A. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 376 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Rape case -- Compromise quashing of FIR – Permissibility of -- Offence u/s 376 IPC is undoubtedly of a grave and heinous nature --  Ordinarily, quashing of proceedings involving such offences on the ground of settlement between the parties is discouraged and should not be permitted lightly -- However, the power of the Court u/s 482 CrPC to secure the ends of justice is not constrained by a rigid formula and must be exercised with reference to the facts of each case.

(Para 6)

B. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 376 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Rape case -- Compromise quashing of FIR – FIR invoking Section 376 IPC, was filed immediately following an earlier FIR lodged by the opposing side -- This sequence of events lends a certain context to the allegations and suggests that the second FIR may have been a reactionary step -- More importantly, the complainant in the second FIR has unequivocally expressed her desire not to pursue the case -- She has submitted that she is now married, settled in her personal life, and continuing with the criminal proceedings would only disturb her peace and stability -- Her stand is neither tentative nor ambiguous -- Parties have amicably resolved their differences and arrived at a mutual understanding -- Continuation of the trial would not serve any meaningful purpose -- It would only prolong distress for all concerned, especially the complainant, and burden the Courts without the likelihood of a productive outcome -- Continuation of the criminal proceedings would only amount to abuse of process -- FIR along with all proceedings arising therefrom, including Sessions Case, quashed.

(Para 7-9)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 120B, 420, 468, 471 -- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (49 of 1988), Section 13(2), 13(1)(d) -- Quashing of criminal proceedings -- Cheating, forgery and corruption in bank loan – OTS with Bank – Effect of – Dispute culminated in a comprehensive One Time Settlement under which the Bank has received the entire outstanding amount -- Recovery proceedings before the tribunal have been dismissed as settled and no residual claim survives -- Bank has not raised any objection to the closure of the matter and has issued formal acknowledgments of satisfaction -- In identical proceedings the charge sheets quashed – Settlement having taken place after the alleged offence and there being no continuing public interest, the Court saw no justification for allowing the matter to proceed further found appropriate to quash the proceedings -- Appeals allowed.

(Para 7-10)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 374, 397, 401 -- Conviction in cheque bounce complaint – Settled amount paid to bank -- Respondent-Bank shown no objection to compounding of offence -- Object and purpose of enactment is to provide a compensatory mechanism for expeditious recovery of money as opposed to punishing the accused -- Amendment carried out in the year 2002 in the NI Act intended to make the nature of offence u/s 138 of the NI Act as a civil wrong while making it compoundable -- Conviction and order of sentence quashed/ set aside -- Petitioner acquitted.

(Para 3, 5-8)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 374 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 379B, 325, 341, 34 – Appeal against conviction – Compounding after conviction in snatching case – Matter has been amicably settled between the parties -- Appeals allowed, as a result of compounding, the judgment of conviction and order of sentence under Sections 379-B, 325, 341, 34 IPC, whereby appellant sentenced to RI for five years and a fine of Rs. 10,500/- along with all consequential proceeding quashed qua the petitioners.

(Para 14, 15)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 307, 324 – Constitution of India, Article 142 -- Attempt to murder – Compromise quashing of criminal proceedings – Offence under other sections 323, 504, 427, 447 and 506 of the IPC are compoundable as per Section 320 of the CrPC -- In exercise of powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India, the offences alleged against the appellant u/s 307 and 324 IPC shall also be quashed as the other offences alleged against the appellant are compoundable u/s 320 of the CrPC – Criminal proceedings quashed.

(Para 5-10)

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 – Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (32 of 2012), Section 5(j) (ii), 6 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 376 -- POCSO – Rape – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Parties have settled the dispute amicably and have also verified the contents of the compromise -- Cognizance/ summoning order, charge-sheet as well as the entire proceedings quashed.

