Delhi High Court Quashes FIR Against Man Accused of Assaulting Doctor, Orders Community Service

The Delhi High Court recently quashed an FIR registered against Vipin Ahuja, who was accused of assaulting a doctor at Dr. Sushma Jindal Hospital in Dilshad Garden, New Delhi. The court directed Ahuja to perform one month of community service at the same hospital as part of the resolution.

The case originated on July 26, 2019, when Ahuja, acting as an attendant for a patient, allegedly created a disturbance in the hospital. Reports indicate that he physically assaulted the doctor on duty. He then called others to abuse the hospital staff, which caused disruption in hospital operations. Following this incident, Police Station Anand Vihar registered FIR No. 280/2019 under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal intimidation and Section 4 of the Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act, which addresses violence against medical personnel and damage to hospital property.

The petitioner, Vipin Ahuja, filed a plea for quashing of the FIR after he reached an amicable settlement with the doctor involved. The settlement deed, dated January 8, 2025, indicated that both parties agreed to resolve the matter without further litigation. The doctor confirmed in court that the compromise was entered into voluntarily, without any pressure, and expressed the desire to forgive and withdraw the complaint.

The Delhi High Court, led by Justice Ajay Digpaul, considered the settlement and the fact that the assault did not cause grievous injuries. However, the judgment highlighted the broader implications of violence against medical professionals, emphasizing that assaults on hospital staff can endanger lives and disrupt critical medical services. This ruling also comes at a time when India has witnessed a steady rise in reported cases of violence against healthcare workers, a trend that has raised serious concerns within the medical community.

In view of the settlement, the court quashed the FIR against Ahuja while imposing conditions for community service. Starting from September 27, 2025, Ahuja is required to perform community service for a period of one month, on all Saturdays and Sundays, at Dr. Sushma Jindal Hospital. This service is to be conducted under the supervision of the doctor he allegedly assaulted. The completion of community service must be certified by the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, and the certificate will be filed with the court registry. Any absenteeism, default, or misconduct during the community service period will be reported to the police, who may seek revival of the FIR.

The court referenced the Supreme Court judgment in Gian Singh vs. State of Punjab (2012) 10 SCC 303, which provides guidance on quashing criminal proceedings where a settlement has been reached between the parties, particularly in cases that do not involve serious injury.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)