Quashing of Cross-FIRs Under Inherent Powers Following Amicable Settlement and Voluntary Withdrawal of Allegations

The dispute arose from an incident on 23.11.2023 at Venkateshwar School, Dwarka, involving two brothers, Sunil Goel and Mahavir Goel (the School Chairman).

Sunil Goel alleged poor hygiene in the school canteen, leading to a ruckus, while school staff alleged that Sunil Goel assaulted them and used inappropriate language.

Consequently, cross-FIRs were registered at P.S. Dwarka South: FIR No. 564/2023 (under Section 509/427 IPC) against Sunil Goel, and FIR No. 567/2023 (under Sections 325/341/506/34 IPC) against Mahavir and Abhishek Goel.

Subsequently, the parties settled all disputes amicably via Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) dated 20.04.2026 and sought quashing of the proceedings.

1. Whether the High Court should exercise its inherent powers to quash criminal proceedings in cross-FIRs involving non-compoundable offences when the parties have reached an amicable settlement.

Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which preserves the inherent powers of the High Court to prevent abuse of the process of any court or otherwise to secure the ends of justice.

Indian Penal Code (IPC) provisions under which the FIRs were registered, including Sections 509 (insulting modesty), 427 (mischief), 325 (grievous hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

The Court observed that the parties, who are close relatives (real brothers), had settled their disputes voluntarily without coercion.

A review of the Compromise Deeds revealed that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding and that all parties had undertaken to withdraw all allegations and counter-allegations unconditionally.

The Court noted that the complainants in both FIRs were present, duly identified, and expressed "no objection" to the quashing.

The Court reasoned that since the parties no longer wished to press charges, continuing the criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose and would be a futile exercise.

The Court quashed FIR No. 564/2023 and FIR No. 567/2023, along with all consequential proceedings.

The parties were directed to submit the original MoUs and affidavits before the Trial Court within four weeks to be made part of the official record.

The petitions were disposed of accordingly.