IPC Section 498A — Cruelty by husband or relatives of husband

Judgments citing IPC Section 498A

1. Smt.S.Vimala vs S.Ranga Rao on 31 March, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana31 Mar 2023

   Case Name: Smt.S.Vimala vs S.Ranga Rao on 31 March, 2023 Court: High Court for the State of Telangana at Hyderabad Date of Judgment: 31 March, 2023 Bench: Sri Justice T.Vinod Kumar and Smt Justice P.Sree Sudha Subject: Divorce, Maintenance, Alimony, Desertion, Hindu Marriage Act Key Legal Propositions 1. Desertion as a ground for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act requires a complete abandonment of one spouse by the other without reasonable cause and without the consent of the deserted spouse. 2. The quantum of permanent alimony is determined by considering the status of the parties, the duration of marriage, the earning capacity of the spouse, and the needs of the dependent spouse. 3. Evidence presented after a prolonged legal battle, even if belated, can be considered by the court, particularly when it reveals a significant change in circumstances or hidden assets of the opposing party. Judgment Summary Background: This Civil Miscellaneous Appeal arises from a divorce decree granted by the Additional Senior Civil Judge, Ranga Reddy District, dissolving the marriage between Smt. S.Vimala (Appellant/Wife) and S.Ranga Rao (Respondent/Husband). The wife appealed, primarily

2. Vaddepally Rajkumar vs. Madhuravani [Rekha] on 31 March, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana31 Mar 2023

   Case Name: Vaddepally Rajkumar vs. Madhuravani [Rekha] on 31 March, 2023 Court: High Court of Telangana at Hyderabad Date of Judgment: 31 March, 2023 Bench: Justice T. Vinod Kumar and Justice P. Sree Sudha Subject: Hindu Marriage, Divorce, Cruelty, Desertion, Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage Key Legal Propositions 1. Cruelty for the purposes of divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act can encompass both physical and mental torture. 2. Desertion requires intentional and permanent abandonment of one spouse by the other without consent and without reasonable cause. 3. When a marriage has irretrievably broken down, and there is no possibility of reconciliation, the court may grant a divorce, particularly considering the welfare of any children involved. Judgment Summary Background: This Civil Miscellaneous Appeal arises from the dismissal of a divorce petition (O.P. No. 98 of 2013) by the Senior Civil Judge, Siddipet. The appellant/husband, Vaddepally Rajkumar, sought divorce from the respondent/wife, Madhuravani (Rekha), alleging cruelty and desertion. The trial court found the allegations unproven. Held: A. On Cruelty & Desertion: Majority View: The Court found that the husb

3. Shaik Jeelani vs The State Of Andhra Pradesh on 26 June, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana26 Jun 2023

   Case Name: Shaik Jeelani vs The State Of Andhra Pradesh on 26 June, 2023 Court: High Court of Telangana Date of Judgment: 26 June, 2023 Bench: Sri Justice K. Surender Subject: Criminal Appeal – Section 498A IPC – Dowry Harassment – Reduction of Sentence Key Legal Propositions 1. Conviction under Section 498A IPC can be sustained based on consistent evidence of demand for dowry and instances of harassment, even if not immediately proximate to the death. 2. A solitary incident of alleged assault, without corroborating evidence of its occurrence in the presence of a witness, may not be sufficient for conviction on a more serious charge like Section 304B IPC. 3. Courts may exercise discretion to reduce sentences considering the age of the offense, the appellant’s family responsibilities, and the period already undergone. Judgment Summary Background: This Criminal Appeal arises from a judgment dated 17.12.2009, convicting the appellants/accused under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code for dowry harassment, and sentencing them to two years of rigorous imprisonment. The case stemmed from the death of the complainant’s sister, who allegedly committed suicide after being harassed f

4. Yelle Venkateshwarlu & Anr. vs The State of Telangana & Anr. on 04 July, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana4 Jul 2023

