IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA
K. Somashekar, J.
Rudra Swamy – Appellant
Versus
State Of Karnataka – Respondent
Criminal Petition No. 365 of 2019
Decided On : 24-09-2021
Quashment of Criminal Proceedings - Criminal Petition - Ss. 434, 427, 465, 468, 443 R/w 34 IPC - Summary
Fact of the Case:
The petitioner sought to set aside the order passed by the Court of first Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bangalore Rural District and quash the criminal proceedings initiated against accused No.3. The case involved the formation of a layout, execution of sale deeds, and allegations of cheating.
Finding of the Court:
The Court analyzed the substance of the FIR, charge sheet materials, and the nature of the allegations. It considered the conversion of a civil dispute into a criminal case and the exercise of power under Sec. 482 of Cr.P.C. The Court found that the case involved a miscarriage of justice and allowed the petition, quashing the criminal proceedings.
Issues: The issues involved the nature of the allegations, exercise of power under Sec. 482 of Cr.P.C, and the conversion of a civil dispute into a criminal case.
Ratio Decidendi: The Court's decision was influenced by the exercise of power under Sec. 482 of Cr.P.C, the nature of the allegations, and the potential for miscarriage of justice.
Final Decision: The criminal petition was allowed, and the entire proceedings in C.C.No.5007/2016 arising out of Crime No.370/2014 were quashed.
JUDGMENT :
1. In this petition, the petitioner is seeking to set-aside the order passed by Court of first Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bangalore Rural District in C.C No.5007/2016 arising out of Cr.No.370/2014 dtd. 13/9/2016 for the offences punishable under Ss. 434, 427, 465, 468, 443 R/w 34 IPC vide annexure-A and also seeking quashment of the criminal proceedings initiated against accused No.3 who is the petitioner before this Court in C.C.No.5007/2016 registered by White Field Police Station, Bengaluru City vide Annexure-A, B, B1 and C.
2. Heard, learned counsel Sri. Amar Correa for the petitioner and so also, learned HCGP for respondent No.1 who are also present before the Court physically. But counsel for respondent No.2 Sri.Supreeth.S is appearing through video conferencing and heard his arguments by referring the materials relating to the case in Cr.No.370/2014 and so also, the materials which collected by investigating officer during the course of investigation in order to laying of charge sheet against the accused in C.C.No.5007/2015, and so also, the role made by the accused Nos.4 and 5 who are the owners of the properties relating to "Victorian View Layout Owners Welfare Association " and whereby accused Nos.1 and 2 have been purchasing the properties in order to formation of lay out. But this petitioner who is arraigned as accused No.3 namely Sri. Rudra Swamy which is subsequent purchaser.
3. It is transpired in the case of prosecution relating to the initiation of criminal prosecution by registering the case in Cr.No.370/2014 vide annexure-A. Based upon the complaint filed by the complainant, the White Field Police Station registered the case in Cr.No.370/2014 by recording the FIR for the aforesaid offences. But this petitioner is arraigned as accused No.3 vide Annexures-B and B1. Subsequent to registration of crime, by White Field Police Station having jurisdiction, the case has been taken up for investigation by the Investigating agency and thoroughly investigation has been done and laid the charge sheet against the accused before the Court having jurisdiction. But charge sheet consisting in respect of power of attorney relating to land measuring 1 Acre 35 guntas in Sy.No.55/2 of Nallurahalli Village belonging to Accused Nos.4 and 5 was executed in favour of Accused No.1. Subsequently, accused No.1 in collusion with accused No.2 had made plots in the said site and with an intention to cheat CW.2 and CW.3, got registered the plot bearing No.F-109, Khata No.180/3 measuring 4153 sq.ft in their name. These are all the materials that have placed on record and also facilitated by the learned counsel for petitioner for seeking intervention under Sec. 482 of Cr.P.C for quashment of the case registered against the petitioner.
4. Learned counsel Sri. Supreeth.S for respondent No.2 who is appearing through video conferencing and he has in conformity with the charge sheet materials laid by the investigating officer against the accused. Even though it is civil in nature of issue emerged in between complainant and the accused but the role of the petitioner being arraigned as accused as whereby in collusion with the co-accused is required to be facing of trial in a charge sheet laid by the investigating officer against the accused in C.C.No.5007/2016 and each one of the offences are required to be tested by the prosecution by placing evidence and it is only to be subjected to examination or cross-examination on the part of the defence side. But accused Nos.4 and 5 despite of knowing that the site has been sold through General Power of Attorney to accused No.1 but sold the same to C.W.2 and 3 with an intention to cheat them and without considering the General Power of Attorney executed in favour of accused No.1. But all the accused have been were hand in glouse relating to selling of property to petitioner/accused No.3 who is before this Court for seeking intervention for quashment of the charge sheet laid against him in
Anand Kumar Mohatta and Another vs. State (Govt. of Nct of Delhi) Department of Home and Another
The central legal point established in the judgment is the exercise of power under Sec. 482 of Cr.P.C to prevent abuse of process of the Court and miscarriage of justice.
The power to quash criminal proceedings should be exercised sparingly and only when the allegations do not disclose a prima facie case of a criminal offence.
The court ruled that ongoing civil litigation does not preclude criminal prosecutions where sufficient evidence indicates dishonest intent constituting an offence under Section 420 IPC.
Inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC do not permit quashing proceedings when prima facie evidence of a crime is present, mandating a trial to ascertain truth.
The main legal point established in the judgment is the requirement for allegations to constitute a cognizable offense and the application of the legal maxim 'Caveat Emptor' in property transactions.
The court can exercise its inherent jurisdiction under Sec. 482 Cr.P.C to quash criminal proceedings if they amount to an abuse of the process of the court or if quashing the proceedings would serve ....
The pendency of a civil suit does not affect the criminal proceedings, and both can proceed simultaneously. The Court also emphasized the limited scope of interference at the stage of quashing charge....
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