Summary of Judgment Madhukar & Ors. vs. The State of Maharashtra & Anr.

Related Law:

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Sections 120B, 420, 468, 471 – Criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery)

Citation: 2025 INSC 819
Case Title: Madhukar & Ors. vs. The State of Maharashtra & Anr.
Criminal Appeal No.: 2957 of 2025 (Arising from SLP(Crl.) No. 7212 of 2025)
Court: Supreme Court of India
Judges: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath & Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kumar
Date of Judgment: 14th July 2025

Background

1. Case Origin:
   Two FIRs were registered in November 2023 at Mehunbare Police Station, Jalgaon:
   FIR No. 302/2023: Against appellants (Madhukar & others) for assault (Sections 324, 452, 506 IPC) following a familial dispute.
   FIR No. 304/2023: Against Prabhakar (appellant in connected appeal) for rape, sexual harassment, and criminal intimidation (Sections 376, 354-A, 506 IPC).

2. High Court’s Order (07.03.2025):
   Dismissed petitions under Section 482 CrPC to quash proceedings, holding that offences under Section 376 IPC (rape) are non-compoundable and cannot be quashed based on settlement.

Issues Before the Supreme Court

1. Whether criminal proceedings involving non-compoundable offences (e.g., Section 376 IPC) can be quashed under Section 482 CrPC if parties have settled amicably.

2. Whether the complainant’s unequivocal withdrawal of allegations justifies quashing to secure "ends of justice."

Supreme Court’s Decision

1. Exceptional Circumstances Warrant Quashing:
   Contextual Facts: The second FIR (Section 376 IPC) appeared reactionary, filed immediately after the first FIR by the opposing side.
   Complainant’s Stance: The victim (now married) filed an affidavit stating:
   She no longer wished to pursue the case.
   The matter was resolved amicably with monetary compensation (₹5 lakhs).
   Continuation of proceedings would disrupt her marital life.

2. Legal Principle Applied:
   While Section 376 IPC is grave, the Court’s power under Section 482 CrPC ("to secure ends of justice") is flexible and depends on case-specific facts.
   Cited precedents where quashing was allowed in rare cases involving settled disputes and genuine victim consent.

3. Directions:
   Quashed both FIRs (Nos. 302/2023 and 304/2023) and all connected proceedings, including Sessions Case No. 29/2024.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court allowed the appeals, setting aside the High Court’s order and quashing the criminal proceedings.

• Key Takeaways:
  Non-compoundable offences may be quashed in exceptional cases where:
  The victim voluntarily withdraws allegations.
  Continuation would cause unnecessary hardship without serving justice.
  Courts must balance gravity of offence with practical realities of settled disputes.

Final Direction: All pending applications disposed of.