The Delhi High Court suggested introducing a ‘Consent Calendar’ to simplify the process of handling compromise-based petitions for quashing FIRs. This step aims to speed up cases where all parties agree, easing the workload of the courts. The court has also issued clear guidelines to ensure these cases are handled quickly and uniformly.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court introduced practice directions to expedite the handling of non-contentious compromise petitions related to the quashing of FIRs.
Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru issued these directives based on recommendations from the ‘Committee to consider proposed draft rules titled “Case Flow Management (Subordinate Courts of Delta) Rules, 2008.”’
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According to the notification,
“All non-contentious compromise-based petitions involving quashing of FIRs shall be preliminarily listed before the Joint Registrar (Judicial) for criminal jurisdiction.”
The Joint Registrar is tasked with verifying compliance with the Supreme Court’s latest guidelines concerning compromise cases.
Additionally, the Joint Registrar may utilize online verification methods, including Aadhaar-linked systems and other e-KYC processes, to confirm the identity and voluntary consent of the parties involved, ensuring that their agreement is genuine and free from undue influence. The Investigating Officer may also be required to participate in virtual sessions for identity verification.
Furthermore, a ‘Consent Calendar’ will be introduced to group all non-contentious compromise matters on specific days. The Hon’ble Judge will then review the pre-vetted petitions from the Joint Registrar and, in cases where no judicial intervention is required, may deliver orders en masse.
This strategy aims to reduce the necessity for full oral hearings and conserve valuable judicial time.
Other key directives include conducting consent hearings through secure video conferencing platforms, allowing parties and their counsel to confirm compromises virtually, which can further minimize delays related to personal appearances and adjournments.
Once all conditions for quashing an FIR are satisfied, the Joint Registrar will forward the case to the Hon’ble Bench for final decision, either quashing or dismissing the FIR based on the verified report.
For cases involving contentious issues or those that do not strictly adhere to Supreme Court parameters, the Joint Registrar may address such matters for the Bench’s consideration, ensuring that only cases requiring judicial scrutiny are listed for full hearings, thereby optimizing judicial resources.