In Brief
Two appellants sought to quash two FIRs—one involving assault and related charges, the other alleging sexual assault under Section 376 IPC—filed within one day of each other following a family dispute. The complainant in the sexual assault case later filed an affidavit expressing her desire not to pursue the prosecution and stating she had received financial settlement. The High Court dismissed the quashing applications, treating Section 376 IPC offences as non-compoundable. The Supreme Court allowed the appeals, holding that while Section 376 IPC offences are ordinarily grave, Section 482 CrPC is not bound by rigid rules. Considering the complainant's unequivocal desire not to pursue the case, the amicable settlement, and the reactive nature of the second FIR, the Court found that continuing prosecution would serve no useful purpose and amount to abuse of process, and thus quashed both FIRs.
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