Delhi High Court Flags 'Haath Mara' Misuse in Modesty FIRs, Quashes Timarpur Case

Overview

• Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, in a December 17 order, said police routinely record the phrase “haath mara” in Section 354-type cases without the complainant’s endorsement.
• The court quashed FIR No. 349/2025 from Timarpur police station after noting a voluntary, fear-free settlement between the complainant and two accused.
• The case was registered under BNS Sections 115(2), 126(2), 74 and 3(5), which include offences corresponding to assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
• The complainant, an event manager, had alleged the men were intoxicated, assaulted her and asked her to dance, but later told the court she had no objection to quashing.
• A copy of the order was directed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police to ensure police do not insert conjured or unendorsed averments in complaints.