The Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR filed against a male air traveller who was accused of staring at a female co-passenger during a flight from Indore to Delhi in 2024. The decision came on May 30, 2025, after the court took note of a mutual settlement reached between the parties involved.

The order was passed by Justice Ravinder Dudeja, who stated that continuing the proceedings would serve no useful purpose, as the dispute had been amicably resolved.

“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,” the High Court noted in its judgment.

Details of the allegation and FIR

The alleged incident took place on May 28, 2024, when the complainant, a woman passenger, was on a flight from Indore to Delhi. She alleged that a co-passenger stared at her persistently, causing discomfort and distress.

After the flight landed at IGI Airport, the complainant submitted a written complaint to the police. Subsequently, an FIR under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) — which relates to word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman — was registered at Police Station IGI Airport on May 29, 2024.

Settlement and court proceedings

During the High Court hearing, the accused’s lawyer, Advocate Sanjeev Malik, informed the court that the matter had been amicably resolved between the two parties. A Settlement Agreement was executed on December 16, 2024, with the assistance of mutual friends and well-wishers.

A copy of the Settlement Agreement was placed on record.

The counsel for the complainant also confirmed to the court that the matter had been settled without any force, fear, or coercion. She raised no objection to the quashing of the FIR.

In line with this, the Additional Public Prosecutor for the State submitted that he had no objection if the FIR, along with the charge sheet and all consequential proceedings, were quashed.

Judicial reasoning behind quashing

The High Court carefully considered the facts, including the amicable resolution and the voluntary consent of both parties. Justice Dudeja noted that since the matter had been resolved mutually, and the complainant did not wish to pursue the case any further, it would not be in the interest of justice to allow the FIR to continue.

The court formally quashed the FIR dated 29.05.2024, registered under Section 509 IPC, and terminated all legal proceedings arising from it.

Legal context: Section 509 IPC

Section 509 IPC deals with acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, including gestures, words, or any act perceived to be offensive or discomforting. It is a cognisable but bailable offence, and cases filed under it often come under judicial scrutiny when settlements are reached out of court.

In such situations, courts generally weigh the voluntariness of the settlement, public interest, and whether continuing the case would have any practical utility.

Significance of the judgment

This judgment reinforces the role of settlement in personal dispute cases, especially where no serious harm or violence is involved. While maintaining the sanctity of laws that protect women’s dignity and rights, the court also recognised the need to avoid prolonged litigation when both parties have resolved their issues peacefully.

It also reflects the judiciary’s emphasis on judicious use of court time, particularly when matters do not warrant further prosecution owing to amicable resolution.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s decision to quash the FIR highlights the importance of restorative justice in cases involving non-violent interpersonal disputes. By respecting the mutual agreement of the parties and avoiding unnecessary prolongation of the case, the court provided relief to both sides and ensured that legal machinery is not misused for trivial continuance.

The case also serves as a reminder about sensitivity during public interactions, particularly during travel, while also showing that resolution through dialogue remains possible, even in legally complex matters.

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