In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court quashed an FIR registered under Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The decision came after the parties involved reached an amicable settlement, putting an end to the criminal proceedings. Justice Ravinder Dudeja presided over the case, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes fairly and justly.
Background of the Case
The FIR (No. 252/2022) was filed on May 19, 2022, at PS Naraina, based on a complaint by a woman who alleged persistent sexual harassment, stalking, and humiliation by her employer. The accused was charged under Sections 354A, 354D, and 509 IPC, with additional charges under Section 506 (criminal intimidation) and Section 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage modesty) included in the chargesheet.
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The victim accused her employer of unwelcome physical contact, obscene remarks, and social media stalking. She also claimed that the accused later threatened her to withdraw the complaint. However, during the pendency of the proceedings, both parties entered into a settlement dated July 8, 2025, resolving their disputes amicably.
During the hearing, both parties appeared virtually and were identified by their respective counsels and the Investigating Officers, SI Kavita Devi and SI Hema from PS Naraina. Respondent No. 2 (the victim) confirmed that the matter had been settled without any force, fear, or coercion and had no objection to the quashing of the FIR. The Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the State also raised no objections.
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Justice Ravinder Dudeja referred to the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in Gian Singh vs State of Punjab (2012) 10 SCC 303, which recognized the importance of amicable dispute resolution. The court observed:
"61. In other words, the High Court must consider whether it would be unfair or contrary to the interest of justice to continue with the criminal proceedings or continuation of criminal proceedings would tantamount to abuse of process of law despite settlement and compromise between the victim and the wrongdoer and whether to secure the ends of justice, it is appropriate that criminal case is put to an end and if the answer to the above question(s) is in the affirmative, the High Court shall be well within its jurisdiction to quash the criminal proceedings.”
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In light of the settlement, the court quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings. However, Justice Dudeja imposed a condition on the petitioner (the accused): he must perform community service at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP Hospital) in Delhi every Sunday for the next six months. The petitioner was directed to report to the Medical Superintendent of LNJP Hospital on the upcoming Sunday to begin his service.
The court noted that continuing the proceedings would serve no useful purpose, given the resolution between the parties. A copy of the order was sent to the Medical Superintendent of LNJP Hospital for compliance and reporting.
Case Title: Karan Moolchandani vs The State of NCT of Delhi & Anr.
Case Number: CRL.M.C. 5159/2025