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Shashank Jain & Ors. vs. State NCT of Delhi & Anr.

Criminal Miscellaneous Case · 2026:DHC:8810Decided 6 Oct 2026New Delhi Bench
CRL.M.C. 7480/2026CNR: DLHC010480622026
Justice Ravinder Dudeja

Background

The complainant married petitioner no.1 in 2015; she alleged cruelty and dowry demands, including that around Rs.12 lakh of her salary was diverted without consent to her in-laws' accounts, leading to an FIR under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The parties separated in 2018, later settled (Settlement Agreement dated 25.07.2026), obtained divorce in September 2026, and the husband paid the full settlement amount of Rs.12,35,000.

Decision Breakdown

Finding the settlement voluntary, complete, and the dispute purely private with no public interest involved, the Court exercised its inherent power under Section 528 BNSS to quash the FIR and all consequential proceedings.

Lesson Learnt

Quashing of matrimonial FIRs on settlement has become a routine form of relief once the complainant confirms the settlement was voluntary and the agreed compensation has actually been paid.

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