Karnataka High Court Quashes Case Against Man Accused of Abducting Neighbour’s Cat

The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against a Bengaluru resident accused of kidnapping his neighbour’s cat, Daisy.

Justice M Nagaprasanna held that the case registered under Section 379 IPC (theft) did not disclose any cognizable offence, as the complaint lacked evidence of dishonest intention or wrongful gain.

The Court observed that disputes over pet custody should not be criminalized in the absence of clear criminal intent.

The judge advised both parties to resolve such matters amicably and avoid burdening the criminal justice system with trivial personal disputes. (Sri Taha Husain v. The State of Karnataka and Another)