By Shazia Siddiqui

In a recent legal case before the Supreme Court, a man from Telangana, previously convicted of stalking and criminal intimidation, saw his conviction overturned. The case originated in a special fast track court in Suryapet, where the man was found guilty under Sections 354D and 506-Part I of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite being acquitted of certain charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act), he received a two-year rigorous imprisonment for stalking and six months for criminal intimidation.

Upon appeal, the Telangana High Court upheld the conviction but reduced the sentence to three months for both offences. However, amidst the legal proceedings, a significant development emerged – the revelation that the accused and the complainant had entered into matrimony. This revelation reshaped the narrative of the case, introducing a new dimension that would heavily influence the Supreme Court’s ultimate decision.

The legal landscape shifted dramatically with this disclosure of marriage between the accused and the complainant. This revelation fundamentally altered the dynamics of the case, as it signaled a profound change in the relationship between the two parties involved. It raised pertinent questions about the context in which the alleged offences occurred and the implications of this newly formed marital bond on the legal proceedings.

In light of this crucial development, the Supreme Court found itself grappling with the intricacies of the case. The Court recognized the deeply personal nature of the offences of stalking and criminal intimidation, which inherently revolved around the relationship between the complainant and the accused. Moreover, the Court acknowledged the transformative impact of marriage on the dynamics between the parties, which demanded a reevaluation of the case’s merits.

The Court, in its deliberations, weighed the implications of upholding the conviction against the backdrop of this newfound marital relationship. It became apparent to the Court that affirming the conviction and subsequent imprisonment of the accused would not only disrupt his personal life but also jeopardize the matrimonial bond between the accused and the complainant.

Therefore, invoking its discretionary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court made the decision to quash the conviction of the accused. This decision was guided by the Court’s recognition of the evolving circumstances and its commitment to ensuring justice that is both fair and equitable.

The significance of the marital relationship between the parties was underscored in the judgment, emphasizing the need to consider this relationship as a crucial factor in assessing the alleged offences. This highlights the nuanced approach required in such cases.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling exemplifies the complexities inherent in legal proceedings and the evolving nature of relationships that can profoundly impact the course of justice. The decision to quash the conviction reflects the Court’s recognition of the transformative impact of marriage on the dynamics of the case and its commitment to ensuring a just and equitable outcome.

Case Title: Dasari Srikanth vs. State of Telangana

Citation: SLP (Crl) No.-002122/2024

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