VIJAY PAL SINGH vs YASH PAL

The Supreme Court held that a settlement in a criminal matter cannot be enforced if it contravenes public policy, as per Article 142 of the Constitution of India. The Court emphasized that a settlement must be given effect to in its entirety, and if deemed illegal, it should be set aside. Consequently, the Court restored the original criminal appeal and the proceedings against both parties, overruling the High Court's dismissal of the enforcement application.