Overview
- The single-judge bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the order on January 8, 2026.
- The court allowed neighbour Asha G’s petition and dropped charges under Sections 498A, 504, 506, 323 read with 34 of the IPC.
- Proceedings against the husband and his family members will continue in the underlying matrimonial case.
- The judge held that prosecuting a stranger under Section 498A would be an abuse of process and risk a miscarriage of justice.
- The ruling relies on the Supreme Court’s 2024 Ramesh Kannojia decision, which limits “relative” to relations by blood or marriage for Section 498A.