Delhi High Court Quashes FIR After Amicable Settlement Between Parties

Court exercises discretion under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, mandates payment to charity and victim as part of resolution.

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR against Jatinder Pal Singh, filed under Sections 324 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, following an amicable settlement between the involved parties. The judgment, delivered by Justice Amit Mahajan, underscores the court's power to intervene in criminal proceedings to prevent abuse of legal processes when a compromise is reached.

The FIR, registered at Tilak Nagar Police Station, stemmed from an incident on December 16, 2023, where Singh allegedly stabbed Respondent No. 2 following a dispute at a dry cleaning shop. The altercation reportedly began when Singh was informed that his blanket, given for dry cleaning, would take additional time.

Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on November 13, 2025, wherein both parties resolved their differences amicably. Respondent No. 2 expressed no further grievances and requested the discontinuation of legal proceedings, aligning with the court's emphasis on resolving disputes that are predominantly civil in character.

Justice Mahajan, referencing guidelines from the Supreme Court cases of Narinder Singh v. State of Punjab and Parbatbhai Aahir v. State of Gujarat, reiterated that while heinous crimes should not be quashed based on compromise, cases with civil or commercial elements, where the parties have settled their disputes, may be quashed to prevent harassment and misuse of legal resources.

As part of the court's directive, Jatinder Pal Singh is required to pay Rs. 25,000 to Arya Kanya Sadan, a charity for destitute girls, and an additional Rs. 25,000 as compensation to the victim, ensuring both a societal benefit and personal restitution. This payment must be completed within four weeks, with proofs submitted to the concerned authorities.

This judgment highlights the judiciary's role in balancing the scales of justice, ensuring that the legal system is not misused, and that societal and individual justice is served through appropriate reparations and resolutions.

Bottom Line:

FIR quashed under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 on the ground of amicable settlement between parties, subject to payment of costs and compensation to the victim.

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 528, Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 324 and 506

Jatinder Pal Singh v. State NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2812814