The recent Supreme Court ruling on August 28 reaffirms the High Court’s power under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to quash an FIR, even when the charge sheet has already been filed. This decision is a pivotal moment in India's criminal justice system, offering a potential reprieve for countless undertrials languishing in legal limbo. It emphasizes the judicial system’s role in ensuring that justice is not just a theoretical construct but a practical, accessible reality. Under Section 482 CrPC, High Courts possess inherent powers to make such orders as may be necessary to prevent abuse of the process of any court or otherwise to secure the ends of justice. Historically, these powers have been used sparingly, primarily out of deference to the trial courts’ ability to adjudicate cases. However, the Supreme Court’s reiteration of these powers, even post the filing of a charge sheet, brings a renewed focus on protecting individual liberty and upholding the principles of justice. This ruling holds significant implications for undertrials, who often spend years in jail awaiting the slow grind of the legal process. The Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes that the mere filing of a charge sheet should not preclude the High Court from intervening where it is clear that the continuation of proceedings would be an abuse of process or result in a grave miscarriage of justice. For undertrials, many of whom are incarcerated for minor offenses or on flimsy grounds, this ruling offers a potential exit from the quagmire of prolonged detention and endless court appearances. The decision is particularly important in light of the prevailing conditions in Indian prisons, which are often overcrowded and under-resourced. A substantial portion of the prison population comprises undertrials who have not been convicted of any crime but are still subject to harsh conditions that violate their fundamental rights. By reaffirming the High Court’s power to quash FIRs at any stage, the Supreme Court has empowered the judiciary to act decisively against frivolous or malicious prosecutions, reducing the burden on both the courts and the prison system. Moreover, this decision could also act as a deterrent against the misuse of the legal process by police and other authorities. Law enforcement agencies, at times, are seen as using the threat of arrest and prolonged detention as tools of harassment or coercion, often targeting vulnerable groups or individuals for ulterior motives. With the High Courts having a more pronounced role in scrutinizing FIRs even after charge sheets are filed, there is a renewed check against such excesses, reinforcing the rule of law.