By Admin The Allahabad High Court, established in 1866, is one of India’s oldest and most influential judicial bodies. Over the decades, it has delivered several landmark judgments that have shaped Indian legal, political, and social landscapes. Below is a curated overview of some of the most significant cases handled by the Allahabad High Court, reflecting its pivotal role in upholding constitutional values and societal reform.
The Indira Gandhi Verdict (1975)
One of the most consequential judgments in Indian history, the Allahabad High Court’s verdict in Raj Narain v. Indira Nehru Gandhi shook the nation’s political foundations. Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha found then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices and declared her 1971 election win from Rae Bareli invalid. The court barred her from holding any elected office for six years. This judgment directly triggered the imposition of the Emergency in India, marking a watershed moment in the country’s democratic evolution.
The Babri Masjid–Ram Janmabhoomi Judgment (2010)
After years of hearings, a special full bench of the Allahabad High Court ruled that the disputed land in Ayodhya, where the Babri Masjid once stood, should be divided among three parties: Ram Lalla (representing the deity), Nirmohi Akhara, and the Sunni Waqf Board. The court also recognized the central dome as the birthplace of Lord Ram, as per Hindu faith. This verdict was a landmark in the long-standing religious and political dispute and paved the way for further adjudication by the Supreme Court.
Triple Talaq Ruling (2017)
In a progressive move, the Allahabad High Court declared the practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) unconstitutional. Justice Suneet Kumar observed that the practice was both cruel and demeaning to Muslim women, setting the stage for subsequent Supreme Court and legislative action to ban triple talaq nationwide.
Ban on Caste-Based Rallies (2013)
The High Court issued a landmark order banning caste-based rallies in Uttar Pradesh, stating that such events were against the spirit of the Constitution. Notices were sent to the Election Commission and major political parties, emphasizing the need to curb divisive politics based on caste identities.
Mandating Government Officials to Send Children to Government Schools (2015)
In a strong reformist stance, the Allahabad High Court ordered that all government officials (“babus”) must send their children to government schools. The court reasoned that this would incentivize officials to improve the poor state of public education, as they would have a personal stake in the system’s quality.
Recent Notable Judgments (2023–2024)
The Allahabad High Court continues to deliver significant judgments on contemporary issues:
- Sumit & Anr v. State of UP & Ors (2024): Clarified that cognizance under Section 174A IPC can only be taken on a written complaint by the court, not via police FIR.
- Naziya Ansari & Anr. v. State of UP & Ors (2024): Affirmed that adults have the right to marry and live with a partner of their choice, reinforcing Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Aman @ Vansh v. State of UP & Ors (2024): Highlighted the misuse of the POCSO Act through false depiction of victims as minors.
- Pradum Singh v. State of UP (2024): Held that complete penetration or emission is not necessary to constitute rape, clarifying the legal interpretation of sexual assault.
- Shriniwas Rav Nayak v. State of U.P. (2024): Distinguished between individual religious freedom and collective proselytization, reinforcing constitutional limits.
- Ankit Singh and Others v. State of UP (2024): Criticized the slow progress in eradicating dowry, directing authorities to address the illegal practice more effectively.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court’s legacy is marked by judgments that have not only interpreted the law but also advanced social justice and constitutional morality. From challenging the might of the Prime Minister to reforming social practices and protecting individual rights, the court has played a transformative role in Indian jurisprudence. Its landmark cases continue to influence legal discourse and public policy across the nation.