- 1 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 22ND DAY OF JULY, 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA WRIT PETITION NO. 30904 OF 2024 (GM-RES) BETWEEN: 1. SNEH S. SANGHVI (INCORRECTLY MENTIONED AS SNEH SANGHVI IN THE FIR) S/O SATISH G. SANGHVI AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS 2. SATISH GOPALJI SANGHIVI (INCORRECTLY MENTIONED AS SATISH SANGHVI IN THE FIR) S/O. LATE GOPALJI AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS 3. DIVYA S SANGHVI (INCORRECTLY MENTIONED AS DIVYA SANGHVI IN THE FIR) W/O. SATHISH G. SANGHVI AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS PETITIONER NOS.1 TO 3 ARE RESIDING AT: C 701 7TH FLOOR, PENINSULA HEIGHTS 2ND PHASE, J P NAGAR, BANGALROE - 560078. …PETITIONERS (BY SRI. ARUN GOVINDRAJ, ADVOCATE) Digitally signed by PADMAVATHI B K Location: High Court of Karnataka - 2 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 AND: 1. STATE OF KARNATAKA BY STATION HOUSE OFFICER JAYAPRAKASH NAGAR POLICE STATION (J P NAGAR POLISCE STATION) REPTD. BY HCGP, HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA BUILDING COMPLEX BENGALURU - 560001. 2. PRACHI KOTHARI W/O. SNEH SANGHVI R/A. # 31, FLAT NO. D3 KALPAVRIKSH VANI VILLAS ROAD BASAVANAGUDI BENGALURU - 560004. …RESPONDENTS (BY SMT. WAHEEDA M.M., HCGP FOR R1; SMT. JAYNA KOTHARI SENIOR ADVOCATE FOR SRI. NAVEEN CHANDRA V., ADVOCATE FOR R2) THIS WP IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA READ WITH SECTION 528 OF THE BNSS, PRAYING TO QUASH THE R2 COMPLAINT DATED 12/11/2024 (ANN-A) AND THE CONSEQUENT FIRST INFORMATION REPORT IN CRIME NO. 0289/2024 REGISTERED BY THE R1 / JAYAPRAKASH NAGAR (JP NAGAR) POLICE AGAINST THE PETITIONERS, FOR THE OFFENCES P/U/S/ 506, 34, 498A, 323 AND 354 OF THE IPC, 1860 AND SECTIONS 3 - 3 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 AND 4 OF THE DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT, 1961, PENDING ON THE FILE OF THE HONBLE II ADDL. CHIEF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, BENGALURU, AT BENGALURU (ANN-A1). THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA ORAL ORDER The petitioners - accused Nos.1 to 3 stand before the doors of this Court calling in question the registration of a crime in Crime No.289/2024 registered for the offences punishable under Sections 506, 34, 498A, 323 and 354 of the IPC, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. 2. Heard the learned counsel, Sri. Arun Govindraj appearing for the petitioners, Smt. Waheeda M.M., learned HCGP appearing for respondent No.1 and Smt. Jayna Kothari learned Senior counsel, representing the complainant. 3. Facts in brief, germane, are as follows: - 4 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 The second respondent is the complainant, the wife of accused No.1 - the first petitioner. Accused Nos.2 and 3 are the father-in-law and the mother-in-law of the second respondent - complainant. The complainant and petitioner No.1 get married on 11.12.2020 after having known each other for over 2 years. It transpires that the relationship between the two flounders and the second respondent - the complainant is said to have left the matrimonial house in the month of October, 2022. The complainant again went to return back to the house to take her belongings, at which point in time, it transpires that the squabble appears to have erupted not once, but on several occasions. Petitioner No.1 then causes a legal notice seeking annulment of marriage against the complainant. It is not even then the complaint comes to be registered but long thereafter, when the talks of mediation fail. Registration of the complaint leads to the registration of the FIR in Crime No.289/2024. The registration of the crime is what has driven the petitioners to this Court in the subject petition. 4. Learned counsel, Sri. Arun Govindraj appearing for the petitioners would vehemently emphasize on the dates or - 5 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 the events that have taken place between the parties. It is his submission that after about 18 months of marriage, the relationship between the two turns sore and after the relationship turning sore, it transpires that the complainant voluntarily leaves the matrimonial house in the month of October 2022, returns back in July, 2023, takes all the jewellery and clothes that belonging to her. Petitioner No.1 then causes a legal notice on 22.11.2023 and on the return of the complainant on 20.12.2023, the squabble happens between the parents of the first petitioner and the complainant. Then two complaints are registered both by the petitioners and against the petitioners, both of which are closed by the police. It is long thereafter that the first petitioner institutes M.C.No.488/2024 and then parties are referred to mediation, the mediation fails and the impugned complaint springs. On all these grounds, the learned counsel submits that the proceedings against the petitioners must be obliterated. 5. Per contra, the learned Senior counsel, Smt. Jayna Kothari appearing for the complainant would take this Court - 6 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 through the complaint registered to demonstrate that there is violence by the husband and the offences alleged are horrendous. The learned Senior counsel would further take this Court through the photographs appended to the statement of objections to demonstrate the nature of violence meted out by the husband against the complainant. Insofar as the father-in- law or the mother-in-law is concerned, a few paragraphs are read in the complaint with regard to harassment of the mother- in-law or the father-in-law, particularly of the father-in-law from the complaint that he has inappropriately touched the complainant and therefore, proceedings must continue, investigation must ensue and the petition must be dismissed, is the submission of the learned Senior counsel. 6. I have given my anxious consideration to the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties and have perused the material on record. 7. The afore-narrated facts link in the chain of events, the dates are all a matter of record, they would not require any iteration. The relationship between the two began with - 7 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 marriage on 11.12.2020. It flounders after 18 months and in the month of October 2022, it transpires that the wife leaves the matrimonial house. These are what are averred in the petition. What happens thereafter forms the aftermath of the entire lis before this Court. In July, 2023, it transpires that the wife takes all her belongings from the matrimonial house and then the proceedings with regard to divorce or otherwise would commence. The complaint for the first time comes to be registered on 12.11.2024. Since the entire fulcrum of the lis revolves around the complaint, I deem it appropriate to notice the same: "To The Police Inspector, Banashankari Women's Police Station, Bengaluru- 560 085. Madam/Sir Sub: Extreme Dowry Harassment and physical, verbal and mental abuse against my husband Mr. Sneh Sanghvi, my father-in-law (Satish Sanghvi) and mother-in-law (Divya Sanghvi) 1. I, Prachi Kothari W/o Sneh Sanghvi do hereby intend to bring it to your notice that during my pursuit of my - 8 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 master's degree in Singapore back in 2018, I crossed paths with Sneh through a mutual friend. Our initial encounter was casual, and we didn't engage in much conversation. Fast forward to early 2019, back in India, Sneh unexpectedly discovered my dating profile on a dating service called 'Bumble' and, surprisingly, confessed that it was love at first sight. 