The court ruled that allegations of stalking, coercion, and interference with marriage prospects constitute a prima facie case, necessitating a trial.
On August 18, 2026, the Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition filed by Naveen G., seeking to quash criminal proceedings against him for alleged abetment of suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Justice M. Nagaprasanna delivered the ruling, emphasizing that the allegations outlined a sustained pattern of harassment and coercion, which could not be dismissed without a trial.
The case revolves around the tragic death of Bhavana, a 22-year-old nursing student, who allegedly faced persistent harassment from Naveen G. The accusations include stalking, coercing her into a relationship, sabotaging her marriage prospects, and threatening to circulate private photographs. Despite a prior suicide attempt by Bhavana, allegedly prompted by Naveen's actions, he continued his coercive conduct, leading to her eventual suicide on July 29, 2025.
The court referenced Sections 75, 78, and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deal with sexual harassment, stalking, and abetment of suicide, respectively. Justice Nagaprasanna highlighted that the inherent power to quash proceedings under Section 528 should be exercised with restraint and that the case at hand presented a prima facie case of abetment to suicide due to the alleged instigation, goading, and proximity of Naveen's actions to Bhavana's death.
The court's decision underscores the importance of allowing the judicial process to unfold, ensuring that the allegations are thoroughly examined in a full trial. The ruling serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in balancing the exercise of inherent powers with the need to uphold the integrity of the legal process and provide justice to victims of harassment and coercion.
Bottom Line :
Abetment of suicide under Section 108 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 requires instigation, goading, and proximity. A sustained course of coercive conduct leading to the victim's suicide amounts to abetment, and such allegations cannot be quashed under the inherent jurisdiction of the court without trial.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 75, 78, 108, and 528.
Naveen G. v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2962684
