Preliminary Inquiry Not Mandatory in every case Under Prevention of Corruption Act : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that a preliminary inquiry is not mandatory for every case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and not a right of the accused. 

The Supreme Court heard an appeal against the Karnataka High Court's quashing of an FIR against a public servant in a disproportionate assets case.

FIR, registered by Karnataka Lokayukta Police under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was challenged over the necessity of a preliminary inquiry. Karnataka argued that a source information report suffices if it discloses a cognizable offense.

Accordingly, the Court set aside the High Court’s decision and restored the FIR against the respondent.