Supreme Court of India ruled discharge stands higher than acquittal in criminal law. Bench of Dipankar Datta and KV Viswanathan held discharge reflects lack of sufficient material to even proceed with prosecution.
The Allahabad High Court cautioned police against mechanically registering FIRs in non-cognizable cases and mandated accountability. It directed action against informants for false complaints, warning that failure to proceed may invite legal consequences and departmental action against erring officers.