Need for uniformity in cases filed under the 1885 Telegraph Act : SC

In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court has raised the need for uniformity in filing of cases under the Telegraph Act of 1885. The bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and M.M. Sundresh in Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd vs Vinod on 18 August 2025 set aside the order by the High Court and the matter was remitted back for fresh consideration on correct methodology and new evidence.ย 

The dispute relates to the compensation claimed by landowners for the utilization of their land for installing transmission towers and laying overhead high-voltage power lines under the โ€œ400 KV Jhajjar Power Transmission System โ€“ PPP-1โ€ project, which extends for nearly 100 kilometers across the districts of Sonepat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, and Bhiwani. Invoking Section 16(3) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the landowners approached the Additional District Judges in Sonepat and Jhajjar to seek compensation.

The bench specified that under Section 10 of the Telegraph Act, only the right of use is acquired. The ownership remains with the landowners.  In Kerala SEB v. Livisha, observed that while no rigid rule exists for determining compensation in cases involving telegraph and electrical lines, certain relevant factors must be taken into account. 

Section 16(3) of the 1885 Act permits the filing of an application before the District Judge in the event of a compensation dispute. In the present case, such an application filed in Sonepat was treated and registered as a civil suit, resulting in both a judgment and decree. In contrast, in Jhajjar, the matter was registered as a civil miscellaneous application, leading only to a judgment. This inconsistency highlights the need for uniformity in the nomenclature applied to proceedings under the 1885 Act. The Court found that the same is necessary to be done in similar proceedings arising under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962.

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Paid Law Internship in Mumbai | August to November 2025

Paid Law Internship in Mumbai is now open at Bodhanwala & Co., a reputed law firm offering paid one-month internships between August and November 2025. This is an ideal opportunity for law students looking to gain hands-on experience in intellectual property rights, civil and criminal litigation, media law, and white-collar crimes.

If you’re enrolled in a five-year integrated law program at one of Maharashtraโ€™s top law colleges and want to step into a real-world legal environment, this internship is designed for you.

About the Internship Program

The Paid Law Internship in Mumbai is structured to provide practical legal training to students through direct engagement in active legal matters. Selected interns will be closely involved in drafting, legal research, and working alongside practicing advocates on real cases.

Interns will be exposed to a wide range of practice areas, including:

  • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Media Law
  • Civil and Criminal Litigation
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Testamentary and Probate Law
  • Dispute Resolution and Legal Strategy

Each one-month internship will allow students to experience the daily operations of a litigation-focused law firm and contribute meaningfully to legal processes under supervision.

Internship Duration and Timeline

The Paid Law Internship in Mumbai will be offered across the following one-month internship windows:

  • 1st August โ€“ 31st August 2025
  • 1st September โ€“ 30th September 2025
  • 1st October โ€“ 31st October 2025
  • 1st November โ€“ 30th November 2025

Students can apply for any of the above months based on their availability. All internships will be conducted on-site at the firmโ€™s Mumbai office.

Eligibility Criteria

The internship is open to law students from the following institutions who are currently pursuing the 5-year integrated law program:

  • Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai
  • ILS Law College, Pune
  • Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Mumbai

To be considered for the Paid Law Internship in Mumbai, applicants should:

  • Be in the 3rd year or above of their 5-year law program
  • Have a keen interest in litigation, IPR, and white-collar crime
  • Possess good legal research and drafting skills
  • Be fluent in written and spoken English
  • Demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and the ability to work under deadlines

Students from other reputed law colleges may also apply but will be considered based on merit and availability.

Stipend and Benefits

The Paid Law Internship in Mumbai comes with a stipend that reflects the internโ€™s contribution and time. Interns will also receive:

  • Hands-on litigation and research experience
  • Exposure to court procedures and filings
  • Interaction with clients and senior advocates
  • Mentoring and feedback from experienced lawyers
  • A certificate of internship upon successful completion

Application Process

Interested candidates for the Paid Law Internship in Mumbai must apply through either of the following methods:

Via Email: Send your updated rรฉsumรฉ and a short cover email to careers@bodhanwallaco.in

    The cover email should briefly introduce yourself and include:

    • Your name and current year of study
    • Your college and program
    • Preferred month(s) of internship
    • Your area of interest (e.g., IPR, criminal litigation, etc.)
    • Any previous internship or research experience

    Ensure your application is clear, concise, and professional. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

    Selection Process

    Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief virtual interaction or asked to share a writing sample. Final selections will be based on your legal aptitude, communication skills, and alignment with the firmโ€™s practice areas.

    Why Choose This Internship?

    Opting for a Paid Law Internship in Mumbai at Bodhanwala & Co. means more than just earning a stipendโ€”itโ€™s a gateway to experiential learning. Hereโ€™s what makes this internship stand out:

    • Direct Court Exposure: Attend hearings, draft pleadings, and observe court decorum
    • Diverse Legal Practice: From corporate advisory to criminal matters, youโ€™ll touch it all
    • Real Client Interaction: Gain confidence by engaging with real legal problems
    • Paid Recognition: Your efforts are valued, and your time is respected
    • Resume Value: Work experience from a litigation-heavy Mumbai firm is a great CV booster

    Conclusion

    This Paid Law Internship in Mumbai is a unique opportunity for serious law students to build real skills, gain legal insight, and grow professionally in a live litigation environment. If youโ€™re committed to excelling in the legal profession and want exposure to diverse legal fields, this internship is a strong starting point.

    Apply today to secure your place in one of the most hands-on and valuable law internships of 2025.


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