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Lokesh Yadav & Ors. vs. State NCT of Delhi and Anr.

Criminal Miscellaneous Case · 2026:DHC:7472Decided 1 Sept 2026New Delhi Bench
CRL.M.C. 6446/2026CNR: DLHC010409642026
Justice Manoj Jain

Background

Petitioners sought quashing of a 2020 FIR under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, after the couple (married 2017, no children) separated over differences. A charge-sheet had been filed but charges were yet to be framed.

Decision Breakdown

The parties reached a Memorandum of Understanding, obtained a mutual-consent divorce, and the wife, present with her aunt, confirmed she had received the full settlement of Rs. 21,50,000 (istridhan, alimony, maintenance and jewellery), with the balance paid that day. Finding the dispute private and settlement genuine, the Court quashed the FIR under Section 528 BNSS.

Lesson Learnt

Dowry Prohibition Act cases, like other matrimonial offences, can be quashed on a documented and voluntarily confirmed settlement between the spouses.

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