Can a criminal case be settled outside the court?

It depends on the nature of the offence. Under Indian law, only compoundable offences can be settled between the parties, either with or without the permission of the court, as provided under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

For non-compoundable offences, the parties cannot simply settle the case outside the court. However, in appropriate cases, the High Court may quash criminal proceedings based on a genuine settlement, particularly where the dispute is personal or matrimonial in nature and the interests of justice so require.

Whether a criminal case can be settled depends on the facts of the case and the specific offence involved. Legal advice should be obtained before entering into any settlement.