Karnataka HC: Neighbours Can't Be Prosecuted Under IPC 498A for Matrimonial Cruelty

• The Karnataka High Court ruled that Section 498A of the IPC cannot be applied to individuals without a familial relationship to the husband.
• Justice M Nagaprasanna delivered the ruling on January 6, quashing proceedings against a neighbour accused in a cruelty case.
• The court clarified that only the husband or his relatives fall within the scope of Section 498A, which deals with cruelty in matrimonial disputes.
• The neighbour was accused of instigating the husband, but the court found no evidence to include her under the definition of 'family' for Section 498A.
• The ruling prevents misuse of the criminal justice process against strangers in matrimonial disputes, citing a Supreme Court precedent.

Why It Matters: Karnataka HC clarifies IPC 498A: Neighbours cannot be prosecuted for cruelty in matrimonial cases.