Supreme Court: Relatives of Accused Can't Be Roped for Not Helping Victim

The Supreme Court ruled that “family members of an accused cannot be implicated in domestic violence cases solely for not supporting the victim unless a specific act is attributed to them.”

It emphasized that being a mute spectator does not constitute a criminal act without clear involvement. The Court stressed the need for sensitive handling of genuine cases.

The petition involved Sections 498A and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, of 1961.

Telangana High Court had earlier refused to quash proceedings against the maternal aunt and cousin of the accused.