Delhi HC asks accused to perform community service at hospital

The Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR against a man accused of assaulting a doctor in 2019, on the condition that he perform community service for a month at the very hospital where the incident occurred.

Justice Ajay Digpaul directed Vipin Ahuja to report every Saturday and Sunday, starting September 27, at Dr. Sushma Jindal Hospital in Dilshad Garden, where he will serve under the supervision of the doctor whom he assaulted.

Mr. Ahuja will have to submit to the court a certificate issued by the hospital confirming completion of the service.

The case dates back to July 26, 2019, when Mr. Ahuja, attending to a patient, allegedly created a ruckus, physically assaulted the doctor on duty, and disrupted hospital functioning. Following this, an FIR was registered at Anand Vihar police station.

During the hearing on September 24, both sides informed the court that they had amicably settled the matter. The doctor confirmed to the court that he had agreed to the compromise voluntarily and did not wish to pursue the case further.

While quashing the FIR, Justice Digpaul noted, “considering the settlement, and the fact that no grievous injury was caused, this court is of the view that no useful purpose would be served by continuation of the criminal proceedings”.

“At the same time, this court cannot lose sight of the fact that an act of assault upon a medical professional in a hospital not only endangers the life of doctors and staff, but also jeopardises the treatment of other patients in need of urgent care,” added Justice Digpaul.

The judge cautioned Mr. Ahuja that any absenteeism, default, or misconduct on his part during the course of the community service could result in the revival of the FIR.