Gujarat High Court: Women Often Exaggerate Dowry Claims to Pressure Husbands and In-Laws
The Gujarat High Court recently raised concerns about a rising trend where women use dowry and domestic violence laws as pressure tactics against their husbands and in-laws.
The Court observed that many women add serious charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act and Indian Penal Code—like Sections 498A (cruelty), 323 (assault), 504 (insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation)—to make their cases look more serious. This is often done to gain an advantage in personal disputes.
Justice D.A. Joshi made these comments while quashing a 2019 FIR filed by a woman who accused her husband and his relatives of cruelty, assault, and dowry demands. She had also filed a separate case under the Domestic Violence Act after leaving her husband’s home.
The woman married in January 2018 but left the matrimonial home in June 2019. She filed both the FIR and domestic violence complaint shortly after leaving. Although she returned briefly and agreed to withdraw the FIR, she soon went back to her parental home.
After reviewing the FIR, the Court found the allegations vague and lacking specific incidents of cruelty or abuse. It noted that the woman had named all her husband’s family members as accused, which is common in such disputes.
The Court stated, “It appears to be a personal dispute between husband and wife, where all the family members are unnecessarily involved.”
It further remarked that both the Supreme Court and High Courts have recognized the growing misuse of these laws. In many cases, women include every relative—especially those with social or financial status—to increase pressure or for blackmail.
In conclusion, the Gujarat High Court quashed the FIR and highlighted that false or exaggerated claims not only waste court time but also harm genuine victims and break down trust in the legal system.
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