ORDER

% 29.10.2025

1. The Petitioner, aged 35 years and an Advocate of this Court, seeks quashing of FIR No. 0150/2020, [“impugned FIR”] dated 20^th April, 2020, registered under Sections 188/269 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, [“IPC”] at P.S. Vasant Kunj (South-West District). A complaint under Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973³ was subsequently filed by the ACP, Dwarka. The Trial Court took cognizance of the same and issued summons to the Petitioner. By order dated 1^st April, 2025, the Trial Court framed notice under Section 251 of CrPC only for the offence under Section 188 of IPC, and dropped proceedings under Section 269 of IPC in view of the absence of CRL.M.C. 7597/2025 Page 1 of 4 any material indicating that the Petitioner was COVID-positive.

2. The case of the prosecution is that on 20^th April, 2020, the Petitioner was found standing outside his residence without a mask during the pandemic lockdown, whereupon he was taken to the police station, and the impugned FIR was registered. The prosecution alleges that this conduct violated the order dated 15^th April, 2020 issued under Section 144 of CrPC, mandating the wearing of face coverings in public places.

3. Mr