In Brief
A public servant accused of acquiring disproportionate assets challenged the registration of an FIR, arguing that without a preliminary enquiry by the Superintendent of Police, the proceedings were invalid. The High Court quashed the FIR on this ground. The Supreme Court held that while preliminary enquiries are desirable in corruption cases, they are not mandatory. Where a superior officer receives a detailed and well-reasoned source report establishing prima facie criminal conduct, the FIR may be registered without a formal preliminary enquiry. The Court also held that accused public servants have no inherent right to be heard before FIR registration. The appeal was allowed and the FIR reinstatement was upheld.
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