Delhi High Court Quashes FIR Against AAP Media Coordinator After Amicable Settlement
FIR quashed following a settlement deed between the parties; petitioner to pay Rs. 25,000 to Delhi Police Martyrs' Fund.
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Amit Mahajan, has quashed the FIR against Vikas Kumar Yogi, the media coordinator of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), following an amicable settlement with the complainant, a senior reporter from a leading news channel. The FIR, numbered 168/2024, was initially registered on May 21, 2024, at Police Station I.P. Estate, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 323, 341, 506, 509, 427, 149, and 34.
The incident occurred on May 20, 2024, when the complainant visited the AAP office to cover a story regarding foreign funding received by the party. An altercation ensued, leading to allegations against Yogi and several party workers for intimidation and obstruction.
The Court noted that the offences were compoundable and that the parties had voluntarily entered into a settlement deed dated June 2, 2025, without any pressure. Yogi issued an unconditional apology, and the complainant expressed satisfaction with the apology, stating no objection to the FIR's quashing.
Justice Mahajan highlighted that continuing the proceedings would serve no useful purpose and would constitute an abuse of the court's process. However, acknowledging the involvement of state machinery, the Court imposed a cost of Rs. 25,000 on Yogi, to be deposited with the Delhi Police Martyrs' Fund within eight weeks. Proof of the deposit is to be submitted to the concerned SHO.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's emphasis on resolving disputes amicably when possible, especially in cases where the offences are compoundable, thereby reducing the burden on the judicial system.
Bottom Line:
FIR can be quashed by the High Court under amicable settlement between the parties if the offences are compoundable, and keeping the dispute alive would amount to abuse of the process of the Court.
Statutory provision(s): Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 - Section 320(3), Section 156(3); Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Sections 323, 341, 506, 509, 427, 149, 34
Vikas Kumar Yogi v. State of NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2786177
