In Brief
The appellant, accused no. 6 in a dowry and cruelty case, was prosecuted under the Dowry Prohibition Act, IPC sections covering cruelty, criminal intimidation, and criminal breach of trust. The High Court had dismissed his quash petition while allowing it for another accused (A-7) on identical grounds: non-residence at the joint family address and absence of specific allegations. The Supreme Court held that since the appellant stood on the same footing as the accused whose proceedings were quashed, and only bald allegations without specific overt acts existed against him, continuing prosecution amounted to abuse of process. The Court quashed the proceedings against the appellant under Section 482 Cr.P.C., relying on established principles.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.