Overview

• The Supreme Court invalidated criminal proceedings against SHUATS Director Vinod Bihari Lal under the UP Gangsters Act, citing insufficient evidence and flawed procedures.
• Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra condemned the 'casual and cavalier' approach of investigators, finding the chargesheet mirrored the FIR without independent analysis.
• The court warned against misuse of the Gangsters Act, emphasizing the need for impartial investigations and proper procedural safeguards.
• It clarified that its observations apply solely to this case and will not impact other ongoing prosecutions under the Act.
• The judgment overturned the Allahabad High Court’s 2023 decision, which had denied Lal's plea to quash the FIR and refused him bail.