Vishal Seigell v. The State

1. Exemptions allowed subject to all just exceptions.

2. The application is disposed of accordingly. W.P.(CRL) 680/2016

1. The present is a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India read with Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 seeking 2016:DHC:1733-DB quashing of FIR No. 695/2014 under Sections 406/498A/34 IPC registered at Police Station- Amar Colony, Delhi and the proceedings arising therefrom.

2. The facts in brief are that the petitioner no. 1 (husband) and respondent No.2/complainant (wife) were married to each other according to Hindu rites and customs on 30th November, 2013. No child has been born out of the said wedlock. Owing to temperamental and ideological differences between the parties to the marriage, they started living separately since 8th March, 2014. On a complaint instituted by respondent no.2 (wife), the subject FIR was registered against the petitioner no. 1 (husband) and petitioner no. 2 (mother-in-law).

3. Counsel for the parties state that with the aid and assistance of Mediation Centre, Saket Courts, New Delhi, the outstanding matrimonial dispute between the parties to the union has been settled amicably by way of a Settlement Agreement dated 13th October, 2014. The salient terms and conditions of the settlement as enshrined in the said Settlement Agreement are as follows:-

4. In a nutshell, it has been agreed by and between the parties to the union that respondent no. 2 (wife) shall be paid a sum of Rs. 45,000/towards all her claims vis. a vis. permanent alimony, stridhan, dowry articles, maintenance past, present and future etc. against the petitioners.

5. Counsel for the parties further state that pursuant to the said settlement between the parties to the union, a sum of Rs. 30,000/- has already been received by respondent no.2 (wife). The balance sum of Rs. 15,000/- has been brought to the Court in the shape of a Demand Draft dated 23rd December, 2015 bearing No. 079305 drawn on HDFC Bank in favour of Mriganka Dadwal, respondent no. 2(wife) herein. The latter acknowledges receipt thereof subject to its encashment.

6. In the present case, it is observed that pursuant to the settlement arrived at between the parties to the union, a decree of divorce by mutual consent dated 15th February, 2016 has already been obtained by the parties from the concerned Family Court.

7. Respondent No.2/complainant (wife), who is present in Court and has been identified by the Investigating Officer i.e. SI Om Prakash, Police Station- Amar Colony, Delhi, states that in pursuance to the settlement arrived at between the parties to the union, she is no longer keen to proceed with the subject FIR and the proceedings emanating therefrom.

8. Since the dispute between the parties which arose out of a matrimonial discord between petitioner no. 1 and respondent no. 2 and resulted in the registration of the subject FIR, has been settled amicably by way of a Settlement Agreement dated 13th October, 2014, without any undue influence, pressure or coercion; as the parties have obtained decree of divorce by mutual consent on 15th February, 2016; and the settlement between the parties is lawful, no useful purpose will be served by proceeding with the subject FIR and the proceedings arising therefrom.

9. Resultantly, the FIR No. 695/2014 under Sections 406/498A/34 IPC registered at Police Station- Amar Colony, Delhi and the proceedings arising therefrom are hereby set aside and quashed qua both the petitioners.

10. With the above directions, the writ petition is allowed and disposed of accordingly.