Goa, Nov. 3 -- The High Court has quashed a criminal case registered in 2019 following a neighbourhood dispute over a WhatsApp message, after the two families involved reached an amicable settlement.

The case arose from a neighbourhood altercation triggered by a WhatsApp message, which subsequently escalated into a criminal dispute. With both families agreeing to bury the hatchet, the court decided to quash the criminal proceedings.

However, expressing concern over the prolonged legal battle, the court observed that a petty neighbourhood feud had unnecessarily consumed police and judicial resources for more than seven years.

Taking note of the avoidable burden on the judicial system, the High Court directed both parties to collectively...