Karnataka High Court Dismisses Wife's Request to Nullify FIR in Atul Subhash Suicide Case

Bengaluru, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court on Monday denied the plea to quash the FIR against Nikita Singhania concerning the alleged suicide of Bengaluru tech employee Atul Subhash.

Subhash, who worked in an automobile firm in Bengaluru, reportedly took his life due to alleged harassment and a demand for Rs 3 crore from his wife, Nikita Singhania, for a divorce settlement.

The single-bench presided over by Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar delivered the ruling orally.

The bench expressed disapproval of Singhania's demands, asserting that the FIR laid out sufficient grounds to pursue a case under abetment of suicide. "What else can the bench consider?" the bench queried.

"The prima facie elements of the crime are evident in the complaint. Why resist the investigation?" the bench inquired, addressing Singhania.

Singhania's counsel argued that the complaint lacked necessary elements for the FIR's registration regarding the abetment of suicide.

Additionally, it was noted that Atul Subhash did not cite any actions from his wife or family that led him to his tragic decision.

The attorney further contended that the petitioner was entitled to legal recourse and should not be penalized merely for filing a complaint against Atul Subhash.

The court issued notices to the involved parties, instructing them to present their objections. The prosecution was also directed to provide the evidence gathered during the investigation.

A Bengaluru court had previously granted bail on January 4 to the estranged wife and in-laws of Atul Subhash, who took his own life last month, indicating a troubled marriage and alleging harassment from his spouse.

Atul Subhash's family intends to appeal the decision in the Karnataka High Court after reviewing the order sheet.

Bail was granted to Nikita Singhania and her family members, including her mother, Nisha Singhania, and brother-in-law, Anurag Singhania.

Subhash's suicide was reportedly linked to his wife's demand for Rs 3 crore for a divorce settlement.

The FIR against the accused was filed under Sections 108 and 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) on December 9.

Bikas Kumar, Subhash's brother, lodged a police complaint with the Marathahalli police in Bengaluru, alleging abetment to suicide.

In the complaint, Bikas claimed that false accusations were made against his brother by the accused, who demanded Rs 3 crore to resolve the case. He further alleged that his brother was harassed in court, being told he had to either pay Rs 3 crore or take his own life.

Nikita's family has alleged that Atul Subhash demanded a significant dowry from them, which contributed to her father's demise.

Pavan Kumar Modi, the father of Atul Subhash, expressed concerns for his grandson's safety, stating, "If the court permits bail for Atul's wife, she may pose a threat to the child and jeopardize his safety. If she could push my son to suicide, she could do the same to the child."

"My grandson was treated as an ATM by her. She extracted money under the guise of taking care of him. She has requested amounts ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000 and continues to demand more. Therefore, we have approached the Supreme Court to secure custody of the child, as he would be safer with us," he added.