#acquittal of co-accused

Kerala High Court quashes forest offence proceedings against an accused after co-accused were acquitted due to inadmissible confession statements, reinforcing that the substratum of the prosecution case collapses when key accused are exonerated. The ruling underscores the mandatory application of the 'substratum lost' principle in split trials, preventing prolonged harassment of remaining accused.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court held that continuing trial against a petitioner after the acquittal of a co-accused in dowry-related offences (Section 498A IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act) amounts to an abuse of process. The ruling reinforces that quashing is necessary where evidence is insufficient to sustain charges, protecting accused from prolonged harassment.