   Case Name: Yelle Venkateshwarlu & Anr. vs The State of Telangana & Anr. on 04 July, 2023 Court: High Court of Telangana at Hyderabad Date of Judgment: 04 July, 2023 Bench: Smt. Justice G. Anupama Chakravarthy Subject: Criminal Procedure - Quashing of Criminal Proceedings - Section 482 CrPC Key Legal Propositions 1. Where no specific allegations or overt acts are attributed to accused persons, it may be appropriate to dispense with their presence during trial. 2. High Courts have the power under Section 482 CrPC to quash criminal proceedings, particularly when the continuation of proceedings would be an abuse of process. 3. Disposal of a criminal petition at the stage of admission is permissible, especially when the issue is limited and can be decided without extensive evidence. Judgment Summary Background: This Criminal Petition was filed under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) seeking quashing of proceedings in C.C. No. 1522 of 2020 before the V Additional Metropolitan Magistrate, Cyberabad. The case was registered for offences under Sections 498A, 323 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 3 & 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The Petitioners, accused Nos

5. Gollela Srinivas @ Sreena vs The State of A.P. on 21 February, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana21 Feb 2023

   Case Name: Gollela Srinivas @ Sreena vs The State of A.P. on 21 February, 2023 Court: High Court of Telangana at Hyderabad Date of Judgment: 21 February, 2023 Bench: Sri Justice M. Laxman and Smt Justice G. Anupama Chakravarthy Subject: Criminal Appeal – Section 302 IPC – Dying Declaration – Corroboration – Dowry Harassment Key Legal Propositions 1. A sole oral dying declaration requires corroboration, especially when inconsistencies exist regarding its communication to authorities and potential witnesses. 2. The absence of the accused at the scene of the crime, coupled with a lack of evidence establishing their presence, necessitates extending the benefit of doubt. 3. Delay in lodging the First Information Report (FIR) and subsequent improvements in the narrative raise concerns regarding the reliability of the prosecution's case. Judgment Summary Background: The Criminal Appeal stemmed from a conviction under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, wherein the appellant/accused No. 1 was found guilty of causing the death of his wife by burning. The prosecution alleged dowry harassment as the motive. The trial court had acquitted co-accused A2 and A3 under Sections 498A IPC and

6. State of Telangana vs Korubothu Renuka on 17 March, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana17 Mar 2023

   Case Name: Court: Date of Judgment: Bench: Subject: Key Legal Propositions 1. Attendance of accused can be dispensed with, subject to conditions, when represented by counsel. 2. Dispensing attendance is contingent on filing an affidavit affirming acceptance of proceedings conducted in absence. 3. The Court retains the right to recall the order dispensing attendance if the accused fails to appear when directed. Judgment Summary Background: This Criminal Petition was filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, seeking to quash proceedings in C.C. No. 2434 of 2020, pending before the I Additional Junior Civil Judge - cum - V Additional Metropolitan Magistrate, Medchal - Malkajgiri District. The petitioners, accused Nos. 2 to 7, faced charges under Sections 498A of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The primary prayer was for dispensing with their personal appearance. Held: A. On Dispensation of Attendance: Majority View: The Court allowed the dispensation of attendance for the petitioners-accused Nos. 2 to 7, subject to the filing of an affidavit stating they would not dispute proceedings conducted by their counsel and affi

7. Family Court Appeal No.30 of 2012 on 20 February, 2023

   High Court of High Court for State of Telangana20 Feb 2023

   Case Name: Family Court Appeal No.30 of 2012 Court: Family Court, Ranga Reddy District at L.B.Nagar Date of Judgment: 20 February, 2023 Bench: Dr. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha and Smt. Justice M.G.Priyadarsini Subject: Divorce; Cruelty; Desertion; Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage Key Legal Propositions 1. Desertion by a spouse without justifiable cause is a valid ground for divorce. 2. Establishing irretrievable breakdown of marriage is sufficient for granting divorce, even if cruelty is not conclusively proven. 3. Mere allegations of dowry harassment, without supporting evidence, are insufficient to negate a finding of desertion. Judgment Summary Background: This appeal arises from a decree of divorce granted by the Family Court, Ranga Reddy District, dissolving the marriage between the appellant-wife and the respondent-husband. The husband sought divorce on grounds of cruelty and desertion, which the Family Court found to be established. The wife appeals, contending that she was not cruel and that the husband’s behavior was the cause of the marital breakdown. Held: A. On Cruelty and Desertion: Majority View: The Court found that while cruelty was not conclusively establi

8. Pragya Walke vs. Ram Chandra Rao Walke @Sidharth on 5th October, 2023

   High Court of Delhi

   Case Name: Pragya Walke vs. Ram Chandra Rao Walke @Sidharth on 5th October, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 5th October, 2023 Bench: Justice Suresh Kumar Kait & Justice Neena Bansal Krishna Subject: Divorce; Cruelty; Hindu Marriage Act; Family Courts Act; Mental Cruelty; Allegations of Adultery; Domestic Violence Key Legal Propositions 1. Unsubstantiated allegations of extra-marital affairs, particularly when lacking evidence, constitute mental cruelty justifying divorce under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 2. Repeatedly filing false complaints (dowry, harassment, domestic violence) and making defamatory allegations against a spouse and their family, without substantiation, amounts to mental cruelty. 3. While resorting to legal remedies simplicitor does not constitute cruelty, a pattern of unsubstantiated accusations and legal proceedings can be indicative of a cruel environment. Judgment Summary Background: This appeal arises from a Family Court decree dissolving the marriage between the appellant wife and respondent husband on the grounds of cruelty. The husband filed for divorce under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955,

9. Piyush Jain and Ors vs State and Anr on 02 May, 2023

   High Court of Delhi2 May 2023

   Case Name: Piyush Jain and Ors vs State and Anr on 02 May, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 02 May, 2023 Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma Subject: Criminal Law, Matrimonial Disputes, Section 482 Cr.P.C., Quashing of FIR Key Legal Propositions 1. High Courts possess inherent powers under Section 482 Cr.P.C. to quash FIRs in cases of amicable settlement, preventing abuse of legal process. 2. Courts should encourage amicable settlements in matrimonial disputes. 3. Voluntary settlements, executed without fear or coercion, justify quashing criminal proceedings. Judgment Summary Background: The present petition sought quashing of FIR No. 61/2019 registered under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC at PS Shahdara, arising from a matrimonial dispute. The parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated 21.05.2022, agreeing to mutual divorce, withdrawal of pending cases (including a Domestic Violence case), and a full and final settlement of all claims. Held: A. On Section 482 Cr.P.C. and Quashing of FIR: Majority View: The Court held that Section 482 Cr.P.C. empowers it to quash the FIR, given the amicable settlement reached between the parties. Con

10. Kusum Sawai vs State & Anr on 16 August, 2023

    High Court of Delhi16 Aug 2023

    Case Name: Kusum Sawai vs State & Anr on 16 August, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: August 16, 2023 Bench: Dr. Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain Subject: Criminal Revision Petition – Section 498A IPC – Dowry Harassment – Framing of Charge – Discharge Key Legal Propositions 1. At the stage of framing of charge, the court must sift the material produced by the prosecution and determine if a strong suspicion exists that the accused committed the offence. It is not a mini-trial. 2. Section 498A IPC complaints are often filed in the heat of the moment and can be used to harass the husband and his relatives; courts must be cautious and scrutinize allegations carefully. 3. General and non-specific allegations of harassment for dowry demands are insufficient to sustain a charge under Section 498A IPC. Specificity and a clear link to dowry demands are required. Judgment Summary Background: The present revision petition challenges the order discharging Respondent No. 2 from charges under Section 498A IPC, stemming from an FIR registered in 2014 based on a complaint alleging cruelty and dowry demands. The petitioner alleged abuse, beatings, and a demand for Rs. 20 lacs for co