(Para 1-4)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 304A, 287 -- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 359, 528 – Death by electrocution in Rolling Mill – Non-compoundable offence -- Compromise quashing of FIR -- When the deceased’s family absolves the accused of any negligence or rash act, it would be impossible for the prosecution to succeed during the trial -- Thus, quashing of cases u/s 304-A IPC, other than roadside accidents, can be quashed depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case, the role assigned to the accused, mens rea, and the guilt of the such person -- After the death, the petitioners helped the complainant family financially and emotionally -- Accident occurred in broad daylight, and as an adult, the victim should have been more careful while performing his duties -- It is not a case where the acts of the Rolling mill or the Manager can be termed as rash or negligent -- Inherent jurisdiction u/s 528 BNSS, 2023 invoked, the FIR and all subsequent proceedings quashed.

(Para 7-18)

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), Section 323(4), 324(5), 333, 191(3), 190, 305 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 – House trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint/ 333-BNS – Rioting armed with deadly weapon/ 191(3)-BNS – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Compromise arrived at between the parties verified and confirmed -- FIR and all consequential proceedings quashed.

(Para 1-6)

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), Sections 305(a), 331(4) – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 – House-trespass or House breaking/ 331(4)-BNSS -- Compromise quashing of FIR -- Compromise arrived at between the parties verified and confirmed -- FIR and all consequential proceedings, quashed.

(Para 1-6)

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), Section 77, 115(2), 117(2), 190, 191(2), 351(3), 352 – Voyeurism – Rioting – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Offences alleged to have been committed by the petitioners do not involve offences of moral turpitude or any grave/ heinous crime, rather same are petty offences -- FIR as well as consequent proceedings  quashed and set aside.

(Para 10,11)

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), Sections 115(2), 127(2), 191(3), 190 – Rioting armed with deadly weapon/ Sec.190(3) -- Compromise quashing of FIR --  Compromise has been effected between the parties voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence – No useful purpose would be served to continue with the proceedings before the trial Court in the F.I.R. – FIR and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 3-5)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 307,324, 323, 427, 506, 341, 148, 149, 120-B (326, 201 and 34 added lateron) – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Attempt to murder – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Compromise arrived at between the parties is genuine and without any pressure -- No useful purpose can be served by keeping with the criminal proceedings pending, since the complainant has himself compromised the dispute with the petitioners/ accused persons – FIR and all consequential proceedings quashed.

(Para 2-5)

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), Sections 140, 142, 351, 62 -- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 -- Kidnapping or abduction in order to murder or for ransom (Section 140) – Compromise quashing of FIR --  Compromise has been effected between the parties voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence – No useful purpose would be served to continue with the proceedings before the trial Court in the F.I.R. – FIR and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 3-5)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 120-B, 420, 468, 471 -- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (49 of 1988), Section 13(2), 13(1)(d) – Cheating and forgery – Corruption case – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Matter compromised between the borrowers and the Bank -- Upon payment of the amount under the OTS, the loan account of the borrower has been closed -- Only question would be, as to whether the continuation of the criminal proceedings against the present appellants would be justified or not -- In Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No.4353 of 2018, it was held that when the matter has been compromised between the borrower and Bank, the continuation of the criminal proceedings would not be justifiable – Criminal proceedings quashed.

(Para 3, 14-17)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Compromise quashing of FIR – Matrimonial dispute – Financial matters -- In the matters arising out of commercial, financial, mercantile, civil, partnership or such like transactions or the offences arising out of matrimony relating to dowry, etc. or family disputes where the wrong is basically private or personal in nature and the parties have resolved their entire dispute, the High Court should exercise its powers under Section 482 CrPC for giving an end to the criminal proceedings.

(Para 15)

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (33 of 1989), Section 3(1)(r) – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 506 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Case under SC/ ST Act – Compromise quashing of FIR – FIR along with all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 4)

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), Section 125(a), 281 -- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Rash and negligent driving/ endangering life – Offences alleged to have been committed by petitioner do not involve offences of moral turpitude or any grave/ heinous crime, rather same are petty offences -- Possibility of conviction is remote and no fruitful purpose would be served in continuing with the criminal proceedings -- FIR as well as consequential proceedings quashed and set aside.

