July 29, 2025

The Karnataka High Court recently ruled in a contentious dowry harassment case, quashing the proceedings against the in-laws of a 25-year-old Bengaluru resident. Justice M Nagaprasanna found the allegations against the parents and relative to be unsubstantiated, particularly as the complainant had previously admitted to a secret marriage without the family's knowledge. The case stemmed from a relationship that began during the couple's college years. The woman frequently visited the man's home, and during one of these visits, she allegedly threatened self-harm if he did not marry her. In response, the man's father filed a police complaint on October 23, 2021, due to concerns regarding her behavior. The police intervened, and the woman subsequently provided a written assurance promising to stop troubling the family. Despite this, the couple eloped to Hassan, where they got married on January 12, 2023, with the marriage registered the following day. However, the relationship soon deteriorated, culminating in the woman filing various allegations including forced sexual relations when she was underage, post-marriage assault, and stalking accusations where she claimed the husband had threatened to expose private content recorded on his mobile phone. Her complaint included multiple charges under significant acts, such as the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, the Pocso Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Information Technology Act, among others. The man's parents and a relative also faced charges of public abuse under the Atrocities Act. The accused contested these allegations, arguing there was no prima facie case against them and asserting that the marriage was consensual. They suggested that the complaint was retaliatory, arising after divorce proceedings were initiated. They highlighted that earlier complaints did not make any sexual assault claims, which seemed to have been added later to strengthen the case. In reaching its decision, the court found the allegations against the in-laws lacked any substantial evidence or legal basis and noted that critical requirements for charges under the Atrocities Act concerning public humiliation based on caste were not met. Justice Nagaprasanna pointed out the absence of compelling evidence against the petitioners, which included the couple's parents and relative. Nonetheless, the judge permitted proceedings to continue against the husband, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations against him, including violations of the Pocso Act and accusations of rape before marriage. These claims, according to the court, warranted a complete trial to ensure justice is upheld. This ruling highlights the complexities surrounding dowry harassment and related charges in India, and it underscores the careful consideration required in judicial proceedings involving such sensitive issues. The court's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of substantial evidence in legal cases, especially those that can significantly impact individuals' lives.

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Tags: Karnataka high court, Dowry harassment, Legal proceedings, Bengaluru,