Pankaj Bisht and 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. 762/2022, dated 07.12.2022, registered at P.S Mundka, Delhi under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC 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 26.11.2011 as per Hindu Rites and ceremonies. One girl 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 03.10.2021.

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. FIR No. 762/2022 was lodged at instance of Respondent No. 2 at P.S Mundka, Delhi under sections 498A/406/34 IPC against the petitioners.

4. During the course of proceedings, the parties amicably resolved their disputes and the terms of the compromise were reduced into writing in the form of a Settlement dated 22.01.2025 at Delhi Mediation Centre, Tis Hazari, Delhi. Pursuant to the aforesaid settlement, petitioner no. 1 and respondent no. 2 have started residing together w.e.f. 29.01.2025. It is submitted that Petitioner No. 1 has agreed to bear all the household expenses, pay Rs. 1,50,000/- (Rupees One lac Fifty Thousand only) as maintenance arrears as per the schedule mentioned in the settlement. Copy of the Memorandum of Understanding dated 22.01.2025 has been annexed as Annexure A-2.

5. Petitioner No. 1 and respondent No. 2 are physically present before the Court while petitioner Nos. 2 to 4 have entered their appearance through VC. They have been identified by their respective counsels as well as by the Investigating Officer ASI Sudesh Kumar from PS Mundka.

6. Respondent No. 2 confirms that the matter has been amicably settled with the petitioners without any force, fear, coercion and she has started living together with petitioner no.1 alongwith their child since 29.01.2025 and has no objection if the FIR No. 762/2022 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. 762/2022 is quashed.

8. Hon’ble Supreme Court has recognized the need of amicable settlement of disputes in Rangappa Javoor vs The State Of KarnatakaAnd 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 675.

10. In view of the above facts that the parties have amicably resolvedtheir 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. The petition is allowed, and the FIR No. 762/2022, dated 07.12.2022, registered at P.S Mundka, Delhi under section 498A/406/34 IPC 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.

RAVINDER DUDEJA, J August 21, 2025