The Delhi High Court has quashed a criminal assault case involving friends following an amicable settlement, directing two men to perform community service at a hospital in Manipur and deposit monetary costs.
Justice Prateek Jalan ordered the quashing of the First Information Report on August 21, observing that the parties have reconciled with no lingering grievances. The court reasoned that the chances of securing a conviction were remote and that continuing the legal proceedings would only prolong discord rather than serve any meaningful purpose.
Mandatory Hospital Service And Costs
Under the terms set by the court, the petitioner and a co-party must undertake six two-hour sessions of community service at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Manipur. Both individuals are required to report directly to the medical superintendent of the hospital, who has been tasked with assigning them appropriate duties.
The court stipulated that the required service must be completed within two months from the date it begins. Upon completion, the medical superintendent is required to issue a compliance certificate, which must then be submitted for the court’s official record.
Additionally, the two men were directed to jointly deposit Rs 10,000 to the Delhi High Court Bar Association within a two-week period.
Settlement And Recovery
The ruling followed a petition seeking to cancel the FIR, which had been registered under the jurisdiction of the Dabri Police Station. The parties informed the court that they had executed a settlement deed voluntarily, free from any coercion or undue influence, and resolved their differences shortly after the police complaint was filed.
The complainant and the accused affirmed to the bench that they remain on good terms. Furthermore, the injured party stated that he had fully recovered from his injuries and was experiencing no lasting physical consequences.
Origins Of The Case
The criminal complaint originated in March of last year, when an altercation took place at a rented apartment. According to the complaint, two men forcibly entered the premises where the complainant was staying with his friend and carried out an assault. The FIR stated that one individual was punched and kicked, causing him to hit his head against a kitchen counter and suffer an injury.
In evaluating the case, the court took note that the original complaint did not allege the use of firearms or sharp weapons, nor did it indicate any separate, premeditated act aimed at inflicting a head injury. Concluding that the conflict arose purely from a quarrel among friends, the bench ruled that bringing the matter to a definitive close best served the interests of justice.
