New Delhi: In a bid to reduce ‘baseless cases’ filed against businessmen, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday, August 19 ordered that a preliminary investigation should be conducted before filing an FIR against them, the Hindu reported.“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered on Saturday that a preliminary investigation should be conducted before filing a First Information Report (FIR) against traders and entrepreneurs. This move aims to reduce the number of baseless FIRs filed against businesspersons and traders in the state, which frequently result in harassment and undue pressure. Now, FIR cannot be lodged directly by any person against traders and entrepreneurs,” the UP government release said.According to the report, the step is meant to prevent any hindrances in the state’s development. The order, however, will not be applicable to any cognisable offence that allows the police to arrest an individual without a warrant. “The government is committed to ensuring that no hindrance is caused to the ease of doing business to accelerate the State’s development projects. Simultaneously, the government is determined to prevent any form of harassment against entrepreneurs, traders, owners of educational institutions, hospitals, construction companies, hotels, and others, as well as their managerial-level employees,” it added, claiming that due to the government’s initiatives, investment of Rs 36 lakh crore has been proposed in the state.