"Family Ties Are Paramount, Courts Can't Perpetuate Discord": Rajasthan High Court While Quashing Cross FIRs Over Family Altercation

While quashing cross FIRs registered by family members against one another, Rajasthan High Court ruled that court's primary objective must be to strength family bonds and not to perpetuate discord among family members.

The bench of Justice Arun Monga was hearing quashing petition in relation to cross-FIRs for criminal assault and causing hurt, filed by members of the same family owing to an altercation.

It was the case of counsel from both the sides that if the other side discontinue to press charges, they would also surrender the FIRs. Pursuant to this proposed resolution and the consensus reached between the parties, the Court held that “in the interest of restoring societal peace and family harmony”, there was no justifiable reason for the FIRs to remain.

It was further opined that continuing the FIRs, would only escalate the family tensions and family ties were paramount, hence priority must be given to maintaining unity within families.

“Continuing the two FIRs would only exacerbate family tensions and deepen the rift among relatives. The allegations stem from a family scuffle rather than any criminal intent or grievous wrongdoing.”

Accordingly, the Court quashed the FIRs in both the cases and disposed of the petitions.

Title: Urvashi Bishnoi & Ors. v State of Rajasthan and other connected petition

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Raj) 289

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