As per case facts, the appellant, a Sub-Divisional Officer, was involved in a drive to remove encroachments from public land. During this operation, the respondent complained that his boundary wall ... was illegally demolished, and the appellant allegedly engaged in malicious acts, abuse, house trespass, and theft of a gun. A complaint was filed, and cognizance was taken. The High Court dismissed the appellant's plea for quashing on grounds of sanction under Section 197 Cr.P.C., stating the acts weren't directly connected to official duty. The question arose whether Section 197 Cr.P.C., mandating prior sanction for prosecuting public servants for acts done in discharge of official duty, applied to this case. Finally, the Supreme Court ruled that the appellant's actions, even if excessive, had a reasonable nexus with his official duties of removing encroachments. Therefore, prior sanction under Section 197 Cr.P.C. was essential. The Supreme Court quashed the cognizance order, allowing authorities to obtain sanction before proceeding.