The Supreme Court held that financial control by a husband is a social reality and does not amount to criminal cruelty without proven mental or physical harm. Quashing a Section 498A case, the Court said criminal law cannot be used to settle personal vendettas.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that the law against marital cruelty also applies to live-in relationships. It clarified that the term ‘husband’ under Section 498A of the IPC includes partners in relationships with marital traits.
The Orissa High Court upheld the divorce granted to Pranaya Pradhan Nayak, stating, “Wife should support & give respect to husband despite his infirmity,” while dismissing Priyanka Nayak Pradhan’s appeal.
