DWDEEYA LAL Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is the sole accused in a prosecution under Sec.498A of the IPC pending before the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class-II, Kottarakkara, as C.C.No.1044/05. The said proceedings has been initiated on the basis of a complaint of the 2nd respondent - his wife that he was guilty of matrimonial cruelty against her.

(2.) The 2nd respondent/complainant has entered appearance through counsel. The learned counsel for the 2nd respondent as well as the learned Public Prosecutor submit that the matter has been settled between the parties and the petitioner and the 2nd respondent are residing together harmoniously now. In these circumstances, it is submitted that the continuance of the prosecution has become meaningless and an unnecessary irritant in their relationship. It is, in these circumstances, prayed that the prosecution against the petitioner may be quashed. The petitioner, the 2nd respondent and the learned Public Prosecutor all endorse the same request. The decision in B.S. Joshy v. State of Haryana (AIR 2003 SC 1386) clearly shows that even in cases where the offences are non-compoundable, the powers under Sec.482 of the Cr.P.C. can be invoked in an appropriate case to save the spouses of the unnecessary ordeal of continuing the prosecution. I am satisfied that this is a fit case where, in the interests of justice, the powers under Sec.482 of the Cr.P.C. can be invoked as requested commonly by all concerned.

(3.) In the result: