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Vinod Kumar & Ors. vs. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

Criminal Miscellaneous Case · 2026:DHC:8271Decided 24 Sept 2026New Delhi Bench
CRL.M.C. 3588/2024CNR: DLHC010253782024
Justice Ravinder Dudeja

Background

The petitioners sought quashing of a 2016 FIR alleging they had hurled casteist slurs at, and physically assaulted, their neighbours, causing injuries. Charges had already been framed and the trial was pending. The neighbours involved had a cross-FIR pending against each other as well.

Decision Breakdown

The parties produced a written Compromise/Settlement Deed under which they agreed to have all pending cross-cases quashed; the complainants confirmed in person, without coercion, that they had no objection to quashing. Noting the dispute was essentially private and did not involve a wider public interest, the Court exercised its inherent power under Section 528 BNSS to quash the FIR and all consequential proceedings, directing that the settlement affidavits be placed on the trial court record.

Lesson Learnt

Even FIRs invoking the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act arising from private neighbourhood disputes (as opposed to broader caste-based social harm) can, in appropriate circumstances, be quashed on a genuine mutual compromise between the individuals directly involved.

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