CRLMC/2512/2026 of RINKI PANGI Vs STATE OF ODISHA on 18 August 2026

ORDER

18.08.2026 Order No.

01.

1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Mode.

2. Mr.Deepak Kumar Panda, learned counsel enters appearance on behalf of the accused-Opposite Party No.2 by filing a vakalatnama in Court today and the same be kept on record.

3. Heard learned counsel or the Petitioner-victim as well as learned counsel appearing for the accused-Opposite Party No.2 and learned counsel for the State-Opposite Party No.1. Perused the CRLMC application as well as the prayer made therein.

4. The present application has been filed by the Informant- Petitioner (who is the victim), under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C., which corresponds to Section 528 of the BNSS, with a prayer for quashing of the FIR, as well as corresponding criminal proceeding pending against the Opposite Party No.2. Learned counsel for the Petitioner submitted that the Petitioner, as informant, lodged the FIR at Sunabeda P.S., which was registered as P.S. Case No.212, dated 27.11.2024, for alleged commission of an offence punishable under Sections 85, 115(2), 296, 351(2) of the BNSS and the same corresponds to G.R. Case No.273 of 2024 pending in the file learned J.M.F.C., Semiliguda.

5. As per the FIR allegation, which was lodged by the Petitioner-informant, the informant was allegedly tortured by her husband-Opposite Party No.2 and in-laws family members. Accordingly, she has lodged the FIR before the Semiliguda Police Station. The local police took up the investigation and finally filed a charge sheet. Basing upon the charge sheet, the learned trial court has already taken cognizance of the offence vide order dated 13.12.2024 in G.R. Case No.273 of 2024.

6. While this was the position, learned J.M.F.C., Semiliguda referred the matter to the District Mediation Centre, Jeypore vide letter dated 28.02.2026 for amicable settlement of the dispute between the parties. The learned Mediator has submitted a report dated 08.05.2026. A copy of the mediation report has been filed along with the present application marked as Annexure-3.

7. Referring to the aforesaid mediation report, learned counsel for the Petitioner contended that the matter has been amicably settled and that the Petitioner and Opposite Party No.2 have decided to stay together along with their daughter and lead a happy conjugal life. It has also been categorically pointed out that they both have signed and agreed to the terms and conditions before the learned Mediator. On the basis of the aforesaid amicable settlement of the dispute through mediation, the parties have approached this Court by filing the present application under Section 528 of the BNSS for quashing of the entire criminal proceeding.

8. Learned counsel for the Informant-Petitioner, at the outset contended that she has no further grievance against the Opposite Party No.2 and, in view of the abovementioned settlement, both the Opposite Party No.2 and the Petitioner have decided to stay together as husband and wife along with their daughter and to lead a happy and peaceful conjugal life. On such ground, learned counsel for the Petitioner contended that the entire proceeding be quashed.

9. Learned counsel appearing for Opposite Party No.2-husband, on the other hand supported the submissions made by the learned counsel for the Petitioner. He further contended that in view of the settlement arrived at before the learned mediator, the Opposite Party No.2 is ready and willing to live with the Petitioner and lead a happy conjugal life along with his daughter. In such view of the matter, learned counsel for the Opposite Party No.2 urged before this Court that the entire proceeding be quashed to secure the ends of justice.

10. Learned counsel for the State, on the other hand, contended that since the dispute has been amicably resolved and the parties have decided to stay together, she will have no objection in the event this Court passes any order in the larger interests of justice.

11. Having regard to the submissions made by learned counsels for the parties, on a careful examination of the background facts, as well as the fact that the matter has been amicably settled through mediation, and on a perusal of the mediation report dated 08.05.2026 at Annexure-3, which has been countersigned by both the Petitioner as well as Opposite Party No.2 and further taking note of the statement made by the counsel for the Petitioner as well as Opposite Party No.2, this Court is of the view that the dispute between the Petitioner and the Opposite Party No.2 has been amicably settled and that they have decided to reside together as husband and wife, along with their daughter, and to lead a happy and peaceful conjugal life. Thus, in the aforesaid factual background, the further continuance of the present proceeding would be an abuse of the process of law. In the aforesaid factual backdrop, this Court is of the view that the present case is a fit case where this Court should exercise its inherent power to prevent abuse of process of law. Accordingly, the criminal proceeding in Sunabeda P.S. Case No.212, dated 27.11.2024, which corresponds to G.R. Case No.273 of 2024 pending in the file learned J.M.F.C., Semiliguda is hereby quashed.

12. With the aforesaid observations/ directions, the CRLMC application stands allowed.

( A.K. Mohapatra )

Judge

Anil

Digitally Signed Signed by: ANIL KUMAR SAHOO Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa Date: 19-Aug-2026 19:39:13 Signature Not Verified