In Brief
A company director was accused of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. The High Court of Allahabad refused to quash the criminal proceedings. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that prima facie charges were not made out. The investigation and chargesheet lacked direct evidence of force or criminal intent, and the dispute was rooted in company finances rather than criminal conduct. The Court noted that statements under criminal procedure rules are inadmissible at this stage, and mere assertions without substantive evidence are insufficient. Proceedings against the appellant were quashed, but remained against the co-accused.
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