2. Despite much initial reluctance from myside, we decided to meet face to face. During our interaction, he assured me that he had given up his non-vegetarian lifestyle to align with my values. 3. Months passed, and our engagement took place in June 2020. On 11.12.2020 we got married at JW Marriott in Lavelle Road. All the wedding events were sought to be lavish and opulent as desired and demanded by his family, and seeking to fulfil their demands, my family had managed all the arrangements and finances. Extravagant gifts and articles, such as gold, silver and dry-fruits, were handed out to. Since the date of our marriage, Sneh along with my in-laws were obnoxiously particular about their demands and even threatened to suspend the marriage ceremony if the demands were not met according to their specific instructions. 4. Immediately after the wedding, we stayed with my in-laws house at E-201 Adarsh Residency Jayanagar 8th Block, 47th cross, Sangam Circle, Bangalore-560082. About 6-8 months after the marriage, the work at the new residence was complete and began to move into his house in C-701, Peninsula heights, 17th B Main Road, 2nd Phase, JP Nagar, Bangalore - 560078 which was also the matrimonial home. 5. He had absolutely no intention of sustaining the marriage, and yet consummated the marriage making all false promises, showing false love and care during the initial period only for his desires. Gradually, he began to display intolerable behavior. Anger issues, extreme verbal abuse, physical, psychological and reckless torture were only the tip of the iceberg. Driving aggressively to instill fear and acute harassment were few of his tactics. - 9 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 6. His demands for daily massages and attempts to induce guilt during arguments added to the emotional turmoil. Notably, during a celebratory event, he callously dismissed the significance of my birthday, rough handling me in an effort to avoid negative gossip. This event highlighted a stark imbalance-in our efforts for each other, with him consistently undermining joyous occasions related to me or my family. 7. During the initial days of marriage, the mother-in-law was very sweet in front of me. I genuinely started believing in her words where she started saying that she lost all her family when she was very young and only she has her son in her life now so she was very over protective of him. Eventually, I realized her dominance in everything. Whether it was in the kitchen where she would often instruct me to cut vegetables in a certain way or would stand to watch me cook, and not just this most importantly, she would lie, creating a lot of misunderstanding between Sneh and me. She would not even give me the leverage to get ready in peace. While I got ready, she would stand right next to me to see what I wore, and when I asked her if she could please let me be, she would refuse and say, 'I like it like this and I like seeing you get ready." 8. My husband and in-laws were never satisfied with me or the belongings which I brought with me. Sneh always wanted a Range Rover (an SUV Car which costs approximately Rs.75-80 lakhs) and made demands for it. When those demands were not met after marriage, he began to abuse me mentally and physically, harassing me for dowry on a daily basis. He even made derogatory comments about my parents' financial status. 9. My mother-in-law kept track of my menstrual cycle, insisting that I inform her the moment I got my period. She would often pressure me and forcing me to get pregnant, citing their aging and the need for a child to play with at home. However, I consistently refused, expressing my lack of readiness and my concerns about raising a child in an abusive atmosphere. Additionally, she controlled my visits to doctors, often restricting me to appointments at her convenience and disregarding my comfort. She - 10 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 frequently offered unsolicited advice on my sexual relationship with Sneh, even dictating what I should wear in the bedroom and suggesting certain dates to abstain from sexual activity as she deemed it inappropriate. She intruded upon my privacy by checking my bathroom and even went so far as to dictate where I should keep my condoms. 10. They had a problem when I would call my parents, grand parents and sisters or for a matter anybody from my family. When I visited my parents mother-in-law called me daily forcing me to come as soon as possible and did not even let me stay peaceful with my parents. Whenever I visited my parents place my mother-in-law in the name of cleaning always kept a track off my belongings. She was always curious to find out my precious belongings and later, when I would return she would-pressurize me to hand over it her for safe custody. She cleaned my belongings in my absence which made me very uncomfortable. 11.My father-in-law would leave for the office at 9:30 am and return around 8:30 - 9 pm. The relationship between his parents appeared strained, as they slept in separate rooms. Sneh's mother expressed fear of his father, highlighting his perfectionist nature. At an occasion at my parental house Divya Sanghvi's Uncle (my mother in law's uncle) cited that Satish (Sneh's father) was short tempered and arrogant. 12. During the construction of their house, I took on the role of a caretaker, often working at the site amidst a predominantly male workforce without any consideration for my well-being. I undertook various responsibilities without explicit instructions given to his son. 13.During meals, Sneh's father would pass critical comments, claiming the food wasn't good, and that the tiffin was over packed, criticizing his wife's eating habits, and asking her not to sit while he ate and mentioned that her face would annoy her. Sneh's mother had a horrible habit of passing down unpleasant stares, passing nasty comments and making faces and making the whole atmosphere unhealthy. - 11 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 14. Considering our past interactions, I wanted to wear a short dress for a specific occasion. To prevent any potential drama, I messaged her to seek permission. Initially, she agreed, but later she approached me and asked me not to wear such dresses in the future. While I didn't fully comprehend the reason behind her demand, I decided not to dwell on it in order to maintain a positive atmosphere. My mother-in-law was never supportive of me and always complained for not bringing enough dowry. She wanted more of gold and silver articles. That is why she always interfered between me and Sneh and created differences between us so that Sneh also pressurizes me for dowry. 