In a noteworthy decision the Delhi High Court quashed two cross-FIRs stemming from a neighbourhood dispute but imposed an unusual condition. Justice Arun Monga directed the warring parties to perform community service by serving meals to the children and staff of a government-run childcare centre.

Background

Two separate First information reports - FIR Nos. 220/2025 and 221/2025, both dated 5 May 2025 at Police Station Mansarovar Park-were registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Each FIR represented a version and counter-version of an altercation between neighbours. The disagreement, stemming from the handling of their respective pets, escalated into a scuffle with allegations of assault, intimidation, and misconduct from both sides.

Counsel for the parties informed the Court that the dispute had been amicably settled through a Settlement Deed dated 01.07.2025 placed on record. They jointly sought quashing of the FIRs. The State’s Additional Standing Counsel and counsel for the respondents also conveyed no objection to the proposed quashing.

During the hearing, both sides appeared in person before the Court and affirmed, voluntarily and without any coercion, that they no longer wished to pursue the matter.

The Court’s  directions:

Justice Monga noted that the underlying dispute was private in nature, arising out of a misunderstanding between neighbours. He observed that continuing the criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose and would rather rekindle hostility, while quashing the FIRs would promote cordiality and bonhomie. The Court also recorded that the complainant in one of the FIRs was engaged in baking and selling pizzas.

Invoking its inherent powers under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Court decided to quash the FIRs but coupled the relief with a directive aimed at promoting societal harmony. Both complainants were directed to jointly bear the expenses for providing Amul Chaach Tetra Pack along with mixed vegetable pizzas to the inmates of Sanskar Ashram near GTB Hospital.

The order explicitly states:

“Each inmate and the attendants and other staff of the Ashram shall be served one Pizza along with Amul Chaach Tetra Pack. The Pizzas shall be baked by the complainant in the FIR No.220/2025 dated 05.05.2025 registered at P.S. Mansarovar Park and the same shall be treated as the community service to be jointly carried out by all the complainants and the accused by serving the same,”

The Investigating Officer was also directed to ensure compliance with the order and report back to the Court. A soft copy of the menu was forwarded to the officer via WhatsApp to ensure that the quality of the pizzas matched the specifications stated.

Accordingly, the petitions were allowed, and both FIRs along with all consequential proceedings were quashed, subject to compliance with the above directions.

Case Title : Arvind Kumar and Others v The State and Another, W.P.(CRL) 2573/2025