Repeated criminal proceedings on the same facts require careful scrutiny

The record disclosed three proceedings arising from the same factual dispute. They were initiated in different places. One proceeding had been stayed by a revisional court. Another application had been disposed of as not pressed. The Court considered this procedural history before issuing directions. Parallel proceedings can create unnecessary duplication. The parties agreed that the other proceedings need not continue. The Court structured relief in light of that agreement and record. Smt. Shalini Bhateja & Anr. v. The State of U.P. & Ors. | 2026 INSC 28