Amicable settlements in non-heinous offences can result in quashing proceedings to prevent abuse of process.

O R D E R Dated this the 26^th day of February, 2026 This is a petition filed under Section 528 of B.N.S.S. , by the accused in Crime No.525/2014 of Valayam Police Station, which is pending as CC. No.1060/2022 on the file of the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Nadapuram. The offences alleged against the petitioner are under Sections 509, 354A(1)(iv) of IPC.

2. The prosecution case is that on 11.11.2014 at about 10.30 a.m., the accused with the intention to insult the modesty of the minor daughter of the defacto complainant, made sexually coloured comments in his speech and thereby he is alleged to have committed the aforesaid offences.

3. According to the petitioner, the dispute has been amicably settled with the defacto complainant/respondent No.2 and that he agreed to drop all further proceedings relating to the above dispute. Therefore, the petitioner prayed for quashing all further proceedings against him.

4. The defacto complainant filed affidavit endorsing the averments in the Criminal MC. According to him, the case has been amicably settled and that he does not intend to proceed with the case and also that further proceedings in the case can be quashed. He has no further grievance against the petitioner.

5. The learned Public Prosecutor, after getting instruction from the investigating officer also submitted that the dispute has been amicably settled between the parties and that the victim is not interested in continuing the prosecution against the petitioner.

6. Considering the fact that the offences involved in this case are not heinous and very serious, but purely of private in nature and now the dispute has been settled between the parties, quashment of the same is necessary for maintaining harmonious relationship between the parties and also to prevent abuse of process of the court.

7. In the result, This Crl. M.C is allowed. All further proceedings against the petitioner in CC. No.1060/2022 on the file of the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Nadapuram, arising from Crime No.525/2014 of Valayam Police Station, is quashed under Section 528 of B.N.S.S.

Sd/-