Taunting wife for dark complexion is not cruelty: HC

In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed criminal charges of 498A cruelty filed against a husband by his wife, who had accused him of making derogatory comments about her complexion, low intelligence, and introverted personality. The case, brought about after a failed marriage that began online, involved the husband claiming that the allegations were false and that he had returned her dowry properties worth Rs 35 lakh.

The wife subsequently filed the criminal charge against him, leading to a criminal prosecution. However, the husband felt aggrieved, as he maintained that his behavior did not amount to cruelty under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. Represented by lawyers Indrajit Sinha and Ashwini Priya, the husband successfully appealed the 498A charge in the Jharkhand High Court on August 13, 2026.

Advocates have stated that the high court found the allegations insufficient to constitute cruelty as defined by Section 498A, as there was no indication of harassment related to dowry demands or threats of suicide.