In Brief
In this criminal appeal, the Supreme Court examined whether the High Court erred in dismissing an application to quash criminal proceedings under Section 482 Cr.P.C. The appellants were accused of rape and assault following allegations by a complainant with whom they had financial disputes. The investigating officer found no evidence supporting the allegations and submitted a final report recommending closure. Witnesses living in the same house denied any such incident occurred. The Court held that the proceeding was manifestly attended with mala fide, filed as retaliation in a financial dispute, and constituted abuse of process. Applying Category 7 jurisprudence from State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, the Court allowed the appeal and quashed all proceedings.
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