Lalita Kumari vs Govt.Of U.P.& Ors

The Supreme Court held that a police officer is mandated to register a First Information Report (FIR) upon receiving information regarding a cognizable offence under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Court established that the discretion to conduct a preliminary inquiry before FIR registration is not permissible, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect victims, particularly minors. The judgment reinforced the principle that failure to register an FIR can lead to contempt proceedings against delinquent police officers, thereby ensuring accountability in law enforcement.