Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 498A and Sections 3 & 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act—Cruelty and dowry demand—Refusal by High Court to quash proceedings—Appeal—Act of accused-appellant of sending money to his family members cannot be misconstrued in a way that leads to a criminal prosecution—Allegation that accused-appellant forced the complainant-wife to maintain an excel sheet of all the expenses, even if taken on the face value, cannot come under the definition of cruelty—Monetary and financial dominance of the accused-appellant, as alleged by complainant, cannot qualify as an instance of cruelty, especially in the absence of any tangible mental or physical harm caused—Allegations made by complainant are vague and omnibus—Term “cruelty” cannot be established without specific instances—Mere general allegations of harassment without pointing out the specifics against such persons would not be sufficient to continue criminal proceedings—None of offences alleged against accused-appellant is made out—FIR and consequent proceedings initiated pursuant thereto stand quashed. [Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, Section 482]
[Paras 23, 24, 26 & 28]