Procedural relief should reflect the current stage of the case

The FIR challenge had proceeded to the filing of a final report. The final report stated that the allegations were not substantiated. Other proceedings based on the same facts were not to continue. The Court considered these developments in shaping relief. It did not treat the case as if investigation were still at its outset. The directions addressed appearance, bail, witnesses and cooperation. The Special Leave Petition was disposed of on that basis. The order resolved the pending petition through tailored procedural directions. Smt. Shalini Bhateja & Anr. v. The State of U.P. & Ors. | 2026 INSC 28