{"id":348573,"date":"2025-05-22T17:30:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T12:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=348573"},"modified":"2025-05-22T17:29:33","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T11:59:33","slug":"high-courts-inherent-jurisdiction-section-482-crpc-quash-proceedings-section-12-dv-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2025\/05\/22\/high-courts-inherent-jurisdiction-section-482-crpc-quash-proceedings-section-12-dv-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Supreme Court | High Courts can quash proceedings under Section 12 of DV Act pending before Magistrate"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Supreme Court:<\/span> In two connected criminal appeals challenging the common order passed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court which rejected the appellants&#8217; prayer to quash proceedings initiated under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005<\/a> (&#8216;DV Act&#8217;), the Division Bench of <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Abhay S. Oka*<\/span> and Ujjal Bhuyan, JJ., held that High Courts were empowered to exercise their inherent jurisdiction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC)<\/a> or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804270\" target=\"_blank\">528<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023<\/a> (BNSS) to quash proceedings arising from applications filed under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act, 2005<\/a>, pending before the Court of the Magistrate.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">However, the Court cautioned that, considering the beneficial object and purpose of the DV Act, High Courts must exercise such jurisdiction with great caution and circumspection. It reiterated that interference under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> would be warranted only in cases of gross illegality or manifest injustice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Accordingly, the Court quashed the impugned order passed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court and restored the petitions to the file of the High Court. The Court directed that the restored petitions be heard afresh and disposed of by the High Court in accordance with the principles laid down in the present judgment.<\/p>\n<h3>Issue<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Whether the High Court can invoke its inherent jurisdiction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> (or Section 528 BNSS) to quash proceedings initiated under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005<\/a> (&#8216;DV Act, 2005&#8217;).<\/p>\n<h3>Analysis and Decision<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court took note of the provisions of the DV Act and observed that the enactment was intended to provide more effective protection to the rights of women guaranteed under the Constitution, particularly those who were victims of violence occurring within the domestic sphere.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court noted that Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> enabled an aggrieved person, a Protection Officer, or any other person on behalf of the aggrieved person to make an application to the Magistrate seeking one or more of the reliefs provided under Chapter IV of the Act.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court further noted that, as evident from the scheme of the DV Act and particularly Section 12, an application made under the said provision was not to be treated as a complaint under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519450\" target=\"_blank\">200<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001803932\" target=\"_blank\">223<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>. It held that, while dealing with a complaint under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519450\" target=\"_blank\">200<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a>, a Magistrate could not mechanically take cognizance of the offences alleged therein. The Magistrate was required to examine the complainant and any witnesses to ascertain the truth of the allegations. Only upon satisfaction that a prima facie case existed against the accused, could the Magistrate issue process and take cognizance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">This requirement, the Court observed, also applied to complaints under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001803932\" target=\"_blank\">223<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>. However, Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001803932\" target=\"_blank\">223(2)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a> introduced an additional safeguard by mandating that no cognizance of an offence could be taken by the Magistrate without first affording the accused an opportunity of being heard.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">In view of these provisions, the Court reiterated that an application filed under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> could not be equated with a complaint within the meaning of Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519450\" target=\"_blank\">200<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001803932\" target=\"_blank\">223<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>. As provided under Sub-section (4) of Section 12, read with Sub-section (1) of Section 13, the normal procedural rule required the issuance of a notice of hearing on such an application. Therefore, the statutory scheme under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> was held to be entirely distinct from that under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519450\" target=\"_blank\">200<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001803932\" target=\"_blank\">223<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court highlighted that, while it was true that the proceedings of an application under Sections <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560350\" target=\"_blank\">23<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> were generally governed by the provisions of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a>, Sub-section (2) of Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560355\" target=\"_blank\">28<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> conferred an overriding power upon the Court to lay down its own procedure for the disposal of an application either under Section 12 or under Sub-section (2) of Section 23.