(Para 10, 11)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 420 – Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012 (2 of 2013), Section 13 – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Human Smuggling – Cheating – Compromise effected between the parties without any pressure or coercion and out of their free will -- FIR and all consequential proceedings quashed.

(Para 3, 5-7)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Compromise quashing of FIR – Civil Character cases – Criminal cases having overwhelmingly and predominantly civil character, particularly those arising out of commercial transactions or arising out of matrimonial relationship or family disputes should be quashed when the parties have resolved their entire disputes among themselves.

(Para 31)

B. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 120-B, 420, 409, 467, 468, 471 -- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (49 of 1988), Section 13(1)(d), 13(2) – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Compromise quashing of criminal proceedings – Cheating/ forgery with Bank – Corruption case -- Bank and the accused persons have settled the matter – Borrowers have paid an amount of Rs.3,80,00,000/- under OTS -- After receipt of the amount under OTS, the Bank had also decided to close the loan account -- Dispute involved predominantly had overtures of a civil dispute -- Possibility of conviction is remote and bleak -- High Court ought to have exercised its jurisdiction u/s 482 CrPC and quash the criminal proceedings – Criminal proceedings quashed.

(Para 3.6, 34-39)

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), Section 528 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 389, 34 – Compromise quashing of FIR – Putting person in fear of accusation of offence, in order to commit extortion (Section 389 IPC) – Offence for which the accused have been charged are not of serious nature – Compromise will go a long way in ironing out the differences for betterment of future life of the parties – FIR alongwith all consequential proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 5, 6)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Conviction in cheque bounce complaint – Compromise quashing of conviction and sentence – Back-out from compromise – Effect of -- As per compromise, the petitioner has already paid Rs.3,00,000/- to the complainant and the complainant pleaded no objection -- Held, resiling from the compromise by the complainant is immaterial and the continuation of the case would be an abuse of the process of the Court -- Petition allowed, complaint alongwith the judgment of conviction and order of sentence quashed on the basis of compromise.

(Para 5-8)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 142 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A, 420 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Cheque bounce complaint – Withdrawal of complaint -- Quashing of FIR u/s 174A IPC -- Proceedings u/s 138 and 142 of the N.I. Act read with Section 420 IPC have culminated in a settlement with the withdrawal of the aforesaid complaint -- Petition allowed subject to a deposit of Rs.25,000/- as costs -- FIR u/s 174-A IPC and all other subsequent proceedings arising therefrom are quashed.

(Para 12, 13)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 397 – Conviction in cheque bounce complaint – Compromise thereafter – Quashing of conviction/ sentence – Trial court convicted and sentenced the petitioner to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of eight months and pay compensation to the tune of Rs.2,25,000/- to the complainant – Appellate court affirmed the same -- Matter ordered to be compounded and impugned judgments of conviction and sentence quashed and set aside -- Petitioner-accused acquitted subject to deposit of 10% of the Cheque amount with the HPSLSA.

(Para 1, 8, 9)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 376 – Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (32 of 2012), Section 6 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – POCSO – Rape – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Since the parties have married each other, the petition is allowed -- FIR and consequential proceedings arising therefrom ordered to be quashed.

(Para 1-4)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 147 -- Conviction in cheque bounce complaint – Compromise – Acquittal --  Entire amount of compensation agreed to be paid to the respondent-complainant and respondent has no objection in compounding the offence -- No impediment in accepting the prayer for compounding of offence while exercising power u/s 147 of the Act even after recording of conviction by the courts below – Matter compounded, impugned judgments of conviction and sentence quashed and set aside. Damodar S. Prabhu’s case (2010) 5 SCC 663 = (2010) Law Today Live Doc. Id. 15231 relied.

