Punjab and Haryana HC has imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on a complainant who alleged gang rape against multiple persons and later claimed that FIR was lodged due to a “misunderstanding”, while quashing the case on the basis of a compromise between the parties.

Court observed, “The integrity of the man has been severely ruined by the allegations levelled by the complainant who conveniently submitted that the FIR was got lodged due to misunderstanding.”

The accused filed a petition seeking quashing of the FIR on the ground that the dispute had been amicably settled. Earlier, a co-ordinate Bench had directed the parties to appear before the trial court for recording their statements regarding the compromise.

Pursuant to HC’s direction, CJM, Pathankot, submitted a report stating that the compromise between the parties was voluntary and arrived at without any coercion, pressure, or undue influence. State counsel and counsel for the complainant also did not oppose the plea for quashing the FIR.

While considering the compromise, HC observed that continuation of the criminal proceedings would be an “exercise in futility” since the chances of conviction were bleak after the parties had settled the matter.

However, Court also made severe observations against the complainant’s conduct, noting that allegations as serious as gang rape could not be raised casually and later withdrawn on the pretext of misunderstanding.

Court further noted that there was no explanation for the delay in lodging the complaint and no medical evidence corroborating the allegations.

Court observed that “such kind of misadventures by women” demean the stature of women in society and therefore deserved to be dealt with strictly.

Accordingly, High Court quashed FIR against the petitioners, subject to payment of costs of Rs 10,000 each by the accused persons and Rs 1 lakh by complainant within 1 month.

Court further directed that if complainant failed to deposit the amount or pressured the accused to pay on her behalf, the State would recover the amount as arrears of land revenue by attaching her properties and assets.