In Brief
A woman married in November 2020 filed a First Information Report in January 2024 alleging cruelty and dowry demand by her husband and in-laws under Section 498A IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The High Court quashed the FIR, reasoning that specific incidents mentioned in the FIR were absent from her earlier complaints to police, treating them as afterthoughts. The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred by conducting a 'mini-trial' and assessing credibility at the quashing stage, which is impermissible. Since the complaints and FIR together show prima facie allegations of harassment and dowry demand, the FIR cannot be quashed merely for missing dates in earlier complaints. The Court set aside the High Court order and remanded for investigation and trial, keeping all defences open.
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