The Supreme Court has recently quashed the order dated 2024 of the High Court in which it had dismissed a prior complaint. It has restored it and has directed the High Court to reconsider the Criminal Revision Case No. 2327/2018 -- filed against the summons -- within six months. While contending the paramount importance of procedural fairness, the Court reiterated that standard operating procedures must be meticulously followed in times of emergency and the necessity for a proper interpretation of statutory provisions therein. It said an acquittal under Section 256 of the CrPC was only in a situation where the case is posted under the section specifically for the appearance of the accused and mere default dismissal does not amount to acquittal. The judgment also emphasised that courts need to strike a balance between procedural rigour and fairness, especially in extraordinary situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. It reiterated that lower courts including Sessions Judge Courts are entitled to mend a procedural crack and High Courts should not misapprehend factual scenario. The Court also emphasized the legal recourses available to complainants, such as revision petitions under Section 397 CrPC and with respect to invoking inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 CrPC, in the event of improper dismissals.]