Section 498A · 10 March 2026
Lone Allegation of Domestic Quarrel Cannot Attract Section 498A IPC
Supreme Court of India · 2026 INSC 212
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The wife lodged a criminal complaint alleging dowry harassment and cruelty, relying primarily on isolated instances of routine domestic disagreements and a single argument between the spouses. The High Court had declined to quash the charges.
The Supreme Court held that a solitary allegation of a domestic quarrel without specific overt acts or evidence of continuous dowry-related harassment cannot by itself attract the criminal offence under Section 498A IPC.
Relevant provisions: Section 498A IPC (Section 85 BNS) / Section 482 CrPC (Section 528 BNSS)
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