Quashing of FIR

High Courts have inherent power to quash an FIR or ongoing criminal proceedings in appropriate cases — for instance where the allegations, even if taken at face value, don't make out any offence, or where the case has been filed with malicious intent to harass.

It is an extraordinary remedy used sparingly, since courts are generally reluctant to interfere with an investigation at an early stage; it is not meant to substitute for a full trial where there is genuine material to examine.