Supreme Court of India
VINAY TYAGIversusIRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS.
- Citation
- 2012 INSC 587
- Decided
- 13 December 2012
- Disposal
- Case Partly allowed
- Bench
- A K PATNAIK
Holding
A trial court must consider all investigative reports unless a specific order excludes them, and no investigating agency may conduct a fresh or reinvestigation without a higher court's order.
Summary
The case concerned an FIR alleging terrorist activities against Irshad Ali and another accused, who claimed to be informers and were allegedly falsely implicated. The Delhi Special Cell filed a police report under Section 173(2) CrPC, after which the High Court ordered a CBI inquiry and later a closure report. The trial court rejected the accused's application for discharge, insisting on considering both the original police report and the CBI closure report. The Supreme Court was asked whether a trial court can disregard one of multiple investigative reports and whether the CBI can conduct a fresh or reinvestigation after a report has been filed. The Court held that a trial court must consider all reports unless a specific order excludes part of them, and that no investigating agency may conduct a fresh or de novo investigation without a higher court's directive. Consequently, the appeal was partially allowed, directing the trial court to proceed with the case considering the entire record.
Issues considered
- Whether, under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a trial court can ignore any one of multiple investigative reports filed by the same or different agencies.
- Whether the Central Bureau of Investigation is empowered to conduct a fresh or reinvestigation when cognizance has already been taken based on a police report under Section 173.
Legislation cited
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973s. 156(3), s. 173, s. 173(2), s. 173(6), s. 173(8), s. 190, s. 227, s. 228
- Constitution of Indias. 21, s. 22, s. 226
Subjects
Section 173 CrPCinvestigative reportfresh investigationreinvestigationfurther investigationCBI jurisdictionmagistrate powersclosure reportsupplementary reportcourt jurisdiction
Judgment
[2012] 13 S.C.R. 1005
VINAYTYAGI A
v.
IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS.
(Criminal Appeal Nos. 2040-41 of 2012)
DECEMBER 13, 2012
B
[A.K. PATNAIK AND SWATANTER KUMAR, JJ.]
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973:
s. 173 - Whether in exercise of its powers uls. 173, the trial c
court has the jurisdiction to ignore any one of the reports,
where there are two reports by the same or different
investigating agencies in furtherance of the orders of a Court
and if so, to what effect - Held: The court of competent
jurisdiction is duty bound to consider all reports, entire records 0
and documents submitted therewith by the Investigating
Agency as its report in terms of s. 173(2) - This Rule is subject
to only the following exceptions; (a) Where a specific order
has been passed by the Magistrate at the request of the
prosecution limited to exclude any document or statement or E
any part thereof; (b) Where an order is passed by the higher
courts in exercise of its extra-ordinary or inherent jurisdiction
directing that any of the reports i.e. primary report,
supplementary report or the report submitted on 'fresh
investigation' or 're-investigation' or any part of it be excluded,
struck off the court record and be treated as non est. F
s. 173 - Whether the Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) is empowered to conduct 'fresh/re-investigation' when
the cognizance has already been taken by the Court of
competent jurisdiction on the basis of a police report uls. 173 G
- Held: No investigating agency is empowered to conduct a
'fresh', 'de novo' or 're-investigation' in relation to the offence
for which it has already filed a report in terms of s. 173(2) - It
is only upon the orders of the higher courts empowered to
1005 H
1006 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A pass such orders that aforesaid investigation can be
conducted, in which event the higher courts will have to pass
a specific order with regard to the fate of the investigation
already conducted and the report so filed before the court of
the Magistrate.
B
The following questions arose for consideration of
this Court in the present appeal:1) Whether in exercise
of its powers under Section 173 CrPC, the Trial Court has
the jurisdiction to ignore any one of the reports, where
there are two reports by the same or different
C investigating agencies in furtherance of the orders of a
Court and if so, to what effect and 2) Whether the Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is empowered to conduct
'fresh'/'re-investigation' when the cognizance has already
been taken by the Court of competent jurisdiction on the
D basis of a police report under Section 173 CrPC.
Partly allowing the appeal, the Court
HELD: 1.1. The court of competent jurisdiction is duty
E bound to consider all reports, entire records and
documents submitted therewith by the Investigating
Agency as its report in terms of Section 173(2) CrPC. This
Rule is subject to only the following exceptions; (a)
Where a specific order has been passed by the
Magistrate at the request of the prosecution limited to
F exclude any document or statement or any part thereof;
(b) Where an order is passed by the higher courts in
exercise of its extra-ordinary or inherent jurisdiction
directing that any of the reports i.e. primary report,
supplementary report or the report submitted on 'fresh
G investigation' or 're-investigation' or any part of it be
excluded, struck off the court record and be treated as
non est. [Para 40) [1043-H; 1044-A-D]
1.2. No investigating agency is empowered to
H conduct a 'fresh', 'de novo' or 're-investigation' in relation
..
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1007
to the offence for which it has already filed a report in A
terms of Section 173(2) of CrPC. It is only upon the
orders of the higher courts empowered to pass such
orders that aforesaid investigation can be conducted, in
which event the higher courts will have to pass a specific
order with regard to the fate of the investigation already B
conducted and the report so filed before the court of the
magistrate. [Para 40] [1044-E-F]
1.3. In the present case, report in terms of Section
173(2) CrPC had already been filed by the Special Cell of C
the Delhi Police even before the investigation was
handed over to CBI to conduct preliminary inquiry.
Furthermore, the final investigation on the basis of the
preliminary report submitted by the CBI had also not been
handed over to CBI at that stage. Once a Report under
Section 173(2) CrPC has been filed, it can only be D
cancelled, proceeded further or case closed by the court
of competent jurisdiction and that too in accordance with
law. Neither the Police nor a specialised investigating
agency has any right to cancel the said Report. In the
present case, the High Court had passed no order or E
direction staying further investigation by the Delhi Police
or proceedings before the court of competent
jurisdiction. On the contrary, the court had noticed
explicitly in its order that it was a case of supplementary
or further investigation and filing of a 'supplementary F
report'.Once the Court has taken this view, there is no
question of treating the first report as being withdrawn,
cancelled or capable of being excluded from the records
by the implication. In fact, except by a specific order of
a higher court competent to make said orders, the G
previous as well as supplementary report shall form part
of the record which the trial court is expected to consider
for arriving at any appropriate conclusion, in accordance
with law. The CBI itself understood the order of the court
H
1008 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A and conducted only 'further investigation' as is evident
from the status report filed by the CBI before the High
Court. The trial court, therefore, has to consider the entire
record, including both the Delhi Police Report filed under
Section 173(2) CrPC as well as the Closure Report filed
B by the CBI and the documents filed along with these
reports. The trial court may have three options, firstly, it
may accept the application of accused for discharge.
Secondly, it may direct that the trial may proceed further
in accordance with law and thirdly, if it is dissatisfied on
c any important aspect of investigation already conducted
and in its considered opinion, it is just, proper and
necessary in the interest of justice to direct 'further
investigation', it may do so. [Paras 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 and
52] [1047-E-H; 1048-A-F]
D Amit Kapur v. Ramesh Chander & Anr. JT 2012 (9) SC
329; Sidhartha Vashisht v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2010) 6
SCC 1: 2010 (4) SCR 103; Gudalure M.J. Cherian & Ors. v.
Union of India & Ors. (1992) 1 SCC 397: 1991 (3) Suppl.
SCR 251; R.S. Sodhi, Advocate v. State of U.P. 1994 SCC
E Supp. (1) 142; K. Chandrasekhar v. State of Kera/a (1998) 5
SCC 223: 1998 (3) SCR 72; Ramachandran v. R.
Udhayakumar (2008) 5 SCC 413: 2008 (8) SCR 439; Nirmal
Singh Kah/on v State of Punjab & Ors. (2009) 1 SCC 441:
2008 (14) SCR 1049; Mithabhai Pashabhai Patel & Ors. v.
F State of Gujarat (2009) 6 SCC 332: 2009 (7) SCR 1126;
Babubhai v. State. of Gujarat (2010) 12 SCC 254: 2010 (10)
SCR 651; State of Punjab v. Central Bureau of Investigation
(2011) 9 SCC 182: 2011 (11) SCR 281; Minu Kumari & Anr.
v. State of Bihar & Ors. (2006) 4 SCC 359: 2006 (3) SCR
G 1086; Hemant Dhasmana v. CBI (2001) 7 SCC 536: 2001
(1) Suppl. SCR 646; Union Public Service Commission v.
S. Papaiah & Ors (1997) 7 SCC 614: 1997 (4) Suppl. SCR
56; State of Orissa v. Mahima (2003) 5 SCALE 566; Kishan
Lal v. Dharmendra Bhanna & Anr. (2009) 7 SCC 685: 2009
H (11) SCR 234; State of Maharashtra v. Sharat Chandra
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1009
Vinayak Dongre (1995) 1 SCC 42: 1994 (4) Suppl. SCR A
378; Bhagwant Singh v. Commissioner of Police & Anr.
(1985) 2 SCC 537: 1985 (3) SCR 942; Reeta Nag v. State
of West Bengal & Ors. (2009) 9 SCC 129: 2009 (13) SCR
276; Ram Naresh Prasad v. State of Jharkhand and Others
(2009) 11 SCC 299: 2009 (2) SCR 369; Randhir Singh Rana B
v. State (Delhi Administration) (1997) 1 SCC 361: 1996 (10)
Suppl. SCR 880; Disha v. State of Gujarat & Ors. (2011) 13
SCC 337: 2011 (9) SCR 359; Vineet Narain & Ors. v. Union
of India & Anr. (1998) 1 SCC 226: 1997 (6) Suppl. SCR 595;
Union of India & Ors. v. Sushi/ Kumar Modi & Ors. 1996 (6) c
SCC 500: 1996 (8) Suppl. SCR 393; Rubabbuddin Sheikh
v. State of Gujarat & Ors. (2010) 2 SCC 200: 2010 (1) SCR
991 and Sivanmoorthy and Others v. State represented by
Inspector of Police (2010) 12 SCC 29 - referred to.
