Renuka vs State of Karnataka 2025 INSC 596- S. 498A IPC - S. 482 CrPC - Inconsistent Decisions

Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 498A - Offences involving cruelty on wife would invariably arise out of matrimonial disputes. Accordingly, pendency of matrimonial proceeding between the parties cannot per se lead to an inference that institution of criminal proceeding alleging assault supported by medical evidence and independent witness is a product of malice and abuse of court. (Para 16)

Code of Criminal Procedure 1973- Section 482- High Court forbidden from embarking on a ‘mini trial’ in exercise of its inherent jurisdiction to quash proceeding. (Para 11). Whether the ocular evidence is fully incompatible with medical evidence is a matter of trial and cannot be a ground to terminate prosecution at the initial stage. (Para 13)

Judiciary - Consistency in judicial outcomes is the hallmark of a responsible judiciary. Inconsistent decisions coming out from different benches shake public trust and reduce litigation to a punter’s game. It gives rise to various insidious sharp practices like forum shopping spoiling the clear stream of justice. (Para 17)

Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 34, 149 - When multiple accused share common intention/common object to commit a crime, it is irrelevant to determine the exact role played by each of them in the assault. (Para 15)

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