In this judgment, the Delhi High Court allowed a criminal miscellaneous petition seeking the quashing of FIR No. 326/2017 registered at Police Station Janakpuri under Sections 498A and 406 of the IPC. The quashing was facilitated by a complete and amicable settlement arrived at between the parties, following which the marriage between petitioner no. 1 and respondent no. 2 was dissolved by a decree of divorce. With the complainant confirming receipt of a full and final settlement covering all claims regarding stridhan and maintenance without any surviving issues or children, the Court held that continuing criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose and set aside the FIR in the interest of justice.
- Nature of Proceedings: The petition sought the quashing of an FIR and all consequential proceedings arising from matrimonial discord under Sections 498A (cruelty by husband or relatives) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the IPC.
- State and Official Stance: The State raised no objection to the quashing petition, noting that the formal statements of the contesting parties had already been recorded before the Joint Registrar.
- Complainant’s Submissions: Respondent no. 2 appeared in person, was duly identified by the Investigating Officer, and stated that she had resolved all disputes with the petitioners. She confirmed that their marriage stood legally dissolved by divorce, no children were born from the union, and she had received her complete full and final settlement amount for stridhan and maintenance.
- Judicial Observation: The High Court expressed satisfaction after interacting directly with the respondent in Hindi that the compromise was voluntary and that dragging out a full trial would be an abuse of the judicial process.
- Final Order: The petition was allowed, and FIR No. 326/2017 along with all accompanying proceedings was officially quashed.