11. Ritu Sethi vs. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. on 6 January, 2023

    High Court of Delhi6 Jan 2023

    Case Name: Ritu Sethi vs. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. on 6 January, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 6 January, 2023 Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Amit Sharma Subject: Criminal Law – Section 482 CrPC – Revision Petition – Framing of Charges – Domestic Violence – Dowry Harassment – Entrustment of Stridhan Key Legal Propositions 1. A second revision petition is generally not maintainable under Section 397(3) of the CrPC. 2. The High Court can exercise its inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC to interfere with concurrent findings of lower courts only if those findings are perverse and unsustainable in law. 3. At the stage of framing charges, the court is not required to weigh evidence but should take the complainant’s statement at face value, provided sufficient prima facie material exists. Judgment Summary Background: The petition under Section 482 CrPC challenges the dismissal of a revision petition against an order framing charges in a case under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC. The petitioner sought to reinstate charges against her husband and in-laws, which had been discharged by the trial court and upheld by the revisional court. The husband was acquitted later,

12. Ram Sahay Meena Kalky & Anr. vs State & Anr. on 16 November, 2023

    High Court of Delhi16 Nov 2023

    Case Name: Ram Sahay Meena Kalky & Anr. vs State & Anr. on 16 November, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 16 November, 2023 Bench: Justice Amit Sharma Subject: Criminal Law – Section 482 CrPC – Revision Petition – Framing of Charges – Section 498A/406 IPC – Domestic Violence – Dowry Harassment Key Legal Propositions 1. A second revision petition is generally not maintainable under Section 397(3) CrPC, but the High Court may exercise its inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC in exceptional circumstances, such as abuse of process or miscarriage of justice. 2. At the stage of framing charges, the Magistrate is not required to meticulously scrutinize all evidence but must determine if a prima facie case exists. 3. The courts below can only be interfered with if the findings are perverse or beyond the facts of the case. Mere repetition of arguments already considered by lower courts does not warrant intervention. Judgment Summary Background: These petitions under Section 482 CrPC challenge orders dated 31.05.2014 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Dwarka Courts, dismissing revision petitions against an order dated 26.10.2013 of the Metropolitan Magistrate fr

13. Dev Datt Verma vs Kiran Verma on 16 October, 2023

    High Court of Delhi16 Oct 2023

    Case Name: Dev Datt Verma vs Kiran Verma on 16 October, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 16 October, 2023 Bench: Justice Suresh Kumar Kait & Justice Neena Bansal Krishna Subject: Divorce, Restitution of Conjugal Rights, Cruelty, Desertion, Hindu Marriage Act Key Legal Propositions 1. Prolonged separation and lack of mutual effort to reconcile can justify divorce under Section 13(1)(ia) and (ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 2. False allegations, particularly those of dowry harassment, can constitute cruelty justifying divorce. 3. A petition for restitution of conjugal rights filed as a counterblast to a divorce petition, and lacking genuine intent to resume cohabitation, is unsustainable. Judgment Summary Background: These appeals arise from a Family Court judgment dismissing a divorce petition filed by the husband (Appellant) and allowing a petition for restitution of conjugal rights filed by the wife (Respondent). The parties married in 2008, but the wife soon returned to her parental home. The husband alleged a lack of affection and attempts at reconciliation were unsuccessful. The wife countered with claims of cruelty and dowry harassment. Held: A. On

