The Delhi High Court has quashed a case against a man booked for staring at a woman on a flight [Prashant Pareek vs State Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Anr.]..Justice Ravinder Dudeja quashed the first information report (FIR) after noting that parties have amicably resolved their disputes and executed a settlement agreement. “In view of the settlement between the parties, learned additional public prosecutor appearing for the State, also has no objection if the present FIR No. 370/2024 dated 29.05.2024, Under Sections 509 of the Indian Penal Code registered at P.S. IGI Airport along with chargesheet is quashed,” the Court noted. .The case pertains to an incident that occurred a year ago in May 2024. The complainant alleged that in a flight from Indore to Delhi, the accused, a co-passenger stared at her persistently causing discomfort to her. Upon landing, the woman lodged a complaint with the police at the Indira Gandhi Airport. A first information report (FIR) was lodged under section 509 (insult to modesty of woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). .During the proceedings, the parties amicably resolved their disputes and executed a settlement agreement dated December 16, 2024 with the help of well wishers.The the government lawyer also did not object to the same.Accordingly, the Court quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings from it. "In view of 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 No. 370/2024 dated 29.05.2024, under Sections 509 of the Indian Penal Code registered at P.S. IGI Airport along with all the other consequential proceeding emanating therefrom," the Court stated. .Advocates Anubhav Mehrotra and Sanjeev Malik appeared for the accused.Additional Standing Counsel Sanjeev Bhandari appeared for the State.Advocate Rana Kunal appeared for the complainant. [Read Order]
