10 Important Case Laws Every Criminal Law Student Should Know
To Libra College of law
Have you heard about judicial review? Well, judicial review works as a safeguard of fundamental rights, maintaining the dignity of the constitution, ensuring the balance of power, and many more. In this blog, we will discuss what judicial review is, its types, scope, importance, benefits, and more. So let’s discuss the Judicial Review in India and everything related to it. Keep reading to know further.
What Is Judicial Review?
The judicial review stands for the power of the judiciary that is responsible for examining the rules regulated by the legislative assembly and executive orders. It is for both the central and state governments. For any violation, the judiciary considers it illegal, invalid, and unconstitutional and neglects to enforce.
When you decide to become a great lawyer, you must learn about the actual cases that have transformed the functioning of law in India. These are case laws that are important as they make you know what is wrong and right, how the courts are making their decisions, and how justice is served. We are interested in assisting students at Libra to learn these major case laws in an easier manner. The following are 10 significant cases that every student of criminal law must familiarize himself or herself with. These are also fabulous Criminal Law Case Studies to know how the Indian law functions.
The most important case laws for criminal students
If you are a criminal law student, then these are some of the best and most important case laws that you should know. Have a look at all the cases described below.
Cases related to fundamental rights and due process
All the cases below are related to fundamental rights and due process. Go through them one by one.
1. K.M. Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra (1959)
This is one of the most famous criminal cases in India. It’s about a naval officer, Nanavati, who shot his wife’s lover. The court had to decide if this was murder or done in sudden anger (called grave provocation).
Why it matters:
- It shows the difference between murder and culpable homicide.
- It ended the jury system in India.
- It teaches how emotions can affect legal decisions.
3. D.K. BasuVs. State of West Bengal (1997)
This is the case of police arrest and custody. The court provided regulations to prevent the police from harming individuals during arrest.
The reason it matters:
- Guards the rights of human beings who are arrested.
- Provided 11 specific rules that police have to follow.
- Assisted in eliminating police brutality.
This is one of the most beneficial Criminal Law Case Studies in human rights law, which should not be forgotten by every law student.
4. State of Rajasthan vs. Kashi Ram (2006)
This case is about a man who was first punished for murder but later found innocent. The Supreme Court said that there was not enough evidence against him.
Important points:
- It highlights the importance of fair trials.
- Innocent people should not be punished without strong proof.
- It teaches how to judge a case based on facts.
This is one of the Must-know cases for law students who want to understand how evidence plays a big role in justice.
Cases related to women's rights and protection
Here are some cases mentioned below related to women rights and safety.
5. Sheela Barse Vs. State of Maharashtra (1983)
This was the case regarding the rights of women in jail. The court stated that women in prison should be respected and accorded safety.
What does it teach?
- Even within jails, women need to be safe.
- All prisoners should be provided with legal care.
Demonstrate how the law can safeguard the vulnerable.
6. Bachan Singh and State of Punjab (1980)
This case dealt with the constitutionality of the death penalty. The court opined that the death penalty must be administered in the rarest of rare cases.
The importance of it is:
- It establishes a guideline on the administration of death sentences.
- It assists in making the judges more cautious about the punishments.
- It educates on justice and human rights.
7. Lillu vs. State of Haryana (2013)
This was regarding the two-finger test conducted on rape victims. The court termed this test as incorrect and disrespectful.
The lesson we get:
- Victims should be respected highly.
- Human dignity should be safeguarded by medical tests.
- People should not be pained by laws or be shamed by laws.
8. Santosh Kumar Satish Bhushan Bariyar vs. State of Maharashtra (2009)
This case spoke about the death penalty once again. According to the court, judges ought to consider all the aspects before passing the harshest sentence.
Important points:
- Demonstrates the use of justice carefully.
- Teaching on how to avoid the death penalty.
- Speeches on providing a second chance to people.
This case is one of the Must-know cases for law students who desire to learn how to strike the right balance between law and kindness.
9. Mukesh & Anr vs. State (Nirbhaya Case, 2017)
This was a shocking case to the entire nation. In Delhi, a young girl was raped on a bus. The case resulted in huge reforms in the Indian laws regarding the safety of women.
Key lessons:
- Demonstrates the way the outrage of the people might lead to legal change.
- Caused the tougher legislation concerning crimes against women.
- Reminds us how the law can serve to protect society.
Cases related to terrorism
Here are some of the cases related to the terrorism given below
10. Mohd. Ajmal Amir Kasab (1) vs. State of Maharashtra (2012)
The case concerns the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. One of the terrorists was Kasab. He was not denied a fair trial despite the fact that he had committed a serious crime.
The reason why law students should know it:
- Teachings on how to deal with terrorism in courts.
- It forms part of the grand Criminal Law Case Studies in contemporary India.
Sum Up!
The real cases are interesting and easy to learn. These 10 significant case laws demonstrate how courts make large decisions that transform the lives of people. The students also learn about fairness, rights, and justice in simple ways in such cases. You can become a lawyer, a judge, or just a smart citizen, but knowing these stories will give you good knowledge.
At Libra College Of Law, we never fail to assist students in the process of becoming the future of Indian law. Such cases do not only belong to the past; they are must-know cases to law students and a guide to better legal decision-making. Read, learn, and apply them to be a wise law student.