(Para 9-10)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 379-B, 411 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Snatching case – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Offences, for which the petitioner/accused has been charged, are not of grave in nature – FIR and all the subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 1-7)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 363, 376, 376 (2n) -- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (32 of 2012), Section 4 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – POCSO -- Rape with minor – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Complainant and the victim (19 year old) on oath stated that the FIR sought to be quashed, is the result of misunderstanding same the was lodged in a hot haste, without realizing the consequences of the same -- Both victim and the petitioner were in touch with each other, but there is no allegation of sexual assault, if any -- At the time of alleged offence, the victim was 17 and ½ years old – Victim in her statement recorded u/s 161 CrPC specifically denied factum with regard to her abduction and kidnapping by petitioner, coupled with the fact that she does not want to pursue the criminal proceedings – Since the matter stands compromised and they are no more interested in pursuing the criminal proceedings against each other, no fruitful purpose would be served in case criminal proceedings are allowed to continue – FIR as well as consequent proceedings ordered to be quashed and set-aside.

(Para 4-7, 13, 14)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 307 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 374 -- Attempt to murder – Compromise compounding/ quashing after conviction – 7 years’ rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs.10,000/- by Trial court, appeal pending since 2015 -- Compounding application moved by the appellant as well as by the informant -- Respondent No.2/informant contended that he does not want to press the criminal proceedings further against the applicant/accused as the grievances of the informant have settled outside the Court -- Compounding application allowed -- Impugned judgment and order by which the appellant/accused was convicted set aside -- Appellant/accused acquitted of the charges of Section 307 of I.P.C. on the basis of the compromise.

(Para 2-8)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 294, 504, 506 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Obscene, act and songs -- Quashing of charge-sheet – Vague allegations – Compromise -- Filthy and unparliamentarily language used not mentioned in the FIR as well as statements of the witnesses -- No offence u/s 294 IPC is made out against the petitioner No. 2 as the allegations are vague and bereft of necessary details – For other offences, since the parties have entered into a compromise, the continuance of the criminal proceedings pending before the learned trial court shall be nothing but an abuse of process of law – Petition allowed, charge sheet quashed.

(Para 1-6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 406, 420 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Compromise quashing of FIR – Non-appearance of complainant – Compromise amount received by complainant – Effect of -- Respondent No.2-complainant is not coming forward to contest the petition or to refute the contention of the petitioners that she has already received the entire amount as per compromise – Held, continuation of the proceedings against the petitioners in the FIR in question shall be gross misuse of process of law -- Petition allowed, FIR and subsequent proceedings quashed.

(Para 6-13)

A. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 306 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Abetment to commit suicide – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Power to quash the FIR depend upon the facts and circumstances of the case -- It is required to be seen by the High Court as to whether Section 306 IPC is even made out from the contents of FIR or not before coming to the conclusion that quashing of proceedings u/s 306 IPC on the basis of compromise should be allowed or not by exercising power under Section 482 Cr.P.C. -- Merely by blaming the petitioners to be responsible for commission of suicide by the deceased in the suicide note, cannot be sufficient to invoke Section 306 IPC – FIR and subsequent proceedings quashed.

(Para 13-15, 26)

B. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 306 -- Abetment to commit suicide – No details are given as to when and in what manner, petitioners harassed the deceased -- Simply by mentioning in the suicide note that accused-petitioner  harassed the deceased and is responsible for the commission of suicide by deceased, cannot be sufficient to invoke Section 306 IPC.

(Para 19)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Settlement in cheque bounce complaint – Proclaimed person -- Quashing of FIR u/s 174A IPC -- Proceedings under the N.I. Act culminated in a settlement with the withdrawal of the complaint – F.I.R. u/s 174-A of IPC along with all subsequent proceedings quashed.

(Para 11-13)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Conviction in cheque bounce complaint – Settlement between parties – Quashing of proceedings – No one has put in appearance on behalf of the respondents, maybe for the reason that there has been a settlement -- Matter is pending since 2018 – Held, once the settlement has been arrived at and the complainant has signed the deed accepting a particular amount in full and final settlement of the default amount and the fine amount awarded by the Trial Court, the proceedings u/s 138 of the NI Act need to be quashed -- Appeal allowed and the proceedings u/s 138 of the NI Act, along with impugned orders passed, stand quashed.

