Proceedings against IPS officer quashed

Justice MS Ramesh who allowed the plea moved by the IPS officer, said, “The present case in hand, is a classic example of a maliciously instituted criminal proceedings and hence this court exercising its powers under Section 482 Cr.P.C., would be justified in quashing the same, thereby enabling the petitioners herein to refrain from undergoing the ordeal of a criminal trial instituted on baseless charges.”

As per the prosecution, Priyadharshni and Varun had known each other since 2007, which developed into a promissory relationship to get married. Both had enrolled themselves in an IAS Training Academy at New Delhi and since Priyadharshini failed to clear her examination, she had stayed back in New Delhi just to help Varun to prepare for his main examination.

The relationship between them was accepted by both their families and it was agreed that they will get married in 2012. But after the interview in April 2011, the attitude of Varun and his parents changed and they had demanded Rs 50 lakh in cash, 2 kgs of gold and a BMW car if the marriage had to take place.

When Priyadharshini expressed her inability to meet the demand, their relationship broke. In view of the dowry demand by all the petitioners herein and the failure to marry her contrary to the promise as well as the cruelty meted out to her, Varun was charged by the Central Crime Branch under various sections. However, the judge on holding that it is manifestly clear that none of the offences for which the petitioners have been charged with, has been clearly made out, said, “As pointed out in the enquiry report, there could have been other reasons for the break. By permitting to proceed with the criminal trial, it would only aggravate the ill feelings among the parties.”