Law, explained plainly

When can the High Court quash an FIR?

Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly s.482 of the CrPC) preserves the High Court's inherent power to make orders needed to prevent abuse of the process of any court, or otherwise to secure the ends of justice.

Courts have used this power where the FIR, read as it stands, discloses no offence; where the proceedings are plainly mala fide or brought to settle a private score; and where parties to a largely private dispute, such as a matrimonial or commercial one, have genuinely settled.

The power is used sparingly, and each case turns on its own facts. A quash petition is filed before the High Court for the State of Telangana with the FIR, the charge sheet if filed, and any settlement documents.

Where to file a consumer complaint

Which Consumer Commission hears your complaint depends on the value of the goods or services you paid for: up to ₹50 lakh before the District Commission, ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore before the State Commission, and above ₹2 crore before the National Commission.

A complaint must ordinarily be filed within two years of the date on which the cause of action arose. Complaints can be filed online through e-Daakhil.

Buying property? Check these five documents

Before paying an advance on a flat or plot in Hyderabad, look at: (1) the title deed and the chain of link documents; (2) an Encumbrance Certificate for the property; (3) the building or layout permission from GHMC or HMDA; (4) the project's TG RERA registration, where it applies; and (5) up-to-date property tax receipts.

A lawyer's title verification reads these together, traces ownership back over a reasonable period, and flags gaps before you commit.

Divorce by mutual consent: the basics

Under s.13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, a couple who have lived separately for at least one year and agree that the marriage should end can file a joint petition before the Family Court.

The law provides a six-month period between the first and second motions, which the court may waive in suitable cases. On the second motion, the court grants the decree. Terms on maintenance, custody and property are usually recorded along the way.

If you are arrested

An arrested person must be told the grounds of arrest (Article 22(1) of the Constitution; s.47 BNSS), may consult and be defended by an advocate of their choice (Article 22(1)), and is entitled to have a relative or friend informed of the arrest (s.48 BNSS).

No one may be detained by the police for more than 24 hours without being produced before a Magistrate, excluding travel time (Article 22(2); s.58 BNSS).

Four clauses every business contract needs

Four clauses decide how a contract holds up when something goes wrong: dispute resolution, including the seat of arbitration; termination rights and notice periods; limitation of liability; and confidentiality and ownership of intellectual property created under the contract.

These are often copied from templates without thought. Reviewing them before signing costs far less than litigating them later.