Tagged “matrimonial-cruelty”

2 articles on matrimonial-cruelty.

Supreme CourtSupreme Court of India

Dara Lakshmi Narayana v. State of Telangana (2024): omnibus 498A allegations cannot sustain a prosecution

The Supreme Court quashed an FIR under Section 498A IPC, holding that vague, generalised allegations that mechanically rope in an entire family — without particularised acts of cruelty — cannot found a criminal prosecution and risk turning a protective provision into a tool of personal vendetta.

Valkya Editorial·22 Jun 2026·6 min

Supreme CourtSupreme Court of India

Geeta Mehrotra v. State of U.P. (2012): No s.498A prosecution of relatives on bald, omnibus allegations

The Supreme Court quashed a s.498A IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act prosecution against a husband's brother and unmarried sister, holding that relatives cannot be dragged into a matrimonial dispute on a casual reference to their names without specific allegations of active involvement. The decision deprecates the practice of roping in the entire household and treats it as an abuse of process.

Valkya Editorial·22 Jun 2026·6 min