In a significant ruling emphasizing accountability over mere punishment, the Delhi High Court has directed a man accused of negligent driving to perform 15 days of community service at a government hospital. Justice Sanjeev Narula passed the order while quashing the First Information Report (FIR) registered against the petitioner, Ram Lakhan Tiwari, after he settled the matter with the complainant.
The Court's Directive and Stern Warning
Justice Sanjeev Narula, in his order dated December 17, directed Tiwari to undertake community service at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital from January 5 to January 19, 2026. The court described this as a "measure of accountability" for his conduct. The petitioner has been instructed to report to the hospital's medical superintendent on the first day for duty assignment.
The bench issued a clear warning, stating that any absenteeism, default, or misconduct during the service period would be reported to the police. This could lead to the revival of the quashed FIR. Additionally, the court imposed costs of Rs 2,500 on Tiwari, to be deposited with the Delhi Police Welfare Fund, acknowledging that state machinery was set in motion due to the case.
Background of the Lajpat Nagar Accident Case
The case stemmed from a road accident on April 9, 2024, around 10 pm, near a private school in Dayanand Colony, Lajpat Nagar. The complainant, a motorcyclist, alleged that a speeding car hit him, causing him to fall and sustain injuries. He claimed the car driver, Tiwari, stopped briefly before fleeing the spot. The injured was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered at Amar Colony police station under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing hurt by endangerment) of the Indian Penal Code. However, the parties later reached an amicable settlement. A Memorandum of Understanding was executed on June 4, 2024, where the complainant received a settlement amount of Rs 40,000 and agreed not to object to the quashing of the FIR.
Court's Reasoning for Quashing FIR and Imposing Service
After examining the record and the parties involved, Justice Narula observed that the continuation of criminal proceedings would serve no meaningful purpose, especially given the settlement and the "remote possibility of conviction." The court noted the incident appeared to be a pure accident without independent witnesses or prima facie evidence of rashness or negligence.
However, the judge held that accountability must not be lost even when proceedings are quashed based on a settlement. The direction for community service, the court emphasized, serves the ends of justice and larger public interest. Tiwari must submit a certificate confirming completion of the service to the court registry.
This ruling aligns with a growing trend in Indian courts, where community service is being prescribed as a reformative and accountable outcome in minor or settled cases, avoiding prolonged litigation and prison time for minor offences.
