Uttarakhand High Court rejects plea to quash FIR against minister's husband

The Uttarakhand High Court has rejected a petition seeking to quash a first information report (FIR) against the husband of state minister Rekha Arya. Justice Alok Mahra, who heard the matter, found insufficient grounds to dismiss the case at the preliminary stage.

In his order, Justice Mahra observed that the allegations in the FIR prima facie disclosed serious cognisable offences, indicating that the charges appeared substantive enough to proceed with investigation and prosecution. The court's findings suggest that the material presented to the investigating agency warranted a formal inquiry.

The petition had sought quashing of the FIR under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows courts to exercise inherent powers to prevent abuse of legal process. However, the bench determined that the nature of allegations did not warrant such intervention at this stage.

The rejection of the plea means the FIR will continue, and the investigating agency can proceed with its probe into the matter. The decision underscores the court's view that the allegations merit formal investigation and possible criminal proceedings.