Section 498A · 5 May 2026
Selling Matrimonial House Does Not Amount to Dowry Harassment Under Section 498A IPC
High Court of Himachal Pradesh · Cr.MMO No. 1083 of 2025
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Following marital separation, the wife lodged an FIR under Section 498A IPC alleging dowry harassment on the ground that the husband and in-laws had sold the matrimonial house in Delhi and relocated.
The High Court held that the act of selling the matrimonial home cannot be construed as an act of demanding dowry or committing cruelty under Section 498A IPC. Commercial or residential decisions of family members do not satisfy the statutory ingredients of dowry harassment.
Relevant provisions: Section 498A IPC (Section 85 BNS) / Section 528 BNSS (Section 482 CrPC)
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