The Delhi High Court has once again shown how the justice system can balance legal principles with creative solutions to promote harmony. In a recent order dated September 23, 2025, Justice Arun Monga quashed cross-FIRs filed by warring neighbours after a quarrel over pets spiralled into a physical scuffle. But instead of stopping at quashing the cases, the Court added an unusual and heartwarming twist: it directed the parties to serve mixed vegetable pizzas and Amul buttermilk (chaach) to children at a government-run childcare institution.
The case, titled Arvind Kumar and Others v. State and Another, has quickly become the talk of the town, not only for its legal outcome but also for its creative use of community service as restitution.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a fight between two sets of neighbours over the handling of their pets. What started as a quarrel soon escalated into allegations of:
- Assault,
- Criminal intimidation, and
- Misbehaviour.
Both sides registered cross-FIRs against each other at Police Station Mansarovar Park (FIR No. 220/2025 dated May 5, 2025).
However, by the time the matter reached the High Court, the parties had amicably resolved their differences through a settlement. They approached the Court with petitions seeking quashing of the criminal cases.
High Court’s Observations
Justice Arun Monga, while hearing the matter, noted that:
- The dispute was essentially a private quarrel between neighbours,
- The continuation of criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose, and
- Since the matter had already been settled, the Court was inclined to quash the FIRs.
But Justice Monga went a step further by introducing a community service component into the resolution.
The Unique Order: Pizza and Buttermilk for Children
The High Court directed that all the parties—both complainants and accused—should jointly serve pizzas and buttermilk to children and staff at Sanskar Ashram, a government childcare institution near GTB Hospital, Delhi.
“Each inmate and the attendants and other staff of the Ashram shall be served one Pizza along with Amul Chaach Tetra Pack. The Pizzas shall be baked by the complainant in FIR No.220/2025 … and the same shall be treated as the community service to be jointly carried out by all the complainants and the accused,” the Court ordered.
Interestingly, one of the complainants runs a *pizza baking and selling business. Justice Monga, noting this fact, turned the situation into an opportunity for *reconciliation through service.
The Court also directed the investigating officer to ensure compliance with this order.
Legal Reasoning: Why the FIRs Were Quashed
The quashing of FIRs in this case aligns with established principles under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which empowers High Courts to quash criminal proceedings to secure justice and prevent abuse of legal processes.
Courts usually allow quashing of FIRs in cases where:
- The matter is essentially private in nature,
- Parties have amicably settled their dispute, and
- The continuation of proceedings would be a waste of judicial time.
The Delhi High Court concluded that this case fell squarely within these parameters, as it involved personal disputes between neighbours with no serious public ramifications.
Symbolism of the Order
Justice Monga’s order goes beyond technical legal reasoning. It reflects the judiciary’s increasing openness to restorative justice principles, where the aim is not just to punish but to restore community harmony.
Some key symbolic aspects include:
- Turning Conflict into Cooperation: Instead of punishing neighbours, the Court made them work together for a noble cause.
- Benefit to Vulnerable Sections: By directing that food be served to children at Sanskar Ashram, the Court ensured that society’s vulnerable sections benefit from the resolution.
- Creative Use of Parties’ Skills: The complainant’s profession as a pizza baker was woven into the order, making the service more personal and meaningful.
- Message of Harmony: The quirky nature of the order—pizzas and buttermilk—adds a human touch to law, reminding litigants that law can heal rather than just punish.
Lawyers in the Case
The parties were represented by several advocates before the High Court:
- Petitioners Arvind Kumar and others were represented by Advocates Naveen Kumar Thakur, Satendar, Ram Kumar, Uttam Kumar, and Sonu Kumar.
- Petitioners Pratham Vishnoi and others were represented by Advocates Deepak Kumar and Satendar Chauhan.
- The State was represented by Additional Standing Counsel (Criminal) Rahul Tyagi, assisted by Sangeet Sibou, Priyansh Raj Singh Senger, and Aniket Kumar Singh.
Broader Implications of the Judgment
1. Restorative Justice in Practice
The order demonstrates how Indian courts are increasingly adopting restorative justice approaches. Instead of imposing penalties or simply disposing of cases, courts are finding innovative ways to make parties contribute positively to society.
2. Reducing Burden on Courts
By encouraging settlements and quashing unnecessary FIRs, High Courts reduce the burden of pending cases. This aligns with the Supreme Court’s repeated emphasis on efficiency in justice delivery.
3. Humanising the Law
Judgments like these showcase the human side of the judiciary. By combining law with compassion, courts send a message that justice is not just about technicalities but about restoring balance in society.
4. Setting a Precedent for Creative Orders
This case adds to a growing list of judicial orders where courts have imposed creative community service conditions—from distributing saplings to teaching students or donating books. Such directions promote civic responsibility.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision in Arvind Kumar & Ors. v. State & Anr. will be remembered not just for quashing cross-FIRs between neighbours but for the innovative manner of resolution. By ordering the parties to serve pizzas and Amul buttermilk to children at Sanskar Ashram, Justice Arun Monga highlighted that justice can be restorative, compassionate, and socially beneficial.
At a time when India’s courts are overburdened with cases, such pragmatic and empathetic solutions not only reduce conflict but also spread goodwill in the community.
The message is clear: sometimes, justice is best served with pizza and buttermilk.
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