Justice Sanjeev Narula passed the order on December 17 while hearing a petition seeking quashing of an FIR registered against the man in connection with a road accident in the Lajpat Nagar area of the national capital.
“Having regard to the nature of the Petitioner’s conduct, this Court is of the view that he must undertake community service as a measure of accountability. Accordingly, the Petitioner is directed to perform community service at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital from January 5-19, 2026,” the court said.
Background
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on April 9, 2024, around 10 pm near a private school in Dayanand Colony of Lajpat Nagar.
The complainant, who was riding a motorcycle, alleged that he was hit by a speeding car, causing him to fall and sustain injuries.
Ram Lakhan Tiwari, the driver of the car, allegedly stopped briefly before fleeing the spot, the complainant alleged.
The injured was later taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment, following which the FIR was registered at Amar Colony police station, alleged offences under Sections 279 (Driving or riding on a public way so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life) and 337 (Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC.
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Tiwari settled the matter with the complainant and approached the court for the quashing of the FIR.
The court going through the material available on record and examining the complainant and the petitioner quashed the FIR and ordered community service for Tiwari.
Arguments
Advocates Siddharth Gautam and Aryan Shokeen, who appeared for the petitioner, submitted before the court that the parties had amicably settled their dispute.
A memorandum of understanding was executed on June 4, under which the complainant agreed to give his no-objection to the quashing of the FIR after receiving a settlement amount of Rs 40,000.
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The complainant appeared in person before the court and confirmed that the settlement was voluntary and without any coercion.
Observations
While allowing the petition and quashing the FIR, the court observed that continuation of the criminal case would serve no meaningful purpose, particularly in light of the settlement and the remote possibility of conviction.
“Continuation of the criminal proceedings in these circumstances would serve no meaningful purpose and would amount to an unnecessary prolongation of litigation, causing avoidable hardship to the parties and wastage of judicial time,’ the court said.
Stating that the incident appears to be a pure accident, without any aggravating factors, the court noted that there were no independent witnesses to the incident, and the material on record does not prima facie indicate any act of rashness or negligence on the part Tiwari.
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Justice Narula, however, held that the petitioner’s conduct warranted accountability and directed Tiwari to perform community service.
The bench asked him to report to the medical superintendent of the hospital on the first day for instructions and assignment of duties.
The court further directed that a certificate confirming completion of the community service be submitted to the court registry.
Making it clear that any absenteeism, default or misconduct during the community service period would be reported to the police, and could result in revival of the FIR, the court imposed costs of Rs 2,500 on Tiwari, to be deposited with the Delhi Police Welfare Fund, noting that state machinery had been set in motion due to the FIR.
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The court emphasised that such directions serve both the ends of justice and the larger public interest, while ensuring that accountability is not lost even when criminal proceedings are quashed on the basis of settlement.
