Madhya Pradesh HC mandates photography of injuries in all criminal cases by police, doctors
The Court called out the disturbing trend of extending undue benefit of deliberate procedural lapses at the initial stage of a crime.
Investigation
Supreme Court constitutes SIT to probe BJP Minister Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks on Col. Sofiya Quraishi
During a public function at Raikunda village in Ambedkar Nagar at Mhow, BJP Minster Vijay Shah used scurrilous and offensive language against Col. Sofia Quraishi.
CBI cannot be rendered helpless in investigating further if during trap proceedings more information is received about offence/offenders: Delhi HC
Special Public Prosecutor submitted that there are 194 intercepted calls, revealing incriminating conversation involving the petitioner in negotiations and distribution of illegal gains. Thus, a larger conspiracy is to be unearthed, for which the custodial interrogation is needed.
‘Transferring case to another State reflected mechanical approach’; Delhi HC directs registration of regular FIR instead of Zero FIR as offence occurred within jurisdiction
Rather than exercising its jurisdiction, P.S. Adarsh Nagar proceeded to register a Zero FIR and transferred the matter to the police in Noida. Such action indicates a failure on part of the police authorities concerned to adhere to their statutory responsibility under Section 1541 of the CrPC.
Karnataka HC emphasises on the need for Investigating Officers acquainted with technology to tackle emerging cybercrimes
“An ordinary Investigating Officer or a conventional Investigating Officer would not be so equipped with such emerging crimes to decode the labyrinth of cybercrimes”.
Pioneering SOP on Collection and Processing of Forensic Evidence unveiled in Goa on World DNA Day
The Standard Operating Procedures on Collection and Processing of Scientific/Forensic Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases were officially released at the Police Headquarters in Panjim, Goa on the 26-04-2025. Spearheaded by Prof. (Dr.) Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate and Former ASG of India, the initiative marks a critical advancement in bridging the teething gaps in the criminal justice system when it comes to forensic investigations and evidence collection.
Setting aside administrative action on grounds of violation of natural justice principles doesn’t bar administrative authorities from proceeding afresh: SC
“Principles of natural justice are not applicable at the stage of reporting a criminal offence. Providing an opportunity of being heard prior to the commencement of a criminal action, would frustrate the very purpose of initiating a criminal proceeding, which is to meet the ends of justice”.
CRIMINAL LAW ROUNDUP: A quick recap of the top criminal cases from January 2025
Top criminal cases on quashing of proceedings, arrest, bail, acquittal, and more.
‘Investigation cannot linger for years’; Bombay HC rebukes Mumbai Police for four-year-long delay in filing charge sheet in fraud case involving 600 investors
“Investigation cannot be permitted to linger on for years, keeping the investors in the lurch, not knowing what is the outcome of the case.”
Andhra Pradesh High Court grants anticipatory bail to Ram Gopal Varma in criminal defamation case for objectionable posts on ‘X’ (Twitter)
The Court directed that the petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation as and when required for the purpose of investigation.
Not mandatory for PMLA special court to record reasons for cognizance of ED’s Complaint unlike a private complaint under CrPC or BNSS: Delhi High Court
Delhi High Court affirmed that Explanation-II of Section 44(1)(b) of the PMLA applies retrospectively
Seizing phone and SIM card essential for forensic examination; Madras HC orders priority review of accused’s phone and future consideration for return
“The data available in the mobile phone has to be converted and thereafter forensic examination of digital evidence has to be made. Hence, the seizure of the phone along with sim card was important as encrypted files are available in the phone. For this reason, the phone was seized, and now sent for forensic examination after obtaining permission from Trial Court.”
Investigation should not be thwarted by quashing FIR alleging dishonest conduct of an accused: Supreme Court
The Court also reiterated that FIR is not an encyclopedia of all imputations. Therefore, to test whether an FIR discloses commission of a cognizable offence, what is to be looked at is not any omission in the accusations, but the gravamen of the accusations contained therein to find out whether, prima facie, some cognizable offence has been committed or not.
Gujarat HC transfers minor boy’s sexual assault and murder probe to CBI on no fruitful outcome by police after 9-years
In 2015, the minor left the school but did not reach his house and three days later, his body was found by the police, and it was alleged that he was murdered after being subjected to unnatural sexual intercourse.
CrPC or BNSS?: The Tug of War Around July 01, 2024
by Aditya Mukherjee* and Jayati Sinha**
MP High Court calls for action against Investigating Officer over dowry death investigation shortcomings; denies bail to accused
“It was imperative on the part of the Investigating Officer that investigation of an offence such as dowry-death maintains a high level of accuracy and candidness.”
BNSS vs CrPC| CrPC to apply to pending trial/investigation registered before Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita came into force: Rajasthan High Court
The Court stated that “if an FIR is registered prior to 01-07-2023 under the CrPC, it would amount to a pending enquiry/investigation within the meaning of Section 531(2)(a) of BNSS.”
When can CBI be involved in an investigation? Kerala High Court answers
“Though an attempt was made to portray the incidents that led to the registration of the crime as one having transnational ramifications based upon the affidavit of the State Government filed in the Supreme Court, this Court is of the view that the circumstances do not persuade this Court to rely on the said averment to direct a CBI investigation”
CCI’s Obligation to Put Parties under Investigation to Notice — An Analysis of a Recent Madras High Court Ruling
by Neelambera Sandeepan* and Srivaishanavi R.**
[Baba Tarsem Singh Murder Case] Uttaranchal HC dismisses Former IAS Officer Harbans Singh Chugh’s plea to quash FIR
FIR is not an encyclopedia which must disclose all facts and details relating to the offence reported and mere information is sufficient for investigation.