The Delhi High Court on Wednesday put an end to a nearly decade-old criminal case stemming from allegations of dowry harassment, after both sides informed the bench that they had reached a voluntary settlement. The matter, which had been dragging since 2016, was formally closed by Justice Ravinder Dudeja.
Background
The dispute began with the marriage of petitioner Ajay Passi and the complainant, solemnised in November 2003 according to Hindu rituals in Delhi. The couple had two children. However, by late 2013, differences led them to start living separately. In 2016, the wife approached police at Vikaspuri station, alleging cruelty and harassment for dowry.
An FIR was registered under sections 498A, 406 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, provisions often invoked in matrimonial disputes involving alleged cruelty and criminal breach of trust.
A chargesheet was later filed, but only Ajay Passi and one other family member were summoned, while the rest were kept in column 12 of the chargesheet - meaning no active proceedings were initiated against them.
Court's Observations
During Wednesday’s hearing, counsels informed the court that the couple had formally divorced in March 2023 and had also executed a written settlement deed on 24 May 2025. As per the settlement, custody of the children remains with the wife, and both parties agreed not to pursue the criminal case further.
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The complainant herself appeared through video conferencing and told the court she had settled the matter voluntarily, without any pressure.
"She has no objection if the FIR is quashed," noted Justice Dudeja in the order.
The Additional Public Prosecutor for the State also conveyed that the prosecution had no objection, given the amicable resolution. The Judge referred to earlier Supreme Court rulings - including Gian Singh v. State of Punjab and B.S. Joshi v. State of Haryana - which recognise that matrimonial disputes are best settled when both sides choose peace over prolonged litigation.
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The bench observed,
"Where parties in matrimonial disputes have resolved their differences without coercion, it is in the interest of justice to put such cases to rest," the order records.
Decision
In light of the mutual agreement and considering the larger interest of justice, the court quashed FIR No. 634/2016 dated 9 November 2016 registered at Vikaspuri Police Station. All criminal proceedings flowing from it were also set aside.
Justice Dudeja concluded,
"It would be in the interest of justice to quash the abovementioned FIR and the proceedings pursuant thereto."
With that, the petition was allowed and disposed of.
Case Title: Ajay Passi and Ors. vs. The State of NCT of Delhi and Anr.
Case No.: CRL.M.C. 6197/2025 & CRL.M.A. 26264/2025
