Rakesh & Anr vs State Of U.P. & Anr

The Supreme Court held that a Magistrate can take cognizance of a case based on a protest petition even after accepting a negative final report from the police, thereby overruling the Patna High Court's interpretation. The Court clarified that the acceptance of a final report does not preclude the Magistrate from considering a complaint petition regarding the same facts. The appeal was allowed, and the matter was remitted to the Chief Judicial Magistrate for disposal according to law, affirming the principle that judicial orders should not hinder the pursuit of justice.