The court can exercise inherent powers to quash non-compoundable offences based on amicable settlements, especially in cases arising from matrimonial differences.

JUDGMENT

Dinesh Kumar Sharma, J. (Oral)--This is a petition under Section 482 Cr.P.C for quashing of FIR no. 777/2015 under Sections 498-A/406/34 IPC P.S.-Sagarpur, South-West Delhi and all the consequential proceedings arising therefrom.

2. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that Respondentno.2/complainant married petitioner no.1 on 02.06.2013 in accordance with the Hindu Rites and Ceremonies. A child named "Vishnu" was born out of the said wedlock on 20.05.2014 who is in care and custody of the Respondent No. 2. However, on account of temperamental differences and mental incompatibility, the parties started living separately and 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 03.02.2021 before the Delhi Mediation Centre, Patiala House Court, Delhi. As per the settlement it has been agreed between the parties that the petitioner shall pay Rs.3,00,000/- (Rupees Three Lakhs)in full and final settlement of the entire dispute to respondent no. 2/complainant.

4. Pursuant to the settlement, a mutual divorce petition was also filed and a decree of divorce was granted vide order dated 12.09.2022 passed by Learned Principal Judge, Patiala House Courts, Delhi.

5. 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. 777/2015 registered under Sections 498-A/406/34 IPC P.S.-Sagarpur, South-West Delhi and all the proceedings emanating therefrom.

6. 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.

7. Both parties are present in court and have duly been identified by the IO.

8. 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 12.09.2022, she has no objection if FIR no. 777/2015 under Sections 498-A/406/34 IPC P.S.-Sagarpur, South-West Delhi and all the proceedings emanating therefrom.

9. I have gone through the settlement which has been placed on record. Parties are reached on the settlement vide settlement dated 03.02.2021 arrived at Delhi Mediation Centre, Patiala House Court, New Delhi on following terms and conditions:

1. That the parties have agreed to dissolve their marriage by a decree of mutual consent.

2. That out of the wedlock between the complainant and respondent, there a minor child namely Vishna Gupta.

3. That the respondent has agreed to pay a sum of Rs.3,00,000/- (Rupees Three Lakhs Only) to the complainant as full and final settlement towards 7stridhan, dowry articles, past, present and future alimony and maintenance etc.

4. That as per mutual agreement, the respondent will pack and handover all the below-mentioned articles to the complainant at her residential home as these items are in possession of the respondent:

a) Motorcycle

b) Sofa

c) Almirah

d) Refrigerato