In a recent and detailed ruling, the Madras High Court has clarified the scope of Section 245 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, particularly the Magistrate’s power to discharge an accused under Section 245(2). The case offers an important judicial interpretation on when discharge can take place in warrant cases initiated otherwise than on a police report. This blog walks through the legal background, the key takeaways from the judgment, and its implications.