CASE STUDY FOR PRACTICE

1. The Chancellor, Masters & Scholars of the University of Oxford vs. Rameshwari Photocopy Service & Ors. (DU Photocopy Case, Delhi HC 2016)

Facts & Background

• Rameshwari Photocopy Service (RPS), operating near Delhi University, prepared “course packs” by photocopying pages from various academic books and supplying them to students.
• Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Taylor & Francis (publishers) filed suit alleging copyright infringement.
• The key defense was that the photocopying fell under “fair dealing / fair use” for educational purposes and was allowed under exceptions in the Copyright Act, 1957 (Section 52).

Legal Issues

1. Whether the reproduction of copyrighted pages in course packs is permissible under the educational exceptions (Section 52) of the Copyright Act.
2. Whether the use adversely affects the market of the original works.
3. Interpretation of “in the course of instruction” and whether the amount and nature of copying is justifiable.

Judgment / Outcome

• The Delhi High Court declined to grant a permanent injunction against RPS. It held that more detailed fact finding was required, including expert evidence, to assess whether the copying was within the permissible limits.
• The court directed RPS to maintain records of course packs and submit periodic statements to the court.

Learning Points / Discussion

• Balancing rights of copyright holders vs. access to knowledge/education.
• The role of fair dealing/fair use in Indian copyright law.
• Importance of evidentiary record (expert evidence) when assessing scope of permissible copying.
• Implications for libraries, educational institutions, and course material publishing.

2. Priyadarshini Mattoo vs State (Delhi High Court / Supreme Court, 2006)

Facts & Background

• Priyadarshini Mattoo was a law student who faced harassment and stalking over years by Santosh Kumar Singh, a senior in college, despite multiple complaints to police.
• On 23 January 1996, Priyadarshini was raped and murdered in her residence. The initial trial court acquitted Santosh Singh due to insufficient evidence.
• After intense public outcry, the case was appealed to Delhi High Court and then Supreme Court. The High Court in 2006 convicted Singh for rape and murder under IPC Sections 302 and 376. Later, the Supreme Court commuted death sentence to life imprisonment.

Legal Issues

1. Standard of proof in sexual assault / murder cases, especially when victim is deceased and evidence is circumstantial.
2. Role of police investigation and police bias or negligence in handling complaints prior to the crime.
3. Victim rights, gender justice, and systemic delay in justice delivery.

Judgment / Outcome

• Delhi High Court delivered a relatively swift judgment in 2006 (within 42 days of hearing).
• The court held that the trial court’s acquittal was improper given the weight of circumstantial evidence and failures in police investigation.
• Santosh Singh was convicted; Supreme Court later reduced sentence.

Learning Points / Discussion

• How courts evaluate circumstantial evidence and draw inferences.
• Victim protection and procedural safeguards in sexual assault cases.
• Accountability of investigating agencies.
• The role of public pressure & media attention in high-profile cases.

3. Nisha Sharma Dowry Case (2003–2012)

Facts & Background

• Nisha Sharma accused her prospective groom, Munish Dalal, of demanding dowry. The allegations caused widespread media attention, and the case became controversial for alleged misuse of the anti-dowry law (IPC 498A).
• Over a protracted trial, the court eventually acquitted all accused in 2012, finding that the dowry charges were fabricated.

Legal Issues

1. The intended purpose of anti-dowry laws, and the potential for misuse.
2. The need for rigorous judicial scrutiny of allegations in matrimonial crime cases.
3. Principles of presumption of innocence vs. protection of vulnerable parties.

Judgment / Outcome

• The court found that the evidence was insufficient and inconsistent, and that the complainant had fabricated the allegations.
• All accused were acquitted.

Learning Points / Discussion

• Caution in criminalizing social customs: proper checks to prevent false accusations.
• Role of judiciary in safeguarding both victims and the accused.
• Importance of forensic and corroborative evidence in matrimonial dispute cases.

4. Kiranjit Ahluwalia Case (Domestic Violence → Diminished Responsibility / Mercy in Sentencing)

Facts & Background

• Kiranjit Ahluwalia, a British-resident of Indian origin, was convicted of murdering her abusive husband by setting him on fire in 1989. She had suffered prolonged domestic abuse.
• On appeal, her conviction was reduced from murder to manslaughter in recognition of battered woman syndrome and mitigating circumstances.

Legal Issues

1. Recognition of prolonged domestic violence as a mitigating factor or partial defense (diminished responsibility, provocation, etc.).
2. Intersection of criminal law and gender justice.
3. Sentencing principles in cases involving abuse victims.

