The Kerala High Court held that a single sufficiently grave act can constitute cruelty under Section 498A IPC, while quashing proceedings against six relatives of a husband on the ground that the allegations against them were vague and omnibus. Proceedings against the husband continue.
The Jharkhand High Court held that a husband’s unwillingness to live with his wife or emotional distance alone does not amount to cruelty under Section 498A IPC. The Court said normal matrimonial discord, lack of communication, or reluctance to perform conjugal obligations cannot by themselves constitute the offence.
