Bombay HC: In-Laws' Comments On Wife's Cooking Skills Not Considered Cruelty

The Bombay High Court held that comments on a daughter-in-law by her in-laws such as "you do not know how to cook" and "that your parents did not teach you anything" do not constitute 'cruelty' under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, India Today reported.

As per Section 498A, a husband or the husband's relatives shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years and liable for a fine in case of cruelty shown towards a woman.

The division bench of the High Court, consisting of Justice Anuja Prabhudesai and Justice NR Borkar was hearing the petition filed by the relatives of a man who were booked under Sections 406, 498-A, 504, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

The couple's marriage was solemnised on July 13, 2020. Then the woman was driven out of her matrimonial home in November 2020. Following this, she lodged an FIR on January 9, 2021.

The relatives of a man, approached the court to cancel the FIR. During the plea hearing, the court held that petty quarrels did not constitute cruelty within the meaning of Section 498A of the IPC.

In her complaint, the wife alleged that her husband's brothers used to taunt and insult her by saying that she did not know how to cook and that her parents did not teach her anything.

"Needless to say petty quarrels do not constitute cruelty within the meaning of Section 498-A of IPC. To constitute an offence under Section 498-A, there must be prima facie material to prove," the order states.

In addition, the high court said while quashing the FIR that it was a perfect case to exercise its powers under Article 226.