Shreya Gupta
On 19th August, 2025, the Delhi High Court issued a unique order in the case of Arvind Kumar and Others v The State and Another. The Court directed warring neighbours to serve pizzas and buttermilk to children and staff at a Government-run childcare institution. This was set as a condition to quash the police cases filed against each other.
A Bench comprising of Justice Arun Monga mandated that each inmate, attendant, and staff member of Sanskar Ashram near GTB Hospital should be served one mixed vegetable pizza along with an Amul Chaach Tetra Pack. The pizzas were to be baked by the complainant from the FIR No. 220/2025, registered at P.S. Mansarovar Park, and this act was considered community service to be jointly carried out by all complainants and accused parties.
The case arose from cross-FIRs filed after a dispute over pet handling escalated into a physical altercation, with both parties accusing each other of assault, intimidation, and misbehaviour. However, the neighbours later resolved the issue amicably through a settlement. Recognizing that the fight was a private matter and that continuing criminal proceedings would be futile, the Court chose an unconventional but community-oriented resolution. Noting that one of the complainants was involved in baking and selling pizzas, the Court utilized this fact to design a restorative justice measure that benefits the community, especially the children at the Ashram.
The Court also directed the investigating officer to ensure compliance with this order. The petitioners were represented by their respective advocates, and the State was represented by Additional Standing Counsel (Criminal) Rahul Tyagi along with his team.
Case Title: Arvind Kumar and Others v. The State and Another
Case Number: W.P.(CRL) 2573/2025
Bench: Justice Arun Monga
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