HC quashes FIR over neighbourhood quarrel, orders bhandara as penance

Turning a neighbourhood quarrel into an occasion for public good, the Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR against a couple on the condition that they serve food to at least 50 underprivileged children during the Navratri and Diwali.

Justice Anish Dayal invoked what could be seen as “restorative justice with a social purpose” after the accused husband and wife undertook to organise the bhandara twice this year. The directive came while quashing a case registered under Sections 324, 506 and 34 of the IPC, filed by their neighbour following a scuffle.

The complainant, who appeared in court with her husband, told the Bench she had no objection to dropping the case, given that the dispute had been amicably settled.

In his order, Justice Dayal noted that the chances of conviction were “remote and bleak” and allowing the case to continue would amount to “misuse of process” and an “unnecessary burden” on the state exchequer. Instead, he said, a measure of social service would serve the ends of justice.

“The petitioners have undertaken to organize a bhandara for at least 50 poor children of Radheypuri on two occasions, one during the Navratri, and one near Diwali period,” the order read.

The couple must file a compliance report, supported by photographs of food distribution, and furnish a copy to the investigating officer. “Subject to this undertaking being complied with, the FIR stands quashed,” the order read.