Madras High Court Quashes Criminal Proceedings Against Sureshbabu and Others

Court Rules FIR and Prosecution Lack Supporting Evidence, Constituting Abuse of Legal Process

In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court has quashed the criminal proceedings against Sureshbabu and others, citing the lack of prima facie evidence to support the allegations in the FIR. The judgment, delivered by Justice N. Sathish Kumar, emphasized that the mere initiation of an FIR and prosecution without substantial supporting materials amounted to an abuse of the legal process.

The case originated from an FIR filed in Coimbatore, alleging that the accused caused public disturbance by installing an LED screen in front of the Kamarajapuram Ram Temple to telecast the live ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The FIR charged them under Sections 143, 341, and 290 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), relating to unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and public nuisance, respectively.

The petitioners argued that the allegations were baseless and that they had complied with the conditions set by the court in a previous order, which permitted the installation of the LED screen under specified conditions. They contended that the prosecution was launched on false grounds and continuing it would constitute an abuse of legal process.

Justice Sathish Kumar, after reviewing the case, concurred with the petitioners. He noted that the materials collected by the prosecution did not establish any offence, and that the allegations in the FIR did not constitute an unlawful assembly or other offences under the IPC. The court further emphasized the right against abuse of legal process, highlighting that prosecution without substantial evidence infringes on the rights of the accused.

The court also referenced the Supreme Court’s guidelines in the State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal case, which outline circumstances under which criminal proceedings may be quashed. The judgment noted that the allegations in the FIR, even if taken at face value, did not make out a case against the accused, thereby justifying the quashing of proceedings.

In conclusion, the Madras High Court ordered the quashing of the criminal proceedings in C.C.No.1217 of 2024 against Sureshbabu and others, marking a significant decision upholding the rights of individuals against unwarranted legal action.

Bottom Line:

Quashing of Criminal Proceedings - Mere launching of FIR and prosecution without supporting materials amounts to abuse of process of law - Allegations in FIR do not constitute unlawful assembly or other offences as per IPC provisions.

Statutory provision(s): Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973; Sections 143, 341, 290 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860

Sureshbabu v. State, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2797183