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court, while examining the issue of jurisdiction to entertain applications under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, took note of Section 27 of the Act. It observed that the Court of the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class or the Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, had the jurisdiction to entertain such applications. This position was evident from a reading of Sections 12 and 27, when read together with clause (i) of Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560346\" target=\"_blank\">2<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court further noted the existence of Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560353\" target=\"_blank\">26<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, which dealt with the power of other Courts, apart from those mentioned in Section 27, to grant reliefs under the Act. It held that, in an appropriate case, where legal proceedings were already pending before a Civil Court or Family Court affecting the aggrieved person, reliefs under Sections <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560344\" target=\"_blank\">18<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560349\" target=\"_blank\">22<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> could be sought therein. Similarly, it was permissible to seek such reliefs before a Criminal Court, other than the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class or Metropolitan Magistrate, for instance, in proceedings pending before a Court of Session provided that the proceedings affected the aggrieved person.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">However, the Court clarified that Section 26 did not confer jurisdiction on such other Courts to entertain an application under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>. It merely enabled those Courts to grant reliefs under Sections 18 to 22, if the reliefs were sought in pending proceedings affecting the aggrieved person.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court emphasised that, <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">&#8220;notwithstanding the penal provisions contained in Sections <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560359\" target=\"_blank\">31<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560361\" target=\"_blank\">33<\/a> of Chapter V of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, the proceedings before the Magistrate under the DV Act were predominantly of a civil nature&#8221;<\/span>.<br \/>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Power of the High Court under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> and Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804270\" target=\"_blank\">528<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a> to quash proceedings under the D.V Act,2005.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court stated that, under the scheme of the DV Act, the reliefs provided under Sections 18 to 23 could be granted on the basis of an application made by an aggrieved person, a Protection Officer, or any other person on behalf of the aggrieved person, in accordance with Sub-section (1) of Section 12.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Accordingly, the Court observed that, when the question of quashing proceedings under the DV Act pending before the Magistrate arose, it was essentially a question of quashing an application filed under Section 12(1) of the Act.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court clarified that it was examining the issue of the jurisdiction of the High Court under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804270\" target=\"_blank\">528<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>, specifically in the context of quashing proceedings initiated based on an application made under Section 12(1). It reiterated its earlier holding that an application under Section 12(1) was entirely distinct from a complaint under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519450\" target=\"_blank\">200<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001803932\" target=\"_blank\">223<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court observed that the word &#8216;Court&#8217; referred to in Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> clearly referred to a Criminal Court within the meaning of Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519810\" target=\"_blank\">6<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a>, which included a Court of a Judicial Magistrate or a Metropolitan Magistrate.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court further explained that Section 482 comprised two parts, both of which preserved the inherent powers of the High Court. The first part applied where the High Court exercised its inherent power to make such orders as might be necessary to give effect to any order passed under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a>. However, the Court noted that when a notice was issued on an application under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act, 2005<\/a>, the Magistrate did not pass any order under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a>. Similarly, when orders granting relief under Sections <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560344\" target=\"_blank\">18<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560350\" target=\"_blank\">23<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> were passed, they were also not orders under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a>. Therefore, the Court held that the first part of Section 482 was not applicable to proceedings under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Turning to the second part of Section 482, the Court noted that it preserved the inherent power of the High Court to prevent the abuse of the process of any Court or to secure the ends of justice. Consequently, in appropriate cases where a Magistrate was dealing with an application under Section 12(1), the High Court could invoke its inherent power under the second part of Section 482 to prevent abuse of process or to secure justice. The Court therefore concluded that the High Court could exercise jurisdiction under Section 482 to quash proceedings arising from an application under Section 12(1), or orders passed under Sections <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560344\" target=\"_blank\">18<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560350\" target=\"_blank\">23<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court then addressed the scope of interference under Section 482 in matters arising under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>. It emphasised the need to distinguish between proceedings initiated based on an application under Section 12(1), which were predominantly of a civil nature, and proceedings initiated before a Criminal Court for the prosecution of an offence.