In a sharp ruling on September 24, the Supreme Court set aside criminal proceedings against Shobhit Kumar Mittal, accused of dowry harassment by his sister-in-law. The bench, led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, held that the complaint lacked specific details and could not justify a criminal trial.
Background
The case stemmed from an FIR filed in November 2023 at Civil Lines Police Station, Meerut, under sections dealing with cruelty and dowry demands. Complainant Jyoti Garg accused her husband Mohit Mittal, her mother-in-law Shashi Mittal, and brother-in-law Shobhit of pressuring her for dowry and causing mental and physical harm. She claimed that repeated harassment led to a brain vein burst, leaving her partially paralyzed.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier refused to quash the case, prompting Shobhit to appeal.
Court’s Observations
After hearing all sides, the Supreme Court found the allegations “vague and omnibus.” The bench noted, “Mere general allegations of harassment without pointing out specific details would not be sufficient to continue criminal proceedings.”
Citing the landmark Bhajan Lal precedent, the judges emphasized that criminal law cannot proceed when the FIR lacks concrete incidents, dates, or evidence. The Court warned against the growing misuse of Section 498A of the IPC, observing, “There is often a tendency to implicate all members of the husband’s family when domestic disputes arise.”
The bench added that while genuine victims of dowry cruelty must be protected, sweeping accusations strain the justice system and harm innocent relatives.
Decision
Setting aside the Allahabad High Court’s order, the Supreme Court quashed the FIR and all related proceedings only against Shobhit Kumar Mittal. The case will continue, if necessary, against other named accused. The bench clarified that its observations “shall not come in the way of any other proceedings pending between the parties.”
Case Title: Shobhit Kumar Mittal vs. State of Uttar Pradesh & Anr. – Supreme Court Quashes Dowry Harassment FIR
Date: 24 September 2025