Delhi High Court Quashes FIR Against Vipin Ahuja, Imposes Community Service for Hospital Assault

Court stresses the gravity of violence against medical professionals, mandates community service as part of settlement

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court quashed the First Information Report (FIR) against Vipin Ahuja, who was charged with assaulting a medical professional at a hospital in Anand Vihar, Delhi. The decision, made by Justice Ajay Digpaul, came after both parties reached an amicable settlement. The petitioner, Vipin Ahuja, was accused of creating a disturbance and physically assaulting a doctor on duty at a hospital on July 26, 2019. The incident also involved further abuse and disruption of hospital services by individuals called by Ahuja.

During the proceedings, the court reviewed a settlement deed dated January 8, 2025, in which the complainant, the assaulted doctor, agreed to withdraw the case. The court emphasized that the continuation of criminal proceedings would serve no meaningful purpose given the resolution reached between the parties. However, the court did not overlook the seriousness of the offence, highlighting the potential risks such actions pose to medical professionals and patient care.

Justice Digpaul underscored the implications of violence against healthcare workers, which not only endangers their safety but also hinders patient treatment. Drawing from the precedent set in Gian Singh v. State of Punjab, the court decided to quash the FIR, subject to specific conditions to ensure accountability.

As part of the settlement, the court ordered Vipin Ahuja to perform community service at Dr. Sushma Jindal Hospital in Dilshad Garden, New Delhi. The service is to be conducted every Saturday and Sunday for one month under the supervision of the complainant. The court laid out clear instructions for monitoring the service, including the issuance of a completion certificate by the hospital’s Medical Superintendent.

The court also instructed that any failure to comply with the community service terms, such as absenteeism or misconduct, should be reported to the authorities, potentially leading to the revival of the FIR. The ruling highlights the judiciary's effort to balance justice with rehabilitation, ensuring that the resolution of criminal cases through settlements does not undermine the gravity of offences, especially those involving healthcare professionals.

Bottom Line:

Quashing of FIR on the basis of settlement between the parties in a case involving assault on a medical professional - Court emphasizes the seriousness of violence against medical professionals and imposes community service as a condition for quashing. 

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 528, Indian Penal Code, 1860 Section 506, Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act Section 4

Vipin Ahuja v. State NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2787025