FIR Quashed Following Petitioner’s Undertaking to Abide by Law and Maintain Harmony
In a significant judgment, the Karnataka High Court, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, quashed the criminal proceedings against Girish Mattenavar, the petitioner in Criminal Petition No. 7620 of 2026. The case revolved around an FIR registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for certain social media activities deemed controversial.
The petitioner, represented by Advocate Sri Ranganath Reddy R., submitted an affidavit of undertaking, assuring the court of his commitment to maintaining peace, harmony, and responsible conduct, especially in his social media interactions. The affidavit detailed Mattenavar’s deep respect and devotion to "Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala" and its traditions, asserting his intentions were always aligned with seeking justice rather than maligning any religious sentiments.
In his affidavit, Mattenavar expressed his highest regard for the rule of law and promised not to engage in any activities that might disrupt communal harmony or lead to controversies in the future. He emphasized his dedication to peaceful advocacy for justice and his respect for the sentiments of devotees of "Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala."
Accepting the affidavit, the High Court quashed the FIR registered as Crime No. 28/2026, pending before the Additional Civil Judge and JMFC, Belthangady. The court warned that any breach of the undertaking would be met with serious consequences, highlighting the importance of adherence to the commitments made.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on peaceful resolution and responsible expression in the digital age, while also setting a precedent for handling similar cases involving social media conduct.
Bottom line:-
Criminal proceedings quashed based on an affidavit of undertaking by the accused, assuring responsible conduct and adherence to the law, with serious consequences for breach of the undertaking.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 353
Girish Mattenavar v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2942449
