HC directs litigants to plant trees after they agree to settle matter

New Delhi: The Delhi high court has directed the parties to plant 200 trees each, while agreeing to quash a cheating FIR on the basis of amicable settlement between the parties

New Delhi: The Delhi high court has directed the parties to plant 200 trees each, while agreeing to quash a cheating FIR on the basis of amicable settlement between the parties.

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The dispute relates to alleged cheating, fraud and misappropriation of ₹90 lakhs in a land purchase agreement at Faridabad, Haryana. Justice Jasmeet Singh observed that the dispute is of civil nature and the complainant is an old lady who wants to put an end to the proceedings.

“Since the dispute is contested to be in the nature of a civil dispute, no charge sheet has been filed in the matter yet and considering that the complainant is an old lady who wishes to put quietus to the present matter, the court thinks this is a fit case for quashing,” the court said in its order of May 31.

However, quashing the FIR, the court said that both the parties will plant 200 trees each (before the monsoon season sets in), in consultation with the Investigating Officer, who shall get in touch with the Horticulture Department of the concerned MCD and indicate the area, where the trees are to be planted.

“Each tree shall have a nursery life of 3 years and the petitioner and the respondent will look after their respective allotted trees for 5 years. The APP, for the State shall be informed with regard to each and every step in this regard. The 6 monthly status reports along with photographs shall be filed. The above planting of trees shall be completed within a period of 6 weeks from today (May 31),” the court said.

The matter would be heard on August 23.