In Brief
The Supreme Court set aside a Bombay High Court order that dismissed a criminal application seeking quashing of an FIR without assigning reasons or issuing notice to the respondents. The Court held that dismissing such petitions without reasons and without affording the opposite party a fair hearing violates natural justice principles. The High Court was required either to assign reasons for its refusal to issue notice or to issue notice and hear both sides before deciding on the merits. The matter was remanded to the High Court for fresh consideration in accordance with law.
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