KIRAN BEDI & ORS. vs COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Rule 5(5)(a) of the Commissions of Inquiry (Central) Rules, 1972, the Delhi Administration must examine all its witnesses first, including those who have filed affidavits. The Court quashed the Committee's orders directing the filing of complaints against the petitioners, ruling that the Committee's decision to cross-examine the petitioners at the beginning of the inquiry was discriminatory, as they were similarly situated to others who were to be examined later under Section 8B of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. The Court emphasized that the right of cross-examination must be determined in accordance with Section 8C of the Act.