Case Law Reference: D
JT 2012 (9) SC 329 referred to Para 11
2010 (4) SCR 103 referred to Para 16
1991 (3) Suppl. SCR 251 referred to Para 16 E
1994 SCC Supp. (1) 142 referred to Para 16
1998 (3) SCR 72 referred to Para 18
2008 (8) SCR 439 referred to Para 18
F
2008 (14) SCR 1049 referred to Para 18
2009 (7) SCR 1126 referrE:d to Para 18, 21
2010 (10) SCR 651 referred to Para 18
G
2011 (11) SCR 281 referred to Para 20
2006 (3) SCR 1086 referred to Para 22
2001 (1) Suppl. SCR 646 referred to Para 23, 26
H
1010 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A 1997 (4) Suppl. SCR 56 referred to Para 24, 25,
26
(2003) 5 SCALE 566 referred to Para 24
2009 (11) SCR 234 referred to Para 24
B
1994 (4) Suppl. SCR 378 referred to Para 24
1985 (3) SCR 942 referred to Para 26, 29
2009 (13) SCR 276 referred to Para 27, 29
c 2009 (2) SCR 369 referred to Para 27 29
1996 (10) Suppl. SCR 880 referred to Para 27, 29
2011 (9 ) SCR 359 referred to Para 34
D 1997 (6) Suppl. SCR 595 referred to Para 34
1996 (8) Suppl. SCR 393 referred to Para 34
2010 (1) SCR 991 referred to Para 34
(201 O) 12 sec 29 referred to Para 40
E
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Criminal Appeal
Nos. 2040-2041 of 2012 etc.
From the Judgment & Order dated 28.08.2009 of the High
Court of Delhi at New Delhi in Criminal Revision No. 107 of
F
2009 & Criminal Miscellaneous Case No. 781 of 2009.
WITH
Crl. A. No. 2044, 2045, 2042-2043 of 2012.
G Mukul Gupta, U.U. Lalit, Pramod Kumar Dubey, C.D.
Singh, Smriti Sinha, Parul Thapliyal, Shiv Chopra, Vibhor Garg,
T.A. Khan, Sangram Singh, B.V. Balramdas, A.K. Sharma,
Umesh Joshi, Anil Katiyar, M. Sufian Siddiqui, M. Tabish Zia,
Aftab Ali Khan, Narendra Kumar, Pravesh Thakur, Abhishek C.
H Kannan for the appearing parties.
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1011
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by A
SWATANTER KUMAR, J. 1. Leave Granted.
2. The following two important questions of law which are
likely to arise more often than not before the courts· of
competent jurisdiction fall for consideration of this Court in the B
present appeal :
Question No.1: Whether in exercise of its powers under
Section 173 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (for short, 'the Code'), the
Trial Court has the jurisdiction to ignore any C
one of the reports, where there are two
reports by the same or different
investigating agencies in furtherance of the
orders of a Court? If so, to what effect?
D
Question No.2: Whether the Central Bureau of Investigation
(for short 'the CBI') is empowered to
conduct 'fresh'/'re-investigation' when the
cognizance has already been taken by the
Court of competent jurisdiction on the basis E
of a police report under Section 173
of the Code?
Facts :-
3. lrshad Ali @ Deepak, Respondent No.1, in the present F
appeal was working as an informer of the Special Cell of Delhi
Police in the year 2000. He. was also working in a similar
capacity for Intelligence Bureau. Primarily, his profession and
means of earning his livelihood was working as a rickshaw
puller. On 11th December, 2005, it is stated that he had a G
heated conversation with the Intelligence Bureau officials for
whom he was working. It was demanded of him that he should
join a militant camp in Jammu & Kashmir in order to give
information with respect their activities to the Intelligence
Bureau. However, the said respondent refused to do the job H
1012 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R
A and consequently claims that he has been falsely implicated in
the present case. In fact, on 12th December, 2005, a report
was lodged regarding disappearance of respondent no.2 by
his family members at Police Station, Bhajanpura, Delhi. Not
only this, the brother of the respondent no.2 also sent a
B telegram to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Police
Commissioner on 7th and 10th January, 2006, but to no avail.
On 9th February, 2006, a report was published in the Hindustan
Times newspaper, Delhi Edition, through SHO, Police Station,
Bhajanpura, Delhi with the photograph of respondent no.2
C seeking help of the general public in tracing him. On that very
evening, it is stated that the Special Cell of the Delhi Police
falsely implicated both the respondents in a case, FIR No. 10/
2006, under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act
and under Section 1208, 121 and 122 of the Indian Penal
D Code, 1860 (for short 'IPC') read with Section 25 of the Arms
Act. Both the respondents were described as terrorists. In the
entire record, it was not stated that the respondents were
working as informers of these agencies. At this stage, it will
be pertinent to refer to the FIR that was registered against the
accused persons, relevant part of which can usefully be
E extracted herein: -
"To, the Duty Officer, PS Special Cell, Lodhi Colony, New
Delhi. During the 3rd week of January, 2006 information
was received through Central Intelligence Agency that
F militant of Kashmir based Organisation has set up a base
in Delhi. One lrshad Ali @ Deepak is frequently visiting
Kashmir to get arms, ammuniation and explosives or the
instructions from their Kashmir based Commanders. He
is also visiting different parts of the country to spread the
G network of the militant organizations. As per the directions
of senior officers, a team under the supervision of Sh.
Sanjeev Kumar, ACP Special Cell led by Inspector Mohan
Chand Sharma was formed to develop this information and
identify lrshad and 'his whereabouts in Sultanpuri area.
H Secret sources were deployed. During the course ot
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1013
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
developments of information, it came to knowledge that A
above noted lrshad Ali @ Deepak is resident of lnder
Enclave, Phase-II, Sultanpuri, Delhi. It also came to notice
that one Mohd. Muarif Qamar@ Nawab r/o Bhajanpura,
Delhi is also associated with the militant organization.
During the development of this information, it was revealed B
that both lrshad Ali and nawab had gone to J&K on the
directions of their handlers to receive a consignment of
arms and explosives. Today on February 09, 2006 at
about 4 PM, one of these sources telephonically informed
SI Vinay Tyagi in the office of Special Cell, Lodhi Colony c
that lrshad A.li(sic) @ Deepak along with his associate
Mohd. Muarif Qamar @ Nawab R/o Bajanpura, Delhi is
coming from Jammu in JK SRTC Bus No. JK-02 Y-0299
with a consignment of explosives, arms & ammunition and
will alight at Mukarba Chowk, near Kamal Bypass in the D
evening. This information was recorded in Daily Dairy (sic)
and discussed with senior officers. A team consisting of
lnsp. Sanjay Dutt, myself, SI Subhash Vats, SI Rahul, SI
Ravinder Kumar Tyagi, S.I Dalip Kumar, SI Pawan Kumar,
ASI Anil Tyagi, ASI Shahjahan, HC Krishna Ram, HC
Nagender, HC Rustam, Ct. Rajiv and Ct. Rajender was E
constituted to act upon this information. Thereafter the
team members in 3 private vehicles and 2 two wheelers
armed with official weapons as per Malkhana register,
departed from the office of Special Cell, Lodhi Colony at
about 4.30 PM and reached G.T. Kamal Depot at 5.30 PM F
where lnsp. Sanjay Dutt met the informer. lnsp. Sanjay Dutt
asked 6/7 persons to join the police party after disclosing
them about the information. All of them went away citing
genuine excuses. The police party was briefed by lnsp.
Sanjay Dutt and was deployed around Mukarba Chowk, G
Interstate Bus Stand. At about 7.35 PM, above mentioned
lrshad and Nawab were identified by the informer when
they had alighted from the bus No.JK-02 Y-0299 coming
from Jammu. Both were scene (sic) carrying blue and
green-red check coloured airbags each on their right H
'
1014 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012) 13 S.C.R.
A shoulders. In the meantime, team posted near by was
alerted and when they were about to cross the outer Ring
Road to go towards Rohini side, were overpowered.
Cursory search of the above-mentioned persons was
conducted and from the right dhub of the pant worn by
B Mohd Muarif Qamar @ Nawab mentioned above,
apprehended by me with the help of Dalip Kumar, one
Chinese pistol star Mark.30 calibre along with 8 live
cartridges in its magazine was recovered. On measuring
the length of the barrel and body 19.4 ems, magazine 10.8
c ems, butt 8.9 ems and diagonal length of pistol is 21.5 ems
Number 19396 is engraved on the butt of the pistol. On
checking the blue coloured bag recovered from the
possession of Nawab, one white envelope containing non-
electronic detonators, one ABCD green coloured Timer,
one AB cream coloured Timer was also recovered which
D
was concealed beneath the layers of clothes including one
light blue coloured shirt and dark gray coloured pant in the
bag, and from the red green coloured bag recovered from
the possession of lrshad Ali mentioned above,
apprehended by SI Ravinder Tyagi with the help of Ct.
E Rajender Kumar, one Chinese pistol star Mark .30 calibre
along with 8 live cartridges in its magazine was recovered.
