Delhi high court quashes voyeurism, stalking case against ice cream vendor after settlement between parties

NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against an ice cream vendor accused of voyeurism and stalking after the complainant agreed to a settlement and told the court she wished to move on with her life.

In a recent order, the court observed that continuing with the FIR, registered in 2018, would serve no purpose as the dispute had been resolved voluntarily between the parties. The complainant supported the plea for quashing and said she wanted to put the matter behind her.

The court also took note of what it described as a “benevolent gesture” by the accused, who offered to distribute ice cream to all personnel at Model Town police station within a week, after coordinating with the investigating officer.

“Since the petitioner is an ice cream vendor, as a benevolent gesture, he wishes to distribute ice cream to the entire staff of PS Model Town. This court appreciates the gesture,” the order said.

The FIR had been registered under Sections 354(C) (voyeurism), 354(D) (stalking), 385 (putting a person in fear of injury to commit extortion) and 384 (extortion) of the Indian Penal Code. However, the court noted that circumstances had changed significantly since then. “Much water has flowed since the registration of the FIR. The respondent is now married and has been blessed with a child, and she wishes to move ahead in her new and stable life,” the court recorded.

As part of the settlement reached in Jan, the complainant was paid Rs 45,000, the court was informed. Taking an overall view of the facts and the compromise, the court allowed the plea and quashed the proceedings.