JUDGMENT :

R.F. Nariman, J.

1. The proceedings in this case arise out of two criminal complaints dated 11.08.2009 filed by the Appellants against the Respondents herein before the Court of the Sessions Judge, North Goa, under Section 340 read with Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (“CrPC”) in respect of offences alleged under Sections 191 and 192 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (“IPC”).

2. Accused No.1 in the aforesaid complaints is a proprietary concern of the late V.G. Quenim, based in Goa, which is engaged in the business of producing, processing and sale of iron ore. Accused Nos.2 and 3 are his son and wife respectively, who are the co-proprietors of M/s V.G. Quenim, the aforesaid V.G. Quenim having expired on 20.07.2007. M/s V.G. Quenim had shared a business relationship with the Appellants since the year 1990. However, disputes arose between the parties, as a result of which four suits, being Suit Nos.7, 8, 14 and 21 of 2000/A, were filed by the Appellants against M/s V.G. Quenim before the Civil Court at Bacholim. A fifth suit, being Suit No.1/2003/A, was filed by the late V.G. Quenim against the Appellants, which was withdrawn on 01.10.2007 unconditionally. Th