In Brief
In a gang rape case registered in 2013, police filed a closure report in 2014, which a magistrate accepted in 2015. Years later, after an NHRC directive, the police initiated further investigation without seeking prior court permission and collected DNA samples. The Supreme Court held that police cannot unilaterally order further investigation after a closure report is accepted by courts. Judicial permission from the magistrate is mandatory before police conduct further investigation under criminal procedure law. The Court quashed the investigation orders and clarified that while statute permits further investigation, courts must oversee such steps to ensure procedural fairness and protect accused persons' rights.
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