15. Despite my immense efforts to meet their expectations, I felt like I was married to his father as well, serving as a caretaker and providing company to his lonely father. I experienced exploitation on social, moral, and emotional levels, facing unrealistic pressure and enduring exploitation even during my periods. His father encouraged atrocious behavior from Sneh, justifying it as necessary for a son-in-law to establish control over his wife's family and he would have been better at negotiation with my family had Sneh not gotten physical. He dismissed the whole episode of verbal abuse and deemed it normal. Ultimately I was like a maid in the house. 16. I consciously kept Sneh's issues separate from family matters, taking on the role of a problem solver in their household. When unpleasant situations arose involving mother-in-law, I insisted on Sneh and his father addressing her with respect. Despite expressing gratitude over messages, she consistently failed to stand up for me while they stood watching him abuse me physically and verbally and they also would join and continue harassing. It would not end up there then Sneh used to abuse me physically in private for not getting him Rolex and Range Rover. 17. During times when she (my mother in law) was upset, she would refuse to eat, throw tantrums, isolate herself in a room, and cry. Concerned about her well-being, I would go to convince her to eat, as she claimed to have BP - 12 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 issues, a claim I later discovered to be false. She would to these dramas in order to get her work done. 18. My Father-in-law would often make demands from my father, as according to him dowry was not sufficient, he would ask my father to run errands for him. These demands included flight tickets, hotel rooms, and sweets for various occasions. He would trouble my father for petty things and make false complaints about me when my father tried to address his son's abusive behaviour. When my father-in-law's brothers came to Bangalore, he would insist that lavish lunches and dinners be arranged for them, and my parents would comply to avoid further trouble. 19. A couple of months post my wedding, one of his brothers, who lived in Agra (Jayant Sanghvi), decided to wind up his business and had 3 crore in cash. Due to insufficient dowry Satish Sanghvi made unreasonable demands from my father. He repeatedly asked my father to convert this money into white, stating that my father's family had many members and should figure out a way to do it. My father pleaded with him, explaining that he did not know anyone who could help with this request and asking him not to pressure him for such favors. Satish Sanghvi did not take this well and showed contempt toward my father. In fact, we were expected to invite them everywhere, whether it was a family gathering, my sister's birthday, or casual holidays, and my father undertook the expenses for their family as well. 20. Despite my repeated requests for her not to interfere with my belongings, she continued to do so and later apologized. Fed up, I started voicing my opinions and standing up for myself. She constantly asserted that my life revolved around Sneh, offering unwanted advice on personal matters, from undergarments to the organization of personal space. This invasion of privacy extended to her giving instructions on where to keep condoms and intruding into our personal space during fights. 21. During the lockdown I turned to painting as ameans of distraction. My efforts garnered praise from Kavya Seth, who was then designing their new 5000 Sq Ft home, and - 13 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 she became my first client. Setting up my makeup shift studio on the balcony of my room, I delved into my newfound passion and while moving a table, in an accident it chipped a small portion of the balcony wall. This left Sneh and, his mother visibly agitated Sneh, in particular, made snide remarks about whether my supposedly absent father would foot the hill for repairs insinuating financial instability. He said "will your Bhosadike father pay for the repairs" which left me speechless like always. They always used to say that neither you make us happy by brining something nor pay for anything. He never respected my parents always abused them and made fun of financial status, demeaning me on financial basis always. 22. Then I worked overtime to do paintings for their home so their home was ready for shoot and the images for the same was to be published in a well renowned home décor magazine. Since their needs were met Sneha and his father absolutely offered no help and asked me to do these paintings from somewhere else and my father offered some help and stated that I could paint from an under constructed site. And this agitated Sneh's mother. Once I moved outside for work she started complaining about that house hold work is not done properly and started removing maids and that no one takes care of groceries or cares about the house. Then I started ordering groceries online to avoid these words then, she started complaining about milk and laundry with Sneh and Father-in-law. She faked her happiness in front of everybody but was never happy when I left him to paint or to meet anybody because she felt lonely and wanted me to pet all the times. 23. On the 19th of Feb, 2022 she openly lied, and Sneh happened to abuse me for the same. We intended to go out with our friends, and I wore a sleeveless top since she said she wasn't comfortable; I never left home without a jacket. I got into the car and opened the jacket, and Sneh asked me why I did it. I told him it was because of his mom, and I did not want to hear anything about my dressing, so I am cautious while living home. He got angry and called his mother to check, to which she lied, saying she had never told me anything of this sort. - 14 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 24. Over time, it became evident that she frequently lied about trivial matters. On a couple of occasions, if I disagreed with her or refused to follow her instructions in the kitchen, she would sit on the ground and act as if she were about to faint. Panicking, I would suggest involving Sneh or calling my father in law, and miraculously, she would recover. However, she consistently prevented me from informing Sneh's father about these incidents. 25. In April, a heated argument with Sneh led to him asking me to leave their house, and Sneh's mother, rather unceremoniously, showed Sneh the way to my suitcase and Sneh threw my clothes in the suitcase. Before the afore mentioned incident, while packing for their move, Sneh's mother made unsettling comments about my jewellery, specifically about her expectations regarding a silver dining set for girls who were married in the house. Despite my parents presenting a silver set (a plate cutlery and glass) and more for their housewarming, she remained dissatisfied. She demanded all these in the name of Shagun. 