Amicable resolution between parties via a Deed of Settlement can justify quashing of FIR and terminating subsequent legal proceedings.

Headnote:(A) Indian Penal Code - Sections 420, 467, 471 - Quashing of FIR - Petition filed for quashing FIR No. 464/2020 related to offences under specified IPC sections, on grounds of amicable settlement between the parties as per Deed of Settlement dated 25.01.2021. Court noted that prosecution serves no useful purpose post-settlement. (Paras 1-8)

Facts of the case:
The petitioners sought to quash the FIR, affirming that the subject matter has been resolved per a Deed of Settlement dated 25.01.2021, with the complainant present and in agreement.

Findings of Court:
The court found merit in the settlement and deemed further prosecution unnecessary, leading to the quashing of the FIR.

Issues: Whether on the basis of an amicable settlement, the FIR and subsequent proceedings should be quashed.

Ratio Decidendi: The court held that when parties have resolved their disputes, continuing the legal proceedings serves no beneficial purpose.

Result: FIR No. 464/2020 is quashed.

JUDGMENT (Oral)

1. The present petition has been preferred seeking quashing of FIR No. 464/2020, registered at police station Bharat Nagar, New Delhi for the offences under Sections 420/467/471 IPC and consequent proceedings emanating therefrom.

2. Notice issued.

3. Mr. Panna Lal Sharma, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for respondent No.1/State accepts notice and submits that respondent No.4, who is the complainant of FIR in question, is present through video conferencing and she has been identified by the Investigating Officer of this case, who is also present through video conferencing.

4. Learned counsel appearing for petitioners submits that the subject matter of FIR stands amicably resolved between the parties in terms of Deed of Settlement dated 25.01.2021 and therefore, the proceedings arising out of FIR in question be brought to an end.

5. Respondent No. 4 present through video conferencing affirms the factum of settlement with petitioners in terms of Deed of Settlement dated 25.01.2021 and submits that now no grievance against petitioners survives and so, proceedings arising out of FIR in question be brought to an end. She also affirms the contents of her affidavit dated 25.01.2021 filed in support of this petition.

6. Keeping in mind the fact that the parties have amicably resolved their dispute, this Court is inclined to quash FIR, as no useful purpose would be served in prosecuting petitioners any further.

7. For the reasons afore-recorded FIR No. 464/2020, registered at police station Bharat Nagar, New Delhi and consequent proceedings emanating therefrom are hereby quashed.

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

9. Pending applications also stand disposed of.

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