Yes! the Highcourt can quash section 498 A criminal proceedings using its inherent powers u/s 482 Cr.P.c as these are predominantly family disputes ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NON COMPUNDABLE UNLESS THEY AR EMADE COMPUNDABE AND BY THE COURT USING ITS DISCRETION MAKES THEM COMPOUNDABLE LETTING TH E PARTIES TO ENTTER INTO A FAMILY SETTLEMENT AND IN CASE THESE NON COMPUNDABLE OFFENCES ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE i MEAN SECTION 498 A it would defeat the ends of justice uness 498 A proceeedings are quashed. Courts are including the supreme court are liberal in letting the parties arrive at an amicable settlement before quashing section 498 A exercising the Higfhcourt's inherent powers under section 482 Cr.P.C.If you appreciate this answeer please click the thank yoou button on this forum..
Please read the following information regarding Inherent powers of Highcourts u/s 482 Cr.P.C.
A Supreme Court bench of Justice K.S.Radhakrishnan and Justice A.K.Sikri has issued fresh guidelines on quashing of criminal proceeding of a non-compoundable offence by using the inherent powers of High Court under Section 482 of Criminal Procedure Code, on the basis of a settlement between the parties. Supreme Court was considering the question whether a serious offence like S.307 of Indian Penal Code [Attempt to murder] be quashed on the basis of a compromise entered in to between the parties. The Court elaborated the scope of S.320 of the Criminal Procedure Code which allows the compounding of offences as follows; “There are cases where the power of the High Court under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code to quash the proceedings in those offences which are un-compoundable has been recognized. The only difference is that under Section 320(1) of the Code, no permission is required from the Court in those cases which are compoundable though the Court has discretionary power to refuse to compound the offence. However, compounding under Section 320(1) of the Code is permissible only in minor offences or in non-serious offences. Likewise, when the parties reach settlement in respect of offences enumerated in Section 320(2) of the Code, compounding is permissible but it requires the approval of the Court. In so far as serious offences are concerned, quashing of criminal proceedings upon compromise is within the discretionary powers of the High Court. In such cases, the power is exercised under Section 482 of the Code and proceedings are quashed. Contours of these powers were described by this Court in B.S.Joshi vs. State of Haryana which has been followed and further explained/elaborated in so many cases thereafter, which are taken note of in the discussion that follows hereinafter. At the same time, one has to keep in mind the subtle distinction between the power of compounding of offences given to Court under Section 320 of the Code and quashing of criminal proceedings by the High Court in exercise of its inherent jurisdiction conferred upon it under Section 482 of the Code. Once, it is found that compounding is permissible only if a particular offence is covered by the provisions of Section 320 of the Code and the Court in such cases is guided solitary and squarely by the compromise between the parties, in so far as power of quashing under Section 482 of the Code is concerned, it is guided by the material on record as to whether the ends of justice would justify such exercise of power, although the ultimate consequence may be acquittal or dismissal of indictment. Such a distinction is lucidly explained by a three-Judge Bench of this Court in Gian Singh vs. State of Punjab & Anr. Justice Lodha, speaking for the Court, explained the difference between the two provisions in the following manner: “Quashing of offence or criminal proceedings on the ground of settlement between an offender and victim is not the same thing as compounding of offence. They are different and not interchangeable. Strictly speaking, the power of compounding of offences given to a court under Section 320 is materially different from the quashing of criminal proceedings by the High Court in exercise of its inherent jurisdiction. In compounding of offences, power of a criminal court is circumscribed by the provisions contained in Section 320 and the court is guided solely and squarely thereby while, on the other hand, the formation of opinion by the High Court for quashing a criminal offence or criminal proceeding or criminal complaint is guided by the material on record as to whether the ends of justice would justify such exercise of power although the ultimate consequence may be acquittal or dismissal of indictment” No doubt, crimes are acts which have harmful effect on the public and consist in wrongdoing that seriously endangers and threatens the well-being of the society and it is not safe to leave the crime-doer only because he and the victim have settled the dispute amicably or that the victim has been paid compensation, yet certain crimes have been made compoundable in law, with or without the permission of the court. In respect of serious offences like murder, rape, dacoity, etc. or other offences of mental depravity under IPC or offences of moral turpitude under special