Manvendra Bhandari vs State (Nct Of Delhi) & Anr.

Manoj Jain, J

Petitioner herein seeks quashing of FIR No. 0303/2018 dated 21.09.2018 registered at Police Station Dwarka South, for commission of offences under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC, along with all consequential proceedings arising therefrom, on the basis of compromise arrived at between the parties.

Marriage between petitioner and respondent No. 2 was solemnized on 20.03.2014. The couple was blessed with a boy.

However, on account of some matrimonial discord and temperamental differences, respondent No. 2 reported the matter to the police which resulted in registration of aforesaid FIR.

Charge-sheet has already been filed.

Fact, however, remains that when a petition under Section 125 Cr.P.C. seeking maintenance was filed by respondent No. 2, the matter was referred to Counselling Cell, Family Courts, South West, Dwarka, Delhi, where the parties were able to settle all their matrimonial disputes. Such settlement took place on 09.07.2025 before Counselor attached with Family Courts, South West, Dwarka, Delhi.

Respondent No. 2 is present in person and she has been duly identified by Investigating officer.

When asked, respondent No. 2 reiterates the terms of settlement recorded on 09.07.2025. As per terms of settlement, petitioner shall keep on making payment @ Rs. 12,000/- per month to his wife i.e. respondent No. 2. towards maintenance of their son till he attaints majority. Respondent No.2 has agreed not to seek any further maintenance or alimony from him. She states that she has foregone and abandoned all her rights relating to istridhan, alimony, maintenance etc. (past, present and future) in terms of said settlement.

She also submits that they have already obtained divorce by way of mutual consent on 24.01.2026. She states that she has entered into the abovesaid settlement out of her own free will, without any coercion and influence from any corner whatsoever and therefore, she would have 'no objection' if FIR in question is quashed.

As per the settlement terms, the custody of the child would be with respondent No.2 and his father has been provided visitation rights which fact has also been duly incorporated in the settlement terms.

There is no other case pending with respect to the marriage in question, except for the execution pertaining to the maintenance petition.

In view of the settlement arrived at between the parties, continuing with criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose, especially, when dispute does not involve any public interest and is, primarily, private in nature. In any case, even the complainant does not wish to press any charges against the petitioner.

Accordingly, exercising inherent powers vested in this Court under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, it is deemed appropriate to quash the instant FIR.

Consequently, to secure the ends of justice, FIR No. 0303/2018 dated 21.09.2018 registered at Police Station Dwarka South, for commission of offences under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC, along with all consequential proceedings arising therefrom, is, hereby, quashed. Original affidavits of the parties shall be submitted before the learned Trial Court within two weeks. 14. The petition stands disposed of in aforesaid terms.

Pending application also stands disposed of.