In Brief
Rashmi Chopra and family members were summoned in a dowry harassment complaint filed by the father of their daughter-in-law. The couple had divorced in Michigan, USA with property settlements agreed. The criminal complaint under Section 498A IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act made vague allegations against all family members. The Supreme Court held that the complaint lacked prima facie case and was maliciously filed as a counter-blast to divorce proceedings abroad. The Court quashed the complaint regarding dowry allegations against all appellants, and partly allowed the appeals. Regarding violence allegations against the father alone, proceedings were upheld as specific incidents were alleged.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.