Manoj & Ors. v. State of NCT of Delhi and Anr.

1. This is a petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, seeking quashing of FIR No. 1049/2014, dated 22.11.2014, registered at P.S K.N. Katju Marg, Delhi under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC & Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act and all proceedings emanating therefrom on the basis of settlement between the parties.

2. The factual matrix giving rise to the instant case is that the marriage between Petitioner No. 1 and Respondent no. 2/complainant was solemnized on 06.02.2013 as per Hindu Rites and ceremonies. One child was born out of the said wedlock. However, on account of temperamental differences Petitioner No. 1 and Respondent No. 2 are living separately since April, 2014.

3. As per averments made in the FIR, Respondent No. 2 was subjected to physical and mental harassment on account of dowry demands by the petitioners. Chargesheet has since been filed under sections 498A/406/34 IPC against the petitioners.

4. During the course of proceedings, the parties amicably resolved their disputes before Delhi Mediation Centre, Rohini Court, Delhi and the terms of the compromise were reduced into writing in the form of a Settlement/Agreement dated 26.11.2022. It is submitted that petitioner no.1 and respondent no. 2 have obtained divorce on 24.07.2023 and petitioner no. 1 has paid the entire settlement amount of Rs. 6,50,000/- (Rupees Six Lacs Fifty Thousand only) to respondent no. 2 as per the schedule in the settlement. It is further submitted that the custody of the child shall remain with respondent no. 2 with visitation rights to petitioner no.1 as per convenience of both the parties. Copy of the Settlement/Agreement dated 26.11.2022 has been annexed as Annexure P-2.

5. Parties are physically present before the Court. They have been identified by their respective counsels as well as by the Investigating Officer WSI Rinki from PS KNK Marg.

6. Respondent No. 2 confirms that the matter has been amicably settled with the petitioners without any force, fear, coercion and she has received the entire settlement amount and has no objection if the FIR No. 1049/2014 is quashed against the Petitioners.

7. In view of the settlement between the parties, learned Additional PP appearing for the State, also has no objection if the present FIR No. 1049/2014 is quashed.

8. Hon’ble Supreme Court has recognized the need of amicable settlement of disputes in Rangappa Javoor vs The State Of Karnataka And Another, Diary No. 33313/2019, 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 74, Jitendra Raghuvanshi & Ors. vs Babita Raghuvanshi & Anr., (2013) 4 SCC 58 & in Gian Singh vs State of Punjab (2012) 10 SCC

303.

9. Further, it is settled that the inherent powers under section 482 of the Code are required to be exercised to secure the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of any court. Further, the High Court can quash non-compoundable offences after considering the nature of the offence and the amicable settlement between the concerned parties. Supreme Court and this Court have repeatedly held that the cases arising out of matrimonial differences should be put to a quietus if the parties have reached an amicable settlement. Reliance may be placed upon B.S. Joshi v. State of Haryana, (2003) 4 SCC.

10. In view of the above facts that the parties have amicably resolved their differences out of their own free will and without any coercion. Hence, it would be in the interest of justice, to quash the abovementioned FIR and the proceedings pursuant thereto.

11. In the interest of justice, the petition is allowed, and the FIR NO. 1049/2014, dated 22.11.2014, registered at P.S K.N. Katju Marg, Delhi under section 498A/406/34 IPC & Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act and all the other consequential proceeding emanating therefrom is hereby quashed.

12. Petition is allowed and disposed of accordingly.

13. Pending application(s), if any, also stand disposed of.