A.K. MALLU vs PURANACHANDRA RAO & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that Section 562(1-A) of the Code of Criminal Procedure applies to all offences under the Indian Penal Code punishable with not more than two years’ imprisonment, including wrongful confinement under Section 342 IPC. The Court clarified that the phrase 'any offence under the Indian Penal Code' is not limited to property-related offences, thus allowing for broader application. The appeal by the complainant was dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision to release the accused after admonition under Section 562(1-A).