IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI
SANJAY KUMAR DWIVEDI, J.
Vikash Singh S/o Ramashray Prasad – Petitioner
Versus
The State of Jharkhand – Respondent
Cr. M.P. No. 979 of 2017
Decided On : 05-07-2022
Criminal Proceeding - Quashing - Indian Penal Code Sections 341, 342, 323, 504 - Summary
Fact of the Case:
The petitioner filed a petition to quash criminal proceedings against him under Sections 341, 342, 323, 504 of the Indian Penal Code. The opposite party alleged assault and misconduct by the petitioner and others, leading to the filing of an FIR.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the cognizance order lacked prima facie evidence against the petitioner, especially considering that charge-sheet was submitted against the petitioner only, while the FIR was lodged against other accused as well.
Issues: The issues revolved around the validity of the cognizance order and the lack of prima facie evidence against the petitioner in light of the FIR being lodged against multiple accused.
Ratio Decidendi: The court emphasized the requirement of disclosing prima facie evidence in the cognizance order, particularly when charge-sheet is submitted against one accused while the FIR includes multiple accused.
Final Decision: The court set aside the order taking cognizance and remitted the matter back to the concerned court for fresh proceedings.
JUDGMENT :
SANJAY KUMAR DWIVEDI, J.
1. Heard Mr. P.S. Dayal assisted by Mr. Sanjay Kumar, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mrs. Niki Sinha, learned counsel for the State and Mr. Pradeep Kumar Deomani, learned counsel for opposite party no. 2.
2. This petition has been filed for quashing the entire criminal proceeding of Garu P.S. Case No. 09/2016 (G.R. No. 396/2016) including the order taking cognizance dated 04.01.2017 by which cognizance under Sections 341, 342, 323, 504 of the Indian Penal Code has been taken against the petitioner, pending in the court of the learned Judicial Magistrate, 1st Class, Latehar.
3. The opposite party no. 2 filed the FIR alleging therein that on 18.04.2014 the informant went in Sarju C 214 Battalion. On 19.04.2016, he reached Chauparnala at morning. Check Roll Cell was made on 20.04.2016 at morning time. Company attendant said him that O.C. Vikash Kumar (petitioner) called him. The informant went there and found that O.C. was crying on one constable and O.C. took liquor. The informant said, he came, then O.C. become angry and abused him and gave some direction. On 21.04.2016, O.C. took liquor and at evening stand two was done and thereafter arms were deposited. The informant handed over his arms to Pilla Ram who is Company Adjurest. It was further alleged that O.C. again abused the informant and on objection he was assaulted with fight. O.C. Vikash Kumar caught his neck and assaulted on his hydrosile by leg and he ordered others to assault the informant. Then Radhey Shyam, Inspector, S.I. Ram Kumar, A.S.I. Dilla Ram, Hawaldar Sattar Mohammad, Constable Niraj Kumar and Constable Gurmeet Kumar and others (about fifteen persons) assaulted the informant. It was also alleged that the informant's hand and leg was tied by rope and he was badly assaulted.
4. Mr. Dayal, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that occurrence took place on 20.04.2016 and 21.04.2016, but no information was given by the informant. He further submits that even the information was not given to the head of his Battalion and after lapse of two months on 03.06.2016, the informant gave written application to the Superintendent of Police, Latehar and the FIR was lodged on 09.06.2016. He further submits that the petitioner is the Assistant Commandant and head of the Battalion and the informant is Constable. He also submits that in the said Battalion, during duty hours the informant disobeyed the direction of the O.C. and misbehaved and threatened him and for that departmental proceeding was initiated against the informant and subsequently in the enquiry, charge has been proved and opposite party no. 2 has been dismissed from service. He further submits that warning letter was also issued against the petitioner on 21.04.2016 and the disciplinary authority has given direction to initiate departmental proceeding against the opposite party no. 2 vide order dated 03.05.2016 and thereafter the FIR has been lodged on 09.06.2016. He also submits that the case is malicious in nature and summon has been issued by the learned court below without application of mind. He further submits that FIR has been lodged against other nine accused persons and eleven unknown persons, however charge-sheet has been submitted against this petitioner only.
5. Per contra, Mr. Deomani, learned counsel for opposite party no. 2 submits that the opposite party no. 2 was badly assaulted by the petitioner and others. He further submits that opposite party no. 2 was treated in RIMS as well as Composite Hospital of CRPF, Ranchi. He refers to the prescriptions of the Doctor, which have been brought on record by way of filing counter affidavit.
6. In view of the above facts and looking to the submissions of the learned counsel for the parties, it appears that warning letter was issued to opposite party no. 2 on 21.04.2016 and the disciplinary authority has given direction to initiate departmental proceeding against opposite party no. 2 vide order dated 03.05.20
Prima facie evidence must be disclosed in the cognizance order, especially when charge-sheet is submitted against one accused while the FIR includes multiple accused.
In cases instituted on a police report, the Magistrate is only required to pass an order issuing summons to the accused based on the satisfaction of the Magistrate considering the police report and o....
The importance of disclosing prima facie materials and reasons for taking cognizance, especially when the charge-sheet is submitted in favor of the accused.
The central legal point established in the judgment is the court's authority to quash criminal proceedings based on a compromise between the parties and the nature of the injuries, as well as the rel....
The standard of proof required to establish guilt in a criminal case is higher than that in departmental proceedings, and selective implication in criminal proceedings may be unjustified.
The central legal point established in the judgment is the abuse of process of law and the lack of judicial application in taking cognizance.
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.