In Brief
The Supreme Court quashed a criminal prosecution against two NGO workers employed by Guria, an organization fighting human trafficking, who were charged with obstructing official duty and criminal force under Sections 186 and 353 IPC during a joint rescue operation at a brick kiln. The Court found the allegations did not disclose the requisite mens rea, ruled the FIR registration illegal as it involved a non-cognizable offence without proper sanction, and noted evidence of malice by labour officials. The judgment emphasized that the High Court's inherent power to prevent abuse of process is broader than discharge remedies and cannot be waived merely because alternative remedies exist.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.