Inherent powers can quash an FIR despite non-compoundable offences where settlement makes prosecution futile and abusive.

Settlement between the complainant and the accused, together with the accused's affidavit disclaiming any right, title or interest in the disputed property, justified quashing of the FIR. The SC reaffirmed that non-compoundable offences under Section 320 of the Code do not by themselves bar use of inherent powers under Section 482 where continuation of prosecution would be an abuse of process and a trial would serve no useful purpose. The power must be exercised sparingly and to secure the ends of justice. On those facts, the FIR was quashed insofar as the appellant was concerned.

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Issues: Whether the FIR could be quashed under the inherent powers of the Court despite the offences being non-compoundable, in view of the settlement between the complainant and the appellant.

Analysis: The dispute had been settled between the complainant and the appellant, and the appellant had furnished an affidavit acknowledging that he would not claim any right, title or interest in the disputed plots. The complainant accepted the appellant's bona fides and expressed no objection to quashing the FIR insofar as the appellant was concerned. The Court reaffirmed that the mere fact that an offence is non-compoundable under Section 320 of the Code does not bar quashing under Section 482, if continuance of the prosecution would amount to abuse of process and the trial would be futile. The power must, however, be exercised sparingly and to secure the ends of justice.

Conclusion: The FIR could be quashed under Section 482 of the Code notwithstanding the non-compoundable nature of the offences, and the appeal was allowed insofar as the appellant was concerned.

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