Supreme Court Quashes 498A Dowry Harassment Case Against Husband & In‑Laws, Cautions Against Misuse of Law

The Supreme Court quashed the FIR and chargesheet against husband Ghanshyam Soni and his family, filed under Section 498A IPC for alleged cruelty and dowry demands.

The bench found the allegations vague and lacking specifics (no dates, times, or incidents), with no medical or witness evidence. It noted that the petitioner withdrew an earlier complaint, questioning her credibility.

The Court emphasised that Section 498A should not be misused as a weapon to harass family members, citing precedent to prevent omnibus allegations.

Exercising its Constitutional powers, the Court quashed the FIR under Article 142 as continuing the trial would be oppressive and unjust. (Ghanshyam Soni v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) & Anr)