Judgment / Outcome

• The appellate court reduced her sentence, acknowledging the cumulative psychological trauma and abuse.
• Her case led to increased awareness of battered woman syndrome and influenced subsequent jurisprudence regarding domestic violence.

Learning Points / Discussion

• How courts treat mental trauma and long-term abuse in criminal cases.
• The evolution of gender-sensitive jurisprudence.
• Role of expert psychiatric evidence.

5. Cyber Law Case Study – Email Hacking & Unauthorized Access

Facts

• A corporate employee was accused of hacking into his ex-colleague’s Gmail account to access confidential emails.
• The victim lodged a complaint under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Issues

1. Whether unauthorized access to email constitutes “hacking” under Section 66 of the IT Act.
2. Admissibility of digital evidence (IP logs, device data).

Judgment / Outcome

• The court upheld that email hacking is punishable under Section 66 of IT Act and also attracts provisions of IPC for breach of privacy.
• The accused was fined and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.

Learning Points

• Role of cyber forensics in proving identity of the hacker.
• Importance of Section 65B Certificate for admissibility of electronic evidence.
• Relevance for students: shows how cyber crimes are handled in India.

6. Debt Recovery Case Study – Bank vs. Borrower

Facts

• A borrower defaulted on a home loan of ₹25 lakh. The bank filed a case before the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• The borrower argued that he faced financial hardship and sought restructuring.

Issues

1. Whether the bank can take possession of the mortgaged property without court intervention.
2. Scope of borrower’s rights against arbitrary action by banks.

Judgment / Outcome

• DRT allowed the bank to auction the property as per SARFAESI rules.
• However, the borrower was granted a final 60-day relief period to settle dues.

Learning Points

• Explains how DRT functions in real disputes.
• Balance between protecting creditor’s rights and borrower’s rights.
• Importance of compliance with SARFAESI notice procedures.

7. Trademark Case Study – Cadbury vs. Nestlé (Purple Wrapper Dispute)

Facts

• Cadbury applied for trademark protection of its purple wrapper for chocolates.
• Nestlé objected, claiming color cannot be monopolized.

Issues

1. Whether a single color can be registered as a trademark.
2. Whether Cadbury had acquired distinctiveness through long use.

Judgment / Outcome

• The UK Court of Appeal ruled against Cadbury, holding that a single color lacks sufficient distinctiveness to function as a trademark.

Learning Points

• In India, the Trade Marks Act recognizes “color combination” but not single colors easily.
• Teaches students about distinctiveness, brand identity, and consumer association.
• Shows practical limits of IP protection.

8. FSSAI Renewal Case Study – Delay in License Renewal

Facts

• A packaged food company failed to renew its FSSAI license on time.
• FSSAI authorities imposed fines and issued a suspension notice.

Issues

1. Whether delay in renewal automatically invalidates ongoing business.
2. Can penalties be waived for genuine oversight?

Judgment / Outcome

• The authority imposed a fine but restored the license after compliance.
• Business was allowed to continue after paying renewal fees + penalty.

Learning Points

• Renewal is not a formality; it is legally binding.
• Students learn importance of compliance calendars in corporate law.
• Teaches how regulators exercise discretion.

9. Cheque Bounce Case Study – Section 138 NI Act

Facts

• A businessman issued a cheque of ₹5 lakh to a supplier. The cheque bounced due to insufficient funds.
• The supplier filed a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

Issues

1. Whether cheque bounce due to insufficient funds amounts to criminal liability.
2. Procedure for filing complaint and statutory notice requirement.

Judgment / Outcome

• The court convicted the drawer, holding that dishonor of cheque is a criminal offence under Section 138.
• Compensation and fine were awarded to the supplier.

Learning Points

• Teaches students about criminal liability in commercial transactions.
• Explains mandatory notice within 30 days of dishonor.
• Landmark provision for ensuring business credibility.

10. Legal Advice Case Study – Client Confidentiality

Facts

• A lawyer disclosed confidential details of a client’s matrimonial dispute during a seminar, without consent.
• The client filed a complaint before the Bar Council of India.

Issues

1. Whether disclosure of client information violates advocate’s duty under the Advocates Act, 1961 and Bar Council Rules.
2. Extent of lawyer’s duty of confidentiality.

Judgment / Outcome

• The Bar Council held the advocate guilty of professional misconduct.
• He was suspended for 6 months.

Learning Points

• Highlights advocate-client privilege and ethical duties.
• Students learn about professional standards in legal practice.
• Shows real consequences of breaching confidentiality.