The Delhi High Court has called it “unfortunate” that FIRs alleging assault or outraging the modesty of women often include the phrase “haath mara” even when the complainant has not used those words.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said this practice amounts to a gross misuse of the law and requires serious introspection at police stations. The Court noted that such standardised language is being inserted mechanically in FIRs.

The observations came while the Court quashed an FIR against two men after they reached a settlement with the woman complainant, an event manager. She had alleged that the men, while drunk, assaulted her and pressured her to dance.

The Court found that the settlement was voluntary and without any pressure, and quashed the FIR and all related proceedings.

It also directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Police to ensure that police do not add allegations in complaints that are not stated or endorsed by the complainant.