26. Sneh and his father had a bad argument. During which Sneh abused him father, calling him "chutiya" and stating that the idiot had done nothing for him. Sneh expressed his refusal to be like his father, slogging in the office from 9:30 am to 9 pm. He claimed to have a life beyond that and refused to go to the Office. His mother interfered, and she and Sneh's father exchanged heated words in Gujarati. Sneh even threatened to throw her out of the house, calling her a "Kutti" and declaring her useless, claiming they had given him nothing. Sneh wanted a Mercedes or a Range Rover for his wedding, which his father did not provide, and he consistently complained that they did not give him anything for his wedding. Hence, father in law was expecting these things from my father as dowry. Repeated disagreements often spiraled into outbursts, where I became the unintended target of his pent-up emotions. It became evident that his clashes with his father and disapproval of his mother's actions contributed to a storm of frustration, with me unwittingly serving as the outlet for his emotional turmoil. Sneh abused his own parents for not getting what he wanted this shows how arrogant he is. - 15 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 27. I started painting from a place which was 500 meters from my mother place and since it was close I was having lunch there. This annoyed my mother-in-law and she started sending lunch to mothers place but I ignored and did not say anything. One day I wanted to have lunch in my mothers place and couldn't have lunch from box for this reason my mother in law started yelling at me for not having the lunch and going there. She never liked me for being with my parents and always controlled me in that matter. She also used to say as I spend most of the afternoon at my parents place, tell them to give the gold and silver articles. 28. On 4th March 2021 a series of distressing incidents unfolded, marked by his explicit requests for me to leave his house and threats to ruin my life. Seeking assistance from his mother proved futile, as she dismissed my concerns, attributing his actions to alleged provocations and insisting her son wouldn't resort to violence without reason. 29. March 4th, following another heated dispute, he left for work. Feeling lost and with no support at my in laws house, I reached out to my mother during a call. However, this moment turned into yet another instance of verbal abuse, with him resorting to derogatory terms like "pagal aurat," "bitch,", "whore", "slut" and "idiot". His demand for immediate responses to his calls had been a recurrent point of contention. 30. He also had access to my phone, my passwords and my email and took the liberty to delete images and videos that I had taken when he assaulted me. He and his mother Divya Sanghvi would take into account everything such as how much money my parents gave, what conversations I was having with people over call and would often force me to talk to people in front of them not letting me any privacy. 31. On 13/3/2021, at his old house, I discovered my undergarments missing after taking a shower, suspecting his mother's involvement. This had happened before, and when I confronted Sneh, he physically assaulted me, - 16 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 leaving bruises and tearing my bra. A neighbor intervened, expressing concern, but I had to downplay the situation due to fear instilled by Sneh. During such fights, using my phone, blankets, and even the bathroom were restricted. The next morning, Sneh insisted on sweeping the incident under the rug and not discussing it. Despite persistent urging to address his temper issues, he dismissed my concerns, leaving me isolated in his household. When question the same, Sneh admitted, "In my frustration I did it." 32. On 14/3/2021 the fight extended into the next day, prompting my decision not to engage with him. I had planned a visit to my Grandparents in Salem, approved by my in-laws. Even during my stay at my grandparents' house, he incessantly called, apologizing, and expecting me to forget the abuse. Feeling overwhelmed, I couldn't let it slide, leading my parents to confront his. 33. Conversations with him were difficult, as he responded with anger and name-calling. Apologies were followed by a brief improvement before returning to square one. His parents blamed me for his behavior and disliked my parents' involvement. The confrontation left me feeling humiliated and harassed. 34. On 11/4/2021, my parents confronted the situation, and later my father-in-law expressed displeasure on how I dressed while his brothers were here. In a rude confrontation Initiated by Sneh, he left without eating, and later, his father apologized via email: "Jai Jinendra Prachi, Hi! I have understood from mummy & Sneh that you felt very bad about what I conveyed to KK. My intention was never to hurt you, and I did not have the courage to say it directly. I am sorry for hurting your and Sneh's feelings. We both parents cannot see or live seeing you soooooo sad and tense. My sincere apologies to both of you." 35. The mistreatment continued, with instructions to endure physical and verbal abuse in silence. Seeking help from his parents yielded blame on me. His mother consistently body-shamed me and criticized gifts from my - 17 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 parents, including jewellery, sweets, dry fruits and often complaining that my family wasn't doing enough. Speaking to another daughter-in-law (RAKSHITHA SANGHVI - Wife of Sneh's first cousin SHRUTI SANGHVI - wife of Sneh's first cousin GAURAV) revealed that such expectations were unique to Sneh's family and did not exist in other Sanghvi households and also expressed concerns about Sneh's mother behavior and they mentioned that she is obsessed with her son and she behaves like this always. 36. Despite pleas for professional growth, resistance to my work persisted, and financial matters source of tension. Sneh insulted my father and questioned my family's financial standing. His unrealistic expectations included demands for a Rolex, expensive clothes, ultra luxury shoes, holidays and a Range Rover and much more and belittled my father as he couldn't afford this. 37. Faced with escalating challenges, fear weighed heavily on me. The desire to salvage my marriage and spare my family's struggle motivated my efforts. Constant threats and vengeful behavior from Sneh were recorded underlying anger issues. A confrontation led to mark on his hand and neck, and he threatened legal action. His mother shared similar expectations for post marriage gifts, taunting my paren'ts offerings as a classless and not as per their standards. The toxic dynamics persisted, created an environment of fear and humiliation in the marriage. 38. On 17/04/2021 Sneh's mother had the habit of lying and causing conflict between the two of us and this was not the first time she did this. Such events had happened earlier as well and I decided to confront Sneh regarding the same. On confrontation he resumed to his violent behavior and physically hurt me and also passed nasty comments and threatened to finish the marriage and when he didn't have an escape knowing he is wrong he would often induce fear in me and threaten to put my father behind bars since his friends Prateek Jalan and Balaram Jairaj are his very close and dear friends and had immense power and are very influential. - 18 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 39. I also confronted him with this mom's habit of calling me constantly and knowing each and every detail while I came to stay at my mother house for 10-15 days. She would call every day to know my whereabouts and what I did and would often land up at my house uninvited and stated that she was bored and needed company. 