[Cites 29, Cited by 0]
Karnataka High Court
Geo-Chem Laboratories Pvt Ltd vs The State Of Karnataka on 27 February, 2026
-1-
NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA
KALABURAGI BENCH
DATED THIS THE 27TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026
BEFORE
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH RAI K
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200285 OF 2026
(482(Cr.PC)/528(BNSS))
C/W
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200288 OF 2026
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200300 OF 2026
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200309 OF 2026
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200314 OF 2026
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200317 OF 2026
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 200318 OF 2026
Digitally signed IN CRL.P No. 200285/2026
by SHIVALEELA
DATTATRAYA
UDAGI BETWEEN:
Location: HIGH
COURT OF
KARNATAKA GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001
....PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
AND:
1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING, BENGALURU 560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE,
PALACE ROAD, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560001
3. IDBI BANK
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6 1 2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR 584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE PRIVATE
COMPLAINT DATED 28 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC NO.11/2018
PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE
FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE PETITIONER
(ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN PC NO.11/2018
PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE
FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE PETITIONER;
QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST THE PETITIONER REGISTERED BY
THE SINDHANUR RURAL POLICE STATION AS CRIME
NO.0022/2020 ON 19 FEBRUARY 2020 (ANNEXURE B) AND
ETC.,
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
IN CRL.P NO. 200288/2026
BETWEEN:
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
M/S GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
AND:
1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING
BENGALURU-560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE, PALACE ROAD,
BENGALURU, KARNATAKA-560001
3. IDBI BANK, BRANCH MANAGER
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6 1-2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR-584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE
PRIVATE COMPLAINT DATED 26 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC
NO.213/2017 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER (ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN
PC NO.213/2017 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL.
JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS
AGAINST THE PETITIONER; QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST
THE PETITIONER REGISTERED BY THE SINDHANUR RURAL
POLICE STATION AS CRIME NO.0008/2020 ON 30 JANUARY
2020, (ANNEXURE B) AND ETC.,
IN CRL.P NO. 200300/2026
BETWEEN:
GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001
REP. BY MANAGING DIRECTOR
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING
BENGALURU-560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE,
-5-
NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
PALACE ROAD, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560001
3. IDBI BANK
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6 1-2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR-584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE
PRIVATE COMPLAINT DATED 26 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC
NO.214/2017 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER (ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN
PC NO.214/2017 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL.
JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS
AGAINST THE PETITIONER; QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST
THE PETITIONER REGISTERED BY THE SINDHANUR RURAL
POLICE STATION AS CRIME NO.0006/2018 ON 09 JANUARY
2018, (ANNEXURE B) AND ETC.,
IN CRL.P NO. 200309/2026
BETWEEN:
GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
-6-
NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING
BENGALURU-560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE, PALACE ROAD,
BENGALURU, KARNATAKA-560001
3. IDBI BANK
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6, 1-2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR-584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE
PRIVATE COMPLAINT DATED 28 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC
NO.215/2017 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER (ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN
PC NO.215/2017 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL.
JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS
AGAINST THE PETITIONER; QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST
THE PETITIONER REGISTERED BY THE SINDHANUR RURAL
POLICE STATION AS CRIME NO.0025/2018 ON 07
FEBRUARY 2018, (ANNEXURE B) AND ETC.,
-7-
NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
IN CRL.P NO. 200314/2026
BETWEEN:
GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING
BENGALURU-560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE,
PALACE ROAD, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560001
3. IDBI BANK
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6, 1-2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR-584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
-8-
NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE
PRIVATE COMPLAINT DATED 28 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC
NO.180/2018 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER (ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN
PC NO.180/2018 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL.
JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS
AGAINST THE PETITIONER; QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST
THE PETITIONER REGISTERED BY THE SINDHANUR RURAL
POLICE STATION AS CRIME NO.0067/2019 ON 13 MAY
2019, (ANNEXURE B) AND ETC.,
IN CRL.P NO. 200317/2026
BETWEEN:
GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING
BENGALURU-560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE,
PALACE ROAD, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560001
-9-
NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
3. IDBI BANK
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6, 1-2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR-584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE
PRIVATE COMPLAINT DATED 28 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC
NO.12/2018 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER (ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN
PC NO.12/2018 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER; QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER REGISTERED BY THE SINDHANUR RURAL
POLICE STATION AS CRIME NO.0046/2020 ON 24 MARCH
2020, (ANNEXURE B) AND ETC.,
IN CRL.P NO. 200318/2026
BETWEEN:
GEO-CHEM LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.
NO. 294, GEOCHEM HOUSE,
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH ROAD,
FORT, MUMBAI-400001.
