The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Union Government and all States on a Public Interest Litigation seeking effective legal action against individuals filing false FIRs and fabricating evidence. The plea challenges the current framework under Sections 215 and 379 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), arguing that it prevents aggrieved persons from initiating proceedings against false complaints and perjury.

Filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, the petition contends that the existing interpretation of the law renders provisions penalising false information and fabricated evidence ineffective, thereby enabling misuse of criminal law. It highlights concerns of reputational harm, prolonged litigation, and mental and financial distress faced by innocent individuals due to false cases.

The plea seeks a purposive interpretation of the BNSS provisions to allow victims, with court permission, to initiate action against false FIRs and related offences, and also calls for publication of data on such cases by the NCRB.