The inherent power of the High Court under Section 482 of the CrPC to quash criminal proceedings to prevent abuse of the process of any court or secure the ends of justice is not restricted to the stage of the FIR alone. Even after a police investigation culminates in a charge-sheet, courts can evaluate whether the allegations and supporting materials prima facie disclose a cognizable criminal offence, as the abuse of process caused by an unfounded FIR stands aggravated once it materializes into a charge-sheet. (2025 INSC 160 | Gaddam Jhansi Vs State-of-Telangana)