In a significant ruling, the Court emphasized the impermissibility of multiple FIRs based on identical complaints and stressed adherence to Supreme Court guidelines.
Shillong, July 29, 2026 — In a landmark judgment, the Meghalaya High Court quashed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against Dr. Ravi Kant Mishra, a professor, citing the impermissibility of registering identical complaints. The decision, delivered by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere, underscored the need for police officials to exercise discretion and adhere to established legal principles before registering FIRs.
The case, titled Dr. Ravi Kant Mishra v. State of Meghalaya, revolved around two identical FIRs filed on May 6, 2026, at the Mawlai Police Station in Shillong. The FIRs were lodged by respondents 4 and 5, who are students at the North Eastern Hill University. These complaints were based on perceived grievances against the professor, which both parties later admitted were due to emotional misunderstandings.
In the court proceedings, Justice Dere noted the amicable settlement reached between Dr. Mishra and the complainants, who submitted affidavits indicating no objections to quashing the FIRs. The court highlighted that the complaints did not disclose any cognizable offence, thus invalidating the need for FIRs. The practice of registering FIRs “under appropriate sections” without proper evaluation was firmly criticized.
The judgment drew attention to the Supreme Court’s guidelines in Lalita Kumari v. Government of U.P. (2014), which mandate a preliminary assessment by police to determine if a complaint reveals a cognizable offence before proceeding with FIR registration. The court directed the police to comply with these guidelines to prevent the recurrence of such oversights.
Furthermore, the court instructed the Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills District and West Garo Hills, Tura, to scrutinize any future complaints by the students involved, ensuring they are reviewed at senior levels before any action is taken. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of the complaint system against faculty members.
The ruling reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice and preventing the misuse of the legal process, particularly in educational settings where misunderstandings may arise. The judgment serves as a reminder to law enforcement agencies about the importance of due diligence and adherence to legal protocols.
Bottom Line :
Registration of multiple FIRs based on identical complaints is impermissible. Police must ensure application of mind before registering an FIR and comply with the principles laid down in Lalita Kumari v. Government of U.P., (2014) 2 SCC 1.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 126, Lalita Kumari v. Government of U.P. (2014) 2 SCC 1
Dr Ravi Kant Mishra v. State of Meghalaya, (Meghalaya) : Law Finder Doc id # 2960326