40. On 26/6/2021 it was my sister's wedding (first cousin), at Hyderabad and Sneh came to attend the wedding. I expressed desire to be as happy as the newlywed couple and that spared Sneh's anger and ego. Sneh threw me on the bed and abused me, pulling my hair and holding my neck tight, stating that we had no "aukaad," and my father couldn't afford anything. He belittled us, calling us beggars who couldn't even buy him a flight ticket. He said he believed his father (father-in- law) was right and that I needed to show authority to me and my "bhosadike" father to respect him. Then he went out and spoke violently to my father, threatening to leave immediately. Despite my father's pleas to consider the wedding and our family reputation. My father offered to book his flight tickets, but he spoke rudely, made faces, and insisted on doing nothing. My parents left, and he started demeaning me again, talking about my "aukaad" before going to sleep. The next morning, he joined us, expecting my mom, dad, and me to behave as if nothing happened. 41. On 16/7/2021, we celebrated my mama's 50th birthday with a two-day getaway to Yercaud.I was thrilled at the prospect of reconnecting with my family, whom I hadn't seen much since getting married. Sneh, who had been drinking and smoking, sparked a disagreement. Feeling uneasy about the situation, I confided in my brother during a walk, sharing my unhappiness due to Sneh's behaviour, including physical and domestic abuse on several occasions. My brother promised to find an appropriate time to talk to Sneh about his behaviour. Later, when I went to sleep in the room, a drunk Sneh entered, verbally abusing me and then physically assaulting me. He accused my entire family of being drunkards and insulted my father, claiming he lacked stature. He hit his head against the wall I literally held his foot begging him not to self-harm him (this was not his first time he would often hit himself with hanger and his - 19 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 head on the wall or his fist and hurt them and then blame that on me), kicked me, pulled my hair and dragged me in the corridor thorugh my hair, and hit my head on the headboard. Frightened, I tried to call for help, but the silenced me. In a desperate attempt to escape, I would try to walk away but he tore my t-shirt and dragged me back to the room and continued the verbal assault till late. He also said that my father could not afford my mother's underwear. He did mention that my whole family could not afford a lifestyle like his and his cards are worth more than their houses and offices and said we were all below his stature. These "bhosadikes" do not know anything about how to live life. That fact fucks talk about me ask him to get a car for your family first, he roams like a beggar only. He also threatened to leave in that intoxicated state and worried about his actions and he might end up harming himself. I took the keys of his car and locked myself in the bathroom to protect myself and from him leaving the hill station in a drunken state. He also took the liberty to invite his friend Rahul Bhatia to my family's gathering upon knowing nobody raised an objection and said it was okay and my uncle knew his family. 42. The next morning, while he was asleep, I messaged my father to come to the room. My father confronted Sneh, questioning his abusive behaviour towards me. Concerned for my well-being, my father decided to take me home, and we sought medical help from a family friend, Dr. Bhanuprakah, to address the physical scars. Emotionally drained, I found myself at my mother's place, feeling as if my life had come to an end. 43. Right before our Sri Lanka trip he picked a fight again and physically hurt over a trivial matter and said sorry for the same and I did tell him that sorry cannot always be an answer to your violent behaviour. He proceeded to demand that I leave his house immediately, forcefully pushing me. Unfortunately, this wasn't an islolated incident; he had displayed this aggressive behaviour multiple times before. The feeling of being used and discarded and treated like disposable when he was upset, left me deeply distressed. It seemed as if the sanctity of our marriage held little significance to him, as if the commitment we made was trivialized in moments of - 20 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 anger. The pattern of asking me to leave, as if our union meant nothing, left me grappling with a sense of emotional upheaval and disregard. I was tired and helpless. 44. He had criticized my family during Diwali because my mother, had wrist surgery, couldn't give me a bracelet on the day itself. He referred to my parents as "gandus" and claimed they don't give much. When I confronted Sneh, he insisted that such things mattered to him and referred to them as "feelings." And would resort to physical violence, pulling my hair and even attempting to choke me. I had to use force to free myself and sought help from his father. To my shock, his father's response was dismissive, stating, "Thaapad tho nahi mara hainaa" (He didn't slap you, did he?). Seeking intervention, I explained the entire incident to his father, who then confronted Sneh. Sneh claimed he felt disrespected among his friends because of me, citing the cessation of non-vegetarian food consumption as an example. I refuted this as an unreasonable justification for his violent actions. Sneh, in a fit of anger, started hurling abuses at me and my family. His father, realizing the severity of the situation, locked Sneh in a room and asked me to explain the events. However, before I could complete my account of the domestic abuse, his mother intervened and said like always Prachi instigated my son and lied about an incident that had taken place a few days before this incident. 45. However, after a few days of drama, His father called my parents, and when they came home, we decided to speak. My dad mentioned Sneh's repeated pattern of raising his hands over trivial matters. Sneh was called to speak to my father, and he spoke rudely, saying he did not like my parents coming home. He even tried to hit my father, and his father locked him in my room's balcony stating he was out of control and he did not intent to worsen the situation any further. 