The court can quash non-compoundable offences based on an amicable settlement between the parties, using inherent powers under section 482 of the Code.

JUDGMENT

Dinesh Kumar Sharma, J. (Oral)

CRL.M.A. 20406/2022 (Exemption)

Exemption is allowed subject to all just exceptions.

CRL.M.C. 5112/2022

1. The present petition has been filed under Section 482 Cr. PC seeking quashing of FIR No. 229/2016 registered at P.S. Begum Pur under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC.

2. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that Respondent no.2/complainant married petitioner no.1 on 12.05,2015 in accordance with the Hindu Rites and Ceremonies. However, on account of temperamental differences and mental incompatibility and conduct, the parties started living separately since 12.06.2015 and there has been no child born out of the wedlock. They have instituted multiple litigations against each other and their respective families including the present FIR. He submits that the chargesheet, in this case, has already been filed and the matter is pending before the Learned MM, Rohini Courts, New Delhi.

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 29.08.2018 before the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre. As per the settlement it has been agreed between the parties that the petitioner shall pay Rs. 1,95,000/- in full and final settlement of the entire dispute and out of which she has already been paid Rs.1,45,000/-.

4. 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. 229/2016 registered at PS Begum Pur under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all the proceedings emanating therefrom.

5. 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.

6. 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. She submits that today she has received the remaining sum of Rs.50,000/- received by way of a Demand Draft bearing No.291972 dated 21.01.2023 drawn on Canara Bank to respondent no. 2/complainant. Since the terms of the settlement have been complied with, she has no objection if FIR no. 229/2016 registered at PS Begum Pur under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC and all the proceedings emanating therefrom.

7. I have gone through the settlement which has been placed on record. The parties have reached at a settlement at mediation Centre. The terms and conditions reads as under:

"1) The parties shall get dissolved their marriage by a decree of divorce by mutual consent without levelling allegations and counter-allegations against each other in accordance with law before the court of competent jurisdiction at Delhi.

2) The respondents no.1/husband shall pay a total sum of Rs. 1,95,000/- (Rupees One Lakh Ninety Five Thousand Only) to the complainant/wife towards her full and final satisfaction qua all her claims past, present and future arising out of the marriage which shall include permanent alimony, stridhan, dowry articles, maintenance and all other claims including miscellaneous expenses.

3) The settlement amount of Rs. 1,95,000/-