In Brief
In this criminal appeal, the Court examined whether the Lokayukta Police could investigate allegations of illegal mining involving both private persons and public servants. The High Court had quashed the investigation, holding that cognizance of mining offences requires a complaint from a specifically authorized person. The Supreme Court reversed this order, holding that investigation and cognizance are distinct stages. Restrictions on cognizance do not prevent investigation, especially when corruption allegations are involved. The Court allowed the investigation to proceed, emphasizing that authorization requirements apply only at the cognizance stage, not during investigation.
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