Q. In a case,

1. A writ petition preferred by the accused for quashing the first information report registered under under Sections 420/406 of the Indian Penal Code against them was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court.
2. The accused's contention was that the FIR against him is a counter blast to the cheque bounce complaint filed against the complainant.
3. Whether in above situation, a High Court, while invoking its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, can quash an FIR if the same is found to be an abuse of process of law ?

A. YES

RELEVANT CASE LAW:

KAPIL AGARWAL V. SANJAY SHARMA LL 2021 SC 123]

OBSERVED THAT:

Inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 Cr.P.C. and/or under Article 226 of the Constitution is designed to achieve salutary purpose that criminal proceedings ought not to be permitted to degenerate into weapon of harassment.