Shree Bhagwan Joshiya vs State NCT Of Delhi & Anr.

SACHIN DATTA, J. (ORAL)

It is informed that a settlement has been arrived at between the parties, which encompass the FIRs that are the subject matter of the present proceedings. The details of the said FIRs are as under:

Attention of this Court has been brought to the common settlement agreement dated 31.01.2026 that has been arrived at between the parties.

The FIRs arise out of a series of confrontations between persons residing in the same neighbourhood. The parties have now entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement with a view to bringing their disputes to an end and ensuring mutual non-interference. The settlement does not involve any monetary consideration.

The Investigating Officer (IO) SI Reena in respect of FIR No.138/2023 is present in Court. She submits that she is in a position to identify the complainants and all the other affected persons in each matter.

All the parties in the present petitions have affirmed and reiterated their consent to quashing of the concerned FIRs and subsequent criminal proceedings arising therefrom.

In terms of the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Gian Singh v. State of Punjab, (2012) 10 SCC 303, this Court is required to consider the nature and gravity of the conduct forming the subject matter of the concerned FIRs, its impact beyond the parties, and whether termination of the proceedings would secure the ends of justice.

Learned APP for the State submits that there is no in-principle objection to the quashing of these FIRs, inasmuch as the disputes essentially concern private disputes between parties who reside in the same neighbourhood. It is further submitted that the settlement addresses the recurring source of conflict and that each affected person has expressly chosen to bring the disputes to an end, having understood the consequences thereof.

In the aforesaid circumstances, this Court is of the view that continuation of these proceedings would unnecessarily prolong the disputes without serving any meaningful purpose. Giving effect to the settlement would, in the circumstances, secure the ends of justice.

Accordingly, the following FIRs (i.e. FIR Nos. 138/2023, 351/2022, 43/2020, 785/2019, 44/2020, 784/2019) and all consequential proceedings emanating therefrom, are quashed.

Considerable judicial time has been consumed on account of the multiple FIRs arising from the inter se disputes between the parties. During the course of hearing, it has been agreed that each party shall pay costs of Rs. 2,500/- to the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee within a period of four weeks from today. It is directed accordingly.

The petitions are disposed of in the above terms. Pending applications also stand disposed of.