statutes, like the Prevention of Corruption Act or the offences committed by public servants while working in that capacity, the settlement between the offender and the victim can have no legal sanction at all. However, certain offences which overwhelmingly and predominantly bear civil flavor having arisen out of civil, mercantile, commercial, financial, partnership or such like transactions or the offences arising out of matrimony, particularly relating to dowry, etc. or the family dispute, where the wrong is basically to the victim and the offender and the victim have settled all disputes between them amicably, irrespective of the fact that such offences have not been made compoundable, the High Court may within the framework of its inherent power, quash the criminal proceeding or criminal complaint or FIR if it is satisfied that on the face of such settlement, there is hardly any likelihood of the offender being convicted and by not quashing the criminal proceedings, justice shall be casualty and ends of justice shall be defeated. The above list is illustrative and not exhaustive”, said the Court. At the end of the discussion the Court issued the following guidelines (I) Power conferred under Section 482 of the Code is to be distinguished from the power which lies in the Court to compound the offences under Section 320 of the Code. No doubt, under Section 482 of the Code, the High Court has inherent power to quash the criminal proceedings even in those cases which are not compoundable, where the parties have settled the matter between themselves. However, this power is to be exercised sparingly and with caution. (II)When the parties have reached the settlement and on that basis petition for quashing the criminal proceedings is filed, the guiding factor in such cases would be to secure: (i) ends of justice, or (ii) to prevent abuse of the process of any Court. While exercising the power the High Court is to form an opinion on either of the aforesaid two objectives. (III) Such a power is not be exercised in those prosecutions which involve heinous and serious offences of mental depravity or offences like murder, rape, dacoity, etc. Such offences are not private in nature and have a serious impact on society. Similarly, for offences alleged to have been committed under special statute like the Prevention of Corruption Act or the offences committed by Public Servants while working in that capacity are not to be quashed merely on the basis of compromise between the victim and the offender. (IV) On the other, those criminal cases having overwhelmingly and pre-dominantly civil character, particularly those arising out of commercial transactions or arising out of matrimonial relationship or family disputes should be quashed when the parties have resolved their entire disputes among themselves. (V) While exercising its powers, the High Court is to examine as to whether the possibility of conviction is remote and bleak and continuation of criminal cases would put the accused to great oppression and prejudice and extreme injustice would be caused to him by not quashing the criminal cases. (VI) Offences under Section 307 IPC would fall in the category of heinous and serious offences and therefore is to be generally treated as crime against the society and not against the individual alone. However, the High Court would not rest its decision merely because there is a mention of Section 307 IPC in the FIR or the charge is framed under this provision. It would be open to the High Court to examine as to whether incorporation of Section 307 IPC is there for the sake of it or the prosecution has collected sufficient evidence, which if proved, would lead to proving the charge under Section 307 IPC. For this purpose, it would be open to the High Court to go by the nature of injury sustained, whether such injury is inflicted on the vital/delegate parts of the body, nature of weapons used etc. Medical report in respect of injuries suffered by the victim can generally be the guiding factor. On the basis of this prima facie analysis, the High Court can examine as to whether there is a strong possibility of conviction or the chances of conviction are remote and bleak. In the former case it can refuse to accept the settlement and quash the criminal proceedings whereas in the later case it would be permissible for the High Court to accept the plea compounding the offence based on complete settlement between the parties. At this stage, the Court can also be swayed by the fact that the settlement between the parties is going to result in harmony between them which may improve their future relationship. (VII) While deciding whether to exercise its power under Section 482 of the Code or not, timings of settlement play a crucial role. Those cases where the settlement is arrived at immediately after the alleged commission of offence and the matter is still under investigation, the High Court may be liberal in accepting the settlement to quash the criminal proceedings/investigation. It is because of the reason that at this stage the investigation is still on and even the charge sheet has not been filed. Likewise, those cases where the charge is framed but the evidence is yet to start or the evidence is still at infancy