Delhi High Court (Ajay Digpaul, J.) allowed a petition under Section 528 of the BNSS (earlier Section 482 CrPC) and quashed FIR no. 1010/2018, P.S. Sultanpuri, for offences under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC, qua the petitioners, on the basis of a matrimonial settlement. The parties, married on 27.12.2017 and living separately shortly thereafter, executed a Settlement Deed dated 16.10.2024 ('Annexure E') and obtained a divorce decree dated 18.03.2025 under Section 13B(1)/(2) HMA. Respondent no. 2 settled all claims (dowry articles, stridhan, marriage expenses, jewelleries, gifts, and past, present and future maintenance/permanent alimony) for ₹ 1,70,000/-, the remaining ₹50,000/- being received by her in Court at the time of quashing. She appeared in person, affirmed the compromise was amicable, voluntary, and without pressure or coercion, had no objection to quashing, and confirmed receipt of the entire amount. Relying on State of Madhya Pradesh vs. Laxmi Narayan (2019) 5 SCC 688 and Ramgopal vs. State of Madhya Pradesh (2021 INSC 568), the Court held that Section 482 CrPC/Section 528 BNSS powers may be exercised to quash non-compoundable offences arising from matrimonial/family disputes where the offences are private in nature, lack serious societal impact, and the compromise is voluntary; it also noted the requirement of considering the accused's conduct and antecedents. Children from the wedlock, if any, were left free to assert their rights in accordance with law. Petition, along with pending application(s), if any, stood disposed of.
