Supreme Court Rules: Criminal Law Isn't a Tool for Civil Vendettas

 

Supreme Court Rules: Criminal Law Isn't a Tool for Civil Vendettas

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has reiterated that criminal law cannot be misused to settle personal or commercial disputes. On September 24, 2025, in Anukul Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Another, the Court quashed a criminal case, stressing that legal processes must not be weaponized for vengeance.

Case Overview

The dispute began with a loan repayment issue. Anukul Singh allegedly lent ₹1.4 lakh of a promised ₹2 lakh and reportedly secured post-dated cheques and a property deed. When the cheques bounced, Singh faced action under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, resulting in a one-month jail term and ₹90,000 fine.

In retaliation, the complainant filed eight FIRs alleging cheating and forgery under IPC Sections 420, 467, 468. The Allahabad High Court initially refused to quash the FIRs, prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Observations

The bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan observed:

• Civil Nature of Dispute: Allegations arose from a commercial transaction, not criminal intent.

• Bad Faith Indicators: FIRs were filed immediately after Singh’s conviction; eight FIRs suggested harassment.

• Judicial Principle: Criminal law cannot serve as a shortcut for civil remedies or retaliation.

The Court highlighted:

"Even if the allegations are assumed to be true, they unmistakably arise out of a commercial/contractual transaction relating to loan and repayment, which has been given a criminal colour….the machinery of criminal law cannot be permitted to be misused for settling civil disputes or to wreak vengeance."

This aligns with prior rulings like Shailesh Kumar Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing Section 482 CrPC powers to quash abusive criminal proceedings.

Implications for Indian Justice

This ruling reinforces that:

• Civil disputes should be resolved in civil courts, not through criminal complaints.

• Misuse of criminal law diverts resources from genuine crimes and undermines justice.

• High Courts must scrutinize complaints early when disputes are artificially criminalized.

For businesses and individuals, the message is clear: Not every breach of contract is a crime. Pursue civil remedies instead of criminal complaints.

Final Thoughts

The Anukul Singh judgment is a victory for fairness and judicial integrity. Criminal law exists to protect society, not settle personal scores or business conflicts.

If you are involved in a similar situation, consult a lawyer—civil courts are the appropriate forum, even if proceedings take longer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, consult a qualified legal professional.

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