LI Network
Published on: October 9, 2023 at 00:46 IST
The Delhi High Court quashed a criminal case registered under Sections 354/354A/354D/506/509 of the Indian Penal Code, along with all subsequent proceedings, following an amicable settlement between the parties involved.
The decision came as the Court considered a petition seeking to quash the FIR, emphasizing that once the parties have mutually settled their disputes, no further legal proceedings should continue.
Justice Jyoti Singh, presiding over a Single Judge Bench, stated, “Given the mutual settlement between the parties, aimed at putting an end to the pending litigation, there is no reason to persist with the proceedings. Continuing the case would serve no useful purpose.”
The Court highlighted the distinction between criminal cases with a predominantly civil character, especially those related to commercial, financial, mercantile, civil, partnership, or matrimonial matters involving issues like dowry or family disputes.
In cases where the dispute is essentially private and the parties have resolved their differences, the Court may opt to quash criminal proceedings. This step is taken if the likelihood of a conviction is remote due to the compromise between the offender and the victim.
The Court emphasized that if continuing the criminal case would lead to significant oppression and prejudice against the accused, causing extreme injustice despite a full settlement with the victim, quashing the proceedings becomes justifiable.
In this case, the internal disputes between the parties had been peacefully resolved over time, involving the participation of relatives, mutual friends, and families. The terms of this resolution were documented in a settlement deed.
Therefore, recognizing the peaceful resolution between the parties and in the interest of justice and harmony, the High Court allowed the petition. However, the relief granted was contingent upon the accused’s commitment to contribute Rs. twenty-five thousand worth of woolen blankets to the Kilkari Rainbow Home for Girls in Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
This ruling underscores the court’s stance on promoting amicable settlements and ensuring that once parties have resolved their disputes, legal proceedings should be put to rest.
