JUDGMENT

Thomas, J.—I respectfully agree with the Judgment prepared by my learned brother Mohapatra, J. In view of the importance of the legal issue highlighted before us - regarding the extent of jurisdiction of a High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India - I am tempted to add a few lines of my own for a further support to the conclusion reached by my learned brother.

2. As the facts of the case have been succinctly narrated by Mohapatra, J., I shall set out only the main issue involved. Whether the High Court of Bombay has jurisdiction to issue a writ under Article 226 of the Constitution to in respect of any step taken or to be taken pursuant to the FIR registered by the Shillong police in the State of Meghalaya. The Division Bench of the High Court of Bombay dismissed the writ petition filed by the appellants solely on the ground of want of jurisdiction. The Division Bench has observed thus :

“Petitioner cannot content that a part of the cause of action arose within the limits of this Court as Bombay Police sought to interrogate him. The investigation is not the cause of action. The investigation is only the consequence of the FIR filed by the 4th respondent bef