14. Satpal Singh vs State on 31 October, 2023

    High Court of Delhi31 Oct 2023

    Case Name: Satpal Singh vs State on 31 October, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 31 October, 2023 Bench: Ms. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma Subject: Criminal Appeal – Dowry Death, Cruelty, Section 498A/304B IPC Key Legal Propositions 1. For Section 304B IPC to apply, the death must occur within seven years of marriage, be caused by burns or bodily injury under abnormal circumstances, and be linked to cruelty or harassment for dowry demands. 2. Section 498A IPC requires proof of cruelty towards a woman by her husband or relatives, either driving her to suicide or involving harassment for dowry. 3. The prosecution must establish a clear connection between the cruelty/harassment and the dowry demand, and the death, to secure a conviction under Section 304B IPC. Judgment Summary Background: The appeal challenges a conviction and sentence under Sections 498A/304B IPC for dowry death. The deceased allegedly died by suicide after facing harassment for dowry demands. The prosecution relied on testimonies of family members, letters written by the deceased, and medical evidence. Held: A. On Section 304B IPC (Dowry Death): Majority View: The Court upheld the convictio

15. Sh. Gulshan Kumar vs Govt. Of NCT Of Delhi on 18 December, 2023

    High Court of Delhi18 Dec 2023

    Case Name: Court: Date of Judgment: Bench: Subject: Key Legal Propositions 1. A writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution read with Section 482 of the CrPC can be used to seek a Habeas Corpus and directions regarding fundamental rights. 2. The Court can dispose of a writ petition if the factual basis of the petition is found to be addressed through existing legal processes. 3. Failure to join an investigation despite notice under Section 41A CrPC does not, in itself, warrant intervention by the Court in a Habeas Corpus petition when the individual is residing with family by own will. Judgment Summary Background: The petitioner filed a writ petition seeking a Habeas Corpus for Ms. Akanksha Sharma, alleging wrongful confinement. The petitioner also sought a prohibition against interference with Ms. Sharma’s liberty. A status report was submitted by the respondent/State indicating that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against the petitioner and his family members based on a complaint by Ms. Sharma, alleging offences under Sections 498A, 406, 506, 377, 354, and 34 IPC. Notices under Section 41A CrPC were issued, but the petitioner and his family failed t

16. Sakshi Khurana vs The State Government of NCT of Delhi on 11 August, 2023

    High Court of Delhi11 Aug 2023

    Case Name: Sakshi Khurana vs The State Government of NCT of Delhi on 11 August, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 11 August, 2023 Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma Subject: Criminal Law, Quashing of FIR, Section 482 CrPC, SC/ST Act, Matrimonial Dispute, Settlement Key Legal Propositions 1. High Courts possess the power under Section 482 CrPC to quash FIRs even those registered under special statutes like the SC/ST Act, provided the underlying objective of the Act is not contravened. 2. When a dispute is primarily private or civil in nature, and a genuine settlement is reached, continuing legal proceedings may amount to an abuse of process. 3. Courts should consider the specific facts and circumstances of each case, including the likelihood of conviction and the nature of the offense, when deciding whether to exercise its power to quash. Judgment Summary Background: The petition sought quashing of FIR No. 1094/2022 registered under Sections 3(1), (R), (S) of the SC/ST Act, 1989, based on allegations stemming from a matrimonial dispute. The complainant alleged abuse and use of casteist slurs by the petitioner. However, the parties reached a settl

17. Shamim Aakhtar & Anr. vs State of NCT of Delhi & Anr. on 18 August, 2023

    High Court of Delhi18 Aug 2023

    Case Name: Shamim Aakhtar & Anr. vs State of NCT of Delhi & Anr. on 18 August, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 18.08.2023 Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma Subject: Criminal Law, Matrimonial Disputes, Section 482 Cr.P.C., Quashing of FIR Key Legal Propositions 1. High Courts possess inherent powers under Section 482 Cr.P.C. to quash criminal proceedings to secure the ends of justice or prevent abuse of process. 2. Criminal cases arising from matrimonial disputes may be quashed upon amicable settlement between the parties, particularly when the marriage has been dissolved. 3. Courts may exercise discretion to quash even non-compoundable offences considering the nature of the offence and the genuine, voluntary settlement reached by the parties. Judgment Summary Background: The present petition was filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C. seeking quashing of FIR No. 0542/2021 registered under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC at PS Jamia Nagar. The FIR stemmed from allegations related to a marital dispute. The parties have since entered into a settlement agreement dated 21.12.2022, dissolving their marriage as per Muslim rites and resolving all outstanding disputes