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court observed that setting criminal law in motion carried serious consequences, particularly in relation to an individual&#8217;s personal liberty, as a person against whom criminal law was invoked could be subjected to arrest and imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court clarified that, if a complaint or application was entertained under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, the respondent could not be punished in the manner prescribed under criminal law. Instead, the respondent could be subjected to various civil reliefs as provided under Sections 18 to 23 of the Act. The Court further said that a respondent in such an application could be prosecuted and face criminal consequences only if he committed a breach of a protection order or an interim protection order, as provided under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560359\" target=\"_blank\">31<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>. Therefore, the consequences of entertaining an application under Section 12(1) were not as drastic as those resulting from the initiation of formal criminal proceedings. While acknowledging that the orders passed under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> could also be significant or stringent, the Court emphasised that, in proceedings under Section 12(1), a respondent could not be sentenced to imprisonment or fined in the same manner as in a criminal trial.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court highlighted that, when it came to the exercise of power under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> in relation to an application filed under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, the High Court was required to bear in mind that the DV Act was a welfare legislation, specially enacted to provide justice to women suffering from domestic violence and to prevent acts of such violence.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court held that, while exercising jurisdiction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> for quashing proceedings initiated under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, the High Court should act with great caution and be slow and circumspect. Interference under Section 482 could only be justified in cases of gross illegality or manifest abuse of the process of law. As a general rule, the High Court ought to adopt a hands-off approach when dealing with petitions seeking quashing of applications filed under Section 12(1).<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court further cautioned that, unless the High Courts exercised restraint in invoking their inherent powers under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> in such matters, the very object and purpose of enacting the DV Act would stand defeated.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Additionally, the Court noted that, against any order passed by the learned Magistrate under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, an appeal was specifically provided under Section 29 to the Court of Session. In contrast, it pointed out that, generally, no appeal lies against an order taking cognizance of an offence or issuing process. This distinction, the Court held, was another reason why the High Court should exercise caution when invoking its inherent jurisdiction to quash proceedings under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court noted that there were decisions of various High Courts which had taken the view that the jurisdiction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> was not available for quashing proceedings arising from an application filed under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>. These decisions were primarily based on the premise that the proceedings under Section 12(1) were predominantly of a civil nature. However, the Court held that such a view was not correct, for the reasons already set out earlier in the judgment. It emphasised that the availability of Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> could not be excluded merely on the ground that the nature of the proceedings was civil, particularly when the statutory framework of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> provided for intervention by Criminal Courts and the reliefs sought could have significant consequences.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">To conclude, the Court held that the view taken in the impugned order of the High Court, that a petition under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> challenging proceedings emanating from an application under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a> was not maintainable&#8212;was not the correct view.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court affirmed that High Courts were empowered to exercise their inherent jurisdiction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519791\" target=\"_blank\">482<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\">CrPC<\/a> (or Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804270\" target=\"_blank\">528<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-9001804327\" target=\"_blank\">BNSS<\/a>) to quash proceedings arising from applications filed under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001560338\" target=\"_blank\">12(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act, 2005<\/a>, pending before the Court of the Magistrate. However, the Court cautioned that, in light of the beneficial object and purpose of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002829238\" target=\"_blank\">DV Act<\/a>, High Courts must exercise such power with great caution and circumspection. It reiterated that interference under Section 482 would be warranted only in cases of gross illegality or manifest injustice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Accordingly, the Court quashed the impugned order passed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court and restored the said petitions to the file of the High Court. The Court directed that the restored petitions be heard afresh and disposed of by the High Court in accordance with the principles laid down in the present judgment.