In Brief
Two lawyers in Kodaikanal filed cross FIRs against each other arising from a 2017 incident involving alleged assault and abusive language. Both cases alleged identical offences under the Indian Penal Code. The Supreme Court encouraged settlement and, after the second respondent (defendant in the second FIR) tendered unconditional apology and undertook cordial conduct, exercised power under Article 142 to quash both FIRs. The first appellant's initial threat to commit suicide if the second FIR were quashed was treated as contemptuous conduct, but given his subsequent apology and repentance, the Court chose magnanimity. The order aimed to resolve years-long professional animosity and allow both lawyers to contribute meaningfully to the legal system.
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