The Supreme Court of India today issued a strong caution against the misuse of stringent legal provisions to harass individuals. The bench observed that invoking severe laws arbitrarily or with ulterior motives can infringe on personal liberties and amount to judicial overreach. The court emphasized that laws meant for serious threats to national security or public order must not be used as tools of oppression or vendetta.

The warning came while hearing a matter involving alleged abuse of certain penal provisions. The bench reminded investigating authorities and lower courts to act with restraint and ensure that the intent behind such laws is upheld, not misused.