Joshine Antony vs Asifa Sultana

The Supreme Court addressed the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 420 and 429 IPC and Sections 4 and 5 of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964. The Court held that the Assistant Director of the Veterinary Department, as an authorized officer under Section 10 of the 1964 Act, had the power to inspect premises where an offence was suspected. The Court found that the High Court had prematurely quashed the FIR without allowing the investigation to proceed, emphasizing the need for proper inquiry into the evidence of cow meat storage.