Justice K Rajasekar, in his order, noted that almost the entire registration process had already been completed by the previous Sub-Registrar and that the petitioner's role was limited to assigning the registration number after assuming charge.

"It is not in dispute that, except for assigning the registration number and thereby completing the process of registration, almost the entire registration process, including presentation of the document, admission of execution and obtaining the signatures of the parties, had already been completed by the then Sub-Registrar on July 3, 2026. The petitioner assumed charge only on the next working day, namely July 6, 2026, as the regular Sub-Registrar had proceeded on leave," the judge observed.

However, noting that the CB-CID's investigation into the alleged larger conspiracy was still at a preliminary stage, the court held that the probe should not be hampered and, while balancing the petitioner's right to liberty, granted interim protection.

"At the same time, the prosecution has taken a specific stand that the larger conspiracy surrounding the registration of the Mutt property is still under investigation and that the precise role of each of the accused is yet to be ascertained. Since the FIR has been registered only recently, the court is of the view that the investigation should not be impeded," Justice Rajasekar said.