Manoj Kumar And Others v. State Of Punjab And Another

-1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Date of decision : 10.02.2026 Manoj Kumar and Ors.

...... Petitioners V/S State of Punjab and Anr.

..... Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE AMARJOT BHATTI

Present:

Mr. Inderpreet Singh Kooner, Advocate for petitioners. Mr. Ekom Pal Sagoo, AAG, Punjab.

Ms. Shruti Sharma, Advocate for respondent No.2. **** AMARJOT BHATTI J. (ORAL) 1.

Petitioners -Manoj Kumar, Chameli Devi, Sima @ Seema and Lalit Kishor Bhargav @ Lalit Kumar have filed this petition under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for quashing of FIR No.0091 dated 24.04.2024, under Section 406, 498-A and 323 of IPC 1860, registered at Police Station Dasuya, District Hoshiarpur (Annexure P-1) and all consequential proceedings arising therefrom on the basis of compromise dated 09.09.2025 (Annexure P-2).

2.

As per facts of the case, complainant/respondent No.2 Rashmi filed written complaint that her marriage was solemnized with Manoj Kumar on 02.07.2023. Prior to this, roka ceremony took place. Her parents had given gold ornaments, cash shagun and a motorcycle Honda 125cc. The complainant as well as her husband were divorcee. On the demand of accused persons

-2marriage was performed with great pomp and show. After marriage, she came to know that her husband was addicted to drugs. She was taunted in the matrimonial home for bringing less dowry. There was demand for cash of Rs.5 Lakhs so that they could raise construction on a plot. She was beaten up and compelled to satisfy their demand. The complainant has narrated various incidents which took place in the matrimonial home. On 09.02.2024, she was abused and her husband threatened to kill her. The matter was reported to the police. Finally, she returned to her parental house and filed the complaint. 3.

Petitioners filed this petition for quashing of aforesaid FIR on the basis of compromise. Vide order dated 01.10.2025 petitioners Manoj Kumar, Chameli Devi, Sima @ Seema and Lalit Kishor Bhargav @ Lalit Kumar and respondent No.2 Rashmi were directed to appear before the trial Court/Illaqa Magistrate for recording their statements on the basis of compromise. Detailed report regarding compromise has been received from the court of Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Dasuya dated 14.11.2025. Statement of respondent No.2 has been recorded where she confirmed the compromise with petitioners. She confirmed that this compromise has been effected voluntarily, without any coercion or undue influence and she has no objection regarding quashing of FIR.

4.

Petitioners- Manoj Kumar, Chameli Devi, Sima @ Seema and Lalit Kishor Bhargav @ Lalit Kumar also confirmed this fact in their separate statements. Statement of ASI Mohinder Singh is also recorded who confirmed that petitioners are not involved or declared as proclaimed offenders in any other criminal case.

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Therefore, from the report of Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Dasuya it is clear that the compromise has been effected between the parties without any pressure, coercion or undue influence, which is acceptable to both the parties. They have mutually settled all their claims arisen from matrimonial dispute and started living together. They will be able to live in peace and harmony. It will end the litigation started between them. 6.

Gainful reference can be made to the judgment of Larger Bench of Five Judges of this High Court cited in 2007(3) R.C.R. (Criminal) 1052 titled as "Kulwinder Singh and Ors. Vs. State of Punjab and Anr.", where it was explained that 'there can never be any hard and fast category which can be prescribed to enable the court to exercise its power under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. The only principle that can be laid down is the one which has been incorporated in the section itself i.e. to prevent abuse of the process of any court or to secure the ends of justice.'

7.

Therefore, by relying upon the ratio of the aforesaid judgment, no purpose would be served with the continuation of criminal proceedings. Considering these facts, the petition filed by the petitioners is accepted and FIR No.0091 dated 24.04.2024, under Section 406, 498-A and 323 of IPC 1860, registered at Police Station Dasuya, District Hoshiarpur (Annexure P-1) and all subsequent proceedings arisen therefrom are quashed qua petitioners Manoj Kumar, Chameli Devi, Sima @ Seema and Lalit Kishor Bhargav @ Lalit Kumar.

(AMARJOT BHATTI ) JUDGE 10.02.2026.

Sunil Devi Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No