IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
Dinesh Kumar Sharma, J.
Vikas & Ors. – Appellants
Versus
State (Govt NCT of Delhi) & Anr. – Respondents
Crl.M.C. 2668 of 2022
Decided On : 04-05-2023
Quashing - Matrimonial Dispute - Section 324/34 IPC - 13(B) of the Hindu Marriage Act - [Section 324/34 IPC, 13(B) of the Hindu Marriage Act] - The court quashed the FIR and all proceedings emanating from it based on the amicable settlement between the parties, citing the inherent powers under section 482 of the Code and relevant case laws. The settlement agreement provided for dissolution of marriage by mutual consent, payment of settlement amount, custody and visitation rights of children, and withdrawal of all cases and complaints.
Fact of the Case:
The petitioner filed a petition to quash FIR no. 0163/2017 registered under Section 324/34 IPC, citing the amicable settlement between the parties, mutual divorce, and resolution of all disputes.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the parties had resolved their disputes amicably, entered into a settlement agreement, and obtained a mutual divorce decree. It considered the settlement to be voluntary and without coercion, and quashed the FIR and all proceedings emanating from it.
Issues: The issues involved the quashing of the FIR and all proceedings emanating from it in light of the amicable settlement, mutual divorce, and the rights of children born out of the marriage.
Ratio Decidendi: The court relied on the inherent powers under section 482 of the Code, relevant case laws, and the settlement agreement to quash the FIR and all proceedings. It emphasized the voluntary nature of the settlement and the rights of children born out of the marriage.
Final Decision: The court quashed FIR no.0163/2017 registered under Section 324/34 IPC and all proceedings emanating therefrom, considering the amicable settlement and mutual divorce. The petition and all pending applications were disposed of.
JUDGMENT
Dinesh Kumar Sharma, J. (Oral)
1. The present petition has been filed for quashing FIR no. 0163/2017 registered under Section 324/34 IPC at P.S. Baba Haridas Nagar.
2. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that Respondent no.2/complainant married petitioner no.1 on 12.02.2007 in accordance with the Hindu Rites and Ceremonies. However, on account of temperamental differences and mental incompatibility, the parties started living separately since 21.06.2017. There were 2 issues born out of the marriage namely `yashika' on 27.07.2009 and `Master Hiten' on 04.12.201. Thereafter due to temperamental differences and mental incompatibility, instituted multiple litigations against each other and their respective families including the present FIR.
3. Learned Counsel further submits that during the pendency of the proceedings, the parties have resolved their disputes amicably and in furtherance thereof they have entered into a settlement agreement dated 22.12.21 before the Counseling Cell, Family Court, Tis Hazari, Delhi.
4. As per the settlement it has been agreed between the parties that the petitioner shall pay RS. 5,50,000 (Five Lakh & Fifty thousand) in full and final settlement of the entire dispute to respondent no. 2/complainant.
5. Pursuant to the settlement, a mutual divorce petition was also filed and a decree of divorce was granted vide order dated 26.03.2022 passed by Learned Principal Judge, Family Court, Tis Hazari.
6. Furthermore, the Learned Counsel for the petitioners submits that since the parties have resolved all their differences amicably, therefore, it would be in the interest of justice to quash FIR no.0163/2017 registered under Section 324/34 IPC at P.S. Baba Haridas Nagar and all the proceedings emanating therefrom.
7. It is settled that the inherent powers under section 482 of the Code are required to be exercised to secure the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of any court. Further, the High Court can quash non-compoundable offences after considering the nature of the offence and the amicable settlement between the concerned parties. Supreme Court and this Court have repeatedly held that the cases arising out of matrimonial differences should be put to a quietus if the parties have reached an amicable settlement. Reliance may be placed upon: B.S. Joshi v. State of Haryana, (2003) 4 SCC 675; K. Srinivas Rao v. D.A. Deepa, (2013) 5 SCC 226; Yashpal Chaudhrani and Others vs. State (Govt. of NCT Delhi) and Another, 2019 SCC OnLine Del 8179.
8. Both parties are present in court and have duly been identified by the IO. Respondent no. 2 submits that she has entered the settlement voluntarily without any fear, force or coercion. She submits that other petitions have already been withdrawn or dismissed. And since the marriage between the parties has also been dissolved by a decree of divorce by mutual consent order/judgment dated 26.03.2022, she has no objection if FIR no.0163/2017 registered under Section 324/34 IPC at P.S. Baba Haridas Nagar and all the proceedings. I have gone through the settlement which has been placed on record. The settlement agreement provides for the following terms and conditions:
"1. That the petitioner and respondent have agreed to dissolve their marriage by mutual consent in accordance with law provides U/s 13 (B) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
2. It is agreed between the parties that husband shall pay to the wife a sum of Rs. Five Lacs & Fifty Thousand Only as full and final settlement (against stridhan and dowry, maintenance towards past present and future qua this marriage in three instalments by way of DD/Pay Order), (Rs.5,50,000/- only).
3. It is further agreed between the parties that the husband will pay Rs.One Lacs and Fifty Thousand Only to the wife at the time of recording of the statement of first motion by the way of DD/Pay Order, (Rs.1,50,000/-).
4. It is further agreed between the parties that the Respondent shall pay Rs. Two Lacs Only to the P
The court can exercise inherent powers under section 482 of the Code to quash non-compoundable offences, especially in cases of matrimonial disputes where the parties have reached an amicable settlem....
The court can exercise inherent powers under Section 482 of the Code to quash FIRs in matrimonial disputes if the parties have reached an amicable settlement.
The central legal point established in the judgment is the significance of amicable settlements in matrimonial disputes and the court's inherent powers under Section 482 of the Code to quash non-comp....
The court can quash non-compoundable offences after considering the nature of the offence and the amicable settlement between the concerned parties, using inherent powers under section 482 of the Cod....
The court can quash non-compoundable offences after considering the nature of the offence and the amicable settlement between the concerned parties, especially in cases arising out of matrimonial dif....
The court can exercise inherent powers to quash FIRs in matrimonial disputes based on amicable settlements and mutual divorce decrees.
Courts can exercise inherent powers under section 482 of the Code to quash non-compoundable offences, especially in cases of matrimonial differences where the parties have reached an amicable settlem....
The court can exercise its inherent powers to quash non-compoundable offences, especially in matrimonial disputes, if the parties have reached an amicable settlement.
The voluntary and amicable nature of a settlement in cases arising from matrimonial differences can be a basis for quashing non-compoundable offences under relevant legal provisions.
The court can exercise inherent powers to quash non-compoundable offences, especially in cases of matrimonial differences where parties have reached an amicable settlement.
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