Ravi Kumar vs. The State (GNCTD) & Anr.
Background
In 2019, an FIR was filed alleging the petitioner had kidnapped a 16-year-old girl who had left her home. He was arrested and later released on bail on condition he not contact her. About a year later, she voluntarily returned to him, and the two have since lived together, now have two children, and are both adults (24 and 22 years old).
Decision Breakdown
Applying Supreme Court guidance that even serious, technically non-compoundable offences can be quashed where genuine settlement exists and no larger public interest is harmed, the Court noted the couple's near-equal ages, their ongoing family life together, and the complainant's own confirmation that she was living happily with the petitioner. It held that continuing the prosecution would serve no purpose and could disrupt their family, and quashed the FIR.
Lesson Learnt
Even an FIR alleging a serious offence like kidnapping can be quashed years later if the facts show a genuine, voluntary relationship has developed, especially once both parties are adults and have built a family life together.