Shillong, March 16: The Meghalaya High Court has quashed a criminal case registered at the Mawkyrwat Women Police Station after noting that the parties involved had amicably settled their dispute. The order was passed by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere on March 16, 2026.
The case arose from a petition filed by Bimlan Sohshang seeking the quashing of an FIR registered as P.S. Case No. 13(08) 2021 at the Mawkyrwat Women Police Station in South West Khasi Hills district. The FIR had alleged offences under Sections 307, 326, 354, 511 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
Counsel for the petitioner argued before the court that the allegations in the FIR and the charge-sheet did not disclose offences under Sections 307 or 326 of the IPC and therefore there was no legal impediment to quashing the case.
During the hearing, counsel representing the complainant submitted an affidavit dated March 5, 2026, stating that the dispute between the petitioner and the complainant had been amicably resolved. The complainant also expressed no objection to the quashing of the FIR and the proceedings arising from it.
According to the complaint, the woman had begun living with the petitioner after the death of her husband in August 2020. However, tensions arose due to objections from family members. The complaint further alleged that during an incident in August 2021 near Kyntai Iai ground, the petitioner threatened her with a knife and dragged her into a nearby forest following a dispute.
Medical examination conducted at the Community Health Centre in Mawkyrwat indicated minor scratch wounds and bruises but no serious injuries.
The High Court noted that although cases under Section 307 IPC generally cannot be quashed even with the consent of the parties, the Supreme Court has clarified that quashing may be permitted if the allegations do not actually disclose an offence under that section.
After examining the facts and the medical evidence, the court observed that neither Section 307 nor Section 326 IPC was made out in the case. Therefore, considering the settlement between the parties, the court allowed the petition.
The court ordered the quashing of the FIR registered at Mawkyrwat Women Police Station and also set aside Sessions Case No. 5 of 2022 pending before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mawkyrwat.
However, the order was made subject to the petitioner depositing ₹25,000 directly into the complainant’s bank account within four weeks. The matter has been listed for April 14, 2026, to record compliance of the payment.
