The Delhi High Court has quashed the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Prashant Pareek, who was accused of causing discomfort to a female co-passenger during a flight by persistently staring at her.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja delivered this ruling while hearing a petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The petition sought to quash FIR No. 370/2024 dated 29.05.2024, registered under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code at IGI Airport Police Station, on the grounds that the matter had been amicably settled.
According to the complaint, on May 28, 2024, while flying from Indore to Delhi, the woman alleged that co-passenger Prashant Pareek made her uncomfortable by constantly staring at her. Upon landing, she submitted a written complaint to the authorities, which led to the registration of the FIR the next day.
However, both parties later resolved the matter amicably. A Settlement Agreement was executed on December 16, 2024, with the help of their well-wishers. The agreement was submitted before the Joint Registrar on May 22, 2025. Both parties gave voluntary statements confirming that the settlement had been made without any force or pressure.
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“The dispute between the petitioner and respondent no. 2 has been amicably settled as per the settlement deed dated 16.12.2024. The settlement has been arrived at without any force, coercion, or undue influence,”
— Statement recorded before the Joint Registrar
The Court verified the genuineness of the settlement by speaking directly to the parties. The Investigating Officer also confirmed their identities and the authenticity of the agreement. The woman further stated that she had no objection if the FIR was quashed.
The Additional Public Prosecutor representing the State also raised no objection, acknowledging the mutual resolution.
“In view of the settlement between the parties, no useful purpose will be served in continuing with FIR No. 370/2024 under Section 509 IPC along with all consequential proceedings,”
— Justice Ravinder Dudeja, Delhi High Court
The Court also referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Gian Singh vs. State of Punjab (2012), where the apex court had emphasized that if the continuation of criminal proceedings is an abuse of process despite a settlement, the High Court can quash the case to secure justice.
Citing these principles, the Court concluded that the matter had been peacefully resolved and the continuation of proceedings would not serve any meaningful purpose.
“In the interest of justice, the petition is allowed, and FIR No. 370/2024 dated 29.05.2024 under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code registered at P.S. IGI Airport, along with all consequential proceedings, is hereby quashed,”
— Delhi High Court Order dated 30.05.2025
The petition was thus allowed and all pending applications were disposed of accordingly.
Title: PRASHANT PAREEK v. STATE GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR
