The Meghalaya High Court has quashed a First Information Report (FIR) registered against six students from Uttar Pradesh who were accused of vandalising a homestay in the state. The decision came after the students paid a total of Rs 2.5 lakh as compensation to the homestay proprietor, with two individuals also directed to perform community service.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the order to quash the FIR was issued by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere on Monday, following a mutual settlement reached between the accused students and the homestay management. The homestay manager and proprietor formally conveyed their no-objection to the quashing of the FIR.
The FIR had been filed at the Laitumkhrah Police Station on July 11, subsequent to a complaint alleging damage to the homestay property. The students were also accused of threatening the complainant after an issue arose concerning additional guests being denied accommodation in a room exceeding its permitted occupancy. The incident reportedly escalated when the homestay management refused to allow more guests than the room’s capacity.
Following the registration of the FIR, all six accused students were apprehended in West Bengal on July 13. They were subsequently released on bail. Petitions were later filed before the Meghalaya High Court by the accused students, seeking the quashing of the FIR against them.
Among the six students, three are minors, with one aged 15 and two aged 17. Another accused had recently turned 18, while the remaining two are in their early twenties and are reportedly preparing for competitive examinations. The court took into consideration the ages and futures of the young individuals involved in the case.
A mutual settlement between the parties was formally entered into on August 17, reportedly after the intervention of elders and well-wishers associated with the students. Under the terms of this settlement, the students collectively paid Rs 2.06 lakh as full and final compensation to the homestay proprietor. Furthermore, they conveyed a sincere and unconditional apology for their actions and behaviour during the incident.
In her directive, Chief Justice Dere noted that there appeared to be no impediment to quashing the FIR, particularly in light of the settlement reached and the potential impact on the future and welfare of the students. The court acknowledged the amicable resolution achieved by the involved parties.
However, the court stipulated additional conditions for two of the petitioners. They were specifically directed to pay a further sum of Rs 25,000 each to the homestay proprietor within a period of one week. These two students were also mandated to undertake six days of community service as part of the court’s order.
The community service is scheduled to take place at the Sikh Centre Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Lachumiere, Shillong. The two students are expected to spend three days, from September 8 onwards, at the centre between 10 am and 5 pm, under the supervision of Dr Kamaljeet Singh. Their duties will involve participation in ‘Project Operation Clean-Up’ undertaken by Jiva Cares, an initiative focused on cleanliness activities. This includes work related to the Umkhrah river, as well as general upkeep of flowers and waste bins across the city.
The court has further directed that a report detailing the satisfactory completion of this community service be submitted through the concerned public prosecutor. The remaining four petitioners were excused from undertaking community service, a decision attributed to their respective ages, according to officials familiar with the proceedings.
The matter has been scheduled for September 15 for the recording of compliance with the court’s directives. The resolution of this case highlights a judicial approach that considers reconciliation and the rehabilitation of young individuals alongside the accountability for damages caused.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
