Wife’s Inability to Adjust with In-Laws Not Cruelty Under 498A: Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court has quashed an FIR filed under Section 498A of the IPC, holding that a wife’s inability to adjust with her in-laws, causing her to live separately, does not amount to “mental cruelty.”

Justice Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee observed that there is no material showing wilful conduct by the husband or his family that could endanger her life or health. 

The complaint included allegations of assault, humiliation, and retention of the wife’s belongings. The FIR was lodged after 25 years of marriage without any explanation for the delay.

Finding only a solitary incident and no continuous cruel conduct, the Court quashed the proceedings.

[Sumanlal Kodialbail & Ors v State of West Bengal & Anr.]