In a notable decision, the Supreme Court of India acquitted Dasari Srikanth, who had previously been convicted of stalking and criminal intimidation under Sections 354D and 506-Part I of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This acquittal, in the Criminal Appeal of 2024, highlights the Supreme Court's use of its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure complete justice.
Srikanth was originally found guilty by the Special Fast Track Court in Suryapet, which sentenced him to two years of rigorous imprisonment for stalking and six months of simple imprisonment for criminal intimidation, alongside fines. However, he was cleared of charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
On appealing, the High Court of Telangana at Hyderabad partially granted relief by reducing his sentence to three months for each offense, but the conviction still tainted his record. Seeking further relief, Srikanth took his case to the Supreme Court.
During the appeal's pendency, a significant development occurred: Srikanth and the complainant got married on August 6, 2023, in a ceremony following Hindu rites, and officially registered their marriage. This union was substantiated by an affidavit submitted to the Court.
In their judgment, Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court emphasized that the nature of the offenses was personal to both parties involved. They observed that the marriage indicated a pre-existing relationship at the time the offenses were alleged. The Court was concerned about the impact of maintaining Srikanth's conviction on his married life. Justice Mehta noted, "Upholding the High Court's judgment could have disastrous consequences for the appellant, potentially endangering his marital relationship with the complainant."
The authenticity of the marriage was confirmed by a compliance affidavit from the Sub-Inspector of the relevant police station, which verified its registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
Invoking Article 142, the Supreme Court used its power to ensure complete justice. This provision allows the Court to pass any decree necessary for delivering justice in any case before it. Justice Mehta stated, "We are inclined to exercise the powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India to quash the conviction of the accused-appellant as recorded by the learned trial Court and modified by the High Court."
This decision underscores the Supreme Court's commitment to balancing legal principles with the realities of individual lives, ensuring that justice serves the best possible outcome for all parties involved.
