Andhra Pradesh High Court Says NCSC Cannot Declare Criminal FIR False

The Andhra Pradesh High Court held that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes cannot declare a criminal FIR false or decide the truth of criminal allegations.

Background

The Commission has constitutional powers to investigate complaints and examine safeguards affecting Scheduled Castes. Those functions are advisory and recommendatory rather than a substitute for a criminal court.

Legal issue and reasoning

The High Court distinguished the Commission’s inquiry role from judicial determination of offences and the validity of an FIR.

Consequence and next step

The ruling confines Commission action to its lawful jurisdiction and preserves the responsibility of investigators and courts to determine criminal allegations.