FIR Over Distribution of Rampal’s Books Allegedly Containing Remarks Against Hindu Gods Not Quashed: Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that a criminal court cannot take cognisance of an offence under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code without obtaining the mandatory prior sanction required under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Court quashed the criminal proceedings initiated against Vivek Kumar and others because the trial court had taken cognisance without such sanction. However, the High Court refused to quash…