegedly misusing his professional relationship with a client and committing rape on her.

In doing so, the Court opined that it cannot be said that the consent of prosecutrix was free consent, if the applicant has misused his position. The Court also said that prosecutrix statement recorded under Section 164 of CrPC, in which she denied the allegation, cannot be given preference over FIR and statement recorded under Section 161 of CrPC.

'Shocking': MP High Court On State Withholding Honorarium Of Health Coordinators Who Worked During Covid-19 Despite Expiry Of Contract

Case Title: Dr. Leela Mittal And Others Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 53

The Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has criticized the State authorities for denying honorarium to Early Childhood Care and Education Coordinators within the Child Development Project, who were compelled to work during the Covid-19 Pandemic even after their contractual period was over.

Higher Officials Never Come Up With Pay, Promotion Issues; Why Are Class III & IV Employees Victimised? MP High Court Asks Cabinet To Intervene

Case Title: The State Of Madhya Pradesh Through Public Health Engineering And Others Versus Balwant Singh Mandloi

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 54

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has asked the State Cabinet to look into the victimization of Class – III and IV employees by wrong and adamant approach of higher officials.

A division bench of Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Gajendra Singh observed, “We have come across various cases, in which Class – IV employees of the various departments of the State of Madhya Pradesh are affected by the decision taken by the superior officers. Most of the cases are of the nature of withdrawal of the pay scale upgradation, recovery at the time of retirement and non-grant of similar benefits to remaining employees and delay in promotion etc. We have not come across any cases in which Class – I & II officers are approaching this High Court in these types of litigation. Therefore, the Cabinet of ministers should consider why Class – III and IV employees are being victimized of the wrong and adamant approach of higher officials of the concerned Department so that harassment of the Class – III & IV employees and wasting the valuable time of the Court can be avoided.”

No Husband Would Tolerate Wife's 'Vulgar Chatting' Over Phone: Madhya Pradesh HC Upholds Divorce On Ground Of Mental Cruelty

Case Title: R Versus S

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 55

While upholding the verdict passed by the Family Court, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court held that despite husband's objections, if a wife is involved in vulgar chatting with other men, it would amount to mental cruelty and a ground for divorce under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Indian Forest Act | Advocates Can Appear In Confiscation Proceedings, Though Can't Conduct Cross Examination: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Bhagban Singh Parmar Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 56

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that Advocates can appear in confiscation proceedings before the forest officer under the Indian Forest Act, however they do not have the right to cross-examine the statements or affidavits filed in such proceedings.

Illegal Termination, Daily Wage Workers Entitled To Reinstatement With 50% Back Wages: MP HC

Case Title: The State of Madhya Pradesh v. Amit Gautam

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 57

A single judge bench of Justice Vishal Mishra upheld a Labour Court's award that reinstated a daily wage worker with 50% back wages, after finding his termination violated the Industrial Disputes Act (ID Act). The court rejected the State's contention that reinstatement should not be granted as a routine remedy. It affirmed that when services are terminated without following the ID Act, reinstatement with back wages remains the normal rule.

SC/ST Act | "Repeat Appeal" For Bail After Plea Was Dismissed On Merits Not Maintainable Before HC, Accused Can Move Special Court: MP High Court

Case Title: Dharam Singh Parihar Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 58

While answering a reference with respect to the scope of Section 14A(2) of The Scheduled Castes And The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention Of Atrocities) Act, the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a second criminal appeal against the Special Court or the Exclusive Special Court's original order rejecting bail is not maintainable.

The court further clarified that a "repeat appeal" for bail after the dismissal of the appeal would not be maintainable even if the accused wanted to file the appeal before the high court claiming a change of circumstances.

Attempt By Mighty State To Curtail Personal Freedom: MP High Court Quashes Collector's 'Cryptic' Externment Order Against Woman, Fines ₹25K

Case Title: Smt. Munni @ Madhuri Tiwari Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 59

Quashing a Collector's externment order prohibiting a woman from entering the boundaries of district Umariya and other neighbouring districts for a year, the Madhya Pradesh High Court termed it as "cryptic" observing that it appeared to have been passed due to "other compulsions" rather than the requirements of law.

In doing so the court quashed the order observing that it appeared to be an attempt by the "mighty State to curtail the personal freedom of an individual". The court further imposed Rs. 25,000 cost on the State to be paid to the woman by the Collector.

MP High Court Clarifies Distinction Between Original And Absorbed Janpad Panchayat Employees For Pension Eligibility

Case Title: Ganesh Ram Kahar v. The State Of Madhya Pradesh

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 60

A Division Bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait (Chief Justice) and Vivek Jain dismissed an appeal against a Single Judge's order. The court ruled that a Janpad Panchayat employee who failed to establish his absorption from the previous Janpad Sabha is not entitled to pension benefits. The court held that only employees of Janpad Sabha absorbed into Janpad Panchayat after the 1962 MP Panchayats Act would have pension rights, while original Janpad Panchayat employees were entitled only to Contributory Provident Fund.

