Shillong, Apr 17: The Meghalaya High Court today quashed the criminal proceedings against eight members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in relation to an assault and abduction case from 2020.
The court’s decision was influenced by a settlement achieved between the accused parties and the complainant, Pynshngain Wanniang.
Wanniang alleged that a group ranging from 25 to 30 KSU members forcibly entered his home while he was asleep, abducting him in a vehicle and taking him to their local office in Mawkyrwat. He reported being subjected to physical assault during this time before being released to his mother and subsequently requiring hospitalisation.
Following a police investigation, a charge-sheet was filed against KSU district president Fordwardman Nongrem, Everwel Robin Thongni, Shiningstar Lyngdoh, Dispailan Syiemlieh, Donalstune Thongni, Ibanpyntngen Thongni, Sholman Thongni and Widerstone Thongni under Sections 367 (abduction in order to subject person to grievous hurt), 447 (criminal trespass), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
However, during the pendency of the trial, the parties reached a resolution outside of court, formalised through a “Compromise Deed” executed on March 13, 2026.
Wanniang personally confirmed his consent for the quashing of the FIR, reaffirming that he willingly entered the settlement.
During the proceedings, Wanniang appeared in person before the Court to reiterate his “no objection” to the quashing of the FIR, confirming that he had entered into the settlement of his own volition.
In its observation, Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere noted that the medical records did not support the more severe charge of abduction, as the injuries were deemed “simple” in nature.
Citing precedent from the Supreme Court on similar cases, the Chief Justice ruled that the legal grounds for proceeding with the matter were no longer valid and ordered the petitioners to compensate Wanniang a total of RS. 10,000 within two weeks.
