Preliminary inquiry is permissible only when the information does not disclose a cognizable offence

In Mohammad Afzal Mohammad Sharif v. State of Maharashtra & Ors., decided on 19 August 2025, the Supreme Court held that during communally charged situations,  preliminary inquiry may only be done when it does not disclose a cognizable offence. Failure to do so, especially in communally sensitive situations, amounts to a serious dereliction of duty and violates the rule of law.

Justice Sanjay Kumar dealt with the case wherein the appellant, a 17-year-old boy, alleged that he was brutally assaulted during communal riots in Akola, Maharashtra. The appellant’s writ appeal had been rejected by the High Court, which questioned his sincerity and pointed to his tardiness in calling the police. The Supreme Court, however, disagreed, noting that the police have a direct responsibility to take action under Section 154 CrPC as soon as they learn of a crime that is punishable by law.

In Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Court upheld the ruling that police must file a formal complaint (FIR) as soon as a cognizable offense is disclosed, and that only a limited preliminary investigation is allowed to determine whether the disclosure is accurate. The judgement additA beionally touched upon Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, noting that even under the new legal regime, preliminary inquiry may be allowed only in limited cases to prevent frivolous FIRs. However, the same cannot be equated to dismissing the credibility of lodging FIR. 

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Paid Legal Internship at Geminid Systems – Apply Now for Online Legal Work Experience

Are you a law student who is looking for a paid legal internship with real-world experience in corporate legal work? Geminid Systems is inviting applications for its online legal internship program, and is offering practical legal exposure in contract law, legal research, and compliance – all from the comfort of your home.

If you’re a first or second-year law student looking to build core legal skills, all while earning a stipend, this internship is for you.

About Geminid Systems

Geminid Systems is a dynamic technology company that is dedicated to building scalable software solutions for specialized sectors like pharmaceuticals and the legal industry. Known for innovation, efficiency, and sector-specific expertise, the company values legal insight in every step of its expansion and regulatory compliance efforts.

With a growing need for legal professionals to navigate contracts, track evolving compliance regulations, and manage risks, Geminid Systems is now offering a paid legal internship opportunity to law students who are enthusiastic about practical legal work in this field.

About the Internship

This internship is specially designed to help you develop hands-on skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real life practical legal tasks. You will be working alongside experienced professionals, contributing meaningfully to the company’s legal and regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities

During this paid legal internship, selected candidates will work on a wide variety of corporate legal tasks such as:

  • Contract Drafting and Clause Analysis: Understand the language of contracts and assist in drafting, reviewing, and revising the legal documents.
  • Legal Research: Conduct research on legal topics that are relevant to technology, business law, and compliance.
  • Due Diligence: Identify potential legal risks and prepare internal compliance reports.
  • Regulatory Compliance Tracking: Stay updated with regulatory developments and help maintain audit-ready documentation.

This is a serious opportunity to polish your legal skills in a fast-paced, corporate setting — all while working remotely and getting paid.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the internship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a first-year or second-year law student (5-year or 3-year program).
  • Demonstrate strong communication skills (written and spoken).
  • Be punctual, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
  • Show a proactive approach to problem-solving and research.

Internship Mode and Duration

  • Mode: Online (Work-from-home)
  • Hours: Flexible, but interns must contribute at least 8 hours per week.
  • Duration: 2 Months
  • Date of Joining: First week of August

This remote structure makes it ideal for students balancing academics and internships.

Stipend

Yes, this is a paid legal internship. Selected candidates will receive a stipend of ₹8000 for the entire internship period, based on performance and deliverables.

Benefits of Joining

  • Get hands-on legal experience with a corporate tech firm.
  • Work on real contracts, legal opinions, and compliance documents.
  • Strengthen your CV with a reputed internship experience.
  • Learn to work independently and professionally in a remote legal environment.
  • Direct exposure to the intersection of law and technology, an area in high demand.

Application Procedure

If you’re interested, send your updated CV to the email address mentioned below. Make sure to highlight any prior experience, your academic background, and a short statement of purpose if possible.

Email your CV to: apply@geminidsystems.com
Subject line: Application for Paid Legal Internship – [Your Full Name]

There is no formal deadline, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications will be prioritized.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a law student looking to transition from textbooks to live legal challenges, don’t miss this paid legal internship opportunity at Geminid Systems. It’s a chance to engage in meaningful work, learn from real corporate projects, and build a strong foundation for your legal career — while earning a stipend and working from anywhere in India.

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