DBSL v. State of Himachal Pradesh
In the Court of Himachal Pradesh
CRMMO 247/2017
Before Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol
Decided on July 21, 2017

Relevancy of the case: Petition to quash the FIR in a case involving sending abusive messages and inappropriate pictures through social media platforms

Statutes and Provisions Involved

• The Information Technology Act, 2000 (Section 66D, 67)
• The Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Section 469, 504, 506)
• The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 320, 482)

Relevant Facts of the Case

• The petitioner allegedly harassed the respondent’s sister and parents by sending abusive messages and inappropriate pictures through social networking sites from his own account as well as fake accounts.
• The petitioner used to add random people to his fake account and send pictures.

Opinion of the Bench

• The court analysed the applicability of Sections 482 and 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
• The bench noted that the parties have reached a settlement. Hence, the quashing of FIR would secure the ends of justice and prevent the abuse of process of the court.

Final Decision

• The court allowed the petition and quashed the FIR.

Nandini Gadgil, an undergraduate student at DES Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College, Pune, prepared this case summary during her internship with The Cyber Blog India in January/February 2021.