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Ashok Sharma and Ors. vs. The State (N.C.T of Delhi) and Anr.

Criminal Miscellaneous Case · 2026:DHC:8276Decided 24 Sept 2026New Delhi Bench
CRL.M.C. 4807/2026CNR: DLHC010297042026
Justice Girish Kathpalia

Background

The petitioners sought quashing of an FIR alleging cruelty and breach of trust, filed by their daughter-in-law, on the basis of a compromise. It was disclosed that the woman's husband (the petitioners' son) had since passed away.

Decision Breakdown

The complainant appeared in person, was identified by the investigating officer, and confirmed in Hindi to the Court that she had settled all disputes, that her child from the marriage remained in her custody, and that she had received her full and final stridhan/maintenance settlement and no longer wished to pursue the prosecution. Satisfied this was a genuine settlement, the Court quashed the FIR and all related proceedings rather than forcing a full trial.

Lesson Learnt

Even where a spouse has since died, matrimonial cruelty FIRs can still be quashed on a verified compromise between the surviving parties, provided the complainant's welfare (including child custody and settlement dues) has genuinely been addressed.

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