Supreme Court Orders IPS Officer and Her Parents to Issue Public Apology to Ex-Husband for Filing Multiple Criminal Cases

In a significant order, the Supreme Court on Monday directed a serving IPS officer and her parents to issue an unconditional public apology to her former husband and his family for the “physical and mental trauma” caused due to a slew of criminal cases filed against them during their matrimonial dispute.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih observed that the husband had been jailed for 109 days and his father for 103 days based on allegations made by the wife in various FIRs and complaints. These included serious charges under Sections 498A (cruelty), 307 (attempt to murder), and 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Court noted, “What they have suffered cannot be resituated or compensated in any manner,” and held that a public apology would serve as a form of moral redress.

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Multiple Cases Filed by IPS Officer

The wife had filed six separate criminal complaints, including:

  • One FIR containing allegations of cruelty (Section 498A), attempt to murder (Section 307), and rape (Section 376)
  • Two complaints under Section 406 (criminal breach of trust)
  • Three complaints under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act
  • Additional proceedings in the Family Court seeking divorce and maintenance
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The husband, in turn, had filed for divorce. Both parties had also approached the Supreme Court with transfer petitions seeking relocation of the pending cases to their respective jurisdictions.

Court’s Directions on Apology

After hearing the matter, the bench directed the wife and her parents to publish an unconditional apology in:

  • One national edition each of a renowned English and Hindi newspaper
  • All social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Importantly, the Court clarified that the apology shall not be considered an admission of liability and “shall have no bearing on the legal rights, obligations, or consequences arising under law.” The apology must be published within three days from the date of the order.

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The bench also prescribed the exact language of the apology, which included the following expression:

“I [Name], D/o [Name], R/o [Address], hereby sincerely apologise on my and on behalf of my parents for any of my words, action or stories which may have hurt or caused annoyance to the feelings of members of [husband’s family]…”

The full apology emphasizes regret for the damage caused, hopes for peace between the families, and invites the husband’s family to meet the child born out of the wedlock.

Protection Against Future Misuse of Official Position

The Court went further to bar the IPS officer from using her official position or any future authority to initiate proceedings—directly or indirectly—against her ex-husband or his family. Any use of position to cause physical or mental harm would not be tolerated.

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At the same time, the bench cautioned the husband’s family not to misuse the apology in any legal, administrative, or regulatory forum. Any such action would amount to contempt of court.

Marriage Dissolved Under Article 142

Invoking its inherent powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court dissolved the marriage, noting that the parties had been living separately since October 2018 and that reconciliation was no longer possible given the “bitterness” in their relationship.

The Court also ordered quashing and withdrawal of all pending civil and criminal cases between the parties.

The order came while disposing of the transfer petitions filed by both the husband and wife.

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