Under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (now Section 528 BNSS), the High Court holds inherent powers to quash an FIR or criminal proceedings. This is a significant relief for persons who are falsely implicated in criminal cases.
The Supreme Court of India has, through a series of judgments, laid down grounds on which quashing may be granted: where the allegations in the FIR, even if taken at face value, do not disclose any cognizable offence; where the FIR is manifestly attended with mala fide intent and has been filed to settle personal scores; where the case is a purely civil dispute given a criminal colour; or where the matter has been settled between the parties (especially in matrimonial disputes).
A petition under Section 482 CrPC is filed before the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The court may grant interim stay of investigation or arrest during the pendency of the petition. If the court is satisfied, it passes an order quashing the FIR.
Important: the power to quash is extraordinary and discretionary. Not every FIR can be quashed. The court will look at the totality of facts. If you believe you have been falsely implicated in an FIR, consult an advocate immediately to assess whether a quashing petition is maintainable in your case.