The Supreme Court examined whether an authority’s decision to decline sanction for prosecution under Section 197 CrPC, along with the reasons recorded for such refusal, could have a bearing on the allegations concerning IPC offences.

During the hearing, the Bench considered the argument that where sanction is declined on merits through a detailed order finding that no offence is made out, the reasoning in such order may have relevance to the IPC allegations as well. The Court also heard an alternate argument concerning the role of the CVC in initiating the investigation and the subsequent requirement of the matter being placed before the CVC for determination.

Sr Adv Sidharth Luthra appeared for the petitioners.

The matter is likely to be taken up next week, with September 23 indicated during the hearing.