#civil dispute vs criminal offence

Kerala High Court holds that disputes arising from failed business agreements, such as non-transfer of petrol pump ownership after advance payment, are civil in nature unless fraudulent intent is established. The Court granted pre-arrest bail, emphasizing that custodial interrogation is unnecessary where the allegations lack criminal mens rea, reinforcing the principle that civil debts cannot be weaponized into criminal offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Jharkhand High Court quashes SC/ST Act proceedings where assault arose from land dispute, not caste identity, clarifying that mere abuse does not trigger the Act without caste-based intent.