DURGADAS DHANSING RATHOD Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These applications are filed for quashing of First Information Report Nos. 486 of 2022 and 487 of 2022, both dtd. 28/5/2022, registered at Police Station Arni, Distt. Yavatmal. Both the FIRs have been registered concerning the very same incident alleged to have taken place on 26/5/2022. The applicants before this Court are Advocates and members of the Bar at Arni, Distt. Yavatmal.

(2.) The genesis of the incident appears to be that some members of the Bar decided to organize a farewell function for a Magistrate, who was transferred. It appears that when junior members of the Bar took lead in organizing the farewell function, some senior members of the Bar, including applicant No.1 in Criminal Application (APL) No. 857 of 2022, who claims to be President of the Bar Association, took strong objection to the said function being organized. In the backdrop of the aforesaid differences of opinion amongst the members of the Bar, it is alleged that a scuffle took place, wherein certain persons were injured. It is also alleged that during the course of the incident a "tocha" was used to assault one of the victims and there is also reference to use of knife and sticks during the course of scuffle. It appears that although the incident is said to have taken place on 26/5/2022 in the evening, the FIRs came to be registered after about two days on 28/5/2022.

(3.) After registration of the FIRs, it appears that attempts were made to bring about conciliation and this resulted in the parties agreeing to withdraw allegations against each other, in the interest of harmony in the Bar.