Brevity of Reasons in Sanction Refusal Not Ground for Writ: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court dismissed a writ petition challenging the refusal of a prosecution sanction under Section 197 CrPC against police officials, in relation to an FIR lodged alleging harassment and false implication of the petitioner’s family.

The petitioner claimed collusion between the police and an illegal occupant of her property, and argued that the sanction refusal was a non-speaking order due to its brevity.

Rejecting the plea, the Court held that decisions on sanction are administrative in nature, and a writ court cannot examine the sufficiency of reasons or act as an appellate authority, provided there is due application of mind.

Finding that the competent authority had considered all relevant material and that no case for sanction was made out, the Court declined to interfere and dismissed the petition.

[Triveni v. Home Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi]