Sanction for Prosecution

Supreme Court holds Section 197 CrPC sanction bites only at the cognizance stage, not when a Magistrate orders police officials' FIR registered under Section 156(3).

On March 12, 2026, the Supreme Court agreed to examine and authoritatively interpret the sanction provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, in a case arising from alleged corruption against Congress MP Mahua Moitra. The outcome will govern how the Lokpal pursues prosecutions against public functionaries going forward.

Supreme Court clarifies the need for prior sanction to prosecute public servants under the PMLA, reinforcing legal protections.

Supreme Court quashes FIRs against Army personnel, citing lack of sanction under AFSPA, 1958 in a landmark judgment.

Supreme Court mandates CrPC 196-A compliance in landmark ruling, emphasizing procedural integrity in criminal prosecutions.