#withdrawal of prosecution

The Supreme Court ruled that the Election Commission may compel seizure reports within 24 hours, must complete investigations within a year, and cannot withdraw election-related prosecutions without High Court permission, tightening controls on black-money influence in elections. This binding directive applies to all future election cases across India, affecting political parties, candidates and enforcement agencies.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that courts must independently assess whether withdrawal of prosecution under Section 321 CrPC serves justice, rather than mechanically accepting the public prosecutor's application. This judgment reinforces judicial oversight in criminal proceedings, impacting prosecutorial discretion and fair trial standards.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that Lok Adalats cannot entertain or decide applications for withdrawal of criminal prosecution under Section 321 CrPC, as such decisions require judicial scrutiny by a competent court. This clarifies a critical boundary between alternative dispute resolution forums and the core prosecutorial powers reserved for regular criminal courts, protecting complainants' rights in serious offences.