In Brief
Appellants entered into property sale agreements with respondent, paid consideration by cheques, but disputes arose over registration of sale deeds. While specific performance suits were pending in civil court (with respondent having filed written statements), respondent filed criminal complaints for cheating and forgery after 1.5 years of filing the written statement. The Court held that applications under Section 156(3) Cr.P.C. must be supported by a duly sworn affidavit, which was absent here. The Court found the complaint was filed with ulterior motive to harass and constituted abuse of process. The appeals were allowed, the High Court's orders were set aside, and four FIRs were quashed.
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