On measuring the length of the barrel and body 19.4 ems,
magazine 10.8 ems, butt 8.9 ems and diagonal length of
pistol is 21.5 ems, Number 33030545 is engraved on the
F barrel and body of the pistol. One white polythene
containing a mixture of black and white oil based explosive
material kept in a black polythene and was also concealed
beneath the layers of clothes. On weighing the explosive
was found to be 2 kg. Out of this two samples of 10 gms
G each were taken out in white plastic small jars. The
remaining recovered explosive kept back in black
polythene, pulinda prepared and sealed with the seal of
'VKT'. Sample explosive were marked as 81 and 82 and
sealed with the seal of 'VKT'. The ABCD timer and AB
H Timer were kept in a plastic jar and sealed with the seal
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1015
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
of 'VKT' marked as 'T' and 3 non electric detonators along A
with envelope were kept in a transparent plastic jar with
the help of cotton and sealed with the seal of "VKT' marked
as 'D'. The recovered Star Mark pistol from the
possession of accused Mohd. Muarif@ Nawab and lrshad
ali were kept in separate pulindas and marked as M&I B
respectively and sealed with the seal of "VKT'. The blue
coloured airbag and clothes recovered from the
possession of accused Mohd. Muarif@ Nawab and kept
in a cloth pulinda and sealed with the seal of 'T' and the
green-red colour check bag recovered from the c
possession of accused lrshad Ali containing clothes was
kept in a pulinda sealed with the seal of 'VKT' and CFSL
forms were filled-up and sealed with the seal of "VKT".
Seal after use was handed over to SI Ravinder Kumar
Tyagi. During their interrogation, both the accused lrshad D
Ali @ Deepak S/o Mohd. Yunus Ali R/o F-247-A, lnder
Enclave, Phase-II, Sultnpuri, Delhi aged 30 years and
Mohd. Muarif Qamar @ Nawab Rio Viii. Deora Bandhoh,
P.0.-Jogiara, PS-Jale, Distt.-Darbhanga, Bihar, stated that
they brought the recovered consignment of arms,
ammunitions and explosives from J&K from their E
Commanders in J&K and was to be kept in safe custody
and was to be used for terrorist activity in Delhi on the
directions of their handlers in J&K. Militant lrshad Ali and
Nawab above mentioned have kept in their possession
explosives, ABCD Timer, AB Timer, Non Electronic F
detonators and arms and ammunition which were to be
used for the purpose of terrorist activities in order to
overawe the sovereignty, integrity and unity of India in order
to commit terrorist and disruptive activities and there by
committing offences punishable u/s 121/121A/122/123/ G
1208 IPC r/w 4/5 Explosive Substance Act and 25 Arms
Act. Rukka is being sent to you for registration of the case
. through SI Ravinder Kumar Tyagi. Case be registered and
further investigation be handed over to SI Rajpal Dabas,
D-882, PIS No. 28860555 who has already reached at the H
1016 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A spot as per the direction of senior Officers who had already
been informed about the apprehension and recovery of
explosives, arms and ammunition from their possession.
Date and time of offence. February 09, 2006 at 7.35 PM,
place of occurrence; Outer ring road, Mukarba Chowk,
B near Inter State bus stand, Delhi. Date and time of
sending the rukka: 09.02.2006 at 10.15 PM. Sd English
SI Vinay Tyagi No. D-1334, PIS No. 28862091, Special
Cell/NDR/OC, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi dated
09.02.2006."
c 4. Aggrieved by the action of the Delhi police, brother of
the accused filed a petition in the High Court of Delhi stating
the harrowing facts, the factum that both the accused were
working as 'informers', and that they have been falsely
implicated in the case and, inter a/ia, praying that the
D investigation in relation to FIR No.10 of 2006 be transferred to
the CBI. This writ petition was filed on 25th February, 2006
upon which the Delhi High Court had issued notice to the
respondents therein. Upon receiving the notice, Delhi Police
filed its status report before the High Court reiterating the
E contents stated in the above FIR but conceding to the fact that
the accused persons were working as 'informers' of the police.
While issuing the notice, the High Court did not grant any stay
of the investigation and/or the proceedings before the court of
competent jurisdiction, despite the fact that a prayer to that
F effect had been made. The Special Cell of the Delhi Police,
filed a chargesheet before the trial court on 6th May, 2006 when
the matter was pending before the High Court. In the writ
petition, it was stated to be a mala fide exercise of power. The
High Court on 9th May, 2006 passed the following order:
G
'The Petitioner has filed this petition under Article 226 of
the Constitution of India read with the Section 482 Cr.P.C.
for issuance of Writ, Order or Direction in the nature of
Mandamus to the Respondents to transfer the investigation
of case FIR No.10/2006 dated 09.02.2006 of the Police
H ,
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1017
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
Station Special Cell, under Section 121/121-A/122/123/ A
120-B I PC read with the Section 4/5 of Explosive
Substance Act and Section 25 of Arms Act to an
independent agency like CBI on the allegation that his
brother Moarif Qamar @ Nawab was falsely implicated in
a serious case like the present one on the basis of a totally B
cooked up story. The above named brother of the
Petitioner was reported to be missing ever since
22.12.2005 and a complaint to that effect was lodged at
PS Bhajanpura, Delhi. It appears that usual notices, as
provided, were issued on order to search the brother of c
the Petitioner. Lastly, a notice was got published by SHO,
Bhajanpura, Delhi in Delhi Hindustan Times in its edition
dated 09.05.2006 which is precisely the date on which it
is alleged that the brother of the Petitioner and another
person were apprehended by the police when they were
0
returning from Jammu & Kashmir by Jammu & Kashmir
State Transpo.rt Roadways bus near Kingsway Camp,
Mukraba Chowk and a Chinese made pistol, certain
detonators and 2 Kg of ROX were recovered from the
Petitioner's brother and 2 Kg of ROX were recovered from
co-accused Mohd. lrshad Ali. The investigation leads the E
police to pinpoint the Petitioner being a member of terrorist
organization, namely Al-Badar and consequently, after
usual investigation, a charge sheet has been filed against
both the accused persons.
F
On notice being issued to the Respondent/State. A
status report stands filed by the Assistant Commissioner
of Police, NDR/OC, Special Cell, Lodhi Colony, Delhi
which has reiterated the allegations about the arrest of the
Petitioner's brother and Mohd. lrshad Ali in the above G
circumstances, the report has, however sustained the
allegation about a report in regard to the missing of the
brother of the Petitioners having being lodged with the
police as far as on 28.12.2005. The allegations about the
H
1018 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A false implication of the Petitioner's brother are, however,
controverted and denied.
I have heard learned counsel for the parties.
Learned counsel for the Petitioner has invited the attention
of the Court to various attendant circumstances around the
B
time of the alleged arrest of the accused persons on
09.02.2006. The circumstances disclosed do cast a
suspicion on the case of the prosecution in regard to the
manner in which Mohd. Moarif Qamar @ Nawab and the
other accused Mohd. lrshad Ali were apprehended by the
c officials of Special Cell and about the recovery of the
contraband articles like explosive and detonators. The
offences under Sections 121/121-A/122/123/120-B IPC
read with the Section 4/5 of Explosive Substance Act and
Section of 25 Arms Act are very grave offences and may
D lead to a very severe punishment, if the charges are
established. Therefore, without commenting any further on
the merits of the matter, this Court is of the considered
opinion that it is a fit case where an inquiry by some
independent agency is called for the allegations made in
E the present petition. Accordingly, the CBI, in the first
instance, is called upon to undertake an inquiry into the
matter and submit a report to this Court within four weeks.
List on 17th July, 2006.
F
Copy of the Order be forwarded to the Director, CBI for
taking necessary action in the matter."
5. The CBI also filed its report before the High Court
indicating therein that the alleged recoveries effected from the
G accused persons did not inspire confidence and further
investigation was needed. After perusing the records, the High
Court again on 4th August, 2008 passed the following order: -
"However, this relief cannot be claimed at this stage as if
there was any error or misconduct or false implication of
H
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1019
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
the accused on the part of any· police official or the A
investigating officer while registering the case and while
the investigation of the case is yet to be ascertained by
the trial court during the trial of the case. Therefore. this
relief being premature cannot be granted."
6. After detailed investigation, the CBI filed the closure B
report on 11th November, 2008 stating that the accused
persons were working as 'informers' of Special Cell of Delhi
Police and Intelligence Bureau Officials and that it was a false
case. After filing of the report by the CBI, the accused-
respondent no.2, namely, Mohd. Muarif Qamar Ali, filed an C
application before the Trial Court in terms of Section 227 of the
Code with a prayer that in view of the 'closure report' submitted
by the CBI, he should be discharged. This application was
opposed by the Special Cell, Delhi Police, who filed a detailed
reply. The CBI, of course, stood by its report and submitted D
that it had no objection if the said accused was discharged.
The learned Trial Court, in its order dated 13th February, 2009,
opined that the CBI had concluded in its report that the manner
of recovery and arrest of the accused persons from Mukarba
Chowk did not inspire any confidence but the CBI had not E
discovered any fact pertaining to the recovery of the arms and
ammunition, explosive substances and bus tickets etc. from the
two accused persons.
7. Observing that the CBI had not investigated all the
F
aspects of the allegations, the Court also noticed that in the
order dated 4th August, 2008, the High Court noted that transfer
of investigation from Special Cell to CBI had been directed,
and further, filing of charge-sheet after completion of
investigation, which was pending before the Court of competent
jurisdiction had been directed.. Upon noticing all these facts G
and pleas, the Court concluded, 'therefore, the prayer for
·~ acceptance of the closure report and discharge of the accused
is premature. The same cannot be granted at this stage. With
these observations, the contentions of the CBI, Special Cell and
the accused persons stand disposed of.' H
1020 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A 8. Vide the same order, the Court also observed, 'no
definite conclusion can be drawn at this stage to ascertain the
truthfulness of the version of two different agencies' and fixed
the case for arguments on charge for 28th February, 2009.
