STATE OF PUNJAB vs MOHAMMED IQBAL BHATTI

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether the State has the power to review its earlier order of sanction under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Court held that while the State exercises statutory jurisdiction in granting or refusing sanction, it is not precluded from reviewing its decision, as such power is administrative in nature. The Court clarified that an order of sanction must reflect serious application of mind by the authority, and the legality of such an order is subject to judicial review by higher courts.