The Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition seeking to quash an FIR after the petitioner failed to bring the deceased complainant’s legal heirs on record, and ordered criminal-contempt proceedings against his counsel.
Judge / Bench — Justice H.P. Sandesh.
In V.M. Kumarswamy v State of Karnataka, decided on 17 October 2026, the court held that a complainant’s death did not end prosecution of the alleged cognizable offences. The heirs required an opportunity to participate before the quashing plea could be decided.
The court recorded repeated adjournments and counsel’s refusal to take the required steps. It directed the Registrar General to initiate contempt proceedings; the order does not record a contempt conviction.
Advocates appearing — For the petitioner — M. Shashidhara. For respondent 1 — Suhas Gowda M., High Court Government Pleader. For respondent 2 — Not named in the order.