Alok Singh
On 14th July 2025, the Supreme Court held that rape cases can be quashed based on the settlements between parties. The court further observes that this must be done in exceptional circumstances, considering the facts of the case.
The petitioner filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court order that denied quashing the FIR since Section 376 of the IPC is non-compoundable and a serious offence.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sanjay Kumar observed that the second FIR (with a charge of sexual assault and recording the same) might be lodged as a reactionary step. Further, the Court noted that the complainant herself expressed her desire not to pursue the prosecution and received Rs. 5,00,000/-. She argued that the criminal proceedings would disturb her peace and stability, as she is married and settled in her personal life.
The Court held that, under these circumstances, continuing criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose and would only constitute an abuse of process. Therefore, it quashed both FIRs and all the proceedings arising from the Session Court.
Click here to access the order.
Case Title: Madhukar and Ors. v. State of Maharashtra and Anr.
Case Number: SLP(Crl.)No. 7212 of 2025
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sanjay Kumar
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