(Para 1-5)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 147 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 320, 397, 401 -- Cheque bounce complaint -- Conviction by trial Court affirmed by Appellate Court – Acquittal on compromise --  Once a settlement is being effected, then in terms of Section 147 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and Section 320 Cr.P.C., the accused ought to be acquitted as the offence stands compounded -- Revision petition allowed and the judgment of Appellate Court and judgment of conviction and order of sentence passed by the learned Trial Court set aside -- Petitioner acquitted.

(Para 8-12)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 420 – Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012, Section 13 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Compromise quashing of FIR – Parties  have settled their dispute amicably -- No useful purpose would be served by keeping the proceedings alive -- It will be in the interest of justice, if the settlement reached between the parties is accepted -- FIR and all consequential proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 2, 7, 8)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 306, 323, 120-B, 34 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Abetment to suicide – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Deceased himself had not left any suicide note alleging anything against the petitioner -- Cause of death was not of any injuries or any attributable act, rather, the same is stated to be by consuming of poison by the deceased -- Complaint by the father of the deceased only, who has already compromised the matter with the petitioner -- Offence u/s 306 IPC can be quashed on the basis of compromise – FIR and all consequential proceedings quashed qua the petitioners.

(Para 8-10)

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (33 of 1989), Section 3 (X), (XIV), (XV) -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 323, 504, 506 & 34 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Criminal intimidation -- Offence under SC/ ST Act – Compromise quashing of FIR -- No useful purpose would be served by keeping the proceedings alive -- It will be in the interest of justice, if the settlement reached between the parties is accepted – FIR and all consequential proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 7, 8)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Proclaimed offender – Compromise quashing of FIR – Special Power of attorney -- A proclaimed offender cannot seek quashing of the FIR on the basis of a compromise, more so, when he is absconding in multiple cases pending against him -- He cannot short circuit the system by filing petitions through Powers of Attorney unless he was a minor, insane, suffering from disability or for certain compelling circumstances is unable to appear in person.

(Para 8)

A. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 498A, 406, 34 -- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, (28 of 1961), Section 4 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Matrimonial dispute -- Compromise quashing of FIR -- It was a matrimonial dispute which has been amicably settled and thus the parties must be given a chance to move on with their lives -- FIR and consequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 9, 10)

B. Mediation settlement – Printed Performa -- Settlement agreements drafted by the Mediation Centres on a printed proforma – Settlement on the printed proforma sometimes gives an impression that there is no application of mind and the settlement deed has been drafted mechanically -- Mediation Centres and the Family Courts directed to ensure that the settlement deeds are drafted properly and it should not be on a printed proforma.

(Para 11)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 147 -- Cheque bounce complaint – Compounding after conviction – Waiver of compounding charges -- Acquittal -- Conviction for two years with fine of Rs.2,000/- and Rs.18,00,000/- to be paid to the complainant-respondent as compensation, affirmed by Sessions Court -- Petitioner permitted to compound the offence -- Considering the mitigating circumstances,  compounding charges reduced to Rs.10,000/- -- Judgment of conviction/ order of sentence recorded set aside and petitioner is acquitted of the charges framed against him.

(Para 14)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 307, 323, 325, 148, 149 –  Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), Section 25, 54, 59A – Attempt to murder/307-IPC – Rioting, armed with deadly weapon/148-IPC – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Statement of parties with regard to compromise recorded -- No useful purpose would be served to continue with the proceedings before the trial Court in the instant F.I.R. – F.I.R and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom on the basis of compromise quashed qua the petitioner.

(Para 5, 6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 308, 341, 323, 506 –  Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (33 of 1989), Section 3 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Attempt to commit culpable homicide/308-IPC – Offence under SC/ST Act -- Compromise quashing of FIR -- Statement of parties with regard to compromise recorded -- No useful purpose would be served to continue with the proceedings before the trial Court in the instant F.I.R. – F.I.R and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom on the basis of compromise quashed qua the petitioner.

