Akbar Ali & Anr. v. State (NCT of Delhi) & Anr., 2025
The Court balanced legal seriousness of the offences with ground realities of familial reconciliation, using community service and public welfare contributions as a form of restorative justice.
Judgement Details
Court
Delhi High Court
Date of Decision
30 September 2025
Judges
Justice Anish Dayal
Citation
Acts / Provisions
Facts of the Case
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An FIR was registered in 2019 by a woman against two male relatives, alleging sexual harassment and related offences under the IPC.
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The case stemmed from a domestic dispute that escalated within the family.
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Over time, the dispute was resolved amicably, and senior family members passed away, prompting the parties to seek closure.
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The complainant woman stated she had no objection to quashing the FIR, emphasizing that the issue was now settled.
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The accused gave undertakings:
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Not to engage in any similar conduct in future.
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To deposit ₹5,000 each with the Delhi Police Welfare Fund.
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To perform community service at Jama Masjid, for four days a month, over the next two months, for four hours each day.
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Issues
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Whether the FIR involving serious allegations under Sections 354 and related IPC provisions could be quashed after settlement?
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Whether continuing with the trial would amount to a misuse of judicial resources?
Judgement
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The Delhi High Court quashed the FIR, citing:
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Amicable settlement between the parties.
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The complainant's no-objection.
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The remoteness of conviction.
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The importance of not burdening the judicial system unnecessarily.
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The Court observed that in such family-driven disputes, where the underlying cause has been resolved, further prosecution would serve no useful purpose.
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It appreciated the voluntary undertakings given by the accused and accepted the alternative remedy of community service and monetary contribution to the welfare fund.
Held
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The FIR No. 202/2019 and all related proceedings were quashed.
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The parties were directed to abide by the settlement terms.
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The accused were discharged upon their voluntary commitments to reformative action.
Analysis
- This decision reflects a progressive and pragmatic approach by the Delhi High Court in handling family-related criminal disputes, especially where The allegations arose from a domestic situation.
- There is no continuing threat or danger to the complainant.
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The accused accept accountability and commit to social responsibility.
- The Court balanced legal seriousness of the offences with ground realities of familial reconciliation, using community service and public welfare contributions as a form of restorative justice.
- By invoking its inherent powers, the Court avoided unnecessary litigation, reduced burden on the State, and reinforced the idea that justice can be reformative, not just punitive.