Section 482 CrPC - Inherent Powers of High Courts
Curated legal overview - not official court text. Last updated August 2026.
Overview
Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 preserves the inherent power of High Courts to quash criminal proceedings or FIRs to prevent abuse of process or secure ends of justice. Indian courts apply this sparingly, typically in matrimonial disputes, commercial matters, and cases lacking prima facie ingredients.
Common Questions
- What is Section 482 CrPC?
- Section 482 CrPC gives High Courts inherent power to quash criminal proceedings, FIRs, or complaints when they are an abuse of process or to secure the ends of justice.
- When can a High Court quash an FIR under Section 482?
- Courts may quash when the allegations do not disclose any offence, the dispute is purely civil, or continuation would amount to abuse of process - subject to facts of each case.