Sahil vs. State NCT of Delhi and Anr
Background
The petitioner's ex-wife had filed a case against him for cruelty and criminal breach of trust relating to their marriage under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC. Their marriage had already ended in divorce, and one child was born of the marriage.
Decision Breakdown
The Court quashed the FIR after the complainant personally confirmed she had received a complete and final settlement covering her entire stridhan (personal property/gifts) and maintenance, and no longer wished to pursue the case. The Court found it in the interest of justice not to force the parties through a full trial.
Lesson Learnt
Matrimonial criminal cases are frequently quashed once a genuine financial settlement is reached and the complainant confirms, in person before the court, that she no longer wants to prosecute.