Karnataka High Court Rejects Nikita Singhania's Plea to Quash FIR

Bengaluru - The Karnataka High Court on Monday rejected a plea by Nikita Singhania to quash the FIR against her in connection with the alleged suicide of her husband, Atul Subhash. Subhash, an automobile company employee in Bengaluru, died by suicide in December after alleging torture and financial demands from Singhania for their divorce settlement.

Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar, presiding over the single bench, stated that the FIR clearly indicated grounds for abetment of suicide and questioned the need to hinder the investigation. The court emphasized that the complaint presented a prima facie case and questioned Singhania's counsel on their opposition to the investigation. The bench orally rejected the plea, stating "What more the bench can look into?"

Singhania's counsel argued that the complaint lacked the necessary ingredients to establish abetment of suicide and that Subhash's suicide note did not mention any specific actions by Singhania or her family that led to his decision. The counsel also asserted that Singhania had the right to pursue legal remedies and should not be held accountable for filing a complaint against her husband.

The court issued notices to the respondents, directing them to submit objections and ordered the prosecution to present the materials gathered during the investigation.

This decision follows the January 4th bail granted by a Bengaluru court to Singhania, her mother Nisha Singhania, and brother-in-law Anurag Singhania. The family of Atul Subhash has stated their intent to appeal this bail decision in the Karnataka High Court.

The police registered an FIR against the accused on December 9th under Sections 108, 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint lodged by Bikas Kumar, Subhash's brother. The complaint alleges that Singhania demanded Rs 3 crore from Subhash for a divorce settlement, leading to his suicide. Bikas Kumar alleged that his brother was taunted in court, told to pay Rs 3 crore or commit suicide.