#mediation in criminal cases

Rajasthan High Court holds that a trial court cannot take cognizance of an offence based on a negative final report without recording specific reasons for disagreeing with the police report. The Court stayed criminal proceedings and directed mediation in a family dispute involving minor offences under Sections 323 and 341 IPC, emphasizing procedural fairness and the impact on the accused's career prospects.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that in dowry prohibition cases, coercive steps like arrest must be stayed for up to five months or until mediation concludes, making mediation a mandatory pre-condition to prosecution. This sets a precedent for settlement-driven disposal in criminal matrimonial disputes, shifting focus from punitive action to amicable resolution under the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Allahabad HC allows mediation in criminal complaints under BNSS Section 528, suspending coercive action for five months or until mediation concludes. The ruling enables voluntary settlement even in non-compoundable offences, offering parties an alternative dispute resolution path before trial proceeds.

Allahabad High Court quashed criminal proceedings under Sections 498A, 323, 504, 506 IPC and DP Act after parties settled matrimonial disputes through mediation, reinforcing that inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC can secure justice even for non-compoundable offences when compromise is achieved. The ruling underscores the court's discretion to prevent abuse of process where reconciliation is in societal interest.