A compromise between the complainant and the injured party in a criminal case can lead to quashing of the FIR, as continuing proceedings would constitute an abuse of process.

JUDGMENT :

Virender Singh, J.

1. Petitioner-Surender Kumar, has filed the present petition, under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (hereinafter referred to as ‘BNSS’), for quashing of FIR No.128/2023, dated 03.11.2023 (hereinafter referred to as the FIR, in question), registered with Police Station, Sadar Bharari, District Bilaspur, H.P., under Sections 279, 337 and 338 of the Indian Penal Code, (hereinafter referred to as the ‘IPC’), as well as, the proceedings resultant thereto, which are stated to be pending before the Court of learned Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Court No.1, Ghumarwin, District Bilaspur, H.P. (hereinafter referred to as the ‘trial Court’).

2. The relief of quashing has been sought on the basis of the compromise effected between the parties.

3. According to the petitioner, on the complaint of respondent No.2, the FIR, in question, has been registered against him.

4. After registration of the FIR, the police has conducted the investigation and submitted the final report, which is stated to be pending adjudication before the learned trial Court.

5. According to the petitioner, during the pendency of the case, he has compromised the matter with respondent No.2. The Compromise Deed is Annexure P-2.

6. On the basis of the said compromise, a prayer has been made to allow the petition, as prayed for, by quashing the FIR, in question, as well as, proceedings resultant thereto, pending before the learned trial Court.

7. When put to notice, respondent No.1-State has filed the status report, mentioning therein the manner, in which, the FIR, in question, has been registered, at the instance of respondent No.2, and the manner, in which, the police has investigated the matter and filed final report under Section 173(2) Cr.P.C. which is pending adjudication before the learned trial Court.

8. The petitioner has impleaded the complainant, as respondent No.2, and the person, who had received injuries, in the said accident, as respondent No.3.

9. Respondent No.2-complainant, appeared before the Court and deposed, on oath, that on his statement, the FIR, in question, has been lodged against the petitioner. He has also admitted his signatures on the Compromise Deed Annexure P-2. He has also submitted that since, he and respondents No.2 and 3, are residents of the same village, as such, with the intervention of the respectables of the society, the matter has been compromised.

10. Apart from this, respondent No.2 has also deposed that in view of the compromise, having taken place between him, respondent No.3 and the petitioner, he has no objection, if the present petition is allowed, as prayed for.

11. In addition to this, respondent No.2 has also shown his voluntariness and willingness to enter into the compromise with the petitioner, by stating that the compromise has been effected out of his free will, consent and without any pressure.

12. Similar type of statements have been made by the petitioner, as well as respondent No.3, on oath.

13. Heard.

14. In this case, the criminal machinery was put into motion, by respondent No.2, by lodging the FIR, in question, who initially had levelled the allegations of rash and negligent driving against the petitioner, however, when appeared before this Court, he has deposed that he had entered into a compromise with the petitioner.

15. Once, the person, who had put the criminal machinery into motion, and the person, who had sustained injuries, have compromised the matter with the petitioner, in such situation, the chances of success of prosecution case against the petitioner are not so bright.

16. When the parties, have buried all their disputes, by compromising the matter, vide compromise Annexure P-2, then, permitting the proceedings to continue against the petitioner, would be nothing, but, abuse of process of law.

17. The primary purpose of law is to maintain peace and harmony in the society. Acceptance of the petition, would also give another opportunity to the petiti