SANJEEVAN Vs. PRAVEENA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner faces prosecution for having committed offence punishable under section 419 of the Indian Penal Code. He has invoked the powers of this Court under section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short "the Code") to quash the proceedings.

(2.) The 1st respondent, a divorcee, was working as a typist in the Police Department. She placed an advertisement in the Mathrubhumi daily inviting marriage proposals. The petitioner responded to the advertisement by calling her over the phone. Thereafter the petitioner met the de facto complainant once at Kannur. They decided to go forward with the proposal. The petitioner is alleged to have gone to the official quarters of the de facto complainant at Kasargod and had a conversation with the mother of the complainant as well. Thereafter the petitioner was asked to come to Wayanad to interact with her family members. However, nothing was heard from the petitioner thereafter. A detailed inquiry was conducted by the de facto complainant which revealed that the petitioner was married and was the father of two children. She asserts that except for having a discussion, the parties did not go forward with the proposal. Stating these allegations a complaint was submitted before the Police based on which the crime was registered and final report was laid after investigation.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned public prosecutor. Though notice was served on the 1st respondent, she has not cared to appear and contest the matter.