Devesh & Anr. v. State of NCT of Delhi & Anr.

Delhi High Court · 05 Aug 2025 · 2025:DHC:6457
Ravinder Dudeja
CRL.M.C. 5254/2025
2025:DHC:6457
criminal petition_allowed Significant

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR under Sections 498A, 406, and 34 IPC based on an amicable settlement between the parties, emphasizing the Court's power to end criminal proceedings in the interest of justice.

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CRL.M.C. 5254/2025
HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 05.08.2025 ,,,,,,,,,, CRL.M.C. 5254/2025 & CRL.M.A. 22714/2025 EXEMPTION
DEVESH & ANR. .....Petitioners
Through: Mr. Rajiv Ranjan, Adv. along
WITH
petitioners in person.
VERSUS
STATE OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR. … Respondents
Through: Mr. Hitesh Vali, APP for the State
WITH
SI Jarwail Singh, ASI Namo Narayan
R-2 in person.
CORAM:-
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVINDER DUDEJA
JUDGMENT
(ORAL)
RAVINDER DUDEJA, J.

1. This is a petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, seeking quashing of FIR No. 0323/2021, dated 20.09.2021, registered at P.S Inder Puri, Delhi under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all proceedings emanating therefrom on the basis of settlement between the parties.

2. The marriage between Petitioner No. 1 and Respondent No. 2 was solemnized on 10.02.2016 as per Hindu rites and customs at Delhi. A girl child was born out of the said wedlock. Due to temperamental differences Petitioner and Respondent No. 2 started living separately since 17.10.2019. 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 section 498A/406/34IPC.

3. During the course of proceedings, the parties amicably resolved their disputes and executed a Mediation Settlement Deed dated 09.04.2024 at Delhi Mediation Centre, PHC Courts, Delhi. It is submitted that the custody of the child would be with Petitioner No. 1 and Respondent No. 2 shall have visitation rights as per the schedule mentioned in the settlement. Copy of the Mediation Settlement Deed dated 09.04.2024 has been annexed as Annexure P-4.

4. Petitioner No. 1 and Respondent No. 2 are physically present before the Court. They have been identified by their respective counsels as well as by the Investigating Officer SI Jarwail Singh, from PS Inder Puri.

5. Respondent No. 2 confirms that the matter has been amicably settled with the petitioners without any force, fear, coercion and she has no objection if the FIR No. 0323/2021 is quashed against the Petitioners.

6. In view of the settlement between the parties, learned Additional PP appearing for the State, also has no objection if the present FIR No. 0323/2021 is quashed.

7. In Gian Singh vs State of Punjab (2012) 10 SCC 303, Hon’ble Supreme Court has recognized the need of amicable resolution of disputes by observing as under:-

"61. In other words, the High Court must consider whether it would be unfair or contrary to the interest of justice to continue with the criminal proceedings or continuation of criminal proceedings would tantamount to abuse of process of law despite settlement and compromise between the victim and the wrongdoer and whether to secure the ends of justice, it is appropriate that criminal case is put to an end and if the answer to the above question(s) is in the affirmative, the High Court shall be well within its jurisdiction to quash the criminal proceedings."

8. In view of the aforesaid circumstances and the fact that parties have put a quietus to the dispute, no useful purpose will be served in continuing with the present FIR No. 0323/2021, dated 20.09.2021, registered at P.S Inder Puri, Delhi under section 498A/406/34 IPC and all the other consequential proceeding emanating therefrom.

9. In the interest of justice, the petition is allowed, and the FIR NO. 0323/2021, dated 20.09.2021, registered at P.S Inder Puri, Delhi under section 498A/406/34 IPC and all the other consequential proceeding emanating therefrom is hereby quashed.

10. Petition is allowed and disposed of accordingly.

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

RAVINDER DUDEJA, J August 05, 2025