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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court recently quashed an FIR against a 20-year-old student who was charged with allegedly damaging POP idols and killing a stray dog while rashly driving his car.

A division bench of the high court, consisting of Justice Anuja Prabhudesai and Justice NR Borkar, on January 16, quashed the FIR against the 20-year-old. He was booked under Sections 279, 336, and 427 of the IPC and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The engineering student approached the Bombay High Court in January 2023 to seek the quashing of the FIR filed against him after an amicable resolution was reached with the owner of the PoP idols.

The court was informed that the student had paid Rs. 200,000 to the owner for the damage caused to the property.

The owner of the PoP idols expressed no objection to quashing the FIR against the student.

Additionally, the high court was informed that the student had donated Rs. 5000 towards the welfare of stray dogs.

In its order, the high court noted that continuing criminal proceedings against the student could adversely affect his career and prospects.

“In our considered view the settlement is genuine and voluntary. The Petitioner herein is a young boy of 20 years of age. He is a student of third year engineering and has a good academic record. Continuance of criminal proceedings can mar his career and future prospect,” the order reads.

Therefore, while exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution the high court quashed the FIR against the student.

Case title: Daxay Sachin Sanghavi vs State of Maharashtra & Ors