The Supreme Court has quashed FIRs under the UP Gangsters Act against SHUATS Vice-Chancellor Vinod Bihari Lal, calling them an “abuse of process.” Learn how this legal battle unfolded and why the verdict matters.

Supreme Court Quashes FIR Against SHUATS VC Under UP Gangsters Act

On May 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of India dismissed two FIRs filed under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 against Vice-Chancellor Vinod Bihari Lal of SHUATS, located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The apex court declared the FIRs as a clear “abuse of process of law.”

High Court’s Refusal Overturned by Supreme Court

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan also reversed the Allahabad High Court‘s decision to allow criminal proceedings, which included non-bailable warrants issued under Sections 2 and 3 of the 1986 Act.

The Supreme Court noted,
“We are convinced that the continuation of the Special Sessions trial no. 54/2019 arising out of FIR no. 850/2018 registered at Naini Police Station, district Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh is nothing but the abuse of the process of law.”

Charges of Organized Economic Crimes

The FIR alleged that Lal was the leader of a two-member “organized gang” involved in committing economic crimes through fraud, deception, and document forgery. These offenses fall under Chapters XVI, XVII, and XXII of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

The authorities claimed the accused engaged in these acts for financial, material, and personal gain by manipulating official documents. However, the Supreme Court found no substantial evidence to support such claims and emphasized the lack of witness testimonies due to fear and intimidation.

Interpretation of ‘Gang’ Under the Law

Justice J.J. Munir of the High Court had previously clarified that violence is not a necessary condition to classify a group as a “gang” under Section 2(b) of the 1986 Act.

He stated that non-violent antisocial activities, if committed systematically by a group or individually within a group, can also meet the criteria, especially when they result in financial or temporal gain.

Conclusion: A Significant Judicial Stand on Legal Misuse

This landmark ruling not only brings relief to SHUATS VC Vinod Bihari Lal but also sets a precedent against the misuse of stringent legal provisions like the UP Gangsters Act. The case underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to ensuring that justice prevails over procedural exploitation.