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. RISHAB D. DESAI AND
SRI. MAHADEV S. PATIL, ADVOCATES)
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA
THROUGH THE JAYNAGAR POLICE STATION
156/1, 6TH MAIN RD, 4TH BLOCK
JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560011
REPRESENTED BY
THE STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HIGH COURT BUILDING
BENGALURU-560001
2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA
NO.1, CARLTON HOUSE,
PALACE ROAD, BENGALURU
KARNATAKA-560001
3. IDBI BANK
SINDHANUR BRANCH
CHANDANA COMPLEX
TMC NO.6, 1-2238/A, KUSTAGI ROAD,
RAICHUR DISTRICT, SINDHANUR-584124
AND HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE
AT IDBI TOWER, WTC COMPLEX,
CUFFE PARADE COLABA, MUMBAI-400005
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI.VEERANAGOUDA MALIPATIL, HCGP FOR R1 AND R2;
SRI. SHESHADRI JAISHANKAR ADV., FOR R3)
THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/SEC. 482 OF CR.P.C (OLD),
U/SEC. 528 OF BNSS (NEW) PRAYING TO QUASH THE
PRIVATE COMPLAINT DATED 28 DECEMBER 2017 IN PC
NO.10/2018 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER (ANNEXURE A); QUASH THE PROCEEDINGS IN
PC NO.10/2018 PENDING BEFORE THE LD. ADDL. JUDICIAL
MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS, SINDHANUR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER; QUASH THE FIR AS AGAINST THE
PETITIONER REGISTERED BY THE SINDHANUR RURAL
POLICE STATION AS CRIME NO.0026/2018 ON 07
FEBRUARY 2018, (ANNEXURE B) AND ETC.,
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
CRL.P No. 200285 of 2026
C/W CRL.P No. 200288 of 2026
CRL.P No. 200300 of 2026
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
THESE PETITIONS, COMING ON FOR ORDERS, THIS DAY,
ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER:
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH RAI K
ORAL ORDER
The Criminal Petition No.200285/2026 is filed under
Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023,
to quash the proceedings against the petitioner/accused
No.3 in Crime No.22/2020 (arising out of P.C.No.11/2018)
registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police Station, for the
offences punishable under Sections 420, 406, 407, 408,
409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of IPC, pending on
the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and JMFC, Sindhanur,
Raichur District.
2. The Criminal Petition No.200288/2026 is filed
under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023, to quash the proceedings against the
petitioner/accused No.3 in Crime No.08/2020 (arising out
of P.C.No.213/2017) registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police
Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 420,
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of
IPC, pending on the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and
JMFC, Sindhanur.
3. The Criminal Petition No.200300/2026 is filed
under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023, to quash the proceedings against the
petitioner/accused No.3 in Crime No.06/2018 (arising out
of P.C.No.214/2017) registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police
Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 420,
406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of
IPC, pending on the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and
JMFC, Sindhanur.
4. The Criminal Petition No.200309/2026 is filed
under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023, to quash the proceedings against the
petitioner/accused No.2 in Crime No.25/2018 (arising out
of P.C.No.215/2017) registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police
Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 420,
406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of
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NC: 2026:KHC-K:1965
HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
IPC, pending on the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and
JMFC, Sindhanur.
5. The Criminal Petition No.200314/2026 is filed
under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023, to quash the proceedings against the
petitioner/accused No.2 in Crime No.67/2019 (arising out
of P.C.No.180/2018) registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police
Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 420,
406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of
IPC, pending on the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and
JMFC, Sindhanur
6. The Criminal Petition No.200317/2026 is filed
under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023, to quash the proceedings against the
petitioner/accused No.3 in Crime No.46/2020 (arising out
of P.C.No.12/2018) registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police
Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 420,
406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
IPC, pending on the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and
JMFC, Sindhanur.
7. The Criminal Petition No.200318/2026 is filed
under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita,
2023, to quash the proceedings against the
petitioner/accused No.3 in Crime No.26/2018 (arising out
of P.C.No.10/2018) registered by Sindhanoor Rural Police
Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 420,
406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 r/w Section 34 of
IPC, pending on the file of learned Addl. Civil Judge and
JMFC, Sindhanur.
8. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner
and respondent No.3-Authorized Officer of IDBI Bank have
filed an application under Section 359 r/w Section 528 of
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, stating that the parties
have amicably settled their dispute, hence seeking
permission to compound the offences and to quash the
proceedings against the petitioner in all the cases. The
application is accompanied with the affidavit of
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
representatives of the petitioner and respondent No.3. The
application reads as follows:
humbly submit as follows:
1. The Petitioner has preferred this
petition being aggrieved by and inter alia seeking
quashing of the FIR and proceedings arising out
of the private complaint registered in PC No.
