Expressing concern over the rising number of false FIRs and misuse of the legal system, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Directors-General of Police (DGPs) of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to consider framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling sensitive cases involving moral turpitude allegations.

Justice Alok Jain’s Observations

Justice Alok Jain highlighted the serious social issue of citizens filing false complaints that endanger the life and liberty of others. The directions came during a case where allegations were made by the petitioner’s youngest sister claiming she had been sold, drugged, and abused for 22 days.

Justice Jain said, “This petition reveals a disturbing trend where citizens are lodging false FIRs, thereby abusing the legal process and putting innocent lives at risk.”

SOP to Ensure Proper Investigation

The High Court instructed that such cases should be investigated by a Class-I gazetted officer and include a preliminary inquiry before any legal action is taken.

The court emphasized:

• Citizens have the right to enforce their fundamental rights under the Constitution.

• At the same time, they are obligated to provide truthful statements and cannot misuse the law through malicious or false complaints.

Case Details

In the specific case:

• The FIR was registered on November 7, 2024, at Mehtapur Police Station, Jalandhar.

• The petitioner was arrested, but later the complainant withdrew her statement and reached a compromise after eight months.

• The complainant subsequently married one of the accused, indicating that the FIR was fabricated.

Justice Jain noted that such measures are necessary to protect innocent individuals and maintain the integrity of the justice system.