In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court has issued a stern reminder to law enforcement agencies, urging them to exercise “heightened caution” when entangled in disputes tainted with unethical transactions. The Court’s directive comes as a response to a case where criminal proceedings were initiated over allegations of dubious dealings, despite the availability of civil remedies.
The Bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma, overturned a previous High Court decision and emphasized the need for vigilance in cases where the pursuit of justice is overshadowed by unscrupulous conduct. The Court underscored that police resources must not be squandered on frivolous disputes more suited for civil resolution.
The case in question involved an FIR lodged against an individual accused of failing to secure a promised government job after accepting money. Both parties involved in the dispute levied accusations of extracting funds for job placements, yet failed to produce substantial evidence when prompted by law enforcement.
The Supreme Court scrutinized the nature of the transaction, deeming it unlawful and unsuitable for civil litigation. It noted the delay in filing the FIR and highlighted suspicions regarding the motives behind the criminal complaint. The Court suggested that such actions might be driven by malicious intent to coerce monetary settlements rather than seeking legal redressal for alleged wrongdoing.
In its deliberation, the Court urged a meticulous assessment of claims in cases marked by ethical ambiguity. It cautioned against allowing criminal proceedings to proceed when motivated by ulterior motives such as financial coercion, stressing the importance of preserving law enforcement resources for matters of genuine societal concern.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling serves as a clarion call for ethical conduct within the realm of law enforcement. It underscores the imperative for police to exercise discretion and discernment when confronted with disputes entangled in ethical quagmires, ensuring that justice is pursued diligently and without compromise.
