Mere general assertions of harassment or cruelty, without specific incidents, particulars, or role attribution, cannot attract liability under Sections 323 or 498A IPC

Whether criminal proceedings under Sections 323, 498A IPC and Sections 3 & 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act can be sustained against the brother-in-law where the FIR contains only vague, omnibus allegations without specific details of cruelty or demand of dowry.

Category: Criminal Law, Hindu Marriage Act   Posted on: September 25, 2025

Once information discloses a cognizable offence, registration of FIR is mandatory under Section 154 CrPC. Credibility or genuineness of the information is not a condition precedent: Supreme Court

Mandatory FIR Registration — Once information discloses a cognizable offence, registration of FIR is mandatory under Section 154 CrPC. Credibility or genuineness of the information is not a condition precedent. The Court reaffirmed Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2014) 2 SCC 1.

Category: Criminal Law   Posted on: September 12, 2025

Supreme Court lays down tests for quashing criminal proceedings under Section 482 CrPC

Courts must exercise caution in summoning on private complaints, especially in cases involving allegations of rape on a promise of marriage. Delay, vagueness, and lack of independent corroboration undermine the credibility of such complaints. Inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC must be exercised to prevent abuse of process when proceedings are manifestly frivolous or malicious.

Category: Criminal Law   Posted on: September 10, 2025

S. 138 N. I. Act: Civil recovery suits do not bar criminal prosecution for cheque dishonour

The Delhi High Court in Smt. Rama Oberoi v. State (NCT of Delhi) reaffirmed important principles governing cheque dishonour litigation under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (“NI Act”). The Court clarified (i) the permissibility of pursuing concurrent civil and criminal remedies, (ii) computation of limitation under Section 138, and (iii) the limits of High Court’s jurisdiction to quash proceedings under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (“BNSS”)

Category: Criminal Law, Jurisprudence   Posted on: September 4, 2025