J U D G M E N T

Mehta, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. The appellant seeks quashment of the proceedings of the criminal case arising from FIR No. 477 of 2022 dated 9 th July, 2022 lodged against him at Police Station, Govind Puri for the offences punishable under Sections 25 , 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, 1959 1 . It was inter alia alleged in the FIR that the appellant was found in the Pravasi Park acting suspiciously. Upon being searched, a buttondar knife having dimensions, 31.5 cms in length (blade length of 14.5 cms and handle of 17 cms) and width of 3 cms, was 1 recovered from his possession.

1 Hereinafter, being referred to as ‘Arms Act’.

3. After investigation, a charge-sheet came to be filed against the appellant in connection with the aforesaid FIR for the offences punishable under Sections 25 , 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. The appellant approached the High Court of Delhi by filing a petition 2 under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 3 for quashing of the FIR, the consequential charge-sheet, and all the proceedings sought to be taken thereunder. The said petition stands rejected vide order dated 18 th April, 2023 which is assailed in this appeal by special leave.

4. W