Delhi HC Directs Payment Of Cost To Kerala Flood Relief Fund While Quashing FIR On Settlement Between Parties [Read Judgment]

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday agreed to quash an FIR against a petitioner, subject to payment of Rs. 15,000 towards Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for the State of Kerala.

The order was issued by Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva on a petition filed by one Tarun Singh seeking quashing of an FIR filed against him for sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation, among other things.

He had submitted that the parties were known to each other and were friends. The FIR, he said, was an outcome of a “misunderstanding” between them and that they have now settled their disputes through mediation. A settlement agreement dated 28 August, 2017 had also been executed at the Mediation Centre, Saket Courts, New Delhi.

The statement was supported by the complainant as well. Taking note of such submissions, Justice Sachdeva observed, “In view of the fact that the disputes between the parties have been settled, continuation of criminal proceedings will be an exercise in futility and justice in the case demands that the dispute between the parties is put to an end and peace is restored; securing the ends of justice being the ultimate guiding factor. It would be expedient to quash the subject FIR and the consequent proceedings emanating therefrom.”

The proceedings were therefore quashed, but subject to payment of Rs. 15,000 as costs to be deposited by Mr. Singh to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for the State of Kerala within two weeks.

LiveLaw had reported on Wednesday that the Chief Justice and judges of the Delhi High Court have also come forward to lend a helping hand in the relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected Kerala. The judges have decided to contribute voluntarily to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund as well.

A circular issued by the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court said, “The state of Kerala is facing the natural calamity of floods, where thousands of people have been adversely affected. The affected people have not only lost property worth crores but have also been rendered homeless. Herculean efforts are required to be taken for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and restoration of infrastructure. In such a situation, the responsibility of rendering help is not confined to the state. Persons from all walks of life in society are coming forward to give a helping hand.

Hon’ble Chief Justice and Hon’ble judges of this court have decided to contribute voluntarily to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund, Kerala for rehabilitation of those affected in the state of Kerala.”