Arif Alis Totla vs. State NCT of Delhi Through SHO & Anr.
Background
The petitioner was accused of holding down and immobilising a victim while a juvenile co-accused stabbed him twice, including a grievous chest injury. The petitioner sought quashing of the FIR on the basis that the victim had since compromised with him, also claiming he had actually tried to save the victim.
Decision Breakdown
The Court refused to quash the FIR, holding that it cannot conduct a mini-trial to decide whose version is truthful, and that Supreme Court precedent bars quashing of FIRs involving serious and heinous allegations merely because the victim and accused have settled privately. Given the gravity of the stabbing allegation, the petition was dismissed.
Lesson Learnt
A private compromise between victim and accused cannot by itself secure quashing of a case involving serious, heinous allegations like attempted murder with a weapon: such matters must proceed to trial regardless of settlement.