stage, the High Court can show benevolence in exercising its powers favourably, but after prima facie assessment of the circumstances/material mentioned above. On the other hand, where the prosecution evidence is almost complete or after the conclusion of the evidence the matter is at the stage of argument, normally the High Court should refrain from exercising its power under Section 482 of the Code, as in such cases the trial court would be in a position to decide the case finally on merits and to come a conclusion as to whether the offence under Section 307 IPC is committed or not. Similarly, in those cases where the conviction is already recorded by the trial court and the matter is at the appellate stage before the High Court, mere compromise between the parties would not be a ground to accept the same resulting in acquittal of the offender who has already been convicted by the trial court. Here charge is proved under Section 307 IPC and conviction is already recorded of a heinous crime and, therefore, there is no question of sparing a convict found guilty of such a crime. Topics: FIR Justice A.K. Sikri Justice K S Radhakrishnan Justice Lodha non-compoundable offence Section 320 of CrPC Section 482 of Criminal Procedure Code Supreme Court Related Posts Supreme-Court-of-India-min September 30, 2016 SC Rejects PIL For Countrywide Liquor Ban Saying “Can’t Interfere In Policy Matters” Ethics in Medical practice September 30, 2016 NEET Row: SC Orders Centralised Counselling For Medical Admissions In Maharashtra [Read Judgment] Supreme Court of India - Live Law-min September 28, 2016 Social Security To The Legal Profession Becomes An Essential Part Of Legal System: SC [Read… Aadhar Card September 24, 2016 SC Stays Mandatory Use Of Aadhaar For Scholarship Schemes [Read Order] justice-anand-byrareddy-and-justice-a-k-sikri September 19, 2016 HC Rectifies, But SC Reiterates ‘Erroneous’ View [Read Judgment] Supreme Court of India September 16, 2016 SC Expresses Shock To See A First Appeal Pending In HC For 35 Years [Read… Got Something To Say: Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Let us know what you have to say: Your Name * Your Email * CAPTCHA Refresh CAPTCHA Code* TS says: July 21, 2016 at 12:58 pm 1. My sister filed a private criminal case against me reg forgery of my dad’s WILL. It is a basically a civil case disguised as a criminal case. 2. We have settled an out-of-court. 3. Now she wants to file a civil suit with me as a defendant and get a favorable decree. 4. Thereafter, she wants me to file a writ for quashing her criminal complaint – where she says that she will support me. 5. Is there any risk that the quashing fails and my criminal case continues – while the property goes to her? I do not trust her at all as she has cheated me all along. How do I safe guard my interests? Reply Balagopal says: November 8, 2015 at 7:44 pm When there is an out of court settlement between parties, it is better to quash the proceedings under Sec.482 to prevent abuse of process of any court.When there is a compromise between parties, there is no meaning in proceeding with the case. I think, This verdict will be very much helpful for accused of the offence of this nature falling under Section 304 A also, and thereby so many cases can be disposed off. Reply kumaresh.p.kotigoudar says: October 4, 2015 at 1:12 pm That judge Reply paresh patel says: July 4, 2015 at 11:58 am jujment for quashing the criminal cases. whose FIR fieled three -four years let Reply Prasad vaidya says: July 4, 2015 at 9:08 am Please mention name of parties and date of judgment. Reply ANSARI SOLICITOR FIRM says: May 16, 2015 at 4:37 pm i also believe that high court should refrain quashing of complaints under serious and henious offeces. even repeated offenders of minor offences should not be allowed to settle. how the victim has settled the complaint that is also an important role, if this practice is widely accepted, then criminal after committing the crime will also harrash the victim or the complainant for settlement as generally the trail takes very long period to complete,… Reply sunil nimbolkar says: May 9, 2015 at 12:48 am Serious non compoundable offence must be prosecuted in the interest of justice. and the process must be fast Reply Ajay Sengar says: November 20, 2015 at 8:13 pm Now it is fession of some of hon’ble Judges neither follow the Laws of Hon’ble Apex court nor mention it in their Order or Judgements nut the lawyers become handless in such situation Reply nlc law Recent Posts Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav Centre Asks SC To Junk PIL On Drought As Swaraj Abhiyan Turns Political Party October 24, 2016 gm-mustard No GM Mustard Without SC Approval [Read the application for directions] October 24, 2016 Bombay-High-Court-LL-Size-min Two Years On, Still No Trace Of Aurangabad Arms Haul Accused October 24, 2016 Whatsapp A Singapore Court Approves Serving Of Civil Suit Papers Via WhatsApp October 24, 2016 Tags Links About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Advertise with us Terms and Conditions About livelaw.in Live Law is a comprehensive legal news portal and is set to redefine the standards of legal journalism in India. 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