<\/p>\n<p><!--\n\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">[<span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #632423;\">Shaurabh Kumar Tripathi v. Vidhi Rawal, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink\/wW2b3rTC\" target=\"_blank\">2025 SCC OnLine SC 1158<\/a>, decided on 19-05-2025<\/span>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-indent: 18pt;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000080;\">*Judgment Authored by: Justice Abhay S. Oka<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<hr\/>\n\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 18pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">For Petitioner(s):<\/span> Mr. Vinay Navare, Sr. Adv. Mr. Kuldeep Rai, Adv. Ms. Nandini Rai, Adv. Mr. Aryan Dev Pandey, Adv. Mr. Mayur Narang, Adv. Mr. Km. Rimjhim Pandey, Adv. Mr. Alok Mishra, Adv. Mr. Ranjan Nikhil Dharnidhar, AOR<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 18pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">For Respondent(s)<\/span>: Mr. Anurag Tandon, AOR Mr. Pankaj Thakkar, Adv.<\/p>\n\n--><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-overflow: ellipsis; background-color: #92A8D1; text-align:justify; clear:both; text-size-adjust: auto; overflow: auto;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 18pt; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;\">CASE DETAILS<\/p>\n<table width=\"100%\" style=\"word-wrap: break-word; border-collapse:collapse; table-layout: fixed; margin-top: 10px;\">\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"41%\"\/>\n<col width=\"59%\"\/>\n<\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">Citation:<\/span><br \/> <span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-size: 10pt;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink\/wW2b3rTC\" target=\"_blank\">2025 SCC OnLine SC 1158<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">Appellants&#160;:<\/span><br \/> Shaurabh Kumar Tripathi<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">Respondents&#160;:<\/span><br \/> Vidhi Rawal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">\n<p style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">Advocates who appeared in this case<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">For Petitioner(s):<\/span><br \/> Mr. Vinay Navare, Sr. Adv. Mr. Kuldeep Rai, Adv. Ms. Nandini Rai, Adv. Mr. Aryan Dev Pandey, Adv. Mr. Mayur Narang, Adv. Mr. Km. Rimjhim Pandey, Adv. Mr. Alok Mishra, Adv. Mr. Ranjan Nikhil Dharnidhar, AOR<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">For Respondent(s):<\/span><br \/> Mr. Anurag Tandon, AOR Mr. Pankaj Thakkar, Adv.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"font-size: 12pt; margin-top: -20px; margin-left: 5px;\"><span style=\"color: #D4E4F7; font-weight: bold;\">CORAM&#160;:<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"banner\" style=\"overflow: hidden; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; padding-left: 3%;\">\n<div class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%; font-size: 9pt; text-align: center;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2022\/05\/25\/know-thy-judge-justice-abhay-oka-supreme-court-social-change-administrative-accountability-legal-knowledge-research-update-news\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" height=\"100px\" width=\"100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scobserver.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/25.-Oka-modified.png\" alt=\"Abhay S. Oka, J.\" style=\"border-radius: 50%; border:2px solid #FF5733; padding: 1px;\"><br \/><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Abhay S. Oka, J.<\/span><\/img><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%; font-size: 9pt; text-align: center;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" height=\"100px\" width=\"100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scobserver.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Bhuyan-modified.jpg\" alt=\"Ujjal Bhuyan, J.\" style=\"border-radius: 50%;\"><br \/><span style=\"color: black !important;\">Ujjal Bhuyan, J.<\/span><\/img><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"color: #000080;\">Buy Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1031\" target=\"_blank\">HERE<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1031\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Code of Criminal Procedure\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-294422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure.jpg 886w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-60x40.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-style: italic;\">&#8220;When it comes to exercise of power under Section 482 CrPC in relation to application under Section 12(1), the High Court has to keep in mind the fact that the DV Act, 2005 is a welfare legislation. Therefore, while exercising jurisdiction under Section 482 CrPC for quashing proceedings under Section 12(1), the High Court should be very slow and circumspect&#8221;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67512,"featured_media":348583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,9],"tags":[20531,35092,2538,60614,38183,13021,77387,5363],"class_list":["post-348573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-casebriefs","category-supremecourt","tag-high-courts","tag-inherent-jurisdiction","tag-Magistrate","tag-quash-proceedings","tag-section-12-dv-act","tag-section-482-crpc","tag-section-528-bnss","tag-supreme-court"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Supreme Court: High 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relatives having no \u2018domestic relationship\u2019 roped to cause harassment and build pressure on husband; Bombay High Court invokes S. 482 CrPC to quash DV proceedings","author":"Arunima","date":"August 11, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The power of the High Court under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code is of the widest amplitude, which can be exercised to secure ends of justice, unless barred by specific provision or by implication. Such power can be exercised to prevent unwanted harassment caused to a respondent with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Briefs&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"bombay high court","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bombay-high-court.