9. The respondent no.2 herein, Maurif Qamar, filed a
B petition under Section 482 of the Code praying that the
proceedings pending before the Court of Additional Sessions
Judge, Delhi, pertaining to FIR No.10 of 2006, be quashed.
This was registered as Criminal Miscellaneous Petition No.781
of 2009 and the application for stay was registered as Crl.
C Misc. Application No.286/2009. As already noticed, the Court
had not granted any stay but had finally disposed of the petition
vide its order dated 28th August, 2009. The High Court
observed that once the report was filed by the CBI, that agency
has to be treated as the investigating agency in the case and
D the closure report ought to have been considered by the trial
court. It remanded the case to the trial court while passing the
following order:
"12. In these circumstances, the impugned order dated
E 13.02.2009 dismissing the applications moved by the
petitioners for discharging them is set aside. The case is
remanded back to the Additional Sessions Judge to
proceed further in the matter after hearing the parties on
the basis of the closure report filed by the CBI dated
11 .11.2008 and in accordance with the provisions
F
contained under Section 173 and Section 190 of the Cocfe
of Criminal Procedure. In case he accepts the report, then
the matter may come to an end, subject to his orders, if
any, against the erring officers. However, if he feels that
despite the closure report filed by the CBI, it is a case fit
G for proceeding further against the petitioners, he may pass
appropriate orders uninfluenced dby (sic) what this Court
has stated while disposing of this case. The only rider
would be that while passing the orders the Additional
Sessions Judge would not be influenced by the report of
H
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1021
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
the Sepcial (sic) Cell in this matter. Parties to appear A
before the Trial Judge on 14th September, 2009."
10. It is this order of the High Court which is the subject
matter of the present appeals by special leave.
11. It would be appropriate for the Court to examine the 8
relevant provisions and scheme of the Code in relation to filing
of a report before the court of competent jurisdiction and the
extent of its power to examine that report and pass appropriate
orders. The criminal investigative machinery is set into motion
by lodging of a First Information Report in relation to C
commission of a cognizable offence. Such report may be made
orally, in writing or through any means by an officer in charge
of a police station. Such officer is required to reduce the same ·
into writing, read the same to the informant and wherever the
person reporting is present, the same shall be signed by such D
person or the person receiving such information in accordance
with the provisions of Section 154 of the Code. A police officer
can conduct investigation in any congnizable case without the
orders of the Magistrate. He shall conduct such investigation
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XIII, i.e., in E
accordance with Sections 177 to 189 of the Code. Where
information as contemplated in law is received by an
investigating officer and he has reasons to believe that an
offence has been committed, which he is empowered to
investigate, then he shall forthwith send a report of the same F
to the Magistrate and proceed to the spot to investigate the
facts and circumstances of the case and take appropriate
measures for discovery and arrest of the offender. Every report
under Section 157 shall be submitted to the Magistrate in terms
of Section 158 of the Code upon which the Magistrate may G
direct an investigation or may straight away proceed himself
or depute some other magistrate subordinate to him to hold an
inquiry and to dispose of the case in accordance with the
provisions of the Code. It needs to be recorded here that the
proceedings recorded by a police officer cannot be called into H
1022 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A question at any stage on the ground that he was not empowered
to conduct such investigation. The provisions of Section 156(3)
empower the Magistrate, who is competent to take cognizance
in terms of Section 190, to order investigation as prescribed
under Section 156(1) of the Code. Section 190 provides that
B subject to the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Code, any
Magistrate of the first class and any magistrate of the second
class specifically empowered in this behalf may take
cognizance of any offence upon receipt of a complaint, facts
of which constitute such offence, upon a police report of such
c facts or upon information received from any person other than
a police officer, or upon his own knowledge, that such offence
has been committed. The Chief Judicial Magistrate is
competent to empower any Magistrate of the second class to
take cognizance in terms of Section 190. The competence to
D take cognizance, in a way, discloses the sources upon which
the empowered Magistrate can take cognizance. After the
investigation has been completed by the Investigating Officer
and he has prepared a report without unnecessary delay in
terms of Section 173 of the Code, he shall forward his report
E to a Magistrate who is empowered to take cognizance on a
police report. The report so completed should satisfy the
requirements stated under clauses (a) to (h) of sub-section (2)
of Section 173 of the Code. Upon receipt of the report, the
empowered Magistrate shall proceed further in accordance
with law. The Investigating Officer has been vested with some
F definite powers in relation to the manner in which the report
should be completed and it is required that all the documents
on which the prosecution proposes to rely and the statements
of witnesses recorded under Section 161 of the code
accompany the report submitted before the Magistrate, unless
G some part thereof is excluded by the Investigating Officer in
exercise of the powers vested in him under Section 173(6) of
the Code. A very wide power is vested in the investigating
agency to conduct further investigation after it has filed the
report in terms of Section 173(2). The legislature has
H specifically used the expression 'nothing in this section shall be
VINAY'TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1023
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
deemed to preclude further investigation in respect of an A
offence after a report under Section 173(2) has been forwarded
to the Magistrate', which unambiguously indicates the legislative
intent that even after filing of a report before the court of
competent jurisdiction, the Investigating Officer can still conduct
further investigation and where, upon such investigation, the B
officer in charge of a police station gets further evidence, oral
or documentary, he shall forward to the Magistrate a further
report or reports regarding such evidence in the prescribed
form. In other words, the investigating agency is competent to
file a supplementary report to its primary report in terms of C
Section 173(8). The supplementary report has to be treated
by the Court in continuation of the primary report and the same
provisions of law, i.e., sub-section (2) to sub-section (6) of
Section 173 shall apply when the Court deals with such report.
Once the Court examines the records, applies its mind, duly
complies with the requisite formalities of summoning the D
accused and, if present in court, upon ensuring that the copies
of the requisite documents, as contemplated under Section
173(7), have been furnished to the accused, it would proceed
to hear the case. After taking cognizance, the next step of
definite significance is the duty of the Court to frame charge in E
terms of Section 228 of the Code unless the Court finds, upon
conslc:Jeration of the record of the case and the documents
submitted therewith, that there exists no sufficient ground to
proceed against the accused, in which case it shall discharge
him for reasons to be recorded in terms of Section 227 of the F
Code. It may be .noticed that the language of Section 228
opens with the words, 'if after such consideration and hearing
as aforesaid, the Judge is of the opinion that there is ground
for presuming that the accused has committed an offence', he
may frame a charge and try him in terms of Section 228(1)(a) G
and if exclusively triable by the Court of Sessions, commit the
same to the Court of Sessions in terms of Section 228(1 )(b).
Why the legislature has used the word 'presuming' is a matter
which requires serious deliberation. It is a settled rule of
interpretation that the legislature does not use any expression H
1024 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012) 13 S.C.R.
A purposelessly and without any object. Furthermore, in terms
of doctrine of plain interpretation, every word should be given
its ordinary meaning unless context to the contrary is specifically
stipulated in the relevant provision. Framing of charge is
certainly a matter of earnestness. It is not merely a formal step
8 in the process of criminal inquiry and trial. On the contrary, it
is a serious step as it is determinative to some extent, in the
sense that either the accused is acquitted giving right to
challenge to the complainant party, or the State itself, and if the
charge is framed, the accused is called upon to face the
C complete trial which may prove prejudicial to him, if finally
acquitted. These are the courses open to the Court at that
stage. Thus, the word 'presuming' must be read ejusdem
generis to the opinion that there is a ground. The ground must
exist for forming the opinion that the accused had committed
an offence. Such opinion has to be formed on the basis of the
D record of the case and the documents submitted therewith. To
a limited extent, the plea of defence also has to be considered
by the Court at this stage. For instance, if a plea of
proceedings being barred under any other law is raised, upon
such consideration, the Court has to form its opinion which in
E a way is tentative. The expression 'presuming' cannot be said
to be superfluous in the language and ambit of Section 228 of
the Code. This is to emphasize that the Court may believe that
the accused had committed an offence, if its ingredients are
satisfied with reference to the record before the Court. At this
F stage, we may refer to the judgment of this Court in the case
of Amit Kapur v. Ramesh Chander & Anr. [JT 2012 (9) SC
329] wherein, the Court held as under :
"The above-stated principles clearly show that inherent as
G well as revisional jurisdiction should be exercised
cautiously. If the jurisdiction under Section 482 of the
Code in relation to quashing of an FIR is circumscribed
by the factum and caution afore-noticed, in that event, the
revisional jurisdiction, particularly while dealing with
framing of a charge, has to be even more limited.
H
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1025
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
Framing of a charge is an exercise of jurisdiction by the A
trial court in terms of Section 228 of the Code, unless the
accused is discharged under Section 227 of the Code.
Under both these provisions, the court is required to
consider the 'record of the case' and documents submitted
therewith and, after hearing the parties, may either B
discharge the accused or where it appears to the court and
in its opinion there is ground for presuming that the
accused has committed an offence, it shall frame the
charge. Once the facts and ingredients of the Section
exists, then the Court would be right in presuming that c
there is ground to proceed against the accused and frame
the charge accordingly. This presumption is not a
presumption of law as such. The satisfaction of the court
in relation to the existence of constituents of an offence and
the facts leading to that offence is a sine qua non for 0
exercise of such jurisdiction. It may even be weaker than
a prima facie case. There is a fine distinction between
the language of Sections 227 and 228 of the Code.
