Pre-Institution Mediation Cases: Less Than 2% Resolved, Rajya Sabha Told

Less than 2% of pre-institution mediation cases under the Commercial Courts Act have resulted in settlement since 2018, government data placed before the Rajya Sabha reveals.

Court Fee Not Meant to Be a Penalty on Litigants: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that court fees are not meant to operate as a penalty on litigants and should not deter access to justice. Granting relief to RI Networks Pvt. Ltd., the Court ordered a refund of ₹8.7 lakh in court fees after its suit was rejected at the threshold without adjudication on merits and the litigant was relegated to the appropriate forum, TDSAT.

Non-Citizens Cannot Be Terminated Solely on Grounds of Nationality: Madras High Court Grants Relief to Sri Lankan Refugee

The Madras High Court ruled that non-citizens, including registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, are entitled to protection under Article 14 against arbitrary State action. Quashing SBI’s termination of a refugee employee, the Court held that nationality alone cannot justify removal from service when the appointment was lawful and non-fraudulent.