Can Magistrate direct PC Act probe against public servant without sanction? Kerala High Court larger bench to decide

A larger Bench of the Kerala High Court will decide if a Magistrate can order an investigation against a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act without prior sanction. Justice K Babu referred this issue to the Chief Justice, noting conflicting Supreme Court judgments on the matter. Section 17A of the PC Act prohibits investigations without official approval, while Section 19 requires sanction for cognizance. The decision will clarify whether these sanctions are necessary at the investigation stage or only for cognizance.