Karnataka HC refuses to quash FIR against Atul Subhash’s wife: ‘All ingredients have been prepared…’

Last update:January 6, 2025, 1:38 pm EST

The Karnataka HC said the FIR against Nikita Singhania, the estranged wife of late technician Atul Subhash, knows all the details of the alleged crime of abetment to suicide.

Bengaluru technician Atul Subhash’s wife Nikita Singhania has been accused of abetting suicide. (File)

The Karnataka High Court on Monday refused to quash the FIR against Atul Subhash’s wife Nikita Singhania, saying all the elements of the offense of abetment to suicide appear prima facie to be present in the FIR against her.

Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based software engineer, died by suicide last month after accusing his wife and in-laws of molesting him. His death sparked nationwide outrage, demanding stricter laws regarding women and alimony. Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha Singhania and brother Anurag Singhania were charged with aiding and abetting suicide based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s brother.

While hearing the case, Karnataka HC judge SR Krishna Kumar said, “From my reading of this complaint, it appears that the ingredients were custom-made. And this is not about annulment.”

Singhania’s lawyer said the FIR was questioned as it did not disclose information about the crime, but the court said the complaint contained all details of the alleged crime.

“The details have been given (in the complaint and FIR). Look at the complaint. All details provided. Tell me, what more should have been given for inciting suicide? In my opinion, all the incitement content is there. Everything is told. In matters like this, what more could you want?” the HC further stated.

The hearing was adjourned after the court asked the prosecutor’s office to present details of the investigation so far and the material collected.

A Bengaluru court on Saturday granted interim bail to Nikita Singhania and her family members in connection with suicide charges filed against them. In this case, they approached the Bengaluru sessions court seeking bail.

Nikita was arrested from Haryana’s Gurugram on December 15, while her mother and brother were earlier arrested from Prayagraj and produced before a court in Bengaluru, after which they were sent to judicial custody.

Atul Subhash, who worked for a car company in Bengaluru, allegedly took his own life on December 9 after his wife Nikita Singhania and her family pressured him to pay a divorce settlement of Rs 3 crore. He left behind a 90-minute film and a 40-page death certificate in which he detailed how the abuse of his wife led him to take such an extreme step.

His video went viral on social media, causing an uproar among users pointing out the misapplication of the law in society. According to reports, Nikita and her family have been on the run since Atul’s video went viral, leading to the registration of an FIR by the Marathahalli police.