In Brief
The Central Bureau of Investigation appealed against the High Court's quashing of criminal proceedings against accused Aryan Singh and Gautam Cheema under Sections 452, 323, 365, 342, 186, 225, 506, and 120-B IPC. The Supreme Court held that the High Court exceeded its jurisdiction by treating a quashing petition as a mini-trial, observing that charges were unproven and proceedings malicious. At the discharge/quashing stage under Section 482 Cr.P.C., courts must only examine whether sufficient material exists to proceed to trial—proof of charges is a trial function. The Court allowed the appeals, set aside the High Court's order, and remanded the case for trial within 12 months.
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