High Court
Patna High Court
Patna
The Patna High Court was established in 1916. It has jurisdiction over the state of Bihar.
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News & Updates Published
Judgment
Conviction in Sexual Assault Case Under POCSO Act Upheld: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling by the Patna High Court, the conviction of Raju Kumar under the Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3/4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been upheld. The judgment emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children and the seriousness of sexual…
Order
Accused Acquitted Under POCSO and IPC Due to Victim's Age and Credibility Concerns: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has acquitted a man accused of sexual offenses under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court determined that the victim was above 18 years of age at the time of the alleged incident, rendering the provisions of the POCSO Act…
Order
Acquittal in Rape Case Emphasizes Prosecution Flaws Under POCSO and SC/ST Act: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling from the Patna High Court, the judgment in the case of Sandeep Rai @ Alok Kumar @ Alok Kumar Ray has drawn attention to critical issues surrounding sexual assault laws under the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the SC/ST (Prevention of…
Order
Arms License Cannot Be Canceled Merely Due to FIR Registration, Reiterates: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has clarified that the mere registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against an individual cannot serve as grounds for the cancellation of their Arms License. This decision arose from a case presided over by Justice Mohit Kumar Shah, where the petitioner, Sunil…
Order
Family Court Must Ensure Party's 'Wilful' Absence Before Proceeding Ex-Parte in Maintenance Case: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling, the High Court of Judicature at Patna has allowed the revision petition filed by Avinash Kumar @ Abinash Kumar, challenging an ex parte maintenance order issued by the Family Court in Begusarai. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle concerning maintenance obligations…
Order
Man's Conviction for Sexually Assaulting Minor Girl Set Aside as 'Deposing Capacity' of Child Witness Was Not Tested Before Taking Evidence: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has overturned the conviction of Pramod Mandal, who was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for offenses under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. The appeal, logged as Criminal Appeal (DB) No. 305 of 2023, challenges the…
Order
Court Transfers Missing Girl Probe To CBI, Notes CID's Dependency On Government And Limited Resources : Patna High Court
In a significant ruling on October 18, 2024, the Patna High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation of a sensitive case concerning the disappearance of a young girl from Muzaffarpur. The decision comes after the court expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made by…
Judgment
Auctioning Vehicle for Recovery of Small Quantity of Liquor is Improper, Bihar Prohibition & Excise Act 2016, High Court: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise (Amendment) Act, 2018, the Patna High Court addressed issues surrounding the confiscation of a vehicle linked to a minor liquor offense. The case, Anita Devi vs. The State of Bihar, sheds light on the principles of natural justice and proportionality in…
Order
Failure to Disclose Reasons for Confiscating Goods Under S.110 Customs Act is 'Draconian', Violates Article 14, and Makes Provisional Attachment Illegal: Patna High Court
In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has set aside a seizure memo issued under the Customs Act, 1962, highlighting procedural lapses and the necessity for substantiated reasons behind such actions. The case involved the seizure of Areca Nuts, which were alleged to be of foreign origin, raising critical…
Order
Court Denies Retiral Benefits to Second Wife as Husband Performed Second Marriage During Subsistence of First Without Government's Permission: Patna High Court
In a significant judgment delivered on September 10, 2024, the Patna High Court addressed the complex issue of pension rights for the second wife of a deceased employee of the Bihar Agriculture University. The case, involving Baby Devi (the petitioner) and Samunder Devi (the respondent), highlights the legal…
Order
Court Grants Anticipatory Bail in Kidnapping, Love Jihad Allegations Case: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Md. Sarfaraz in a case involving allegations of kidnapping under Sections 363 and 366A of the Indian Penal Code. This decision was made on October 11, 2023, by Honorable Justice Prabhat Kumar Singh. Case Details: 1. Background: Md. Sarfaraz, residing in Village…
Judgment
Court Remands Matrimonial Divorce Case Under Hindu Marriage Act for Further Review: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court recently delivered a significant judgment in the case of Matrimonial Appeal No. 259 of 2016, focusing on issues of desertion and adultery under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Case Details The appellant, Mrs.abc, challenged the decision of the Family Court in a matrimonial dispute where her husband,…
Judgment
