SC caution against misuse of Section 498A IPC for unleashing personal vendetta

On Dec 10, 2024, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the increasing misuse of Section 498A IPC often used by wives to target their husbands and in-laws as a form of personal vendetta.

The Court allowed an appeal by Dara Lakshmi Narayan, who challenged the Telangana High Court’s judgment that declined to quash an FIR lodged by his wife alleging dowry harassment. While Section 498 A is meant to safeguard women from cruelty, particularly due to dowry demands. 

The Court recognized the potential for misuse and emphasized the need for a balanced approach to prevent such misuse while protecting victims.