AIROnline 2025 SC 733

Supreme Court Of India

(From : AIROnline 2024 MP 1897)

Hon'ble Judge(s): B. V. Nagarathna, K. V. Viswanathan , JJ

Criminal P.C. (2 of 1974) , S.482— Constitution of India , Art.142— Penal Code (45 of 1860) , S.498A— Dowry Prohibition Act (28 of 1961) , S.3, S.4— Quashing of FIR - Marital dispute - FIR u/Ss 498A IPC, and Ss 3, 4 of Dowry Act was lodged by complainant daughter-in-law against husband and in-laws - FIR was lodged belatedly, after initiation of divorce proceedings - Allegations were general in nature except incident of alleged slapping and dowry demand - No complaint was made during counselling sessions - Marriage had now been dissolved by decree of divorce which had attained finality - Complainant and her husband were leading their independent lives - In such situations, continuation of criminal proceedings against family members, especially in the absence of specific and proximate allegations, serves no legitimate purpose - FIR and charge sheet as regards appellant, father-in-law was quashed. AIROnline 2024 MP 1897-ReversedAIR 2024 SC 2643-Relied on (Para 24 26 28 33 34) .....