Expunges DM’s Remark Against Scholar Alleging ‘Mentality to Harass SC/ST Persons’, Warns Against Personal Comments: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has removed personal remarks made against Dr. Dev Narayan Jha by the District Magistrate, Sitamarhi, while refusing to interfere with the orders concerning a drainage dispute. The judgment was delivered by Justice Alok Kumar on 18 September 2026 in Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 6198 of 2024.…
Judgment
498A Case Against Husband Quashed After 'Dead' Wife Turns Up Alive in Mumbai: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has delivered a landmark judgment by quashing criminal proceedings against a man accused of dowry harassment under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. This decision was taken after it was revealed that the wife, who was believed to have died by her family’s claim, was actually alive and…
Judgment
‘No Arrest at Summons Stage’ in Love, Sex and Blackmail Allegation Case Under BNS and IT Act, Anticipatory Bail Bench Shocked: Patna High Court
The case originated from Complaint Case No. 9811 of 2024 pending before the court, where allegations were made against Golu Kumar. The complaint included serious accusations related to sexual relationship on the promise of marriage, alleged physical relations, and capturing of objectionable photographs. Based on these…
Judgment
PIL on RTI Backlog Deferred, Update Sought After Supreme Court Hearing: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court considered an important public interest litigation highlighting delays in disposal of RTI matters in the State of Bihar. The case focused on the functioning of authorities under the Right to Information Act 2005 and the growing backlog of appeals. Background of the Petition The petition was filed…
Judgment
Blanket Denial of Public Employment to Persons Named in FIR Violates Fairness: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court delivered an important judgment safeguarding the rights of job candidates in public employment. The Court ruled that merely being named in an FIR cannot be a ground to deny appointment and emphasized protection under Article 14 Constitution of India and Article 16 Constitution of India. Background…
Judgment
Anticipatory Bail Granted Under Section 438 CrPC, IPC, SC/ST Act and POCSO Act: Patna High Court
On 23 October 2024, the High Court of Judicature at Patna delivered a significant order in Criminal Miscellaneous No. 74057 of 2024 in the matter of Ranjit Kumar versus The State of Bihar and Kariman Rai. The case was heard by Honourable Justice Chandra Prakash Singh. The matter pertains to anticipatory bail in…
Judgment
Anticipatory Bail Granted Under Section 14A(2) of SC/ST Act in Cheque Bounce and Alleged Job Fraud Case: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court on 25 February 2026 passed an order in CRIMINAL APPEAL (SJ) No.818 of 2025 and CRIMINAL APPEAL (SJ) No.1338 of 2025 titled Ramashray Yadav @ Hridyanandan Singh VERSUS The State of Bihar and Mukesh Kumar VERSUS The State of Bihar. The matter was heard by Justice Praveen Kumar. Both appeals arose…
Judgment
POCSO Act, 2012 & Section 376 IPC, Court Sets Aside Life Sentence in Consensual Relationship Case Due to Failure to Prove Minority: Patna High Court
The case titled Pawan Kumar Mandal versus The State of Bihar was decided by the Patna High Court on 16 December 2025. The appeal arose from Criminal Appeal (DB) No. 558 of 2019, challenging the conviction and life sentence awarded by the Special POCSO Court at Bhagalpur. The appellant, Pawan Kumar Mandal, resident of…
Judgment
Punishment on Sub-Inspector Set Aside after ‘Deemed Guilt Rule’ Held Unconstitutional; Disciplinary Action Found Prejudged: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court delivered a landmark judgment protecting procedural fairness for police officers facing disciplinary action under Bihar’s liquor prohibition regime. The court examined whether harsh departmental penalties can be imposed merely on presumption, without proof of negligence or connivance. The ruling…
Judgment
Anticipatory Bail Granted to YouTuber Manish Kashyap Amid Allegations of Circulating Railway Sabotage Video to Malign the Department: Patna High Court
In a crowded courtroom on Saturday morning, the Patna High Court granted anticipatory bail to YouTuber Manish Kashyap, who was accused of circulating a video suggesting a possible sabotage attempt on a railway track. The hearing was brief yet tense, reflecting the public interest surrounding the allegations.…
Judgment
Children Are Future Of Society; Punitive Approach Towards Juveniles Is Self-Destructive Under JJ Act: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court, in a crucial judgment reinforcing the principles of juvenile justice, has set aside the conviction and sentence of a juvenile who was earlier held guilty under the Arms Act. The Court held that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 aims at reforming children in conflict…
Judgment
Few Moral Lapses & Return To Normal Life Not Considered 'Living In Adultery', Wife Entitled To Maintenance: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court, in a notable judgment, ruled that a woman cannot be denied maintenance solely on the grounds of isolated moral lapses or unproven allegations of infidelity. The ruling was given by Justice Jitendra Kumar in Criminal Revision No. 262 of 2020, stating that the phrase “living in adultery” under…
Order
Accused Already Released on Bail Cannot Seek Anticipatory Bail Again: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has dismissed an anticipatory bail petition filed by Mainuddin Mansoori in connection with Gaura P.S. Case No. 54 of 2024, registered under Section 384 of the Indian Penal Code for extortion. The judgment was delivered by Justice Jitendra Kumar on September 25, 2026. Mansoori had previously…
