Case:- Vinod Kumar Pandey & Anr. v. Seesh Ram Saini & Ors. and connected cases
Citation:- 2025 INSC 1095
Date:- 10.09.2025
Supreme Court Bench:- JUSTICE PANKAJ MITHAL & JUSTICE PRASANNA B. VARALE
The Hon’ble Supreme Court upheld the direction of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court to register FIRs against former Commissioner of Delhi Police Neeraj Kumar as well as one Inspector Vinod Kumar Pandey, following complaints from 2000 alleging intimidation, falsification of records, and forgery during their deputation to CBI.
- The Complainants accused them of intimidation, falsification of records, forgery, wrongful restraint, confinement, and misuse of authority. The Complaints claimed they were threatened and harassed.
- In 2006, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court said the complaints showed prima facie cognizable offences, ordered FIRs, and directed that the case be probed independently of the CBI’s preliminary enquiry.
- The CBI’s 2005 preliminary enquiry had said no offence was made out, but the Supreme Court ruled that such reports cannot block FIR registration when prima facie offences are shown.
- The Hon’ble Supreme Court observed that “sometimes those who investigate must also be investigated” to maintain public faith in justice, stressing that FIR registration cannot depend on testing the truth of complaints.
- The probe will now be done by a Delhi Police officer of at least ACP rank. The CBI report may be considered, but it is not conclusive. The Hon’ble Court clarified that registration of FIRs does not mean guilt is decided. The officers will have the chance to defend themselves, and any closure report or chargesheet can be legally challenged.
The Hon’ble Court directed the probe to be completed within 3 months, considering the case dates back to 2000.
