After Complainant Confirms Settlement, Gujarat HC Quashes FIR And Orders Petitioners Released If Not Needed In Another Matter

The petitioners sought quashing of FIR C.R. No. 11191037261819 of 2026, registered with Odhav Police Station, Ahmedabad City, and the consequential proceedings, stating that the dispute had been amicably settled with the original complainant.

The complainant filed an affidavit stating that the settlement was voluntary and that he had no objection to quashing; he also appeared before the Court and confirmed the settlement.

The State opposed the petition, submitting that serious allegations had been made.

The petitioners were in judicial custody when the matter was decided.

The Court relied on Gian Singh v. State of Punjab, (2012) 10 SCC 303; Madan Mohan Abbot v. State of Punjab, (2008) 4 SCC 582; Nikhil Merchant v. CBI, 2009 (1) GLH 31; Manoj Sharma v. State, 2009 (1) GLH 190; Narinder Singh v. State of Punjab, (2014) 6 SCC 466; and State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, AIR 1992 SC 604.

Applying the principles in those decisions, the Court considered whether, in view of the settlement and circumstances of the case, continuing the criminal proceedings would amount to an abuse of process and whether quashing was necessary to secure the ends of justice.

The complainant’s affidavit and in-court statement confirmed that the settlement was voluntary and that he did not object to quashing the FIR.

Having considered the settlement, the submissions—including the State’s objection based on the seriousness of the allegations—and the cited authorities, the Court concluded that continuing the prosecution would constitute an abuse of process and serve no fruitful purpose.

As the petitioners were in judicial custody, the Court directed their release forthwith unless they were required in another matter.