S.K. Sinha, Chief Enforcement Officer vs Videocon International Ltd. & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the distinction between issuance of process and taking cognizance in criminal proceedings, clarifying that these are not synonymous. The Court held that if the period for initiating criminal proceedings has lapsed by the time of process issuance, the proceedings should be quashed as barred by limitation under Section 468 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The appeal was allowed, and the High Court's decision was set aside, emphasizing the importance of adhering to statutory time limits in criminal law.