Criminal proceedings may be quashed when parties amicably settle disputes and indicate they do not wish to pursue prosecution, aligning with principles of judicial efficiency and public interest.

Headnote:(A) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 - Section 482 - Quashing of FIR - Petitioner seeks quashing of FIR No. 290/2016 on grounds of amicable settlement amongst parties - Respondents present in court confirmed their settlement and non-objection to quashing - Prosecution found to serve no useful purpose. (Paras 1-8)

(B) Principles of Settlement - Where the parties to a dispute have amicably settled their issues, the continuation of criminal proceedings is not warranted if it serves no public interest. (Paras 5-7)

Facts of the case:
The petitioner sought quashing of an FIR based on a settlement deed dated 29.08.2019 that resolved disputes with respondents who confirmed their non-objection in court.

Findings of Court:
The court found no utility in continuing the prosecution, as the matter was settled between the parties, leading to the quashing of the FIR and all consequential proceedings.

Issues: The main issue addressed was whether the FIR should be quashed given that the parties had settled their disputes amicably.

Ratio Decidendi: The court held that when parties settle their disputes and do not wish to pursue the case, it is appropriate to quash the FIR as prosecution would serve no useful purpose.

Result: Petition allowed and FIR quashed.

JUDGMENT (Oral)

The hearing has been conducted through video conferencing.

1. Vide the present petition, petitioner seeks direction thereby for quashing of FIR No. 290/2016 dated 06.04.2016, registered at PS - Bindapur, Delhi and all other proceedings arising therefrom.

2. Notice issued.

3. Notice is accepted by learned APP for State and by counsel for respondent nos.2 & 3 and with the consent of counsel for parties, the present petition is taken up for final disposal.

4. The present petition is filed on the ground that parties have settled their disputes and respondent Nos. 2 and 3 have no objection if the present petition is allowed.

5. Respondent Nos.2 &3 are personally present in Court with learned counsel and they have been identified by ASI Raj Kumar/IO and submits that matter has been settled and they do not wish to prosecute the matter any further.

6. Petitioners and respondent nos.2 & 3 have entered into an amicable settlement vide settlement deed dated 29.08.2019.

7. Taking into account the aforesaid facts, this Court is inclined to quash FIR as no useful purpose would be served in prosecuting petitioners any further.

8. For the reasons afore-recorded, FIR No. 290/2016 dated 06.04.2016, registered at PS - Bindapur, Delhi and consequent proceedings emanating therefrom are quashed.

9. The petition is, accordingly, allowed and disposed of.

10. The order be uploaded on the website forthwith.

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