Kerala High Court Quashes Criminal Case Against State President Of Muslim Students Federation For 'Insulting Women'
Tellmy Jolly
7 Oct 2024 6:45 PM IST
The Kerala High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) State President, Navas P K for allegedly making derogatory remarks against former leaders of Haritha which is the girl's wing of the MSF.
The crime was registered for offences punishable under Sections 354A(i), (iv) (sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture, act, intended to insult women's modesty) of the Indian Penal Code.
Justice A. Badharudeen quashed the FIR, Final Report and further proceedings against Navas pending before the Judicial First Class Magistrate -IV of Kozhikode.
"Since the matter has been amicably settled between the parties, there is no reason to disallow the prayer for quashment so as to facilitate peaceful living of the parties hereinafter and to protect their political career. Therefore, in the interest of justice, I am inclined to allow this petition."
The allegation was that Navas, who is the President of MSF which is the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) used derogatory words against certain former women leaders of Haritha during the State Committee meeting of MSF held in June 2021. The crime against Navas was registered at Velayil Police Station in Kozhikode based on a complaint by a former general secretary of Haritha.
Navas submitted before the High Court that both he and the de facto complainant belong to the same party- MSF, and they have amicably settled the dispute in mediation. He submitted that the de facto complainant has produced an affidavit before the Court stating that she does not intend to pursue further proceedings against him and that they have settled the dispute.
Case Number: Crl.MC 4006/ 2024
Case Title: Navas P K v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 Live Law (Ker) 621