18. Harjaspreet Singh & Ors. vs State Govt. of NCT of Delhi And Anr. on 06 April, 2023

    High Court of Delhi6 Apr 2023

    Case Name: Harjaspreet Singh & Ors. vs State Govt. of NCT of Delhi And Anr. on 06 April, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 06 April, 2023 Bench: Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma Subject: Criminal Law, Section 482 Cr.P.C., Quashing of FIR, Matrimonial Dispute, Settlement Deed, Mutual Divorce, Domestic Violence, Dowry Key Legal Propositions 1. Courts should encourage amicable settlements in matrimonial disputes. 2. Quashing of FIR is permissible when parties have settled the matter voluntarily, without fear, force, or coercion. 3. Fulfillment of terms of a settlement deed is a key consideration for quashing criminal proceedings. Judgment Summary Background: This petition, filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C., sought quashing of FIR No. 52/2019 registered under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC. The FIR stemmed from a matrimonial dispute where the parties had been living separately since 2018. A settlement deed dated 26.08.2022 was presented, outlining terms for mutual divorce and financial settlement. The parties had initiated divorce proceedings and a decree was reserved after the second motion. Held: A. On Quashing of FIR: Majority View: The Court allowed the petition and quash

19. YASHPAL GAUR & ANR. vs STATE & ANR. on 03 March, 2023

    High Court of Delhi3 Mar 2023

    Case Name: YASHPAL GAUR & ANR. vs STATE & ANR. on 03 March, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 03 March, 2023 Bench: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE DINESH KUMAR SHARMA Subject: Criminal Law – Quashing of FIR – Section 482 Cr.P.C. – Mutual Settlement – Matrimonial Dispute – Domestic Violence/Dowry – Settlement Terms Key Legal Propositions 1. Courts should encourage settlements in matrimonial disputes, particularly when reached voluntarily, without fear, force, or coercion. 2. A valid settlement agreement, providing for full and final settlement of all claims, including alimony and maintenance, can be a sufficient ground for quashing criminal proceedings. 3. The rights of a child are separate and unaffected by settlement agreements between parents. Judgment Summary Background: The present petition, filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C., sought quashing of FIR No. 307/2014 registered at PS Ashok Vihar under Sections 498A/406 IPC. The FIR stemmed from a marital dispute that ultimately led to a mutual divorce petition and a settlement agreement between the parties. The complainant (Respondent No. 2) stated she had received the agreed settlement amount and had no objection to the qua

20. Vikas Bhatnagar & Anr. vs State Through SHO R.K. Puram Police Station & Anr. on 27 April, 2023

    High Court of Delhi27 Apr 2023

    Case Name: Vikas Bhatnagar & Anr. vs State Through SHO R.K. Puram Police Station & Anr. on 27 April, 2023 Court: High Court of Delhi Date of Judgment: 27.04.2023 Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma Subject: Criminal Law, Section 482 Cr.P.C., Quashing of FIR, Dowry Harassment, Domestic Violence, Mutual Divorce, Settlement Agreement. Key Legal Propositions 1. Courts may quash criminal proceedings where a genuine settlement has been reached between parties, particularly in matrimonial disputes. 2. Continuing criminal proceedings where the complainant expresses no desire to pursue them, and the wrong is private/personal, can be an exercise in futility. 3. The compromise between parties can be accepted by the Court, and the FIR can be quashed, if the terms of the settlement are fulfilled and the complainant has no further grievance. Judgment Summary Background: The present petition was filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C. seeking quashing of FIR No. 112/2021 registered under Sections 498A/406/34 IPC, alleging mental harassment and demand of dowry. The parties entered into a settlement agreement, filed for divorce by mutual consent, and the complainant received the agreed set