Quarrels and the Law: How Disputes Can Lead to Criminal Charges

Quarrel cases refer to disputes or altercations between individuals or groups that may escalate into physical or verbal confrontations. Depending on the severity, these disputes can be categorized under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), ranging from minor altercations to more serious offenses involving physical harm or threat.

Legal Provisions for Quarrel Cases :

1. Section 296 BNS (Obscene Acts and Songs): If a quarrel involves obscene language or gestures in a public place, it falls under this section.

   • Punishment: Imprisonment for up to 3 months, or a fine, or both.

2. Section 115(2) BNS (Voluntarily Causing Hurt): If the quarrel leads to physical harm, the person causing the injury can be charged under this section.

   • Punishment: Imprisonment for up to 1 year, or a fine of ₹1,000, or both.

3. Section 352 BNS (Intentional Insult with Intent to Provoke Breach of Peace): If one party intentionally insults the other to provoke a breach of peace, this section applies.

   • Punishment: Imprisonment for up to 2 years, or a fine, or both.

4. Section 351 (2) BNS (Criminal Intimidation): If a person threatens another with injury or harm during a quarrel, they may be charged under this section.

   • Punishment: Imprisonment for up to 2 years, or a fine, or both. If the threat involves death or grievous harm, imprisonment can extend up to 7 years.

5. Section 109 BNS (Attempt to Murder): If a quarrel escalates to a point where one party attempts to cause death, they can be charged under this section.

   • Punishment: Imprisonment for up to 10 years, or life imprisonment, and a fine.

Legal Remedies for Quarrel Cases:

1. Filing an FIR: The aggrieved party can file a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station, particularly if the quarrel leads to physical harm, threats, or serious consequences.

2. Complaint to the Magistrate: In minor quarrel cases where there is no significant injury but the situation caused mental distress, a complaint can be made directly to a magistrate.

3. Self-Defense: In cases where one party acts in self-defense during a quarrel, they may claim it as a legal defense if their actions were reasonable and necessary to prevent harm.

Police Procedure for Quarrel Cases:

1. Filing an FIR: In cases involving physical harm, threat, or public disturbance, the victim or witness can file an FIR with the police, who will then investigate the matter.

2. Investigation: The police will gather evidence such as witness statements, medical reports (in cases of injury), and other relevant information. If serious offenses are involved, arrests may be made.

3. Arrest and Charges: Based on the severity of the quarrel, the police may arrest the offending party and charge them under the appropriate sections of the IPC.

4. Court Proceedings: Once the investigation is complete, the case will proceed to court, where both parties can present their evidence and arguments. The court will decide on punishment or compensation based on the facts of the case.