The Karnataka High Court has dismissed two criminal petitions filed by neighbouring families seeking to quash criminal proceedings arising from a dispute over garbage disposal in a Bengaluru apartment complex. Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that the conflicting allegations and medical evidence of injuries must be examined by the competent court during the criminal proceedings.
Background of the Case
The dispute involved two neighbouring families living in Bren Woods Apartments, Bengaluru. The disagreement reportedly began over garbage being disposed of in a common corridor and escalated into a physical altercation on February 16, 2024.
In the first case, Chandrashekhar Gupta and Neha Gupta approached the High Court seeking to quash proceedings in C.C. No. 11462/2024. Their neighbour, Swathi Sharma, had alleged that the couple abused her, damaged her mobile phone and engaged in a physical confrontation. She further claimed that her husband intervened when the situation escalated.
In the counter-case, Anant Gopal and Swathi Sharma sought relief against proceedings in C.C. No. 11488/2024. Neha Gupta alleged that Anant assaulted her husband, Chandrashekhar Gupta, causing injuries to his left eye and fractures to his nasal bones.
Both sides blamed the other for initiating the confrontation. Medical records referred to injuries, including nasal fractures, while the complaints also mentioned CCTV footage and mobile-phone recordings.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj noted that the rival complaints arose from the same incident but presented materially different accounts of what had happened. The medical records provided initial support for the allegations concerning injuries, but the question of individual responsibility remained disputed.
The Court observed:
"The allegations and the evidence relied upon by the parties must be considered by the competent court in accordance with law."
It further clarified:
"No opinion is expressed on the guilt or innocence of any of the parties."
The Court also expressed concern that a disagreement over garbage disposal had escalated into physical violence and criminal litigation. It emphasised that disputes involving common areas should be addressed through dialogue, residents' associations or lawful remedies rather than aggression.
Finding no sufficient grounds to terminate the proceedings at this stage, the High Court dismissed both criminal petitions.
The Court directed that the competent court independently assess the evidence and decide the cases in accordance with law, without being influenced by observations made in the order.
