Court Quashes F.I.R. Against Accused in Suicide Abetment Case. Insufficient Evidence Found to Establish Harassment and Instigation Leading to Suicide


Summary of Judgement

Applicants, accused under Section 306 r/w 34 of the IPC, seek quashing of the F.I.R. registered at Vishnu Nagar Police Station. The deceased, Ashok Pawar, allegedly harassed by the applicants, committed suicide, leaving notes implicating them. The Court analyzed the evidence, including the F.I.R., suicide notes, and email, finding insufficient material to establish abetment. The application for quashing the F.I.R. is allowed.

1) Introduction

  • Applicants accused under Section 306 r/w 34 of IPC seek to quash F.I.R. C.R. No. I-36 of 2017.
  • F.I.R. registered at Vishnu Nagar Police Station, Dombivali, Thane on 25th February 2017.

2) Hearing and Proceedings

  • Advocates for both sides presented arguments.
  • Court directed police to proceed with investigation without filing a charge sheet without permission.
  • Handwriting expert's report produced.

3) Facts of the Case

  • Ashok Pawar, the deceased, worked at ESIC, Thane.
  • Allegations of harassment by Applicant No.1 and No.2.
  • Deceased suffered from migraine and was assigned strenuous tasks.
  • Deceased committed suicide on 21st January 2017, leaving notes blaming the applicants.

4) Applicants' Argument

  • Allegations in the F.I.R. do not establish "instigation" as per Section 107 of IPC.
  • No material showing active role or mens rea by the applicants to instigate suicide.

5) Respondents' Argument

  • Allegations of persistent harassment and health deterioration of the deceased.
  • Email and suicide notes confirm harassment, establishing mens rea.

6) Legal Framework

  • Definition of "instigation" under Section 107 of IPC.
  • Requirement of direct involvement to establish abetment under Section 306 IPC.
  • Reference to the case of Chitresh Kumar Chopra vs. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi).

7) Analysis of Evidence

  • Examination of F.I.R., suicide notes, and statements.
  • Inconsistencies and vagueness in the allegations.
  • Lack of corroborative material in statements of officers and co-employees.

8) Conclusion on Evidence

  • Allegations in the F.I.R. and suicide notes partially supported but not conclusive.
  • Email dated 5th December 2016 withdrawn by the deceased.
  • No acts of harassment or threats from 9th January 2017 till the date of suicide.

9) Final Decision

  • Insufficient material to constitute the offence under Section 306 r/w 34 of IPC.
  • Continuation of the F.I.R. would be an abuse of process of law.
  • Application allowed, quashing the F.I.R. against the applicants.

23) Order

  • Criminal application allowed.
  • Rule made absolute.

Case Title: Rajshekhar Udayprasad Singh Ors. Versus The State of Maharashtra Ors.

Citation: 2024 LawText (BOM) (7) 126

Case Number: CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO. 905 OF 2017

Advocate(s): Mr. Harshad E. Palwe for the Applicants. Mr. Vinod Chate, APP for the State. Mr. Meghashyam K. Kocharekar for Respondent No.2.

Date of Decision: 2024-07-12