Paramjit Singh And ORS v. State Of Punjab And ANR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH DATE OF DECISION :- August 23, 2018 Paramjit Singh and others

...Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab and another

...Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S. MADAAN Present:- Mr. Rajbir Singh, Advocate for the petitioners. Ms. Samina Dhir, DAG, Punjab.

Mr. Hardeep Singh, Advocate for respondent no.2. *** Petitioners - Paramjit Singh and others have brought the instant petition under Section 482 Cr.P.C. for quashing of FIR No. 04 dated 15.1.2016, for offences under Sections 406/498AIPC, registered at Police Station Women Cell, Patiala, against them, alongwith consequential proceedings arising therefrom, on the basis of compromise, stated to have been effected between them and complainant Kamaljit Kaur - arrayed as respondent No.2. It is stated that the challan has been filed in this case and it is at the stage of recording statements of prosecution witnesses. The divorce petition under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act has been accepted. When the petition came up for hearing on 12.12.2017, notice of motion was ordered to be issued. The respondent No. 1 - State of Punjab through State counsel, whereas respondent No.2 through Mr. Hardeep Singh,

Advocate, had put in appearance. Then in light of the contention that parties have since effected compromise, they were directed to put in appearance before the trial Court to get their statements recorded with regard to compromise and the trial Court was directed to send a report to this Court. Report has been received from Judicial Magistrate Ist class, Patiala, in terms of which complainant Kamaljit Kaur and accused, namely, Paramjit Singh, Baljinder Singh and Mahinder Kaur had appeared there and their statements were recorded, in terms of which they have admitted to have entered into a voluntary compromise, with free will, without any pressure, coercion or undue influence. Further complainant has stated that she has no objection if the FIR in question is quashed by this Court.

There is nothing on record to doubt the genuineness of the compromise so arrived at between the parties. It has been reported that no accused has been declared proclaimed offender in the FIR in question. Alongwith the report copies of statements of the complainant and all the accused have been annexed. I have heard learned counsel for the petitioners, learned counsel for the complainant and learned State counsel, besides going through the record.

The dispute between the parties has been resolved amicably, which appears to have been arrived at between them voluntarily without any threat or coercion and in terms of ratio of the authority reported as Kulwinder Singh and others vs. State of Punjab and others 2007 (3) RCR (Criminal) 1052, where in para 28, it has been held as under :- "The compromise, in a modern society, is the sine qua non of harmony and orderly behaviour. It is the

soul of justice and if the power under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. is used to enhance such a compromise which, in turn, enhances the social amity and reduces friction, then it truly is "finest hour of justice"." It has been observed that High Court has power to quash prosecution in order to achieve ends of justice and to prevent abuse of process of law. Though such powers are unlimited but those are to be exercised sparingly and with utmost care and caution. Though there is no statutory bar which can effect the inherent power of High Court under Section 482 Cr.P.C. The compromise is in interest of peace and tranquility in the society and for such like reasons this Court can quash the FIR and ancillary proceedings exercising power under Section 482 Cr.P.C., it appears to be a fit case to exercise such powers.

Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the abovesaid FIR alongwith ancillary proceedings are hereby quashed.

(H.S. MADAAN) JUDGE August 23, 2018 p.singh Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No