11/2018 ('Private Complaint'), dated 28
December 2017, filed by the Respondent No. 3,
alleging the commission of offences under
Sections 420, 406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108, 115
read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860
("IPC") as against the Petitioner herein, pending
on the file of the Ld. Adl. Judicial Magistrate First
Class, Sindhanur ("Ld. Magistrate"). FIR has
been registered by the Sindhanur Police Station
in Crime No. 0022/2020 dated 19 February
2020.
2. It is humbly submitted that the said
disputes between the Parties have been resolved
vide the Interim Arbitral Award and Consent
terms executed between Respondent No. 3 and
the Petitioner on 23 December 2025 (Produced
at Annexure F with the Petition) before the Ld.
Arbitrator, recording a full and final settlement of
all disputes arising out of commercial
transactions and are in connection with the
Memorandum of Understanding dated 22
December 2007 and containing an unconditional
undertaking by Respondent No. 3 to withdraw,
cooperate and consent for quashing all criminal
proceedings filed against the Petitioner and its
present and former directors and employees.
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
3. It is submitted that some of the
offences alleged in the Private Complaint are
non-compoundable in nature but it is
compoundable with the permission of this
Hon'ble Court. Therefore, it is most humbly
prayed by both the parties that this Hon'ble
Court may be pleased to grant permission to
Compound the offences under Sections 420,
406, 408, 409, 107, 108 and 115 of the IPC and
be pleased to dispose of the case as
Compounded and may kindly be quash the entire
proceedings and FIR in the instant matter, with
respect to Geochem Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. only.
4. The Petitioner and Respondent No.3
submit that the compromise is arrived without
any force, coercion, misrepresentation and out of
free consent as per the Interim Arbitral Award
and Settlement Terms dated 23 December 2025
(Produced as Annexure F with the Petition.)
Wherefore, the Petitioner and Respondent
No.3 respectfully submit that in view of the
above compromise, both the parties pray before
this Hon'ble Court to compound the above said
offences and to quash the criminal proceeding in
PC No. 11/2018, dated 28 December 2017 and
the FIR registered by the Sindhanur Police
Station in Crime. No.0022/2018 pending before
the Ld. Addl. Judicial Magistrate First Class,
Sindhanur in respect of the offence under
Sections 420, 406, 407, 408, 409, 107, 108, 115
read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 by
allowing the instant application filed by the both
the parties."
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
9. It is stated in the affidavit that the parties have
amicably settled their dispute before the learned Arbitrator
vide order dated 23.12.2025.
10. The representative of the petitioner is present
through video conference in view of the liberty given by
this Court and representative of respondent No.3 is
present before the Court.
11. Perused the affidavits accompanied to the
application. Though the offences involved in these cases
are non-compoundable in nature since the dispute
between the parties is private in nature do not impact on
the society at large. As such, relying on the judgment of
the Hon'ble Apex Court in the case of The State of Madhya
Pradesh vs. Laxmi Narayan reported in 2019 5 SCC 688,
held at paragraph No.15 as follows:
"15. Considering the law on the point and the
other decisions of this Court on the point, referred
to hereinabove, it is observed and held as under:
15.1. That the power conferred under Section
482 of the Code to quash the criminal proceedings
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
for the non-compoundable offences under Section
320 of the Code can be exercised having
overwhelmingly and predominantly the civil
character, particularly those arising out of
commercial transactions or arising out of
matrimonial relationship or family disputes and
when the parties have resolved the entire dispute
amongst themselves;
15.2. Such power is not to be exercised in
those prosecutions which involved heinous and
serious offences of mental depravity or offences
like murder, rape, dacoity, etc. Such offences are
not private in nature and have a serious impact on
society;
15.3. Similarly, such power is not to be
exercised for the offences under the special
statutes like the Prevention of Corruption Act or
the offences committed by public servants while
working in that capacity are not to be quashed
merely on the basis of compromise between the
victim and the offender;
15.4. Offences under Section 307 IPC and
the Arms Act, etc. would fall in the category of
heinous and serious offences and therefore are to
be treated as crime against the society and not
against the individual alone, and therefore, the
criminal proceedings for the offence under Section
307 IPC and/or the Arms Act, etc. which have a
serious impact on the society cannot be quashed
in exercise of powers under Section 482 of the
Code, on the ground that the parties have
resolved their entire dispute amongst themselves.
