The High Court has inherent jurisdiction to quash non-compoundable criminal proceedings stemming from matrimonial disputes when parties have voluntarily settled, aiming to prevent abuse of process and promote domestic harmony, as continuing litigation in such circumstances would be futile.

JUDGMENT (ORAL)

Meenakshi Madan Rai, J.

1. The Petitioners have filed an application under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (hereinafter, the “BNSS”), seeking quashing of the FIR bearing No.38 of 2024, dated 02-04-2024, registered at the Sadar Police Station, Gangtok, against the Petitioner No.1, under Sections 498A/324/506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter, the “IPC”) and the consequential proceedings in G.R. Case No.217 of 2024 ( State of Sikkim vs. Deewas Rai ) pending before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gangtok, Sikkim.

2. It is submitted by Learned Counsel for both the Petitioners that the FIR was lodged by Petitioner No.2 stating that on 26-03-2024 her husband Petitioner No.1 had assaulted her with fist blows and a Coffee Maker and threatened to kill her by hanging her to death. She had also alleged that she had been continuously beaten up with articles like table, stick, chair, etc. On the basis of the FIR, on completion of investigation, G.R. Case came to be registered before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate where the matter is now pending. That, now the Petitioners No.1 and 2 have resolved their disputes and are living together. In fact they have been together a few days after the above incident occurred. They have a minor daughter, who is aged about two and half years old. The Petitioner No.1 is taking care of both the Petitioner No.2 and the minor child. That, with the intervention of friends, family and well wishers the Petitioners resolved their differences hence the Petitioner No.2 does not seek to pursue the Criminal Case against the Petitioner No.1. That, the settlement has been arrived at by the Petitioner No.2 of her own accord and free will and without any coercion from any party whatsoever. She is also conscious of the fact that should the Petitioner No.1 be convicted then she and the child will have to bear far reaching consequences such a financial difficulties and lack of care. As they are now living a peaceful married life, the instant Petition has been filed.

3. Per contra, Learned Assistant Public Prosecutor submits that the offences committed by the Petitioner No.1 are non- compoundable offences and he has assaulted the victim Petitioner No.2 physically and also threatened to kill her on several occasions. In such circumstances, the prayers put forth by the Petitioner No.1 deserve no consideration and the Petition ought to be dismissed.

4. Having given due consideration to the competing submissions advanced, I am of the considered view that the matter has been resolved between the Petitioners out of their own free will. The Petitioner No.2 admits that she is not under any coercion to compromise the matter. It was done on her own accord. They not only share the same roof but also have a minor child to take care of.

5. In Sushil Suri vs. Central Bureau of Investigation and Another ,(2011) 5 SCC 708 while further examining the scope, ambit and extent of Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (now Section 528 of the BNSS), the Supreme Court held as under;

“16. Section 482 CrPC itself envisages three circumstances under which the inherent jurisdiction may be exercised by the High Court, namely, (i) to give effect to an order under ; (ii) to prevent an abuse of the process of court; and (iii) to otherwise secure the ends of justice. It is trite that although the power possessed by the High Court under the said provisions is very wide but it is not unbridled. It has to be exercised sparingly, carefully and cautiously, ex debito justitiae to do real and substantial justice for which alone the Court exists. Nevertheless, it is neither feasible nor des