Sh. Tabish Siddiqui & Ors. vs. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. and connected matters
Background
Two neighbouring families got into a scuffle over a trivial issue, leading to two cross-FIRs being registered against each other (FIR Nos. 435/2021 and 434/2021, at PS Neb Sarai) under IPC provisions including Section 308 (attempt to culpable homicide) and assault-related sections. After chargesheets were filed in both cases, the parties entered into a Settlement/Compromise Deed in 2026 agreeing to withdraw all proceedings against each other.
Decision Breakdown
Since both petitions arose from the same underlying dispute between the same set of neighbours, the Court decided them together by a common order. All parties confirmed in person, through their counsel and the Investigating Officer, that the disputes were resolved without any coercion. The Court held that continuing the criminal proceedings would serve no public purpose since the dispute was private in nature, and quashed both FIRs under Section 528 BNSS.
Lesson Learnt
Where two neighbours file cross-complaints against each other over the same incident and later reconcile, courts can dispose of both matters together and quash both FIRs in one common order, avoiding duplicate litigation.