STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs DEVAHARI DEVASINGH PAWAR .

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in quashing the proceedings against the accused under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which requires sanction for prosecution of public servants. The Court emphasized that the allegations of tampering with blood bank records and supplying HIV contaminated blood constituted serious offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Court reinstated the charge-sheet against the accused, affirming the necessity of accountability in public health matters.