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

The Supreme Court addressed the procedural fairness under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, specifically Sections 4 and 8-B, and Rule 5(5)(a), ruling that compelling individuals not covered by Section 8-B to testify at the beginning of an inquiry while allowing similarly situated individuals to testify later is discriminatory. The Court held that such actions infringe upon fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India, and directed that complaints filed under Section 178 IPC for non-compliance with the inquiry should be quashed. The judgment emphasized the need for equitable treatment in legal proceedings.