46. My parents decided to take me home. I went down and thought that since it was Diwali and the New Year, it wouldn't be good to leave like this and my in-laws promised that they would sort this issue out and asked my parents to leave and that was the biggest mistake I - 21 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 made. Sneh and my in-laws abused me throughout the evening, complaining about my father's financial status. I thought they were angry and would cool down but it did not happen. Sneh kept on abusing me in the room until around 1 am, and then he went to sleep. I could not sleep; I was in a state of panic because of the physical abuse that I went through. I was abused multiple times that day, both physically and verbally. I noticed scars on my neck and my back and a clot under my eye. I was in extreme pain, distress and tired and fearful. I called my mom at 5 in the morning. I cried to her in the politest way from the balcony, not wanting him to hear anything, but he did. He abused me again, saying I was creating a scene by calling my parents. He called his father and said, "This girl is calling her parents again," and he said, "Why did you call them to create a scene? I don't like it when your dad comes home." I was so distressed and was asked to leave for my parents home. Sneh then wanted my dad to apologize to him and his father for not gifting him things on time. Sneh spoke very rudely to my father, said that my father had to apologize if this relationship needs to work and my father was forced to apologize for standing up for his daughter. Sneh, encouraged by his father, threatened to kill my father, even slit his throat, and said if Sneh came to his roots, Sneh claimed my father would pee in his pants. Earlier, he had said that my father pointed fingers at his dad, and he would cut them if it happened and incident which his father denied in a confrontation. 47. On 24/7/2022 I confronted her with images of their eldest daughter in law who wore sleeveless to a pooja and I was constantly humiliated, harassed and shamed for wearing clothes that did not please them. Their elder daughter in laws would even take the liberty to wear shorts as all sorts of restrictions were put on me and would blame them on my parents upbringing and would say nasty comments stating that my mother was equally shameless for wearing dresses. But in reality the only thing mattered for them is that their demands for dowry so there was so much unequal treatment. 48. On January 22, 2023, after 2-3 months, there was a sit-down meeting at Cafe Coffee Day Square, and this time, I made it a point to speak openly about everything, - 22 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 without any filter, addressing the issues I had experienced in their house. His brother from Kolkata, Rachit Sanghvi and his uncle from Chennai Bharat Sanghvi were also present, along with my brother Kunal HK and my maternal uncle Kiran Raj. 1 shared details about how his mother behaved at home, passing comments on my clothing, giving unwanted stares, and micro-managing everything I did in the bedroom and kitchen. I explained her possessiveness about her son, to the extent of not allowing me to change the sheets in my own room, how I was to maintain sexual relations with Sneh, pressure from my in-laws to bear a child since they were aging and instructions on where to keep the condoms. Additionally, I mentioned instances where she interfered with the tasks assigned to the maid, and despite my objections, rearranged things in my room according to her preferences. Sneh's father, who heard it all, sat there in shame in front of his family. His uncle went so far as to say, "Hum kho to nangakar Diya hai, ab aur kitna nanga karna hai". Sneh's brother Rachit Sanghvi had tears in his eyes, and the uncle offered to bring Sneh forward, stating that if I wanted to slap him, I ccould. It was evident that they realized Sneh had not just made a mistake but a blunder His father said that 90% is Sneh's mistake and 10% is Prachi's now what do you want us do? He is not Someone who listens. During our confrontation, I decided to send a recorded piece of Sneh's verbal abuse to his father and brother. His brother was left speechless and in shame and Sneh's father laughed it out Stating that he did not understand thoroughly what Sneh spoke. 49. Post that, the drama did not stop. He kept calling me endlessly, even 100 times a day. I stopped talking to everybody at home went into a shell, and would weep day in and day out. My family was worried. I would tell them I could not take this torture anymore and even had suicidal thoughts because of his endless torture and humiliation. He would call and abuse, and call and abuse-it had become a never-ending cycle. Few of the conversations have been recorded. 50. One day unfortunately I bumped into Sneh and his friend in the parking lot. While his friend told me hi and left Sneh stayed and forced himself into the car. He also - 23 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 forced himself upon me and kissed me and stated he missed me and wanted me to come back and he would move out of his useless house and mentioned that his parents are useless and he wanted to live with me peacefully. I asked him to leave the car. He did so after I requested him multiple times and his friends also kept calling him. 51. On 3/2/2023 his father Insisted that we meet to resolve the ongoing issues. Initially planned as a one-on- one discussion, it later involved his mother, whom I was hesitant to engage with due to her past behavior. Despite my reservations, Sneh's father convinced me to meet at Soda Bottle Opener Wala, a venue of his choosing. During the meeting, I reiterated the issues I had been facing. While his mother listened, I also expressed that her conduct contributed to Sneh's uncivilized behavior. When asked about returning home, I insisted on seeking counselling with Sneh first before making any decisions. The idea of professional intervention wasn't well-received by Sneh's parents, and the meeting concluded as they got angry and said that their son is not mad and could get anybody he wanted. 52. Later, my father expressed a desire to meet with Sneh and have a conversation. The meeting was set at Smoor in Jayanagar, but Sneh didn't attend; only his mother and father were present. My parents briefed me on the conversation, highlighting that my mother-in-law was rude, and even neighbors had to intervene, asking her to lower her tone and her husband sarcastically asked her to go on the streets and yell. Shockingly, conditions were presented for my return to their house: • My parents could speak to me only from 10 am to 6 pm; any communication beyond that was considered an invasion of Sneh's privacy. • I could not work-unless Sneh gave permission and as per his rules. • I had to bring dowry and jewellery as the marriage and events and gifts were not up to their mark. • I had to adhere to Gujarati rules and regulations, with consequences for any non-compliance. Informing them four days in advance was mandatory if I wanted to visit or - 24 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 stay with my parents or grandparents, despite living just 4 kms away. • Subsequently, Sneh bombarded me with calls and messages, expressing concerns about deleting his images on social media and for not posting pictures with him. 53. During this time, Sneh had taken multiple holidays including trips to Sri Lanka, Mumbai, Europe, Bangkok, Spain, Portugal and his recent trip to Thailand highlighting his lack of remorse. Till date Sneh continues to defame me among our common friends and denies that he was he was verbally and physically abusive. He has stooped to the lowest level of conversation, and it's shocking to see someone who considers himself educated engaging in such behavior. It's as if he is an animal in the body of human. 