EWS Members Face Economic Hardship, Different From Caste Discrimination: Madhya Pradesh HC Rejects Age Relaxation Plea For EWS In UPSC Exam

Case Title: Aaditya Narayan Pandey Vs. Union Of India And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 61

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed a plea filed by certain EWS category candidates praying for grant of age relaxation to the category in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

In its earlier order dated February 14, the Court had passed an interim order permitting the EWS category candidates to fill the form and had directed the UPSC to extend the age relaxation benefit to them, in view of the fact that the form submission window was closing on February 18.

Malicious Prosecution Suit Requires Examination Of Evidence, Cannot Be Decided At Preliminary Stage: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Dineshchandra Shrivastava And Others Versus Smt. Anuradha Saxena And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 62

While upholding the Trial Court's decision, the Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that the question of whether a suit for malicious prosecution is maintainable or not cannot be decided at a preliminary stage by way of an application under Order VII Rule 11 CPC as it requires a thorough examination of evidence.

Persons With Higher Disability To Be Preferred In Public Employment: MP High Court Quashes Recruitment Process For Violating RPwD Act

Case Title: Siddhi Paal Versus Kaushal Vikas Kshetriya Kaaryalaya And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 63

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recently quashed a 2024 advertisement and the recruitment process initiated by the state's Skill Development Department for not complying with the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016.

In doing so, the Court opined that a person with higher percentage of disability must be given preference in recruitment process with the condition that it does not come in the way of discharging duties attached to the post. The court also observed that the recruitment had violated a 2018 circular which provided that persons with higher disability shall be given the preference in public employment.

State Rules Violate NCTE Regulation: MP High Court Strikes Down 2nd Division In Masters Degree Criteria For Selecting High School Teachers

Case Title: Avnish Tripathi Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 64

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has struck down the eligibility criteria for selecting High School Teachers in the Education Department which required a second division in Masters Degree, finding it "ultra vires", "manifestly arbitrary" and contrary to the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Regulations.

In doing so that the court underscored that the NCTE's regulations would have primacy over the State rules, finding that the NCTE has laid down specific percentage of marks, which has not been followed by the State Government "without showing any reason".

Hindu Marriage Act Applies To Jain Community: Madhya Pradesh High Court Quashes Family Court Order Rejecting Divorce

Case Title: X versus Y

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 65

While setting aside a Family Court order, the Madhya Pradesh High Court clarified that even though Jain community is recognized as a minority community vide a central government notification, it would be governed by the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act after noting that the marriage rituals are similar.

In doing so the court observed that the notification recognizing Jain community as a minority community did not amend, invalidate or supersede express provision of any existing laws. The court further said that the Family Court should have applied the legal provisions to the case instead of engaging in "scholarly interpretation of rituals and practices of Jaina community".

MV Act | MP High Court Orders Action Against Lawyer, Doctors Who Forged Disability Certificate For Claimant; Asks SIT To Probe Such Frauds

Case Title: Shriram General Insurance Company Ltd. Versus Rakesh Valtiya And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 66

While hearing a matter pertaining to a motor accident insurance claim, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Director General of Police to constitute a Special Investigation Team to investigate the cases of false implication where claimant, police, regional officials and doctors act in connivance.

In doing so the court reduced the net compensation payable to the claimant from Rs. 2,74,096 to Rs. 2,22,043 and directed an inquiry against the concerned doctors, pharmacy and the counsel involved in the matter.

Law Institutions Admitting Students Without Having BCI Recognition Shall Face Criminal Action: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Vyom Garg And Others Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 67

In a plea on denial of enrolment to law graduates by State Bar Council as they graduated from an institution not recognized by BCI, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed that in future, criminal action shall be initiated against an institution if it admit students without having the necessary recognition.

S.109 IPC | Both Man & Woman Can Be Held Liable For Abetment To Rape If Act Is Committed In Consequence Of Abetment: Madhya Pradesh HC

Case Title: Prashant Gupta And Others Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 68

While hearing a criminal revision, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has reiterated that a man and woman both can be held liable for abetment to rape under Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code.

In doing so the court underscored that abetment is separate and distinct offence than rape and if the abetted act is committed in consequence of the abetment, then the person i.e. man or woman abetting such crime is liable to be punished under Section 109 of IPC. For context, IPC Section 109 provides for the Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is there for its punishment.

Application U/S 94 Of IBC Cannot Be Entertained Against Sole Proprietorship Firms: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Ramesh Kothari Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 69

The Madhya Pradesh High Court bench of Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Prem Narayan Singh has held that since sole proprietorship firms are not included in the definition of the corporate person under section 3(7) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code), an application under section 94 of the Code cannot be entertained.