Allowed

Prateek Verma and Ors. v. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Anr.

Delhi HC19 May 2025CRL.M.C./2618/2025

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

Petition under Section 528 BNSS sought quashing of a 498A/406/34 IPC FIR after the spouses reconciled and executed a settlement MoU. The complainant and State raised no objection. Relying on Gian Singh, the court quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings.

What did the court decide?

FIR No. 0459/2024 dated 19.07.2024 registered at P.S. Dabri under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all consequential proceedings quashed; pending applications disposed of.

Prateek Verma and Ors. Vs State Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Anr. — Dowry and Cruelty | Delhi HC (2025)

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$~115

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*** IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI**

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% Date of decision: 19.05.2025

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CRL.M.C. 2618/2025 PRATEEK VERMA & ORS. .....Petitioners Through: All petitioners in person with Mr. Rohit Mathur, Advocate for all the petitioners

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versus

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STATE (NCT OF DELHI) & ANR.

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… Respondents Through: Mr. Satinder Singh Bawa, APP for the State with SI Dhyanendra, PS Dabri Ms. Ritu & Ms. Mandari Vasundara, Advs for the Complainant R-2 is present in person

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CORAM:HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVINDER DUDEJA

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JUDGMENT (ORAL)

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RAVINDER DUDEJA, J.

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This is a petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, seeking quashing of FIR No. 0459/2024, dated 19.07.2024, registered at P.S Dabri under sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all proceedings emanating therefrom on the basis of settlement between the parties.

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The marriage between Petitioner No.1 and Respondent No.2 was solemnized on 20.01.2016 as per Hindu rites and ceremonies at

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CRL.M.C. 2618/2025 Page 1 of 5

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Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:VAISHALI PRUTHI Signing Da te:2 1.05.2025 15:35:23

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Delhi. One boy namely Shivansh Verma was born on 09.11.2016 out of the said wedlock. It is submitted that due to temperamental differences, the couple lived separately for six months. Thereafter, Respondent No.2 filed a complaint case under section 12 of the DV Act and also lodged the aforesaid FIR against Petitioner No. 1 and his family members.

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During the proceedings, the parties amicably resolved their disputes and executed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) dated 26.03.2025. In pursuance of the Settlement, the parties are residing together in their matrimonial home since 11.10.2023. It is submitted that all the previous complaints and litigations initiated by the parties has been withdrawn and all conditions of the Settlement have been fulfilled. The copy of Memorandum of understanding (MoU) dated 26.03.2025 has been placed on record as Annexure B.

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The matter was placed before the Joint Registrar, who has recorded the statements of both the parties and passed the following orders:-

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“21.04.2025

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The present non contentious petition has been filed by the petitioners under Section 528 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for quashing of the FIR NO. 459/2024 Under Sections 498A/406/34 of the Indian Penal Code registered at P.S. DABRI on the basis of settlement arrived at between the parties.

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As per the submissions, the matter between the petitioners and R-2 has been amicably settled.

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CRL.M.C. 2618/2025 Page 2 of 5

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Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:VAISHALI PRUTHI Signing Da te:2 1.05.2025 15:35:23

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Vide separate statement recorded in this behalf, petitioners stated that dispute between them and R-2 has been amicably settled as per the settlement deed dated 26.03.2025. The settlement has been arrived at between the parties herein without any force, coercion, undue influence and pressure. They have signed the settlement deed with their wish and will. Vide separate statement recorded in this behalf, R-2 stated that dispute between R-2 and petitioners has been amicably settled as per the settlement deed dated 26.03.2025. The settlement has been arrived at between the parties herein without any force, coercion, undue influence and pressure. The settlement deed has been signed with wish and will.

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Investigating Officer is present in Court and has duly verified the identity of both the parties. Separate statement of Investigating Officer has also been recorded.

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The parties along with their counsels have confirmed that the settlement deed has been duly entered into between them.

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Learned counsel for State/APP enters appearance and accepts notice. He submits that in view of the statement recorded, let the matter be placed before the Hon'ble Court.

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The compromise/settlement deed is in writing and has been duly signed by both the parties. I have heard both the parties and from the direct dialogue with both the parties, it is observed that the consent of both the parties is found to be genuine and has not been obtained under undue influence or pressure.

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In view of the above, matter be placed before the Hon'ble Court on 19.05.2025.

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Petitioners No. 1 to 3 and R-2 are physically present before the Court with respective counsels. They have been identified by their respective counsels as well as by the Investigating Officer SI Dhyanendra, from PS Dabri.

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Respondent No.2 confirms that the matter has been settled with the petitioners without any force, fear, coercion and she has no objection if the FIR No. 0459/2024 is quashed against the petitioners.

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CRL.M.C. 2618/2025 Page 3 of 5

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Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:VAISHALI PRUTHI Signing Da te:2 1.05.2025 15:35:23

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In view of the settlement between the parties, learned Additional PP appearing for the State, also has no objection if the present FIR No. 0459/2024 is quashed.

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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:-

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"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."

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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. 0459/2024, dated 19.07.2024, registered at P.S Dabri under sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all the other consequential proceeding emanating therefrom.

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In the interest of justice, the petition is allowed, and the FIR No. 0459/2024, dated 19.07.2024, registered at P.S Dabri under sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all the other consequential proceeding emanating therefrom is hereby quashed.

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