In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court of India has stepped in to provide protection to a woman advocate and her mother against whom a First Information Report (FIR) was filed following a bitter property dispute with a relative. The apex court's order prevents any immediate police action against the petitioners.
Bench Issues Protective Order
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, heard the plea filed by the petitioners, Anjali Singh and her mother. The court, in its order dated 20 December 2025, explicitly directed that no coercive steps should be taken against the two women until further notice.
This interim relief is a crucial safeguard, ensuring that the petitioners cannot be arrested or subjected to any forceful legal procedure in connection with the existing FIR. The dispute reportedly stems from a familial conflict over property with the woman's uncle.
Court Restrains Fresh FIRs
Going beyond just the current case, the Supreme Court bench also erected a protective barrier against potential future legal actions. The court mandated that no fresh FIR would be registered against Anjali Singh and her mother without obtaining prior permission from the Supreme Court itself.
This part of the order is particularly noteworthy as it prevents the possibility of multiple or sequential FIRs being filed on the same or related allegations, which could be used as a tool of harassment. The court has effectively taken supervisory control over any new police complaints against the duo.
Implications and Next Steps
The Supreme Court's order provides immediate breathing space to the petitioners, allowing them to pursue their legal remedies without the threat of imminent arrest. It underscores the judiciary's role in protecting individuals from potential misuse of the criminal justice system, especially in civil disputes like property matters that turn acrimonious.
The case highlights how property disputes within families can escalate into criminal complaints. The court's intervention ensures that the dispute will now be scrutinized at the highest judicial level before any drastic police action is permitted. The matter is expected to be listed for further hearing, where both sides will present their arguments in detail.