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bombay-high-court.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bombay-high-court.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bombay-high-court.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":352674,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2025\/07\/07\/inherent-powers-dv-act-interim-order-kerala-high-court\/","url_meta":{"origin":348573,"position":1},"title":"No Scope for inherent powers to interfere with interim orders passed under DV Act without manifest illegality: Kerala High Court","author":"Apoorva","date":"July 7, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u201cAs far as the present case is concerned, the interim order passed by the Magistrate cannot be said to be gross illegality or irregularity. The petitioner could very well approach the same court seeking order, modifying or vacating the aforesaid order if there are sufficient reasons. That apart, appeal is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Briefs&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"inherent powers DV Act","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/inherent-powers-DV-Act.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/inherent-powers-DV-Act.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/inherent-powers-DV-Act.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/inherent-powers-DV-Act.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":337219,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2024\/12\/13\/kerala-hc-quashes-dv-case-mother-in-law-against-daughter-in-laws-parents-no-domestic-relationship\/","url_meta":{"origin":348573,"position":2},"title":"Kerala High Court quashes domestic violence case filed by mother-in-law against parents of daughter-in-law for lack of domestic relationship","author":"Editor","date":"December 13, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"\u201cWhen the proceedings under the DV Act are found to be an abuse of process of Court, in order to secure the ends of justice and to save the parties being put into a frivolous litigation, the High Court must exercise its power under Section 482 of CrPC or under\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Briefs&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Kerala High Court","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kerala-High-Court-1.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kerala-High-Court-1.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kerala-High-Court-1.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kerala-High-Court-1.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":244885,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2021\/03\/02\/criminal-proceedings-cannot-be-permitted-to-degenerate-into-weapon-of-harassment-hcs-must-quash-frivolous-firs-supreme-court\/","url_meta":{"origin":348573,"position":3},"title":"Criminal proceedings cannot be permitted to degenerate into weapon of harassment; HCs must quash frivolous FIRs: Supreme Court","author":"Prachi Bhardwaj","date":"March 2, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"\"Inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 Cr.P.C. and\/or under Article 226 of the Constitution is designed to achieve salutary purpose that criminal proceedings ought not to be permitted to degenerate into weapon of harassment.\"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Briefs&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/sc-3-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/sc-3-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/sc-3-3.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/sc-3-3.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/sc-3-3.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6357,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2014\/10\/01\/high-courts-to-exercise-inherent-power-under-s-482-crpc-with-caution-in-commercial-litigations-appearing-to-be-civil-in-nature\/","url_meta":{"origin":348573,"position":4},"title":"High Courts to exercise inherent power under S. 482 CrPC with caution in commercial litigations appearing to be civil in nature","author":"Sucheta","date":"October 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Supreme Court: In a significant decision regarding the issue of exercise of inherent power of the High Courts under Section 482 CrPC to quash criminal proceedings in matters related to commercial disputes where the cases appear to have predominant civil nature but on perusal of facts reveals an innate criminal\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Supreme Court&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Supreme Court","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/supremecourt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":278049,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2022\/11\/25\/madras-high-court-petition-under-section-482-crpc-challenging-a-proceeding-under-section-12-of-the-dv-act-is-not-maintainable-legal-research-legal-news-updates\/","url_meta":{"origin":348573,"position":5},"title":"Madras High Court| Petition under Section 482 CrPC challenging a proceeding under Section 12 of the D.V. Act is not maintainable","author":"Editor","date":"November 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Madras High Court: In 32 cases regarding domestic violence filed under Section 482 Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), the full bench of P.N. Prakash ,Teekaa Raman and A.D Jagadish Chandira, JJ. held a petition under Section 482 CrPC challenging a proceeding under Section 12 of the D.V. 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