The Bombay High Court has quashed a dowry harassment case against a man and his family, expressing concern over how trivial disputes are increasingly threatening the sanctity of marriage, especially in Hindu society.
A Nagpur bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and M. M. Nerlikar, in its order dated July 8, observed that marriages are not merely social contracts but spiritual unions, and that minor conflicts should not be allowed to ruin lives.
The case arose from a December 2023 complaint filed by the wife against her husband and in-laws. However, during the hearing, both parties informed the court that they had resolved their differences and obtained a mutual divorce. The woman also stated she had no objection to quashing the case, as she wished to move on.
Acknowledging the settlement, the bench quashed the proceedings, stating that while offences under dowry harassment and unnatural sex under the Indian Penal Code and Dowry Prohibition Act are technically non-compoundable, courts have the discretion to quash them to secure justice.
The judges noted the emerging pattern of involving multiple relatives in such disputes and emphasized the need to approach matrimonial cases with a balanced perspective. “If the parties want to settle their disputes amicably and live peacefully, it is the court’s duty to encourage the same,” the bench remarked.
Highlighting the wider social impact, the court stated, “Marital discord has nowadays become a menace in the society due to various factors. Small issues between a couple spoil their entire life, and marriage, which is sacrosanct in Hindus, is at stake.”
The court further warned against the misuse of marital laws, observing that despite legislative efforts to strengthen families, frequent misuse leads to mental and physical harassment, prolonged conflict, financial strain, and deep harm to family members, especially children.
