Supreme Court Condemns Vindictive Use of Criminal Law in Personal Disputes: A Landmark Ruling

Nov 25, 2025 12:54 am CST

The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant ruling condemning the misuse of criminal law for settling personal vendettas. In a case involving a Guwahati businessman, Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan clarified the distinction between criminal breach of trust and cheating, emphasizing that these offenses cannot coexist simultaneously. The court warned against the growing trend of judicial system exploitation and stressed that criminal proceedings should not become platforms for vindictive actions. This landmark decision highlights the court's commitment to preventing undue harassment and protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system.