In Brief
The Supreme Court restored a criminal prosecution for possessing assets disproportionate to known sources of income under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The High Court had quashed the proceedings under its inherent powers after both the Special Court (on a discharge petition) and the High Court itself (on revision) had found a prima facie case. The Supreme Court held that inherent powers must be exercised sparingly and cautiously. The High Court erred in reassessing evidence to determine likelihood of conviction; such assessment is solely a trial court function. The Court also rejected the High Court's questioning of the sanction validity on technical grounds, holding such challenges must be raised during trial. The appeal was allowed and criminal proceedings restored.
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