54. For the three years I've known him, this relationship has been characterized by verbal and physical abuse, high-value materialistic demands, and disrespect towards my entire family. It reflects a distorted belief that men hold more power and authority in a marriage, perpetuating a toxic dynamic that made my life hell. He has abused me continually in the marriage, calling me a slut, and my mother was a whore, and said that my mother and I slept with men around. He abused my grandmother and wished for her to die, who was bedridden. He said that my sisters also were whores, and we were a family of beggars, bitches and sluts and he said he would make sure that nobody in the family would marry. He said my father did not have the money to buy my mother underwear and also said that my father sold me to him and his family and he would kill my father while he traveled to work on his two-wheeler. All this because we couldn't even meet the demands meted by them. This kind of continuous abuses to me and my family has caused severe trauma to me mentally and physically. 55. Sneh Sanghvi has also thretened to kill my father to quote a few, "the day he is on road know with a 2 wheeler, how I'll come and whack him from behind and he dies, you see.", "That Gandu, the day he's on the scooter on the road, how I'll fucking trash him from behind, you - 25 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 see.", ""I'll finish the fuck of your family". To add to it he also mentioned to throe me in the court, to quote "I'll fucking throw you in the court. You bastards, you bastards, you pricks, you cunts, you piece of whore." 56. Thereafter on 20/12/23 I went to the matrimonial home to take my belongings but I was stopped by my father-in-law physically wherein pushed me by touching on my chest inappropriately. I immediately rushed to the JP Nagar Police Station wherein the Police suggested to sit and discuss with my husband and parents to see if it could be resolved. My husband and his parents informed us that they would revert and never reverted back. My husband proceeded to file a Petition for Divorce before the Family Court. The matter was referred to mediation because of which I could not file the Complaint for Dowry Harassment hoping that the issues would be sorted out in mediation center. 57. However, to my utter dismay, the mediation failed. I have been treated with no dignity and I have been physically abused and beaten by my husband, my father- in-law touched me on chest inappropriately and pushed me out of the matrimonial home and my mother-in-law verbally and physically abused me. My modesty has been outraged by my husband and my father-in-law. I request your good self to initiate action against my husband, my father-in-law and mother-in-law as per Law." 8. The complaint becomes a crime in Crime No.289/2024 for the afore-quoted offences. The issue now would be whether the complaint needs to be interdicted or obliterated at this stage of the proceedings or investigation must be permitted to be continued. - 26 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 9. A perusal at the complaint would undoubtedly indicate certain acts of cruelty against the husband. The husband prima facie has inflicted certain injuries also on the wife, which the photographs would demonstrate albeit prima facie. Therefore, the proceedings against the husband, notwithstanding the vehement contention of the learned counsel, Sri. Arun Govindraj appearing for the petitioners that all these proceedings have sprung only after the notice being issued or the matrimonial case being filed and the mediation failed in the matrimonial case. Be that as it may. The investigation in such cases where there is cruelty on the part of the husband against the wife cannot be interdicted. Therefore, the petition insofar as the husband-accused No.1 fails. In so far as accused Nos.2 and 3 are concerned, the father-in-law is alleged to have touched the complainant inappropriately. This is said to have happened on 20.12.2023. Both the father-in-law and the daughter-in-law registered complaints on the said date. The complaint registered by the father-in-law against the daughter-in-law, reads as follows: - 27 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 "ಾಂಕ:20/12/2023 ರಂದು ದೂರುಾರಾದ ೕ ಸೕ ಾಂಗ ರವರು ಾೆೆ ಾಜಾ ೊಟ !"ತ ದೂರು ಏೆಂದೆ, ನಮ' ಮಗಾದ ೕ ೆ(ೕಹ ರವ*ೆ 2021 ರ!+, ೕಮ ,ಾ- ೋ.ಾ* ಯವೊಂೆ ಮದು0ೆ 1ಾ2ರು3ೆ4ೕ0ೆ. ನಂತರ ೌಟುಂ6ಕ ಕಲಹ ಇರುವ9ದ*ಂದ ಅವರು ಸು1ಾರು 13 ಂಗ;ಂದ ನಮ' ಮೆಯ!+ ನ<'ಂೆ ಇರುವ9ಲ+... ನಮ' ಮಗನು ೕಮ ,ಾ= ೋ.ಾ* ರವರ ರುದ> 0ಾಹ ?ೆ@ೕದAೆ 1ಾನB ಾBCಾಲಯದ!+, ಅDEಯನು( ಸಹ ಾFರು3ಾ4ೆ. ಅದು 1ಾನB ಾBCಾಲಯದ!+, ?ಾರೆಯ!+ರುತ4ೆ. ಅದೆ ಾಂಕ-20-12-2023 ರಂದು ೕಮ ,ಾ- ೋ.ಾ* ರವರು ಏಾಏF ನಮ' ಮೆೆ ನುG ನ<'ಂೆ ಜಗಳ 1ಾ2 ಅ0ಾಚB ಶಬLಗ;ಂದ Mೈದ: ನಮ' OೕPೆ ಹPೆ+ 1ಾಡಲು ಪಯ(Sರು3ಾ4ೆ. ಆದL*ಂದ ೕಮ ,ಾಚ ೋ.ಾ* ರವರನು( ಾೆೆ ಕೆUS ಇನು( ಮುಂೆ ನಮ' ತಂ.ೆೆ ಬರದಂ3ೆ ಸೂಕ4 ಳVವ;ೆ Wೕ2 ಬಂೋಬX4 1ಾ2ೊMೇೆಂದು ೊಟ ದೂರು." 10. The complaint registered by the daughter-in-law against the parents of petitioner No.1 or the father-in-law, reads as follows: "ಾಂಕ:20/12/2023 ರಂದು ದೂರುಾರಾದ ೕಮ ,ಾ- ೋ.ಾ* ೊಟ !"ತ ದೂರು ಏೆಂದೆ,20/12/2023 ರಂದು ನಮ' ಯಜ1ಾನರ ಮೆೆ ನನ( 0ೈಯF4ಕ ವಸು4ಗಳನು( 3ೆೆದುೊಳYಲು ೋರು3ೆ4ೕೆ. ಆದೆ ಆ ಸಮಯದ!+ ನಮ' 1ಾನವಾದ ೕ ಸೕ ಸಂಘ ರವರು ನನ(ನು( ಮೆUಂದ ೊರೆ ತ;Yರು3ಾ4ೆ ಾಗು ನಮ' ಯಜ1ಾನಾದ ೕ ೆ(ೕಹ ಸಂಘ ರವರು ನನೆ ಮೆಯ ರೂ[ ಅನು( ಪ0ೇಶ 1ಾಡದಂ3ೆ ತ\ೆರು3ಾ4ೆ ಾಗು ನಮ' ಅ3ೆ4ಯವಾದ ೕಮ ವB ಸಂಗವ] ರವರು ಸಹ ೆಟ ಪದಗ;ಂದ Mೈದುರತ4ೆ. ಆದL*ಂದ ಈ *ೕCಾ ನಮ' OೕPೆ ಹPೆ+ 1ಾಡಲು ಬಂರುವ ಾಗು ಅ0ಾಚB ಶಬLಗ;ಂದ Mೈರು3ಾ4ೆ ನಮ' ಯಜ1ಾನಾದ ೕ ೆ(ೕಹ ಸಂಘ, ನಮ' 1ಾನವಾದ ೕ ಸೕ ಸಂಘ, ಾಗು ನಮ' ಅ3ೆ4ಯವಾದ ೕಮ ವB ಸಂಘ ರವರನು( ಾೆೆ ಕೆS ಸೂಕ4 ?ಾರೆ 1ಾ2 ಇನು( ಮುಂೆ ನಮ' ತಂ.ೆೆ ಬರದಂ3ೆ ಳVವ;ೆ Wೕ2 ಬಂೋಬX4 1ಾ2ೊಡMೇಕಂದು ೊಟ ದೂರು." - 28 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 11. The complaint nowhere indicates that the father-in- law had pushed the daughter-in-law by touching her inappropriately, while it is alleged that he has pushed, but not inappropriately. This may have happened, but that would not meet the ingredients of the offences that are alleged against the father-in-law, which are for offences under Sections 498A, 323 or 354 of the IPC, which deals with outraging of the modesty of a woman. More than what is alleged ought to have been present at the outs. If the complainant had suffered such ingredients of outrage of the modesty on 20.12.2023, nothing stopped her from complaining immediately against the father- in-law in particular, but complains only on 12.11.2024. Therefore, this glorified embellishment by the daughter-in-law against the father-in-law would not mean that the investigation must be permitted to be continued. The same goes with the mother-in-law, where there are several paragraphs dedicated, which only bring in a sprinkling allegation of the ingredients of the offence under Section 498A of the IPC. Permitting further investigation into the acts of the mother-in-law and father-in- - 29 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 law would undoubtedly become an abuse of the process of the law and result in miscarriage of justice. 12. Jurisprudence is replete with the Apex Court time and again directing that the courts must be vary of the fact of the daughter-in-law drawing the parents-in-law into the web of proceedings without any rhyme or reason. I find the observations of the Apex Court apt in the case at hand. 13. The Apex Court in the case of MARAM NIRMALA v. STATE OF TELANGANA reported in 2025 SCC OnLine SC 2913, has held as follows: “….. ….. ….. 