Section 227 is expression of a definite opinion and
judgment of the Court while Section 228 is tentative. Thus, E
to say that at the stage of framing of charge, the Court
should form an opinion that the accused is certainly guilty
of committing an offence, is an approach which is
impermissible in terms of Section 228 of the Code. It may
also be noticed that the revisional jurisdiction exercised by
the High Court is in a way final and no inter court remedy F
.is available in such cases. Of course, it may be subject
to jurisdiction of this court under Article 136 of the
Constitution of India. Normally, a revisional jurisdiction
should be exercised on a question of law. However, when
factual appreciation is involved, then it must find place in G
the class of cases resulting in a perverse finding. Basically,
the power is required to be exercised so that justice is
done and there is no abuse of power by the court. Merely
an apprehension or suspicion of the same would not be a
sufficient ground for interference in such cases." H
1026 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012) 13 S.C.R.
A 12. On analysis of the above discussion, it can safely be
concluded that 'presuming' is an expression of relevancy and
places some weightage on the consideration of the record
before the Court. The prosecution's record, at this stage, has
to be examined on the plea of demur. Presumption is of a very
B weak and mild nature. It would cover the cases where some
lacuna has been left out and is capable of being supplied and
proved during the course of the trial. For instance, it is not
necessary that at that stage each ingredient of an offence
should be linguistically reproduced in the report and backed with
c meticulous facts. Suffice would be substantial compliance to
the requirements of the provisions.
13. Having noticed the provisions and relevant part of the
scheme of the Code, now we must examine the powers of the
Court to direct investigation. Investigation can be ordered in
D varied forms and at different stages. Right at the initial stage
of receiving the FIR or a complaint; the Court can direct
investigation in accordance with the provisions of Section
156(1) in exercise of its powers under Section 156(3) of the
Code. Investigation can be of the following kinds:
E
(i) Initial Investigation.
(ii) Further Investigation.
(iii) Fresh or de novo or re-investigation.
F
14. The initial investigation is the one which the
empowered police officer shall conduct in furtherance to
registration of an FIR. Such investigation itself can lead to filing
of a final report under Section 173(2) of the Code and shall take
G within its ambit the investigation which the empowered officer
shall conduct in furtherance of an order for investigation passed
by the court of competent jurisdiction in terms of Section 156(3)
of the Code.
15. Further investigation' is where the Investigating Officer
H obtains further oral or documentary evidence after the final
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1027
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
report has been filed before the Court in terms of Section A
173(8). This power is vested with the Executive. It is the
continuation of a previous investigation and, therefore, is
understood and described as a 'further investigation'. Scope
of such investigation is restricted to the discovery of further oral
and documentary evidence. Its purpose is to bring the true facts B
before the Court even if they are discovered at a subsequent
stage to the primary investigation. It is commonly described
. as 'supplementary report'. 'Supplementary report' would be the
correct expression as the subsequent investigation is meant
and intended to supplement the primary investigation conducted c
by the empowered police officer. Another significant feature
of further investigation is that it does not have the effect of
wiping out directly or impliedly the initial investigation conducted
by the investigating agency. This is a kind of continuation of
the previous investigation. The basis is discovery of fresh D
evidence and in continuation of the same offence and chain of
events relating to the same occurrence incidental thereto. In
other words, it has to be understood in complete
contradistinction to a 'reinvestigation', 'fresh' or 'de novo'
investigation.
E
16. However, in the case of a 'fresh investigation',
'reinvestigation' or 'de novo investigation' there has to be a
definite order of the court. The order of the Court
unambiguously should state as to whether the previous
investigation, for reasons to be recorded, is incapable of being F
acted upon. Neither the Investigating agency nor the Magistrate
has any power to order or conduct 'fresh investigation'. This is
primarily for the r~ason that it would be opposed to the scheme
of the Code. It is essential that even an order of 'fresh'/'de
novo' investigation passed by the higher judiciary should always G
be coupled with a specific direction as to the fate of the
investigation already conducted. The cases where ~ch
direction can be issued are few and far between. This is based
upon a fundamental principle of our criminal jurisprudence which
is that it is the right of a suspect or an accused to have a just H
1028 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A and fair investigation and trial. This principle flows from the
constitutional mandate contained in Articles 21 and 22 of the
Constitution of India. Where the investigation ex facie is unfair,
tainted, mala fide and smacks of foul play, the courts would set
aside such an investigation and direct fresh or de nova
B investigation and, if necessary, even by another independent
investigating agency. As already noticed, this is a power of
wide plenitude and, therefore, has to be exercised sparingly.
The principle of rarest of rare cases would squarely apply to
such cases. Unless the unfairness of the investigation is such
c that it pricks the judicial conscience of the Court, the Court
should be reluctant to interfere in such matters to the extent of
quashing an investigation and directing a 'fresh investigation'.
In the case of Sidhartha Vashisht v. State (NCT of Delhi)
[(2010) 6 SCC 1], the Court stated that it is not only the
responsibility of the investigating agency, but also that of the
0
courts to ensure that investigation is fair and does not in any
way hamper the freedom of an individual except in accordance
with law. An equally enforceable canon of the criminal law is
that high responsibility lies upon the investigating agency not
to conduct an investigation in a tainted or unfair manner. The
E investigation should not prima facie be indicative of a biased
mind and every effort should be made to bring the guilty to law
as nobody stands above law de hors his position and influence
in the society. The maxim contra veritatem lex nunquam
aliquid permittit applies to exercise of powers by the courts
F while granting approval or declining to accept the report. In the
case of Gudalure M.J. Cherian & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.
[(1992) 1 SCC 397), this Court stated the principle that in cases
where charge-sheets have been filed after completion of
investigation and request is made belatedly to reopen the
G investigation, such investigation being entrusted to a
specialized agency would normally be declined by the court of
competent jurisdiction but nevertheless in a given situation to
do justice between the parties and to instil confidence in public
mind, it may become necessary to pass such orders. Further,
H in the case of R. S. Sodhi, Advocate v. State of U.P. [1994 SCC
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1029
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
Supp. (1) 142), where allegations were made against a police A
officer, the Court ordered the investigation to be transferred to
CBI with an intent to maintain credibility of investigation, public
confidence and in t.he interest of justice. Ordinarily, the courts
would not exercise such jurisdiction but the expression
'ordinarily' means normally and it is used where there can be B
an exception. It means in the large majority of cases but not
invariably. 'Ordinarily' excludes extra-ordinary or special
circumstances. In other words, if special circumstances exist,
the court may exercise its jurisdiction to direct 'fresh
investigation' and even transfer cases to courts of higher c
jurisdiction which may pass such directions.
17. Here, we will also have to examine the kind of reports
that can be filed by an investigating agency under the scheme
of the Code. Firstly, the FIR which the investigating agency is
required to file before the Magistrate right at the threshold and D
within the time specified. Secondly, it may file a report in
furtherance to a direction issued under Section 156(3) of the
Code. Thirdly, it can also file a 'further report', as contemplated
under Section 173(8). Finally, the investigating agency is
required to file a 'final report' on the basis of which the Court E
shall proceed further to frame the charge and put the accused
to trial or discharge him as envisaged by Section 227 of the
Code.
18. Next question that comes up for consideration of this F
Court is whether the empowered Magistrate has the jurisdiction
,to direct 'further investigation' or 'fresh investigation'. As far
as the latter is concerned, the law declared by this Court
consistently is that the learned Magistrate has no jurisdiction
to direct 'fresh' or 'de novo' investigation. However, once the G
report is filed, the Magistrate has jurisdiction to accept the
report or reject the same right at the threshold. Even after
accepting the report, it has the jurisdiction to discharge the
accused or frame the charge and put him to trial. But there are
no provisions in the Code which empower the Magistrate to H
1030 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012) 13 S.C.R.
A disturb the status of an accused pending investigation or when
report is, filed to wipe out the report and its effects in law.
Reference in this regard can be made to K. Chandrasekhar
v. State of Kera/a [(1998) 5 SCC 223]; Ramachandran v. R.
Udhayakumar [(2008) 5 SCC 413], Nirmal Singh Kah/on v
B State of Punjab & Ors. [(2009) 1 SCC 441 ]; Mithabhai
Pashabhai Patel & Ors. v. State of Gujarat [(2009) 6 SCC
332]; and Babubhai v. State of Gujarat [(2010) 12 SCC 254].
19. Now, we come to the former question, i.e., whether the
C Magistrate has jurisdiction under Section 173(8) to direct further
investigation.
20. The power of the Court to pass an order for further
investigation has been a matter of judicial concern for some
time now. The courts have taken somewhat divergent but not
D diametrically opposite views in this regard. Such views can be
reconciled and harmoniously applied without violation of the rule
of precedence. In the case of State of Punjab v. Central
Bureau of Investigation [(2011) 9 SCC 182], the Court noticed
the distinction that exists between 'reinvestigation' and 'further
E investigation'. The Court also noticed the settled principle that
the courts subordinate to the High Court do not have the
statutory inherent powers as the High Court does under Section
482 of the Code and therefore, must exercise their jurisdiction
within the four corners of the Code.
F 21. Referring to the provisions of Section 173 of the Code,
the Court observed that the police has the power to conduct
further investigation in terms of Section 173(8) of the Code but
also opined that even the Trial Court can direct further
investigation in contradistinction to fresh investigation, even
G where the report has been filed. It will be useful to refer to the
following paragraphs of the judgment wherein the Court while
referring to the case of Mithabhai Pashabhai Patel v. State of
Gujarat (supra) held as under:
H "13. It is, however, beyond any cavil that 'further
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1031
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
investigation' and 'reinvestigation' stand on different A
footing. It may be that in a given situation a superior court
in exercise of its constitutional power, namely, u·nder
Articles 226 and 32 of the Constitution of India could direct
a 'State' to get an offence investigated and/or further
investigated by a different agency. Direction of a B
reinvestigation, however, being forbidden in law, no
superior court would ordinarily issue such a direction.
