Family › Dowry or cruelty case (498A)

Chargesheet filed in a dowry case

What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).

Your situation

• Where does it stand? Chargesheet or court summons

Do these now

• Timeline of the marriage, with dates when she lived where
  Allegations are tested against dates. Where: Write it out.

Papers to gather

• Marriage certificate, wedding photos and invitation
  Basic background for either side. Where: Your records.
• Names of people who saw incidents or heard demands
  Supports the account. Where: Your memory.
• FIR copy, complaint and any police notice
  Everything turns on the exact allegations. Where: Police station (FIR copy is free), online police portal.
• Complete chats between spouses and families over the period
  Shows context on both sides. Where: Your own phone.

You may also need, depending on your answers

• Messages, calls or letters showing dowry/money demands — Direct proof of demands.
• Medical records and injury photos — Independent proof.
• List of stridhan and gifts with photos and bills — Supports return of stridhan.
• Proof of where each accused relative lives and works (rent, utility bills, employer letters) — Courts look closely at general allegations against distant relatives.
• Papers in the other cases (divorce, maintenance, DV) — Statements in one case are compared in others.
• Any written settlement terms — Needed for quashing on settlement.

What the law says

Saboot will also ask

• Which side are you on?
• What is alleged or what happened?

Similar situations

• In-laws demanding more dowry
• Want my stridhan and jewellery back from in-laws
• Falsely accused in a dowry case
• Police called me to the women’s cell
• FIR filed under 498A against my family

Sources

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

The full guide: Dowry or cruelty case (498A) — filing one, or accused in one · All situations