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Prima Facie Case Exists, Trial Must Proceed — (2026) INSC 468

At the stage of framing of charges, the court is only required to see if there is prima facie material.

Gunjan @ Girija Kumari v. State (NCT of Delhi) — (2026) INSC 468

Core Argument

At the stage of framing of charges, the court is only required to see if there is prima facie material. The High Court correctly held that the allegations in the FIR, corroborated by witness statements, disclose the ingredients of the offences under the SC/ST Act and criminal intimidation. The matter must go to trial.

Key Precedents

  • State of Maharashtra v. Som Nath Thapa (1996) 4 SCC 659 — Held that at the stage of framing of charges, the court must consider broad probabilities and total effect of evidence; if there is prima facie material, charge must be framed.
  • Swaran Singh v. State (2008) 8 SCC 435 — Held that a place can be a private place yet be within public view if it is accessible to public gaze. The balcony and ground floor of a house on a street are accessible to public gaze.
  • State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal 1992 Supp (1) SCC 335 — Held that quashing of FIR is an extraordinary power to be exercised sparingly, only when the FIR does not disclose any offence on its face.

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