Pasayat, J. in Ramachandran v. R. Udhayakumar (2008)
5 SCC 513 opined as under: (SCC p. 415, para 7)
'7. At this juncture it would be necessary to take note C
of Section 173 of the Code. From a plain reading
of the above section it is evident that even after
completion of investigation under sub-section (2) of
Section 173 of the Code, the police has right to
further investigate under sub-section (8), but not D
fresh investigation or reinvestigation.'
A distinction, therefore, exists between a reinvestigation
and further investigation.
E
xxx xxx xxx
15. The investigating agency and/or a court exercise their
jurisdiction conferred on them only in terms of the
provisions of the Code. The courts subordinate to the High
Court even do not have any inherent power under Section F
482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or otherwise. The
precognizance jurisdiction to remand vested in the
subordinate courts, therefore, must be exercised within the
four corners of the Code."
G
22. In the case of Minu Kuman· & Anr. v. State of Bihar
& Ors. [(2006) 4 SCC 359], this Court explained the powers
that are vested in a Magistrate upon filing of a report in terms
of Section 173(2)(i) and the kind of order that the Court can
pass. The Court held that when a report is filed before a
H
1032 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A Magistrate, he may either (i) accept the report and take
cognizance of the offences and issue process; or (ii) may
disagree with the report and drop the proceedings; or (iii) may
direct further investigation under Section 156(3) and require the
police to make a further report.
B
23. This judgment, thus, clearly shows that the Court of
Magistrate has a clear power to direct further investigation when
a report is filed under Section 173(2) and may also exercise
such powers with the aid of Section 156(3) of the Code. The
lurking doubt, if any, that remained in giving wider interpretation
C to Section 173(8) was removed and controversy put to an end
by the judgment of this Court in the case of Hemant Dhasmana
v. CBI, [(2001) 7 SCC 536] where the Court held that although
the said order does not, in specific terms, mention the power
of the court to order further investigation, the power of the police
D to conduct further investigation envisaged therein can be
triggered into motion at the instance of the court. When any
such order is passed by the court, which has the jurisdiction to
do so, then such order should not even be interfered with in
exercise of a higher court's revisional jurisdiction. Such orders
E would normally be of an advantage to achieve the ends of
justice. It was clarified, without ambiguity, that the magistrate,
in exercise of powers under Section 173(8) of the Code can
direct the CBI to further investigate the case and collect further
evidence keeping in view the objections raised by the appellant
F to the investigation and the new report to be submitted by the
Investigating Officer, would be governed by sub-Section (2) to
sub-Section (6) of Section 173 of the Code. There is no
occasion for the court to interpret Section 173(8) of the Code
restrictively. After filing of the final report, the learned Magistrate
G can also take cognizance on the basis of the material placed
. on record by the investigating agency and it is permissible for
him to direct further investigation. Conduct of proper and fair
investigation is the hallmark of any criminal investigation.
24. In support of these principles reference can be made
H
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1033
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
to the judgments of this Court in the cases of Union Public A
SeNice Commission v. S. Papaiah & Ors [(1997) 7 SCC 614],
State of Orissa v. Mahima [(2003) 5 SCALE 566], Kishan Lal
v. Dharmendra Bhanna & Anr. [(2009) 7 SCC 685], State of
Maharashtra v. Sharat Chandra Vinayak Dongre [(1995) 1
sec 42]. B
25. We may also notice here that in the case of S.
Papaiah (supra), the Magistrate had rejected an application for
reinvestigation filed by the applicant primarily on the ground that
it had no power to review the order passed earlier. This Court C
held that it was not a case of review of an order, but was a case
of further investigation as contemplated under Section 173 of
the Code. It permitted further investigation and directed the
report to be filed.
26. Interestingly and more particularly for answering the D
question of legal academia that we are dealing with, it may be
noticed that this Court, while pronouncing its judgment in the
case of Hemant Dhasmana v. CBI, (supra) has specifically
referred to the judgment of S. Papaiah (supra) and Bhagwant
Singh v. Commissioner of Police & Anr. [(1985) 2 SCC 537]. E
While relying upon the three Judge Bench judgment of
Bhagwant Singh (supra), which appears to be a foundational
view for development of law in relation to Section 173 of the
Code, the Court held that the Magistrate could pass an order
for further investigation. The principal question in that case F
was whether the Magistrate could drop the proceedings after
filing of a report under Section 173(2), without notice to the
complainant, but in paragraph 4 of the judgment, the three
Judge Bench dealt with the powers of the Magistrate as
enshrined in Section 173 of the Code. Usefully, para 4 can G
be reproduced for ready reference:-
"4. Now, when the report forwarded by the officer-in-charge
of a police station to the Magistrate under sub-section
(2)(i) of Section 173 comes up for consideration by the
Magistrate, one of two different situations may arise. The H
1034 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A report may conclude that an offence appears to have been
committed by a particular person or persons and in such
a case, the Magistrate may do one of three things: (1) he
may accept the report and take cognizance of the offence
and issue process or (2) he may disagree with the report
8 and drop the proceeding or (3) he may direct further
investigation under sub-section (3) of Section 156 and
require the police to make a further report. The report may
on the other hand state that, in the opinion of the police,
no offence appears to have been committed and where
c such a report has been made, the Magistrate again has
an option to adopt one of three courses: (1) he may accept
the report and drop the proceeding or (2) he may disagree
with the report and taking the view that there is sufficient
ground for proceeding further, take cognizance of the
offence and issue process or (3) he may direct further
D
investigation to be made by the police under sub-section
(3) of Section 156. Where, in either of these two situations,
the Magistrate decides to take cognizance of the offence
and to issue process, the informant is not prejudicially
affected nor is the injured or in case of death, any relative
E of the deceased aggrieved, because cognizance of the
offence is taken by the Magistrate and it is decided by the
Magistrate that the case shall proceed. But if the
Magistrate decides that there is no sufficient ground for
proceeding further and drops the proceeding or takes the
F view that though there is sufficient ground for proceeding
against some, there is no sufficient ground for proceeding
against others mentioned in the first information report, the
informant would certainly be prejudiced because the first
information report lodged by him would have failed of its
G purpose, wholly or in part. Moreover, when the interest of
the informant in prompt and effective action being taken
on the first information report lodged by him is clearly
recognised by the provisions contained in sub-section (2)
of Section 154, sub-section (2) of Section 157 and sub-
H section (2)(ii) of Section 173, it must be presumed that the
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1035
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
informant would equally be interested in seeing that the A
Magistrate takes cognizance of the offence and issues
process, because that would be culmination of the first
information report lodged by him'. There can. therefore, be
no doubt that vvhen, on a consideration of the report made
by" the officer-in-charge of a· police station under sub- B
section (2)(i) ofSectiol'l 173, the Magistrate is not inclined
to take cognizance of the offence and issue process, the
informant must be given an opportunity of being heard so
that he can make his submissions to persuade the
Magistrate to take cognizance of the offence and issue c
process. We are accordingly of the view that in a case
where the Magistrate to whom areport is forwarded under
sub-section (2)(i) of Section 173 decides not to take
cognizance of the offence and to drop the proceeding or
takes the view that there is no sufficient ground for
0
proceeding against some of the persons mentioned in the
· first information report, the Magistrate must give notice to
the informant and provide him an opportunify to be heard
at the time of consideration of the report. It was urged
before us on behalf of the respondents that if in such a
case notice is required to be given to the informant, it might E
result in unnecessary delay on account of the difficulty of
effecting service of the notice on the informant. But we do
not think this can be regarded as a valid objection against
the view we are taking, because in any case the action
taken by the police on .the first information report has to · F
be communicatedto the informant and a copy of the report
has to be supplied to him under sub-section (2)(i) of
Section 173 and if that be so, we do hot see any reason
why it should be difficult to serve notice of the consid.eration
of the report on the informant. Moreover, in any event, the G
difficulty of service of notice on the informant cannot
possibly provide any justification for depriving the informant
of the opportunity of being heard at the time when the
report is considered by the Magistrate."
H
1036 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A 27. In some judgments of this Court, a view has been
advanced, (amongst others in the case of Reeta Nag v State
of West Bengal & Ors. [(2009) 9 SCC 129] Ram Naresh
Prasad v. State of Jharkhand and Others [(2009) 11 SCC 299]
and Randhir Singh Rana v. State (Delhi Administration)
B [(1997) 1 sec 361]), that a Magistrate cannot suo moto direct
further investigation under Section 173(8) of the Code or direct
re-investigation into a case on account of the bar contained in
Section 167(2) of the Code, and that a Magistrate could direct
filing of a charge sheet where the police submits a report that
C no case had been made out for sending up an accused for trial.
The gist of the view taken in these cases is that a Magistrate
cannot direct reinvestigation and cannot suo moto direct further
investigation.
28. However, having given our considered thought to the
D principles stated in these judgments, we are of the view that
the Magistrate before whom a report under Section 173(2) of
the Code is filed, is empowered in law to direct 'further
investigation' and require the police to submit a further or a
supplementary report. A three Judge Bench of this Court in
E the case of Bhagwant Singh (supra) has, in no uncertain terms,
stated that principle, as afore-noticed.
29. The contrary view taken by the Court in the cases of
Reeta Nag (supra) and Randhir Singh (supra) do not consider
F the view of this Court expressed in Bhagwant Singh (supra).
The decision of the Court in Bhagwant Singh (supra) in regard
to the issue in hand cannot be termed as an obiter. The ambit
and scope of the power of a magistrate in terms of Section 173
of the Code was squarely debated before that Court and the
G three Judge Bench concluded as afore-noticed. Similar views
having been taken by different Benches of this Court while
following Bhagwant Singh (supra), are thus squarely in line with
the doctrine of precedence. To some extent, the view
expressed in Reeta Nag (supra), Ram Naresh (supra) and
Randhir Singh (supra}, besides being different on facts, would
H have to be examined in light of the principle of stare decisis.
