Ramji Lal Bairwa & Anr. Versus State of Rajasthan & Ors., 2024

The Apex Court employees around the idea whether heinous crimes, especially those involving minors and sexual offenses, can be treated as private matters that are eligible for compromise-based quashing. The facts of the cases are as follows : 

• The victim, a minor, alleged that her teacher rubbed her breasts in the classroom, in the absence of any witnesses, and threatened her to remain silent if she tried to inform others. 
• The teacher was charged under IPC, POCSO Act, and SC/ST Act. 
• The victim and the teacher reached a compromise, leading the Rajasthan High Court to quash the FIR. 
• The appellant, a third-party, challenged the quashing of the FIR, arguing that heinous crimes, particularly those involving minors and sexual offenses, cannot be compromised and dismissed. 

• Whether heinous crimes, especially those involving minors and sexual offenses, can be treated as private matters that are eligible for compromise-based quashing. 
• Whether the High Court erred in quashing the FIR based solely on the compromise between the teacher and the victim’s family. 

• Public interest in POCSO Act cases outweighs private settlements, especially when a minor is involved. 
• The Supreme Court stressed that serious criminal offenses, particularly sexual assault and child abuse, should not be undermined by compromises between the parties involved. 
• The High Court's error lies in not properly considering the public interest and the serious nature of the offenses. 
• The judgment reinforced the need for the Sessions Court to ensure the interest of justice in cases involving sexual offenses against minors, even when compromises are attempted.