The complainant alleged that the man stared at her persistently during the flight, causing discomfort.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR filed against a man who was accused of persistently staring at a woman during a flight from Indore to Delhi in May 2024. The court took this step after noting that both the accused and the complainant had mutually settled the matter.
The FIR, registered under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for insulting the modesty of a woman, was filed at IGI Airport Police Station on May 29, 2024.
The matter was heard by Justice Ravinder Dudeja, who passed the order on May 30, 2024, considering the amicable settlement between the two parties.
The court stated:
“Given the aforesaid circumstances and the fact that parties have put a quietus to the dispute, no useful purpose will be served in continuing with the present FIR of 29.05.2024. Under section 509 of the Indian Penal Code registered at Police Station (P.S.) IGI Airport, along with all the other consequential proceedings emanating therefrom.”
According to the complaint, on May 28, 2024, a woman passenger alleged that a co-passenger was constantly staring at her throughout the flight, which made her feel uncomfortable. Upon reaching Delhi, she filed a written complaint with the IGI Airport police.
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Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered the very next day, on May 29, 2024, under Section 509 IPC, which deals with words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
During the court hearing, Advocate Sanjeev Malik, representing the accused, informed the bench that the issue had been amicably resolved. He said both parties had entered into a Settlement Agreement on December 16, 2024, with the assistance of well-wishers.
He submitted a copy of the settlement agreement to the court.
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The lawyer for the complainant also confirmed the same and said:
“The matter has been settled with the petitioner without any force, fear, or coercion,” and added that: She has no objection if the FIR is quashed.”
The Additional Public Prosecutor representing the State of Delhi told the court that considering the settlement, the State also had no objection to quashing the FIR and closing the case.
The Additional Public Prosecutor for the State submitted that he has no objection if the FIR along with the charge sheet is quashed.
Advocates Anubhav Mehrotra and Sanjeev Malik represented the accused, while Additional Standing Counsel Sanjeev Bhandari appeared on behalf of the State. Advocate Rana Kunal represented the complainant in the matter.
CASE TITLE: Prashant Pareek vs State Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Anr.
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