Karnataka HC nixes case filed over a missing pet cat, says it has driven everyone crazy!

In a quirky legal battle involving a pet cat, the Karnataka High Court on Monday quashed criminal proceedings against Taha Husain, who was accused of wrongfully keeping a cat named Daisy. Justice M. Nagaprasanna, presiding over the single-judge bench, allowed Husain’s petition, bringing an end to a case that had attracted public attention for its unusual nature.

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"Cat named Daisy has driven everyone crazy," remarked Justice Nagaprasanna during the hearing, while delivering the order to quash the proceedings. The detailed judgment is awaited.

Husain was facing charges under Sections 504, 506, and 509 of the Indian Penal Code following a complaint by Nikitha Anjana Iyer. The dispute arose after Daisy, allegedly owned by Iyer, went missing and was later spotted at Husain's residence via CCTV footage. The complaint led to the filing of a chargesheet and criminal proceedings.

Husain’s counsel argued that the complaint was frivolous, highlighting that cats are naturally inclined to move freely across homes. The court had earlier stayed the proceedings in July 2024 and criticised the police for pursuing such a case. It urged law enforcement agencies to prioritise serious crimes rather than minor domestic disputes.

The ruling has been welcomed by legal observers as a reaffirmation of judicial prudence.