Delhi High Court Questions Police Habit of Using “Haath Mara” in Assault FIRs

The Delhi High Court disapproved the police practice of writing “haath mara” in almost every assault FIR, even when the complainant never used or approved the phrase.

The Court examined a writ petition to quash an FIR filed by an event manager who got assaulted by intoxicated persons, registered under Sections 115(2), 126(2), 74, and 3(5) of the BNS. 

The bench called the wording a misuse of law and ordered police stations to reflect on this practice. Since both sides amicably settled their disputes, the Court ended the proceedings.

It also directed the DCP to ensure that no statements not given by the complainant are added to FIRs.

[Tenzin Youten & Anr. v. The State of NCT of Delhi & Anr.]