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2022 Supreme(P&H) 776

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH
Anoop Chitkara, J.
Prem Parkash - Appellant
Versus
State Of Punjab & Anr. – Respondents
CRM-M-21400-2022
Decided On : 05-09-2022

Advocates:
Mr. Bharat Puri, Advocate for the petitioner(s)., for the Appellant; Mr. H.S. Sitta, DAG, Punjab., Ms. Suman Bedi, Advocate for respondent no.2., for the Respondent

Headnote:

Compromise - Quashing of FIR - Sections 323, 324 and 34 IPC - Section 482 CrPC - [152] - [The court discussed the legal provisions and interpretations related to the quashing of FIR based on compromise, including the principles laid down in Ram Prasad v State of Uttar Pradesh, Shiji @ Pappu v. Radhika, ParbatbhaiAahir v State of Gujarat, and Ramgopal v. The State of Madhya Pradesh. The court emphasized the reformatory nature of criminal jurisprudence and the need to bring peace to family, community, and society. It also highlighted the distinction between compounding of offences and quashing of proceedings, and the importance of considering the nature and gravity of the offence in the exercise of inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC.]

Fact of the Case:

The petitioner sought quashing of the FIR and all consequential proceedings based on a compromise with the aggrieved person. The parties had amicably settled the matter, and the aggrieved person consented to the nullification of criminal proceedings. The court analyzed the settlement and the nature of the offence under section 324 IPC, which is non-compoundable.

Finding of the Court:

The court found that the settlement was not secured through coercion or dubious means, and the aggrieved person willingly consented to quashing the proceedings. It concluded that the exercise of inherent power for quashing the FIR and all consequential proceedings was justified to secure the ends of justice, despite the non-compoundable nature of the offence under section 324 IPC.

Issues: The issues involved the legality of quashing the FIR and consequent proceedings based on a compromise, the nature of the offence under section 324 IPC, and the reformatory purpose of criminal jurisprudence.

Ratio Decidendi: The court's decision was based on the principles laid down in judicial precedents, emphasizing the reformatory nature of criminal jurisprudence, the distinction between compounding of offences and quashing of proceedings, and the importance of considering the nature and gravity of the offence in the exercise of inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC.

Final Decision: The court invoked its inherent jurisdiction under section 482 CrPC and quashed the FIR and all subsequent proceedings qua the petitioner, discharging the petitioner's bail bonds and closing all pending applications.

JUDGMENT

Anoop Chitkara, J. - The petitioner, arraigned as accused in the above captioned FIR, has come up before this Court under Section 482 CrPC for quashing of the FIR and all consequential proceedings qua him based on the compromise with the aggrieved person.

FIR No.

Dated

Police Station

Sections

152

10.7.2021

Rama Mandi, Jalandhar

323, 324 and 34 IPC

2. During the pendency of the petition, the accused and the aggrieved person have compromised the matter, and its copy is annexed with this petition as Annexure P-2.

3. After that, the petitioner came up before this Court to quash the FIR, and in the quashing petition, impleading the aggrieved person as respondent.

4. On 25.5.22, the aggrieved person Lucky Kumar (R-2) appeared before the JMIC, Jalandhar and stated that there would be no objection if the court quashes this FIR and consequent proceedings. As per the concerned court's report dated 7.6.22, the parties consented to the quashing of FIR and consequent proceedings without any threat.

ANALYSIS & REASONING:

5. Despite the severe opposition of the State's counsel to this compromise, the following aspects would be relevant to conclude this petition: -

    a) The accused and the private respondent have amicably settled the matter between them in terms of the compromise deed and the statements recorded before the concerned Court;

    b) A perusal of the documents reveal that the settlement has not been secured through coercion, threats, social boycotts, bribes, or other dubious means;

    c) The aggrieved person has willingly consented to the nullification of criminal proceedings;

    d) There is no objection from the private respondent in case present FIR and consequent proceedings are quashed;

    e) In the given facts, the occurrence does not affect public peace or tranquillity, moral turpitude or harm the social and moral fabric of the society or involve matters concerning public policy;

    f) The rejection of compromise may also lead to ill will. The pendency of trial affects career and happiness;

    g) There is nothing on the record to prima facie consider the accused as an unscrupulous, incorrigible, or professional offender;

    h) The purpose of criminal jurisprudence is reformatory in nature and to work to bring peace to family, community, and society;

    i) The exercise of the inherent power for quashing FIR and all consequential proceedings is justified to secure the ends of justice.

    6. The offence under section 324 IPC is non compoundable under Section 320 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). However, without adjudicating this point, in the facts and circumstances peculiar to this case, the prosecution qua the non-compoundable offences can be closed by quashing the FIR and consequent proceedings.

    7. In Ram Prasad v State of Uttar Pradesh, (1982) 2 SCC 149, Supreme Court holds,

      The appellants, who are the accused and the complainant, Shri Ram, who was the person injured as a result of firing, have appeared before us and stated that they wish to compound the offence. The offence for which both the appellants have been convicted is one under Section 307 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, but having regard to the nature of the injury sustained by Shri Ram, we think that the proper offence for which the appellants should have been convicted was under Section 324 read with Section 34. Shri Ram received only one injury on the shoulder and that was also in the nature of simple hurt. We would, therefore, convert the conviction of the appellants to one under Section 324 read with Section 34. Since the parties belong to the same village and desire to compound the offence, we think, in the larger interest of peace and harmony between the parties and having regard to the nature of the injury, that it would be proper to allow the parties to compound the offence.

      8. In Shiji @ Pappu v. Radhika, (2011) 10 SCC 705, Hon'ble Supreme Court hol

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