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1037
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
30. Having analysed the provisions of the Code and the A
various judgments as afore-indicated, we would state the
following conclusions in regard to the powers of a magistrate
in terms of Section 173(2) read with Section 173(8) and
Section 156(3) of the Code:
B
1. The Magistrate has no power to direct
'reinvestigation' or 'fresh investigation' (de novo) in
the case initiated on the basis of a police report.
2. A Magistrate has the power to direct 'further
investigation' after filing of a police report in terms C
of Section 173(6) of the Code.
3. The view expressed in (2) above is in conformity
with the principle of law stated in Bhagwant Singh's
case (supra) by a three Judge Bench and thus in o
conformity with the doctrine of precedence.
4. Neither the scheme of the Code nor any specific
provision therein bars exercise of such jurisdiction
by the Magistrate. The language of Section 173(2)
cannot be construed so restrictively as to deprive E
the Magistrate of such powers particularly in face
of the provisions of Section 156(3) and the
language of Section 173(8) itself. In fact, such
power would have to be read into the language of
Section 173(8). F
5. The Code is a procedural document, thus, it must
receive a construction which would advance the
cause of justice and legislative object sought to be
achieved. It does not stand to reason that the G
legislature provided power of further investigation
to the police even after filing a report, but intended
to curtail the power of the Court to the extent that
even where the facts of the case and the ends of
justice demand, the Court can still not direct the H
1038 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A investigating agency to conduct further investigation
which it could do on its own.
6. It has been a procedure of proprietary that the police
has to seek permission of the Court to continue
'further investigation' and file supplementary
B
chargesheet. This approach has been approved by
this Court in a number of judgments. This as such
would support the view that we are taking in the
present case.
C 31. Having discussed the scope of power of the Magistrate
under Section 173 of the Code, now we have to examine the
kind of reports that are contemplated under the provisions of
the Code and/or as per the judgments of this Court. The first
and the foremost document that reaches the jurisdiction of the
D Magistrate is the First Information Report. Then, upon
completion of the investigation, the police are required to file
a report in terms of Section 173(2) of the Code. It will be
appropriate to term this report as a primary report, as it is the
very foundation of the case of the prosecution before the Court.
E It is the record of the case and the documents annexed thereto,
which are considered by the Court and then the Court of the
Magistrate is expected to exercise any of the three options
afore-noticed. Out of the stated options with the Court, the
jurisdiction it would exercise has to be in strict consonance with
F the settled principles of law. The power of the magistrate to
direct 'further investigation' is a significant power which has to
be exercised sparingly, in exceptional cases and to achieve the
ends of justice. To provide fair, proper and unquestionable
investigation is the obligation of the investigating agency and
G the Court in its supervisory capacity is required to ensure the
same. Further investigation conducted under the orders of the
Court, including that of the Magistrate or by the police of its own
accord and, for valid reasons, would lead to the filing of a
supplementary report. Such supplementary report shall be dealt
H with as part of the primary report. This is clear from the fact
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1039
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
that the provisions of Sections 173(3) to 173(6) would be A
applicable to such reports in terms of Section 173(8) of the
Code.
32. Both these reports have to be read conjointly and it is
the cumulative effect of the reports and the documents annexed 8
thereto to which the Court would be expected to apply its mind
to determine whether there exist grounds to presume that the
accused has committed the offence. If the answer is in the
negative, on the basis of these reports, the Court shall
discharge an accused in compliance with the provisions of C
Section 227 of the Code.
33. At this stage, we may also state another well-settled
canon of criminal jurisprudence that the superior courts have
the jurisdiction under Section 482 of the Code or even Article
226 of the Constitution of India to direct 'further investigation', D
'fresh' or 'de novo' and even 'reinvestigation'. 'Fresh', 'de
novo', and 'reinvestigation' are synonymous expressions and
their result in law would be the same. The superior courts are
even vested with the power of transferring investigation from
one agency to another, provided the ends of justice so demand E
such action. Of course, it is also a settled principle that this
power has to be exercised by the superior courts very sparingly
and with great circumspection.
34. We have deliberated at some length on the issue that F
the powers of the High Court under Section 482 of the Code
do not control or limit, directly or impliedly, the width of the
power of Magistrate under Section 228 of the Code. · Wherever
a charge sheet has been submitted to the Court, even this Court
ordinarily would not reopen the investigation, especially by
entrusting the same to a specialised agency. It can safely be G
stated and concluded that in an appropriate case, when the
court feels that the investigation by the police authorities is not
in the proper direction and that in order to do complete justice
and where the facts of the case demand, it is always open to
the Court to hand over the investigation to a specialised H
1040 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A agency. These principles have been reiterated with approval
in the judgments of this Court in the case of Disha v. State of
Gujarat & Ors. [(2011) 13 SCC 337]. Vineet Narain & Ors. v.
Union of India & Anr.[(1998) 1 SCC 226], Union of India &
Ors. v. Sushi/ Kumar Modi & Ors. [1996 (6) SCC 500] and
B Rubabbuddin Sheikh v. State of Gujarat & Ors. [(2010) 2 SCC
200].
35. The power to order/direct 'reinvestigation' or 'de novo'
investigation falls in the domain of higher courts, that too in
exceptional cases. If one examines the provisions of the Code,
C there is no specific provision for cancellation of the reports,
except that the investigating agency can file a closure report
(where according to the investigating agency, no offence is
made out). Even such a report is subject to acceptance by
the learned Magistrate who, in his wisdom, may or may not
D accept such a report. For valid reasons, the Court may, by
declining to accept such a report, direct 'further investigation',
or even on the basis of the record of the case and the
documents annexed thereto, summon the accused.
E 36. The Code does not contain any provision which deals
with the court competent to direct 'fresh investigation', the
situation in which such investigation can be conducted, if at all,
and finally the manner in which the report so obtained shall be
dealt with. The superior courts can direct conduct of a 'fresh'/
F 'de nova' investigation, but unless it specifically directs that the
report already prepared or the investigation so far conducted
will not form part of the record of the case, such report would
be deemed to be part of the record. Once it is part of the
record, the learned Magistrate has no jurisdiction to exclude the
G same from the record of the case. In other words, but for a
specific order by the superior court, the reports, whether a
primary report or a report upon 'further investigation' or a report
upon 'fresh investigation', shall have to be construed and read
conjointly. Where there is a specific order made by the court
H for reasons like the investigation being e'1tirely unfair, tainted,
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1041
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
undesirable or being based upon no truth, the court would have A
to specifically direct that the investigation or proceedings so
conducted shall stand cancelled and will not form part of the
record for consideration by the Court of competent jurisdiction.
37. The scheme of Section 173 of the Code even deals B
with the scheme of exclusion of documents or statements
submitted to the Court. In this regard, one can make a
reference to the provisions of Section 173(6) of the Code, which
empowers the investigating agency to make a request to the
Court to exclude that part of the statement or record and from C
providing the copies thereof to the accused, which are not
essential in the interest of justice, and where it will be
inexpedient in the public interest to furnish such statement. The
framers of the law, in their wisdom, have specifically provided
a limited mode of exclusion, the criteria being no injustice to
be caused to the accused and greater public interest being D
served. This itself is indicative of the need for a fair and proper
investigation by the concerned agency. What ultimately is the
aim or significance of the expression 'fair and proper
investigation' in criminal jurisprudence? It has a twin purpose.
Firstly, the investigation must be unbiased, honest, just and in E ·
accordance with law. Secondly, the entire emphasis on a fair
investigation has to be to bring out the truth of the case before
the court of competent jurisdiction. Once these twin
paradigms· of fair investigation are satisfied, there will be the
least requirement for the court of law to interfere with the F
investigation, much less quash the same, or transfer it to
another agency. Bringing out the truth by fair and investigative
means in accordance with law would essentially repel the very
basis of an unfair, tainted investigation or cases of false
implication. Thus, it is inevitable for a court of law to pass a G
specific order as to the fate of the investigation, which in its
opinion is unfair, tainted and in violation of the settled principles
of investigative canons.
38. Now, we may examine another significant aspect which
H
1042 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A is how the provisions of Section 173(8) have been understood
and applied by the courts and investigating agencies. It is true
that though there is no specific requirement in the provisions
of Section 173(8) of the Code to conduct 'further investigation'
or file supplementary report with the leave of the Court, the
B investigating agencies have not only understood but also
adopted it as a legal practice to seek permission of the courts
to conduct 'further investigation' and file 'supplementary report'
with the leave of the court. The courts, in some of the decisions,
have also taken a similar view. The requirement of seeking
c prior leave of the Court to conduct 'further investigation' and/or
to file a 'supplementary report' will have to be read into, and is
a necessary implication of the provisions of Section 173(8) of
the Code. The doctrine of contemporanea expositio will fully
come to the aid of such interpretation as the matters which are
understood and implemented for a long time, and such practice
0
that is supported by law should be accepted as part of the
interpretative process.
39. Such a view can be supported from two different points
of view. Firstly, through the doctrine of precedence, as afore-
E noticed, since quite often the courts have taken such a view,
and, secondly, the investigating agencies which have also so
understood and applied the principle. The matters which are
understood and implemented as a legal practice and are not
opposed to the basic rule of law would be good practice and
F such interpretation would be permissible with the aid of doctrine
of contemporanea expositio. Even otherwise, to seek such
leave of the court would meet the ends of justice and also
provide adequate safeguard against a suspect/accused.
