#Quashment of Proceedings

The Kerala High Court quashed corruption proceedings against a contractor, holding that absence of administrative sanction and changes in market rates alone cannot prove dishonest intent under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This clarifies that prosecutorial reliance on procedural lapses without evidence of mala fide at the time of agreement violates the core requirement of mens rea under Section 13(1)(d)(ii), protecting contractors from speculative charges.

Madhya Pradesh High Court rules that once a chargesheet is filed based on prima facie evidence, criminal proceedings cannot be quashed under BNSS Section 528, reinforcing judicial restraint at the pre-trial stage. The decision underscores that disputed facts must be adjudicated during trial, not via inherent powers.

Gauhati High Court rules that once a cheque is issued under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, the presumption of liability arises, shifting the burden of proof to the accused. The court held that absence of debt must be proven at trial, not during pre-trial quashment proceedings, reinforcing the strict interpretation of cheque dishonour cases.

Bombay High Court quashes criminal proceedings arising from matrimonial disputes after parties execute a valid compromise, affirming judicial recognition of settlement in personal law matters.