Shillong, March 17: The High Court of Meghalaya on March 16 allowed a criminal petition filed by Bimlan Sohshang, quashing an FIR registered at Mawkyrwat Women Police Station after finding that the allegations were not supported by medical evidence.
The case, registered as PS Case No. 13(08) 2021, had invoked charges under Sections 307, 326, 354, 511 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder and grievous hurt.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere, who heard the matter, noted that both parties had amicably settled the dispute. The complainant, Dwip Lyngkhoi, submitted an affidavit stating she had no objection to quashing the FIR.
The case stemmed from a personal relationship between the two following the complainant’s husband’s death in August 2020. Family opposition to the relationship had led to a separation after a clan meeting.
According to the complaint, the accused had allegedly threatened her with a knife and caused injuries during an incident in August 2021. However, medical records from Mawkyrwat Community Health Centre did not corroborate the claims. The injury report showed no major injuries, while another certificate recorded only minor scratches and bruises, with no bleeding. The complainant was also found to have consumed alcohol at the time of examination.
The court referred to the Supreme Court judgment in Narinder Singh & Ors v. State of Punjab & Anr, which states that offences under Section 307 IPC are generally not quashed on the basis of settlement, but allows exceptions where the facts do not establish the offence.
Applying this principle, the court observed that no case under Section 307 or Section 326 IPC was made out and that, at most, a lesser offence could be considered.
The court subsequently quashed the FIR and the related Sessions Case No. 5 of 2022 pending before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mawkyrwat. As a condition, the petitioner was directed to deposit ₹25,000 into the complainant’s bank account within four weeks. The matter has been scheduled for April 14, 2026, to verify compliance.
