Karnataka HC: Dowry Law 498A Excludes Neighbours, Only for Husband's Relatives

• Karnataka High Court ruled Section 498A IPC (dowry harassment) applies only to the husband or his relatives, not neighbours or non-family members.
• Justice M Nagaprasanna's bench quashed proceedings against neighbour Asha in a case filed by Muniratnamma.
• The court clarified that only relatives of the husband can be booked under Section 498A in matrimonial disputes.
• Charges against Asha under Sections 498A, 504, 506, 323, and 34 IPC were dropped.
• Separately, a job fraud case was registered at Gangammanagudi police station against 7 people for allegedly cheating aspirants of Rs 54 lakh for fake Karnataka High Court jobs.

Why It Matters: Karnataka HC rules dowry law (498A IPC) applies only to husband/relatives, not neighbours.