On 25th July 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh, under the authority of Hon’ble Justice Namit Kumar, passed a significant order in CRM-M-14197-2025 (O&M). The case pertained to the petitioners—Chanchal Kaur and others, who sought quashing of FIR No.1 dated 07.02.2024, registered under Sections 406 and 498-A of IPC, 1860 at Police Station NRI, Commissionerate Jalandhar, based on a compromise reached with the complainant, Kulwant Kaur.
The petition was moved under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, aiming for a legal end to criminal proceedings through mutual settlement.
"A demand draft of ₹2,00,000/- dated 27.06.2025 was handed to the complainant, and an additional ₹1,50,000/- is to be paid on 07.08.2025 during the second motion of divorce under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act," informed the petitioner’s counsel during the hearing.
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During the preliminary proceedings, the court had directed the Chief Judicial Magistrate (NRI Court), Jalandhar, to verify the genuineness of the compromise. The report dated 12.05.2025, confirmed that the compromise was voluntarily made without coercion, and the parties had resolved their issues amicably.
The High Court also referred to the precedent set in:
- Kulwinder Singh vs. State of Punjab (2007)
- Sube Singh vs. State of Haryana (2013)
- Gian Singh vs. State of Punjab (2012)
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“The High Court may quash criminal proceedings where the offence has a predominantly civil nature and the continuation of such cases would result in injustice,” quoted from the Supreme Court’s verdict in Gian Singh.
This principle was again reaffirmed in Narinder Singh vs. State of Punjab (2014), wherein the Apex Court permitted quashing of proceedings in matrimonial disputes if a fair and voluntary settlement was reached.
“The present compromise was mediated by family members and well-wishers with the intention to maintain peace and avoid prolonged litigation,” the Court observed.
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In conclusion, after reviewing the facts, previous judgments, and the settlement between the parties, Justice Namit Kumar declared:
“It is in the interest of justice to quash the FIR and all related proceedings.”
Hence, the petition was allowed, and FIR No.1 dated 07.02.2024, including all consequential proceedings, was quashed solely in relation to the petitioners.
Case Title: Chanchal Kaur & Others vs. State of Punjab & Another
Case Number: CRM-M-14197-2025 (O&M)