Shillong, April 19: The High Court of Meghalaya has quashed a criminal case involving charges of assault and kidnapping against eight individuals after the complainant informed the court that the dispute had been settled amicably and that he had no objection to the proceedings being closed.
The petition, registered as Crl.Petn. No. 15 of 2026, was filed by Fordwardman Nongrem and seven others, who had been booked under Sections 324, 367 and 506 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The case arose from an incident on August 10, 2020, when the complainant, Pynshngain Wanniang, alleged that a group of 25 to 30 members of the Khasi Students’ Union had entered his residence, taken him to their office in Mawkyrwat, assaulted him, and later sent him home. He was subsequently taken to hospital by his mother.
Following investigation, a chargesheet was filed and the matter remained pending before the Sessions Judge, Mawkyrwat, as Session Case No. 14 of 2025. The parties later entered into a Compromise Deed dated March 13, 2026, facilitated by family members and well-wishers. The complainant also submitted an affidavit on April 15, 2026, and appeared in person before the court, reiterating his consent to quash the case.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere observed that the material on record did not establish an offence under Section 367 of the IPC, which relates to kidnapping with intent to cause grievous harm. The court further noted that the medical report confirmed the injuries sustained were simple in nature.
In view of the settlement and the facts of the case, the court set aside both the FIR and the ongoing sessions case. It directed the eight petitioners to pay a total compensation of Rs 10,000 to the complainant within two weeks. The matter has been listed for compliance on May 13, 2026.