(Para 5, 6)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 323, 341, 379-B -- Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (33 of 1989), Section 3(2)(va) – Snatching – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Offence for which the accused have been charged are not of serious nature -- Compromise will go a long way in ironing out the differences for betterment of future life of the parties -- Petition for quashing the FIR allowed qua the petitioners.

(Para 5, 6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 285, 34 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Compromise quashing of FIR – Petitioners/ accused had put the scrap articles on fire, which had caused damage to the property of complainant -- Nature of dispute between the parties is by and large private in nature -- Final outcome of prosecution against the petitioners either way is not going to harm the interest of society at large -- Both sides belong to the same area and have their business premises nearby – Petition allowed, FIR u/s 285 and 34 of IPC alongwith consequent criminal proceedings quashed.

(Para 3, 6-9)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 353, 332, 506 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Compromise quashing of FIR  -- Acquittal -- Offences alleged are petty in nature – No impediment in accepting the prayer made by petitioners for quashing of FIR – FIR alongwith consequential proceedings i.e. Police Challan quashed and set aside and petitioner acquitted of the charges framed against him.

(Para 10, 11)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 147 – Cheque bounce complaint -- Compounding of offence without consent of complainant – Ld. Magistrate dismissed the application -- Sessions’ court has remanded the matter to decide it afresh as per law laid down in M/s Meters and Instruments Private Limited case, AIR 2017 Supreme Court 4594 -- Supreme Court has carved out a window in the existing scheme of things saying that the case can be disposed of without obtaining direct consent of the complainant under certain circumstances. The circumstances included :

-- offering an amount fair and acceptable which in the opinion of the court is appropriate for duly compensating the complainant. That is under certain circumstances the court can proceed in absence of direct consent.

-- the court is empowered to apply its discretion in terms of provisions of Section 258 Cr.P.C.

-- this matter is distinct and separate from compounding of the case where both the parties agree.

M/s Meters and Instruments Private Limited’s case has emphasized that where an appropriate amount has been offered/deposited, the trial court may consider to drop the proceeding -- Court has not lost its power of discretion in such matters -- Revision impugning Session Court’s order dismissed.

(Para 3-9)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 147, 148, 149, 324, 506 -- Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), Section 25, 27, 54, 59 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Conviction by Trial court – Compromise quashing of FIR -- Acquittal -- Petitioners and private respondents are closely related to each other -- Steps taken by the parties to instant petition cannot be said to have any adverse impact on the interest of the society as a whole -- Dispute was more or less private in nature -- FIR along with all consequential proceedings quashed -- Conviction and sentence set aside and petitioners are acquitted.

(Para 11-13)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 147 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 420 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Dishonour of cheque – Compounding of offence – Consent of complainant -- An application for compounding of the offence moved by the petitioners stating that they were ready to pay the cheque amount – Application was contested by the respondent-complainant, dismissed by trial Court upheld by Appellate court – Held, without consent of the complainant, compounding cannot be permitted – Revision dismissed.

(Para 8)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 401 -- Cheque bounce case – Compromise after Conviction – Acquittal -- Since the revisionist and the complainant have settled the dispute, the offence u/s 138 of the Act gets compounded -- Consequently, the revisionist is entitled to acquittal from the charges as levelled against him -- Orders under challenge set aside -- Revisionist acquitted.

(Para 1, 7-9)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 147 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 320(1) -- Compounding after conviction u/s 138 of NI Act -- Total cheque amount received by the complainant and the complainant has given consent for compounding the offence -- Keeping in mind the object of Section 147 of the NI Act, which is an enabling provision which provides for compounding the offence inserted by way of amendment towards special law, would give overriding effect to sub-section (1) of Section 320 of Cr.PC, matter considered as compounded -- Judgment and order of conviction and sentence quashed and set aside.

(Para 4-6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 388, 389, 120-B – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Extortion – Compromise quashing of FIR – High Court has inherent power to quash the criminal proceedings in non-compoundable cases on the basis of settlement between the parties -- Compromise effected between the parties is genuine, outcome of free consent of the parties and is without coercion from any quarter – FIR and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed, qua the petitioners.

(Para 4-6)