Inherent power to quash FIR is sparingly used; where allegations disclose offences, the matter must go to trial.

Section 482 CrPC is to be used sparingly to prevent abuse of process or secure the ends of justice, and quashing is justified only where allegations disclose no offence, are barred by law, or fall within recognised interference categories. On the facts, the FIR and investigation material disclosed offences, and the evidence raised issues for trial rather than for determination in a quashing petition. The petition for quashing was therefore not maintainable on merits, and inherent power was not exercised.

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Issues: Whether the inherent power under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 should be exercised to quash the FIR and criminal proceedings.

Analysis: The extraordinary jurisdiction under Section 482 is to be exercised sparingly and only to prevent abuse of process of court or to secure the ends of justice. Quashing is justified only where the allegations do not disclose any offence, are barred by law, or the case falls within the recognised categories for interference. On the facts, the FIR and the material collected in investigation disclosed allegations constituting offences, and the evidence was a matter for trial rather than for assessment in a petition for quashing.

Conclusion: The petition for quashing was not maintainable on merits and the inherent power was not exercised.

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