Justice M. Nagaprasanna Finds Prima Facie Ingredients of Instigation, Goading and Proximity
Sustained Pursuit, Coercion and Disruption of Matrimonial Prospects
The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash proceedings in a Suicide Abetment Stalking Case involving a 22-year-old nursing student. A 33-year-old married man allegedly stalked and intimidated her. He also allegedly interfered with her marriage proposals.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order on August 19, 2026. He rejected the petition filed by Naveen G.
The Court examined the allegations in the police chargesheet. It found a continuous pattern of alleged harassment against the victim.
According to the Court, the accused allegedly ignored her refusal and threatened her privacy. He also pursued her at her workplace.
Further, he allegedly interfered with her matrimonial prospects. The Court found that these allegations required examination during trial.
Allegations Against the Accused
According to the prosecution, the petitioner tried to force the nursing student into a romantic relationship. He allegedly followed her regularly to her workplace.
He also pressured her to travel with him on his motorcycle. However, she rejected his marriage proposals.
The accused then allegedly threatened to circulate private photographs of them.
The prosecution further alleged that he contacted her prospective marriage partners. He reportedly told them that he was already in a relationship with her.
The victim attempted suicide on July 5, 2025. Her family initially approached the police.
Later, they withdrew the grievance following intervention and assurances from the petitioner’s relatives.
However, the prosecution alleged that the harassment soon resumed. The victim died by suicide on July 29, 2025.
Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Police subsequently filed a chargesheet against the petitioner under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include Section 75 for sexual harassment and Section 78 for stalking. Police also invoked Section 108 for abetment of suicide.
Court Examines Ingredients of Suicide Abetment
The High Court examined the legal requirements under Section 108 of the BNS.
It identified direct or indirect instigation as an important element. Intentional goading also forms part of the legal test.
Additionally, courts must examine the proximity between the alleged harassment and the suicide.
The High Court found prima facie material relating to these elements. Therefore, it declined to terminate the prosecution at the preliminary stage.
The Bench also rejected the argument that the allegations reflected only personal relationship problems.
Instead, the Court noted the alleged coercion and invasion of privacy. It also considered the repeated interference with the victim’s future.
The Suicide Abetment Stalking Case will therefore require a full trial. The trial court can examine the evidence and determine the accused’s liability.
Accordingly, the High Court dismissed the petition seeking to quash the criminal proceedings.
