Delhi High Court Criticizes Police For Inserting 'Haath Mara' Expression In Every Assault FIR Lodged By Women

Calling it unfortunate, the Delhi High Court has recently observed that every FIR alleging assault or outraging modesty of a woman mentions the expression “haath mara” which is not endorsed by the complainant.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said that the situation is “gross misuse of law” and requires introspection at the level of all police stations.

“It is unfortunate that in every FIR under Section 354, typically the words “haath mara” is being written, which is not being endorsed by the Complainant. It is gross misuse of the Law and requires introspection at the level of the Police Stations,” the Court said.

The judge made the observations while quashing an FIR registered under Section 115(2), 126(2), 74 and 3(5) of BNS, against two men.

The Court allowed the plea filed by the accused seeking quashing of the case citing settlement with the woman complainant, who worked as an event manager. She alleged that the men assaulted her under the influence of alcohol, and wanted her to dance with them.

The complainant and the men entered into a settlement agreement with the intervention of common friends and well-wishers. In the Settlement, it was settled between the parties that they shall live peacefully in future and shall not file any complaint or proceedings of any nature against each other.

Allowing the plea, the Court noted that the parties had entered into the Settlement voluntarily and without any fear and coercion and that they undertook to remain bound by the terms of settlement.

“Considering the nature of the allegations and that they have settled the matter, the FIR No. 349/2025 under Section 115(2)/126(2)/74/3(5) of BNS, registered at Police Station Timarpur, Central District, Delhi and all the consequential proceedings emanating therefrom are quashed,” the Court said.

It added: “Copy of this Order be sent to DCP to ensure that no conjured averments not stated by the Complainant, are inserted on the Complaint.”

Title: TENZIN YOUTEN & ANR v. THE STATE OF NCT OF DELHI AND ANR

Click here to read order