In Muppidi Lakshmi Narayana Reddy & Ors. v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr. (2025 INSC 562), the Supreme Court examined the sustainability of criminal proceedings arising out of allegations of dowry harassment against in-laws.
The Court observed that vague and omnibus allegations, particularly against relatives who were residing separately from the matrimonial home, cannot be mechanically accepted. It was held that criminal prosecution must be based on specific material showing active involvement of the accused.
Emphasising the need for fairness in criminal process, the Supreme Court quashed the proceedings against such in-laws, reiterating that misuse of criminal law should be prevented while ensuring protection to genuine victims.
Reference: Supreme Court judgment in Muppidi Lakshmi Narayana Reddy & Ors. v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr. (2025 INSC 562)