However, the High Court would not rest its
decision merely because there is a mention of
Section 307 IPC in the FIR or the charge is framed
under this provision. It would be open to the High
Court to examine as to whether incorporation of
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
Section 307 IPC is there for the sake of it or the
prosecution has collected sufficient evidence,
which if proved, would lead to framing the charge
under Section 307 IPC. For this purpose, it would
be open to the High Court to go by the nature of
injury sustained, whether such injury is inflicted on
the vital/delicate parts of the body, nature of
weapons used, etc. However, such an exercise by
the High Court would be permissible only after the
evidence is collected after investigation and the
charge-sheet is filed/charge is framed and/or
during the trial. Such exercise is not permissible
when the matter is still under investigation.
Therefore, the ultimate conclusion in paras 29.6
and 29.7 of the decision of this Court in Narinder
Singh [Narinder Singh v. State of Punjab, (2014) 6
SCC 466 : (2014) 3 SCC (Cri) 54] should be read
harmoniously and to be read as a whole and in the
circumstances stated hereinabove;
15.5 While exercising the power under
Section 482 of the Code to quash the criminal
proceedings in respect of non-compoundable
offences, which are private in nature and do not
have a serious impact on society, on the ground
that there is a settlement/compromise between
the victim and the offender, the High Court is
required to consider the antecedents of the
accused; the conduct of the accused, namely,
whether the accused was absconding and why he
was absconding, how he had managed with the
complainant to enter into a compromise, etc."
12. Further the Hon'ble Apex Court in the case of
Ramgopal and another v/s State of Madhya Pradesh
reported in (2022) 14 SCC 531 held in paragraph Nos.12 and
13 as under:
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
"12. The High Court, therefore, having regard to
the nature of the offence and the fact that parties
have amicably settled their dispute and the victim
has willingly consented to the nullification of
criminal proceedings, can quash such proceedings
in exercise of its inherent powers under Section
482CrPC, even if the offences are non-
compoundable. The High Court can indubitably
evaluate the consequential effects of the offence
beyond the body of an individual and thereafter
adopt a pragmatic approach, to ensure that the
felony, even if goes unpunished, does not tinker
with or paralyse the very object of the
administration of criminal justice system.
13. It appears to us that criminal proceedings
involving non-heinous offences or where the
offences are pre-dominantly of a private nature,
can be annulled irrespective of the fact that trial
has already been concluded or appeal stands
dismissed against conviction. Handing out
punishment is not the sole form of delivering
justice. Societal method of applying laws evenly is
always subject to lawful exceptions. It goes without
saying, that the cases where compromise is struck
post-conviction, the High Court ought to exercise
such discretion with rectitude, keeping in view the
circumstances surrounding the incident, the fashion
in which the compromise has been arrived at, and
with due regard to the nature and seriousness of
the offence, besides the conduct of the accused,
before and after the incidence. The touchstone for
exercising the extra-ordinary power under Section
482 CrPC would be to secure the ends of justice.
There can be no hard-and-fast line constricting the
power of the High Court to do substantial justice. A
restrictive construction of inherent powers under
Section 482 CrPC may lead to rigid or specious
justice, which in the given facts and circumstances
of a case, may rather lead to grave injustice. On
the other hand, in cases where heinous offences
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have been proved against perpetrators, no such
benefit ought to be extended, as cautiously
observed by this Court in Narinder Singh & Ors
vs. State of Punjab & Ors and Laxmi Narayan
(Supra)."
13. Collocating the findings of the Hon'ble Apex
court in the above judgments to the facts and
circumstance of this case, since the dispute involved in
this case is purely private in nature and the parties have
settled their disputes amicably, I am of the considered
view that the application filed by the parties is liable to be
allowed. Accordingly, the parties are permitted to
compound the offences. Hence, I proceed to pass the
following:
ORDER
(a) The petitions are allowed.
(b) The proceedings against the
petitioner/accused - Geo-Chem Laboratories
Pvt. Ltd in Crime.No.22/2020 (arising out of
P.C No.11/2018), in Crime.No.08/2020
(arising out of P.C No.213/2017), in
Crime.No.06/2018 (arising out of P.C
No.214/2017), in Crime.No.25/2018 (arising
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HC-KAR AND 4 OTHERS
out of P.C No.215/2017), in
Crime.No.67/2019 (arising out of P.C
No.180/2018), in Crime.No.46/2020 (arising
out of P.C No.12/2018) and in
Crime.No.26/2018 (arising out of P.C
No.10/2018) registered by Sindhanoor Rural
Police Station, pending on the file of learned
Addl. Civil Judge and JMFC, Sindhanur,
Raichur, are hereby set-aside.
Registry is directed to send back the TCR along with
certified copy of this judgment to the concerned Court,
forthwith.
Sd/-
(RAJESH RAI K)
JUDGE
MSR
List No.: 1 Sl No.: 1
CT-BH
