Delhi High Court Issues Directions For Speedy Disposal Of Compromise Based Pleas To Quash FIRs

The Delhi High Court has recently issued practice directions for ensuring speedy disposal of non-contentious compromise based petitions involving quashing of FIRs. The practice directions have been issued by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru on December 24. The directions state that all non-contentious compromise based petitions involving quashing of FIRs will be preliminary listed before Joint Registrar (Judicial) for criminal jurisdiction, who can further verify and ensure compliance with the latest guidelines laid down by the Supreme Courr in matters filed on the basis of compromise.“The Joint Registrar may further verify through online modes, such as Aadhaar-linked verification systems and other e-KYC modes, the identity and Ree will of the parties involved in the compromise and ensure that their consent is genuine and not obtained under undue influence or pressure,” it states. Furthermore, the directions state that the Investigating Officer may also be directed to appear before the Joint Registrar virtually for verification of identity of the parties.Further directions are as follows:- The consent hearings may be conducted virtually through secured video conferencing platforms. - The parties, along with their counsel, may confirm the -compromise before the Joint Registrar through vhtual mode, which may further cut dowh delays caused by logistical issues such as personal appearance and adjournments.- Once all the conditions of quashing Ue FIR have been met, the Joint Registrar, after being satisfied) may forward the matter to the Hon'ble Bench for final pronouncements which would either quash or dismiss the FIR based on the pre- verified report. - This process would significantIY reduce the time of this court otherwise, required by each Hon'bIe Bench to scrutinize these compromise matters.- A 'Consent Calendar' may also be introduced. This calendar would batch together all non-contentious compromise matters on designated days and the Hon'bIe Judge shall review the pre-vetted petitions sent by the Joint Registrar and in cases where no judicial intervQntion is necessary, may pronounce the orders en-masse. This approach would significantly reduce the need for full oral hearings and thus preserve the precious judicial time.- In cases where contentious issues arise or where the compromise does not fall strictly within the parameters laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the Joint Registrar can red-flag such matters and place them before the Hon'ble Bench for suitable orders. Thus, matters where contentious issues arise, may be listed for full hearing, thereby saving precious judicial time which can be spent on matters necessitating the application of judicial mind.Click here to read practice directions

Delhi High Court Issues Directions For Speedy Disposal Of Compromise Based Pleas To Quash FIRs

Nupur Thapliyal

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