Maruthu Malar Mannan v. State Of Tamilnadu Rep By Inspector Of Police, Kalaiyarkoil
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.02.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Crl.O.P.(MD)No.2906 of 2026 1.Maruthu Malar Mannan 2.Ramar ... Petitioners/Accused No. 1 & 2 Vs.
1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by the Inspector of Police, Kalayarkovil Police Station, Sivagangai District.
(In Crime No.512 of 2025) ... Respondent/Complainant
2. Balu ... Respondent/ Defacto Complainant PRAYER : Petition filed under Section 528 of BNSS, 2023 to call for the records pertaining to the proceedings in Crime No.512 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police and quash the same.
For Petitioners : Mr. R.Balamuruganantham For Respondents : Mr. S.Ravi (R1) Additional Public Prosecutor Mr. M.Thanabalan (R2) 1/7
ORDER
This Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 482 CrPC / Section 528 BNSS, seeking to quash the FIR in Crime No.512 of 2025 on the file of the 1st respondent.
2. The gist of the allegations in the FIR is that the complainant is working as supplier in wine shop at Paramakudi Main Road. On 05.10.2025, at about 01.45 p.m, the petitioners are said to have shouted in filthy language while consuming alcohol. When the same was questioned by the complainant, they abused the complainant and also tried to attack him with beer bottle. Pursuant to the complaint given by the defacto complainant / second respondent, a case in Crime No.512 of 2025 was registered on the file of the first respondent against the petitioners for the offences under Sections 296(b), 115(2), 133, and 351(3) of BNS, 2023. Seeking quashment of the FIR, this Criminal Original Petition is filed.
3.
Admittedly, the petitioners and the second respondent have now resolved the dispute amicably. A Joint Compromise Memo dated 20.02.2026 has been filed before this Court.
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4.
The petitioners and the second respondent / defacto complainant are present before this Court in person and are identified by Mr.Alagu Boopathi, Special Sub-Inspector of Police, Kalayarkovil Police Station, Sivagangai District. The defacto complainant has categorically stated that he does not wish to pursue the proceedings against the petitioners herein. This Court is satisfied that the compromise is voluntary and not the result of any coercion or undue influence.
5.
The law relating to quashment of criminal proceedings on the basis of compromise between the parties is well settled. In Gian Singh v. State of Punjab1, the Hon'ble Supreme Court authoritatively held that the inherent power of the High Court under Section 482 CrPC is of wide amplitude and may be exercised to quash criminal proceedings even in respect of noncompoundable offences, provided the dispute is essentially private in nature and the quashment would secure the ends of justice. The Court, however, drew a clear distinction between offences arising out of personal or matrimonial disputes, commercial transactions and similar private wrongs, and serious or heinous offences having grave impact on society, holding that the latter category cannot ordinarily be quashed merely on the basis of a settlement. 2012 (10) SCC 303 3/7
6.
The said principles were succinctly crystallised in Parbatbhai Aahir v. State of Gujarat2, wherein the Supreme Court, after surveying the earlier precedents, laid down broad propositions governing the exercise of inherent jurisdiction on the basis of compromise. It was emphasised that the paramount consideration is whether the continuance of the criminal proceedings would be unfair or contrary to the interests of justice, and whether the dispute predominantly bears a civil or private character, rendering the possibility of conviction remote and bleak.
7.
In State of Madhya Pradesh v. Laxmi Narayan3, the Supreme Court reiterated and clarified the limitations on such power, holding that offences of a serious nature, particularly those involving mental depravity, grave violence, or offences against society at large, cannot be quashed on the basis of compromise, even if the parties have amicably settled the dispute. The Court further cautioned that while examining compromise quash petitions, the High Court must consider the nature and gravity of the offence, the conduct of the accused, and the stage of the proceedings, and the overall impact on society and must satisfy itself that the settlement is voluntary and not the result of coercion or undue influence.
2017 (9) SCC 641 2019 (5) SCC 688 4/7
8.
Applying the aforesaid principles to the facts of the present case, this Court has carefully examined the nature and gravity of the allegations, the relationship between the parties, the conduct of the petitioners, the stage of the proceedings, and the voluntary nature of the compromise. 9.
The dispute in question is predominantly private in character and does not involve any offence having serious or grave impact on society at large. In view of the compromise arrived at between the parties, the possibility of conviction is rendered remote and bleak. Continuation of the criminal proceedings would therefore serve no useful purpose and would amount to an abuse of the process of Court.
10.
Accordingly, the impugned FIR in Crime No.512 of 2025 on the file of the first respondent is quashed and the Criminal Original Petition stands allowed. Each of the petitioners shall pay a sum of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand only) for establishing an E-Library to the credit of the MBHAA, in Indian Bank, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Branch, Account No. 496038755 IFSC No.IDIB000H040, MICR Code: 625019020, on or before 20.02.2026. The joint compromise memo dated 15.04.2026 shall form part and parcel of this order.
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11.
The petitioners are directed to file a memo along with the photocopy of the receipt before the Registry on or before 15.04.2026. List the matter on 16.04.2026, for reporting compliance. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
20.02.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No dss TO:-
1. The Inspector of Police, Kalayarkovil Police Station, Sivagangai District.
2. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.
dss Order made in Crl.O.P.(MD)No.2906 of 2026 Dated 20.02.2026 7/7