Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 26-10-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Gurdev Singh & Anr.; Respondents: State of Punjab & Ors.
- Originating FIR No. 221 (28‑12‑2017) at Dehlon, Ludhiana under IPC §§324, 323, 506, 120B, filed by Jorawar Singh against respondents Nos. 2‑4.
- Respondent No. 4 filed cross‑case DDR No. 10 (04‑01‑2018) under IPC §§325, 506, 201, 34 against five persons, including the petitioners.
- Petitioners, working abroad, were proclaimed offenders on 22‑11‑2023 and 20‑02‑2020 respectively.
- Both sides reached an amicable settlement; the High Court quashed the FIR (against respondents Nos. 2‑4) and the DDR (against three co‑accused) subject to a deposit of Rs 10,000 by the co‑accused and respondents Nos. 2‑4 to Ashiana (Specialized Adoption Agency) and Snehalaya for Girls, Chandigarh.
- A further compromise between petitioners and respondents Nos. 2‑4 was recorded on 04‑02‑2025.
- Petitioners approached the High Court (CRM‑M‑50469‑2026) seeking quashing of DDR proceedings and proclamation orders dated 20‑02‑2020 and 22‑11‑2023.
- The High Court, on 07‑09‑2026, directed parties to appear before the trial Court/Magistrate on 28‑09‑2026 for verification of the compromise and to submit a detailed report.
- Petitioners argued that physical appearance would jeopardise their overseas employment and impose financial burden; they offered to appear via video‑conferencing and to deposit Rs 5 lakhs to the same institutions as earlier.
- The Court noted that for verification of compromise in compoundable offences, only the complainant’s presence is mandatory; the accused’s presence is not required.
Final Outcome
- Petitioners shall appear before the Magistrate for compromise verification through virtual mode/video‑conferencing; physical presence is not required.
- Petitioners must deposit Rs 5 lakhs with Ashiana (Specialized Adoption Agency) and Snehalaya for Girls, QQ 2C‑437, 15C, Sector 15, Chandigarh‑160015, prior to verification.
- Verification proceedings will commence after proof of payment is placed before the trial Court.
- The special leave petition stands disposed of, and any pending applications, if any, are also disposed of.
Topics: Compromise Verification, Virtual Court Proceedings