12. The appellant(s) herein are the mother-in-law and father- in-law of respondent No. 2. They had filed a petition under Section 482 of the CrPC seeking quashing of the proceedings instituted against them in C.C. No. 338/2023 pending on the file of the Judicial First Class Magistrate (Prohibition and Excise offence) at Nalgonda alleging offences punishable under Sections 498- A, 323, 504 read with Section 34 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the DP Act. 13. By the impugned order, the said criminal petition has been disposed of reserving liberty to the appellant(s) herein to seek discharge in accordance with law. Hence, this appeal. - 30 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 14. The case at hand pertains to allegations of cruelty and dowry demand made by the respondent No. 2 against the appellant(s) herein. A bare perusal of the FIR however, shows that the allegations made by respondent No. 2 are vague and omnibus inasmuch as there is an absence of any specific instance or occasion detailed with particulars wherein the appellant(s) demanded dowry from respondent No. 2 and on refusal of the same, subjected her to mental and physical cruelty. The only allegations levelled by respondent No. 2 against the appellants herein are that subsequent to the birth of her daughter, the conduct of her husband underwent a change, which is stated to have been on account of the alleged inducement exercised by the in-laws including the appellant(s) herein for the purpose of demanding additional dowry and that pursuant to the counselling conducted at the Women Police Station, Nalgonda, although the husband of respondent No. 2 and his family assured that she would be treated properly, they nevertheless continued to subject respondent No. 2 to mental and physical cruelty. 15. We therefore find that the aforesaid allegations levelled against the appellant(s), even if taken at their face value, do not prima facie disclose the commission of the alleged offences so as to warrant the initiation of criminal proceedings. 16. During the course of submissions, learned counsel for the appellant(s) brought to our notice the judgment of this Court in the case of Dara Lakshmi Narayana v. State of Telangana, (2025) 3 SCC 735 (“Dara Lakshmi Narayana”) as well as other judgments which squarely apply to this case. We have perused the same. 17. This Court speaking through one of us (B.V. Nagarathna, J.) in Dara Lakshmi Narayana, while dealing with the issue of quashing of criminal proceedings instituted - 31 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 by the respondent wife therein against her husband and in- laws who were charged with offences punishable under Sections 498A of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the DP Act, 1961, held as follows: “27. A mere reference to the names of family members in a criminal case arising out of a matrimonial dispute, without specific allegations indicating their active involvement should be nipped in the bud. It is a well- recognised fact, borne out of judicial experience, that there is often a tendency to implicate all the members of the husband's family when domestic disputes arise out of a matrimonial discord. Such generalised and sweeping accusations unsupported by concrete evidence or particularised allegations cannot form the basis for criminal prosecution. Courts must exercise caution in such cases to prevent misuse of legal provisions and the legal process and avoid unnecessary harassment of innocent family members. In the present case, Appellants 2 to 6, who are the members of the family of Appellant 1 have been living in different cities and have not resided in the matrimonial house of Appellant 1 and Respondent 2 herein. Hence, they cannot be dragged into criminal prosecution and the same would be an abuse of the process of the law in the absence of specific allegations made against each of them. xxx 30. The inclusion of Section 498-A IPC by way of an amendment was intended to curb cruelty inflicted on a woman by her husband and his family, ensuring swift intervention by the State. However, in recent years, as there have been a notable rise in matrimonial disputes across the country, accompanied by growing discord and tension within the institution of marriage, consequently, there has been a growing tendency to misuse provisions like Section 498-AIPC as a tool for unleashing - 32 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 personal vendetta against the husband and his family by a wife. Making vague and generalised allegations during matrimonial conflicts, if not scrutinised, will lead to the misuse of legal processes and an encouragement for use of arm twisting tactics by a wife and/or her family. Sometimes, recourse is taken to invoke Section 498-A IPC against the husband and his family in order to seek compliance with the unreasonable demands of a wife. Consequently, this Court has, time and again, cautioned against prosecuting the husband and his family in the absence of a clear prima facie case against them. xxx 31. We are not, for a moment, stating that any woman who has suffered cruelty in terms of what has been contemplated under Section 498-A IPC should remain silent and forbear herself from making a complaint or initiating any criminal proceeding. That is not the intention of our aforesaid observations but we should not encourage a case like as in the present one, where as a counterblast to the petition for dissolution of marriage sought by the first appellant, husband of the second respondent herein, a complaint under Section 498-A IPC is lodged by the latter. In fact, the insertion of the said provision is meant mainly for the protection of a woman who is subjected to cruelty in the matrimonial home primarily due to an unlawful demand for any property or valuable security in the form of dowry. However, sometimes it is misused as in the present case. xxx 34. We, therefore, are of the opinion that the impugned FIR No. 82 of 2022 filed by Respondent 2 was initiated with ulterior motives to settle personal scores and grudges against Appellant 1 and his family members i.e. Appellants 2 to 6 herein. Hence, the present case at hand falls within Category (7) of illustrative parameters highlighted in Bhajan Lal [State - 33 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, 1992 Supp (1) SCC 335 : 1992 SCC (Cri) 426]. Therefore, the High Court, in the present case, erred in not exercising the powers available to it under Section 482CrPC and thereby failed to prevent abuse of the Court's process by continuing the criminal prosecution against the appellants.” (underlining by us) 18. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of this case, we find that the judgment of this Court in Dara Lakshmi Narayana would apply. Hence, the impugned order of the High Court is set aside. The proceedings instituted against the appellant(s) in C.C. No. 338/2023 pending on the file of the Judicial First Class Magistrate (Prohibition and Excise offence) at Nalgonda stand quashed in relation to the appellants herein.” (Emphasis supplied) 14. For the aforesaid reasons, the following: ORDER (i) The petition is allowed in-part. (ii) The petition in so far as the husband is concerned, stands rejected. (iii) The petition insofar as the mother-in-law and father-in-law are concerned is allowed. - 34 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010665492024 NC: 2026:KHC:38200 WP No. 30904 of 2024 (iv) Proceedings in Crime No.289/2024 insofar as accused Nos.2 and 3 are concerned, stand quashed. Sd/- (M.NAGAPRASANNA) JUDGE SJK List No.: 1 Sl No.: 6