O R D E R

The petitioners are the accused in S.C.No.687 of

2018 on the file of the Assistant Sessions Court, Ottappalam ('Trial Court', in short), which originates from Crime No.163 of 2018 registered by the Pattambi Police Station, Palakkad, alleging the commission of the offences punishable under Sections 341 , 323, 324, 308 and 506(ii)

read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code .

2. The petitioners have invoked the inherent jurisdiction of this Court under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita , 2023, to quash all further proceedings in the above case. It is asserted that the dispute that led to the registration of the crime has been amicably settled between the petitioners and the 2^nd respondent, who has executed Annexure A14 affidavit, affirming the settlement.

3. I have heard the learned Counsel appearing for the petitioners, the learned Public Prosecutor, and the learned Counsel for the 2^nd respondent.

4. The learned Public Prosecutor submits that the 4^th petitioner is a person with criminal antecedents. He is a history sheeter and is involved in four other crimes.

5. The scope and ambit of the inherent powers of this Court to quash criminal proceedings on