HC tells youths at odds to score 70% in exam, do social work

MUMBAI: Offer community service at the Mahim Dargah and Kabristan—this was the condition imposed by the Bombay high court on Friday on a group of youths facing criminal charges after getting into a fight over a year ago. The court also asked them to attempt to score more than 70% marks in their exam.
A division bench of Justice Bhushan Dharmadhikari and Justice Revati Dere was hearing an application filed by the group who had lodged crosscomplaints against each other, seeking quashing of charges as they had reached a settlement.
The bench directed a conditional quashing of the criminal prosecution. The boys in the 19-22 age group would have to take part in community service for four consecutive Sundays in March at the dargah and kabristan. When the court was told that two of the accused were students, the court asked them to attempt to score over 70%in their college exam.
Advocate Rizwan Merchant, who was called in as an amicus curiae (friend of the court), welcomed the court directive. “This is a benevolent step by the court. In such petty offences this is an alternative way to resolve disputes and ensure such cases do not clog the courts. The police should also look at resolving such petty offences,” said advocate Merchant.
The case relates to a fight between two groups after one boy pushed another during the Mahim fair in December 2017.