Only State Can Appeal Against Acquittal in Police-Report Cases: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that in criminal cases arising from a police report, the right to appeal against an acquittal lies exclusively with the State under Section 378 of the CrPC.

The Court clarified that a third party cannot file such an appeal by relying on the proviso to Section 372 CrPC unless they qualify as a “victim” under Section 2(wa).

Dismissing a criminal revision petition challenging an acquittal in a forgery case, the Court observed that the petitioner was neither the complainant nor had she suffered any direct loss or injury from the alleged offence.

Consequently, the plea was rejected.

[Smt Sudha Sharma v. State (NCT of Delhi) & Anr.]