Ratan Lal @ Ravi v. State (Govt Of NCT Of Delhi) & ANR

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* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + CRL.M.C. 3274/2016 RATAN LAL @ RAVI ..... Petitioner Through:

Mr. Anis Ahmed, Advocate versus STATE (GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI) & ANR ..... Respondent Through:

Ms. Radhika Kolluru, APP with SI Narender Pal

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIPIN SANGHI

O R D E R

% 23.09.2016 Crl.M.A. No.13952/2016 Exemption allowed, subject to all just exceptions. The application stands disposed of.

Crl.M.A. No.13951/2016 For the reasons stated in the application, the delay in re-filing is condoned. The application stands disposed of.

CRL.M.C. 3274/2016 Issue notice. Notice is accepted on behalf of the State. Respondent No.2 is present in court and accepts notice. She is identified by the I.O.

The petitioner has preferred the present petition to seek the quashing of FIR No.156/2010 dated 03.09.2010 under Section 354 IPC registered at PS Sadar Bazar and the proceedings arising therefrom. The petition is premised on a settlement arrived at between the petitioner and respondent No.2 on 14.01.2015, wherein the complainant agreed to the quashing of the said FIR. The allegation against the petitioner is that while respondent No.2 was asleep in the neighbourhood of the petitioner, he inappropriately touched her. The complainant was a minor on the date of incident i.e. 03.09.2010.

Looking to the state of affairs in this city, where crime against women have assumed alarming proportion and the cases of rape, stalking and eveteasing only seem to be increasing, I was not inclined to quash the FIR. However, the complainant states that the petitioner has got married and he has two children and in case the matter is taken to its logical conclusion, it is likely that his family may suffer.

I find that the complainant has exhibited great attribute of forgiveness towards the petitioner. The petitioner should take a lesson and it is hoped that he shall mend his ways in future.

The petitioner has assured the court that he shall mend his conduct and shall not indulge in such conduct ever again in future. He seeks forgiveness. The petitioner has also offered to show his remorse, and to show his conviction and resolve to mend his ways by stating that he is willing to make a contribution with the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

In view of the aforesaid, the FIR and the proceedings arising therefrom are quashed subject to the petitioner depositing Rs.25,000/- with

the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund within four weeks. The receipt of payment of costs be deposited with the I.O. and thereafter the case shall be closed.

Petition stands disposed of.

VIPIN SANGHI, J SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 sr