G 40. We have already noticed that there is no specific
embargo upon the power of the learned Magistrate to direct
'further investigation' on presentation of a report in terms of
Section 173(2) of the Code. Any other approach or
interpretation would be in contradiction to the very language of
H Section 173(8) and the scheme of the Code for giving
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1043
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
precedence to proper administration of criminal justice. The A
settled principles of criminal jurisprudence would support such
approach, particularly when in terms of Section 190 of the
Code, the Magistrate is the competent authority to take
cognizance of an offence. It is the Magistrate who has to
decide whether on the basis of the record and documents B
produced, an offence is made out or not, and if made out, what
course of law should be adopted in relation to committal of the
case to the court of competent jurisdiction or to proceed with
the trial himself. In other words; it is the judicial conscience of
the Magistrate which has to be satisfied with reference to the c
record and the documents placed before him by the
investigating agency, in coming to the appropriate conclusion
in consonance with the principles of law. It will be a travesty
of justice, if the court cannot be permitted to direct 'further
investigation' to clear its doubt and to order the investigating
0
agency to further substantiate its charge sheet. The satisfaction
of the learned Magistrate is a condition precedent to
commencement of further proceedings before the court of
competent jurisdiction. Whether the Magistrate should direct
'further investigation' or not is again a matter which will depend E
upon the facts of a given case. The learned Magistrate or
the higher court of competent jurisdiction would direct 'further
investigation' or 'reinvestigation' as the case may be, on the
facts of a given case. Where the Magistrate can only direct
further investigation, the courts of higher jurisdiction can direct
further, re-investigation or even investigation de novo F
depending on the facts of a given case. It will be the specific
order of the court that would determine the nature of
investigation. In this regard, we may refer to the observations
made by this court in the case of Sivanmoorthy and Others v.
State represented by Inspector of Police [(2010) 12 SCC 29]. G
In light of the above discussion, we answer the questions
formulated at the opening of this judgment as follows:
Answer to Question No. 1
The court of competent jurisdiction is duty bound to H
1044 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A consider all reports, entire records and documents submitted
therewith by the Investigating Agency as its report in terms of
Section 173(2) of the Code. This Rule is subject to only the
following exceptions;
(a) Where a specific order has been passed by the
B
learned Magistrate at the request of the prosecution
limited to exclude any document or statement or
any part thereof;
(b) Where an order is passed by the higher courts in
c exercise of its extra-ordinary or inherent jurisdiction
directing that any of the reports i.e. primary report,
supplementary report or the report submitted on
'fresh investigation' or 're-investigation' or any part
of it be excluded, struck off the court record and be
D treated as non est.
Answer to Question No. 2
No investigating agency is empowered to conduct a
'fresh', 'de novo' or 're-investigation' in relation to the offence
E for which it has already filed a report in terms of Section 173(2)
of the Code. It is only upon the orders of the higher courts
empowered to pass such orders that aforesaid investigation
can be conducted, in which event the higher courts will have to
pass a specific order with regard to the fate of the investigation
F already conducted and the report so filed before the court of
the learned magistrate.
41. Having answered the questions of law as afore-stated,
we revert to the facts of the case in hand. As already noticed,
G the petitioner had filed the writ petition before the High Court
that the investigation of FIR No. 10/2006 dated 9th February,
2006 be transferred to CBI or any other independent
investigating agency providing protection to the petitioners,
directing initiation of appropriate action against the erring
H police officers who have registered the case against the
VINAY TYAGI v. IRSHAD ALI @ DEEPAK & ORS. 1045
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
petitioner and such other orders that the court may deem fit and A
proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. This petition
was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution read with Section
482 of the Code on 25th February, 2006. The High Court
granted no order either staying the further investigation by the
agency, or the proceedings before the court of competent B
jurisdiction. The Delhi Police itself filed a status report before
the High Court on 4th April, 2006 and the Special Cell of Delhi
Police filed the charge sheet before the trial court on 6th May,
2006. After perusing the status report submitted to the High
Court, the High Court vide its Order dated 9th May, 2006 had c
noticed that the circumstances of the case had cast a suspicion
on the case of the prosecution, in regard to the manner in which
the accused were apprehended and recoveries alleged to have
been made from them of articles like explosives and
detonators. After noticing this, the Court directed that without D
commenting on the merits of the matter, it was of the opinion
'that this was a case where inquiry by some independent
agency is called for, and directed the CBI to undertake an
inquiry into the matter and submit its report within four weeks.
Obviously, it would have been brought to the notice of the High E
Court that the Delhi Police had filed a report before the trial
court. The status report had also been placed before the High
Court itself. Still, the High Court, in its wisdom, did not
consider it appropriate to pass any directions staying
proceedings before the court of competent jurisdiction.
Despite pendency before the High Court for a substantial F
period of time, the CBI took considerable time to conduct its
preliminary inquiry and it is only on 4th July, 2007 that the CBI
submitted its preliminary inquiry report before the court. After
perusing the report, the Court directed, as per the request of
the CBI, to conduct in depth investigation of the case. G
42. In the order dated 24th October, 2007, the High Court
noticed that despite the fact that the CBI had taken
considerable time for completing its investigation, it had still not
done so. Noticing that the investigation was handed over to H
1046 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A the CBI on 9th May, 2006 and despite extensions it had not .
submitted its report the Court granted to the CBI four weeks'
time from the date of the order to submit its findings in respect
of the allegations made by the accused in the complaint and
directed the matter to come up on 28th November, 2007. The
B significant aspect which needs to be noticed is that the Court
specifically noticed in this order that 'the trial of the case is not
proceeding, further hoping that CBI shall file supplementary
report or supplementary material before the trial court and the
accused gets an opportunity of case being formally
c investigated. However, the pace at which the investigation is
done by the CBI shows that CBI may take years together for
getting the records .... '
43. This order clearly shows that the High Court
contemplated submission of a supplementary report, which
D means report in continuation to the report already submitted
under Section 173(2) of the Code by the Delhi Police.
44. On 28th November, 2007, the case came up for
hearing before the High Court. Then CBI filed its closure report
E making a request that both the accused be discharged. The
case came up for hearing before the High Court on 4th August,
2008, when the Court noticed that CBI had filed a report in the
sealed cover and the Court had perused it. Herein, the Court
noticed the entire facts in great detail. The High Court
F disposed of the writ petition and while noticing the earlier order
dated 4th July, 2007 wherein the accused persons had assured
the court that they would not move bail application before the
trial court, till CBI investigation was completed, permitted the
applicants to move bail applications as well.
G 45. The application for discharge filed by the accused
persons on the strength of the closure report filed by the CBI
was rejected by the trial court vide its order dated 13th
February, 2009 on the ground that it had to examine the entire
record including the report filed by the Delhi Police under
H Section 173(2) of the Code. The High Court, however, took
. (
VINAY TYAG{ v. IRSHADALI@ DEEPAK & ORS. 1047
[SWATANTER KUMAR, J.]
the contrary view and stated that it was only the .closure report A
filed by the CBI which could be taken into consideration, and
then the matter shall proceed in accordance with law. In this
manner, the writ petition was finally disposed of, directing the
parties to appear before the trial court on 14th September,
2009. The High Court had relied upon the judgment of this B
Court in the case of K. Chandrasekhar v. State of Kera/a and
Others (supra) to say that once investigation stands transferred
to CBI, it is that agency only which has to proceed with the
investigation and not the Special Cell of the Delhi Police.
46. We are unable to accord approval to the view taken C
by the High Court. The judgment in the case of K.
Chandrasekhar (supra), firstly does not state any proposition
of law. It is a judgment on peculiar facts of that case.
Secondly, it has no application to the present case. In that
case, the investigation by the police was pending when the D
investigation was ordered to be transferred to the CBI. There
the Court had directed that further investigation had to be
continued by the CBI and not the Special Cell of the Delhi
Police.
E
47. In the present case, report in terms of Section 173(2)
had already been filed by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police
even before the investigation was handed over to CBI to
conduct preliminary inquiry. Furthermore, the final investigation
on the basis of the preliminary report submitted by the CBI had F
also not been handed over to CBI at that stage.
48. Once a Report under Section 173(2) of the Code has
been filed, it can only be cancelled, proceeded further or case
closed by the court of competent jurisdiction and that too in
accordance with law. Neither the Police nor a specialised G
investigating agency has any right to cancel the said Report.
Furthermore, in the present case, the High Court had passed
no order or direction staying further investigation by the Delhi
Police or proceedings before the court of competent
jurisdiction. H
1048 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2012] 13 S.C.R.
A 49. On the contrary, the court had noticed explicitly in its
order that it was a case of supplementary or further
investigation and filing of a 'supplementary report'.
50. Once the Court has taken this view, there is no question
B of treating the first report as being withdrawn, cancelled or
capable of being excluded from the records by the implication.
In fact, except by a specific order of a higher court competent
to make said orders, the previous as well as supplementary
report shall form part of the record which the trial court is
expected to consider for arriving at any appropriate conclusion,
C in accordance with law. It is also interesting to note that the
CBI itself understood the order of the court and conducted only
'further investigation' as is evident from the status report filed
by the CBI before the High Court on 28th November, 2007.
D 51. In our considered view, the trial court has to consider
the entire record, including both the Delhi Police Report filed
under Section 173(2) of the Code as well as the Closure Report
filed by the CBI and the documents filed along with these
reports.
E
52. It appears, the trial court may have three options, firstly,
it may accept the application of accused for discharge.
Secondly, it may direct that the trial may proceed further in
accordance with law and thirdly, if it is dissatisfied on any
important aspect of investigation already conducted and in its
F considered opinion, it is just, proper and necessary in the
interest of justice to direct 'further investigation', it may do so.
53. Ergo, for the reasons recorded above, we modify the
order of the High Court impugned in the present appeal to the
G · above extent and direct the trial court to proceed with the case
further in accordance with law. The appeals are partially
allowed.
B.B.B. Appeals partly allowed.
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