Supreme Court Calls for Clarity in Distinction Between Cheating and Criminal Breach of Trust

The Supreme Court criticized the inability of courts to delineate between criminal breach of trust and cheating, despite longstanding penal laws. Highlighting repeated misuse by police and courts, it urged the need for proper legal training. The comments were made while overturning an Allahabad High Court order concerning a private complaint.

The Supreme Court has expressed disappointment over the persistent confusion in distinguishing between criminal breach of trust and cheating, despite the penal law's 162-year history.

It criticized the routine and mechanical registration of FIRs for both offenses by police and emphasized the need for comprehensive legal training for police officials nationwide.

The remarks came as the court overturned an Allahabad High Court order, stressing the importance of careful legal scrutiny and application by magistrates and law enforcement.

(With inputs from agencies.)