In Brief
A woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by police officers in Kerala during a property dispute investigation. She filed a complaint before a magistrate seeking an FIR. The magistrate called for a report from a superior officer under Section 175(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a safeguard for complaints against public servants. The woman then filed a writ petition, claiming such safeguards do not apply to sexual offences. The Supreme Court held that Section 175(4) must be read together with Section 175(3)—it adds procedural protections for public servants but does not replace core requirements. Complaints against public servants must be written, supported by affidavit. The Court upheld the magistrate's proceedings and declined to interfere with ongoing statutory remedies.
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