The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the FIR registered against Ashish Dave, former Channel Head of Zee Rajasthan, on a complaint filed by Zee Media Company.

A division bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta allowed Dave’s plea and set aside the order passed by the Rajasthan High Court in November 2025.

Background of the Allegations: 

Ashish Dave, the Petitioner, was accused of  misusing  his  position as  Head of the media house, by  allegedly threatening or extorting several individuals, following which multiple  complaints were received. Based on these  complaints, the First Informant Report (FIR) was filed against him. 

Dave  argued that not a single victim of  the “alleged” extortion had come forward to file a  complaint against him. He also contended that the offence of criminal breach of trust was not made out, as  there was no entrustment of property. 

Court Questions FIR Registration:

The bench expressed shock over the manner in which the FIR had been registered, observing that the allegations appeared to be a “mere story.”

 Justice Mehta remarked: 

"We are shocked at the manner in which the FIR was registered. Your Investigating Officer should have made an inquiry. He should have confirmed the allegations and then the FIR should have been registered. Lalita Kumari [case] is applicable to everyone. Which particular allegation of extortion, which particular offense of misuse of his position in the company was setout in the FIR and in the complaint, which required the police station concerned to immediately go for registration of FIR? Without there being any allegation at all! It's all story - all a fictional story",

Justice Nath further said, "As vague as possible...all kind of omnibus allegations that he has done this this this...",

“Is This James Bond?”: Court Slams Police

The bench further asked if this is James Bond stating that -

"A common citizen - if he goes to the police station - would you register such an FIR? This FIR contained nothing! Simply because complainant happens to be an influential agency, you registered the FIR just like that! We are making serious comments on the conduct of the Rajasthan police, if you want. What is this FIR? Common citizen if he goes to the police station - he will be thrown out for such allegations. It is a fact you can't deny. [The complainant] was such a privileged [person] that for him, the police opens red carpets...register FIR without there being anything! This is James Bond? Shoot first, think later?",

ASG’s Submissions:

The Additional Solicitor General  argued that  material had  been collected  during the  investigation. He said that  the Complainant had received several complaints from builders, doctors and others  alleging  extortion. He also pointed out  that not even a single “victim” had been named in the FIR. 

The Court quashed the FIR. It said  that the state is free to  pursue the case, if it wishes, by registering  a fresh FIR with proper and specific details. 

The bench held:"Such an FIR needs to be quashed. High Court should have done it. If there's a genuine victim, let that victim file an FIR",

Case Details: Ashish Dave vs The State of Rajasthan and Anr (SLP (Crl) N0. 19369/2025)