Aastha Pareek
The Delhi High Court on December 24, 2024 has introduced a new procedural framework to expedite the resolution of petitions seeking the quashing of First Information Reports (FIRs) based on compromises. Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru issued these practices aiming to expedite the judicial process and conserve valuable court. The aim is to ensure a swift and efficient process while adhering to the Supreme Court’s guidelines on such matters.
Under the revised procedure, all non-contentious compromise-based quashing petitions will be initially listed before the Joint Registrar (Judicial) for verification. The Joint Registrar will confirm the identity of the parties through online systems, such as Aadhaar-linked verification, and ensure that the compromise is genuine, free from coercion, undue influence, or pressure. In cases requiring further verification, the Investigating Officer may be directed to participate virtually to authenticate the identities of the parties involved.
To address logistical challenges and reduce delays, the Court has mandated the use of secured video conferencing platforms for the proceedings. Once the Joint Registrar confirms that all conditions have been satisfied, the matter will be forwarded to the Court for a final decision. This streamlined process allows the Court to either quash or dismiss the FIR based on the verified report, saving considerable time otherwise spent by Benches scrutinizing such petitions.
The Court has also proposed the introduction of a ‘Consent Calendar’ to group similar compromise-based matters on designated days. This innovative approach will enable the Court to review and pronounce orders collectively for cases where no further judicial intervention is required, significantly reducing the need for extensive oral hearings and preserving judicial resources.
In instances where contentious issues arise or the compromise does not meet the Supreme Court’s criteria, the Joint Registrar will flag these cases for detailed consideration by the Bench. This ensures that complex matters receive appropriate judicial attention while routine cases are resolved expeditiously.
The Delhi High Court emphasized that this mechanism would optimize the use of judicial time, allowing benches to focus on cases necessitating in-depth analysis. By implementing these directions, the Court aims to streamline the disposal of compromise-based petitions, enhancing the overall efficiency of the judicial system.