In Brief
A private complaint alleged that corporate entities and their officers—including a Chairman, Managing Director, Executive Director, Deputy General Manager, and Planner—trespassed on the complainant's land, demolished boundary walls, destroyed trees, and laid a pipeline without authority, causing severe damage. The Magistrate issued summons against all accused. The Sessions Court and High Court quashed the summons against the corporate office-bearers (accused 1-8), finding no specific allegations of their individual criminal role. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that corporate officers cannot face criminal charges merely on the basis of their office; specific allegations of personal culpability and criminal intent are essential. Vicarious liability arises only where statute explicitly provides it, not automatically in criminal law.">
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