Order
Pressing a Woman’s Mouth and Lying on Her Without Attempted Penetration Does Not Amount to Attempted Rape: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has partly allowed an appeal filed by Md. Ainul Haque, setting aside his conviction for attempted rape while upholding his conviction for house trespass and finding him guilty of assaulting a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. Justice Sandeep Kumar reduced the substantive sentences for both…
Order
Two-Month Delay in Gang-Rape FIR Not Enough to Disbelieve Case: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Kamal Kishore @ Chuha seeking to quash the criminal proceedings against him in connection with Naubatpur P.S. Case No. 240/2018. The petitioner had challenged the order dated 27.11.2018, through which the Special Judge, SC/ST, Patna took cognizance under Section…
Order
Mere Involvement in Routine FIR Not Sufficient to Refuse Arms Licence Unless Threat to Public Safety Is Established: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has quashed orders rejecting Sanjay Kumar Yadav’s application for an arms licence and directed the District Magistrate, Patna, to reconsider his application. Yadav, a builder and Director of Bigrahpuram Developers Pvt. Limited, had applied on 17 January 2023 for a licence for one N.P. Bore…
Order
Mere Registration of FIR Not a Ground to Cancel PDS Licence: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has set aside the cancellation of the PDS licence of Sakindra Roy, a PDS dealer of Bhagwanpur Block in Vaishali district. The order was passed on 22.09.2026 in Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.10841 of 2023. Roy had challenged three orders: the Sub Divisional Officer's order dated 26.11.2020…
Order
Two Juveniles Granted Bail in 63.76 Kg Ganja Case, Inquiry Ordered Under JJ Act: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has allowed two criminal revision petitions and ordered the release on bail of two juveniles in a DRI case involving the alleged recovery of 63.760 kg of ganja (net weight) from a Mahindra TUV vehicle. The case arose from DRI Patna Unit Case No. 01 of 2024-25, registered under Sections 8(c),…
Order
Physical Relationship Based on False Marriage Promise Does Not Constitute Rape in Every Case: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court recently examined the case of Manoj Kumar Kushwaha alias Manoj Kumar, who was accused of engaging in a fraudulent marriage and committing sexual assault. The case was heard by Justice Alok Kumar Pandey, who dismissed the petition filed by the accused seeking to quash the charges. This case sheds…
Order
Natural Justice Requires a Reasonable Opportunity, Not “Repeated or Endless Opportunities”: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has clarified the principles of natural justice, stating that affected parties must be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before an adverse decision is made. However, the court emphasized that authorities are not required to offer “repeated or endless opportunities” until they are satisfied…
Order
Absence of Injuries Raises Doubt Over Rape Allegation Against Five Accused; Four Acquitted and 22-Year-Old's Conviction Set Aside: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has delivered a significant judgment in a 1998 gang rape case, acquitting four of the five accused persons convicted earlier by a trial court. The court observed that if five accused had committed the offence of rape one after another, there should have been some injuries on the victim's body. The…
Order
‘Govt Recognition’ Means Recognition by Indian Authorities; Nepal Institute Certificate Not Valid for PDS Licence: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has held that when eligibility for a Public Distribution System (PDS) licence requires an educational certificate recognised by the “Government”, the expression refers to the Government of India, States, or local and other authorities within the territory of India or under the control of the…
Order
Failure to Pay Balance Sale Consideration Cannot by Itself Constitute Cheating: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has held that merely failing to pay the remaining sale consideration under an agreement to sell does not, by itself, amount to the criminal offence of cheating. The Court made it clear that for an allegation under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to succeed, there must be evidence of…
Order
Voter List Entry Showing Spouse's Name Not Proof of a Valid Hindu Marriage: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court has held that merely showing a person's name as a spouse in a voter list is not enough to establish that a valid Hindu marriage took place. When the existence of a marriage is specifically disputed, the person claiming to be the legally wedded spouse must produce convincing evidence that the…
Habeas Corpus Petition Not Maintainable for Minor’s Custody Dispute Between Parents: Himachal Pradesh High Court
The Himachal Pradesh High Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by a father seeking production and custody of his minor daughter. The case titled Himanshu Dilip Kulkarni VERSUS State of HP & Ors. was decided by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi on 26 February 2026. The Court held that…
About the Patna High Court
The Patna High Court was established in 1916. It has jurisdiction over the state of Bihar.
Seat
Patna
State / UT
Bihar
Region
East India
