ORDER

Dated this the 24^th day of May, 2023

Can criminal proceedings involving non-compoundable sexual offences against women and children be quashed upon a compromise between the accused and the victim, invoking section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure ? – this is the common issue that falls into consideration in these bunch of cases.

2. The petitioners in all cases are the accused involved in sexual offences either under Chapter XVI of the Indian Penal Code (for short ‘ IPC ’) or under Chapter II of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (for short ‘POCSO Act’) or both. All of them seek to quash the proceedings on the ground of settlement with the victim.

3. Since there were divergent views on the subject by the Apex Court and High Courts across the country, I have directed the Counsel for the petitioners as well as the Public Prosecutors to address arguments in detail.

4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Public Prosecutors in extenso.

5. The learned Counsel for the petitioners submitted that High Court possesses inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short 'Cr.P.C') to annul an FIR or cr