SHANTI KUMAR PANDA vs SHAKUNTALA DEVI

The Supreme Court held that the proceedings under Section 145(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, must allow all parties with a legitimate interest in the dispute to be heard, as per the principles of natural justice. The Court found that Shakuntala Devi, who was not made a party to the proceedings, was denied her right to present her claim regarding possession of the shop. Consequently, the Court set aside the orders of the S.D.M. and the Additional Sessions Judge, emphasizing the necessity of including all interested parties in such disputes to ensure fair adjudication.