In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the criminal prosecution of company executives for illegal mining and export of iron ore despite procedural irregularities. Although the Special Court lacked inherent power to take cognizance without magistrate committal under the Criminal Procedure Code, the Court held the irregularity did not vitiate proceedings because: (1) Section 465 CrPC permits overlooking procedural irregularities if no failure of justice occurs; (2) the challenge was delayed two years, when it should have been raised immediately; and (3) cognizance based on a police investigation report does not require elaborate reasoning. The Court also held the Special Court can jointly try related offences under the MMDR Act and IPC without implied repeal, and vicarious liability of managing directors remains a trial matter.",
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