Supreme Court bats for victim-centric approach, refuses to entertain plea for consolidation of FIRs

Observing that a victim-centric approach was necessary, the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 21, 2026, refused to entertain a plea seeking directions to 53 FIRs pending in seven States regarding alleged duplication of ₹49 crore from investors.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, did not accept the arguments of senior advocate Aman Lekhi, who appeared on behalf of the accused Upendra Nath Mishra and Kali Prasad Mishra.

This led to the claim being withdrawn.

Several criminal cases are pending against the accused in Odisha, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

Referring to previous apex court orders ordering merger of FIRs in major fraud cases, the bench said that instead of a victim-centric judicial approach, pro-accused orders were passed in the name of FIR merger and speedy trial.

While rejecting the order to join FIRs, the CJI asked, “What will happen to the rights of the victims of such crimes?” he asked.

Citing recent amendments to the criminal law, the CJI said the rights of victims are now recognised.

Every case of fraud is different and distinct as the victim and the amount defrauded are different, the Bench said, adding that of course, the accused remains the same.

“I cannot bludgeon FIRs for investigation,” the Bench said, adding: “Victims of such scams are also invisible victims of the judicial system that does not think of them.”

The CJI asked, “Is it fair to ask the victims of your crime to come to one place from different places for the convenience of the accused?” he said.

Justice Bagchi stated that every crime of fraud, cheating and conspiracy is separate and different and asked why the victims of such crimes should suffer.