Gulshan & Anr. vs. The State Govt of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
Background
The petitioners had been accused of inflicting injuries on two people using a hammer. The parties later reached a compromise, with the injured parties confirming in court that they no longer wished to pursue the prosecution and did not want any compensation.
Decision Breakdown
The Court quashed the FIR and all related proceedings after personally speaking with the injured parties and confirming their genuine, voluntary settlement. However, given the serious nature of the assault (using a hammer), the Court required each petitioner to additionally deposit Rs. 10,000 with the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee as a deterrent against repeating such conduct, with the trial to resume if this payment wasn't made within a week.
Lesson Learnt
Even when both sides genuinely settle a criminal case, courts can still impose an added financial penalty as a deterrent before quashing charges, particularly where the original act involved a weapon or was especially violent.