Section 498A · 31 March 2026
Unexplained 7-Year Delay in Filing 498A IPC Complaint Is Fatal to Prosecution
Supreme Court of India · 2026 LiveLaw (SC) 307
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The wife initiated a criminal complaint alleging cruelty and dowry harassment against her in-laws after an unexplained delay of nearly seven years following matrimonial separation.
The Supreme Court held that an unexplained delay of nearly seven years in initiating criminal proceedings in matrimonial disputes casts serious doubt on the prosecution's case, and such inordinate delay is fatal to continuing criminal trial against in-laws.
Relevant provisions: Section 498A IPC (Section 85 BNS) / Section 482 CrPC (Section 528 BNSS)
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