Delhi HC Slams Police for 'Haath Mara' in Modesty FIRs: "Gross Misuse of Law"

• Delhi High Court criticized police for routinely using 'haath mara' in FIRs for outraging a woman's modesty, calling it a "gross misuse of law."
• Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasized that FIRs must accurately reflect the complainant's version, without police embellishments or standardized phrases.
• The court directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police to ensure no fabricated or unendorsed allegations are inserted during FIR registration.
• The observation came while quashing an FIR under IPC Section 354 (now BNS Section 74) after the complainant and accused reached an amicable settlement.
• The ruling stresses police accountability in recording sensitive allegations and safeguarding the integrity of criminal law.

Why It Matters: Delhi HC demands police accountability in FIRs, condemning routine use of 'haath mara' as legal misuse.