Supreme Court Mandates Safeguards Against Misuse of Section 498A IPC
In a significant ruling, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in Shivangi Bansal v. Sahib Bansal (Transfer Petition (C) No. 2367 of 2023, decided on 22 July 2025), has affirmed the procedural guidelines laid down by the Allahabad High Court in Mukesh Bansal v. State of UP (Criminal Revision No. 1126 of 2022). The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that the criminal justice system is not misused in matrimonial disputes under Section 498A IPC, especially through general allegations implicating the entire family of the husband.
The apex court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to endorse these guidelines, directing their implementation across the country.
Key Features of the Affirmed Guidelines
I. Mandatory Cooling-Off Period
- Upon the registration of an FIR or complaint under Section 498A IPC, no arrest or coercive action shall be taken for a period of two months (referred to as the “Cooling-Period”).
- During this period, the complaint must be referred to a Family Welfare Committee (FWC) constituted in each district under the supervision of the District Legal Services Authority.
- The Cooling-Period applies only to cases under Section 498A IPC and allied offences not punishable with more than 10 years of imprisonment. Cases involving grievous offences such as Section 307 IPC are excluded.
II. Constitution and Composition of the Family Welfare Committee
- Each district shall have one or more FWCs depending on the population and geographical area, constituted by the District Legal Services Authority.
- The Committee shall consist of three neutral members, subject to periodic review by the District & Sessions Judge or Principal Judge of the Family Court.
- Eligible members may include:
- A young advocate with up to five years of experience, or a final-year law student from a Government Law College, State University, or National Law University with good academic standing;
- A reputed social worker with clean antecedents;
- A retired judicial officer residing in or near the district;
- An educated spouse of a senior judicial or administrative officer.
- Members of the FWC shall not be called as witnesses in any proceeding related to the complaint.
III. Role and Procedure of the Family Welfare Committee
- On receipt of the complaint or FIR, the Magistrate shall refer the matter to the FWC.
- The Committee shall summon both parties and may request the presence of up to four elderly family members from each side.
- The FWC will facilitate discussion, attempt reconciliation, and assess the substance of the allegations.
- A detailed report shall be prepared within the Cooling-Period and submitted to the Magistrate and police authorities.
- The report must include all relevant factual aspects and the opinion of the Committee.
IV. Restrictions on Police Action
- No arrest or coercive action shall be taken by the police during the Cooling-Period.
- However, the Investigating Officer may:
- Conduct peripheral inquiry;
- Collect medical and injury reports;
- Record preliminary witness statements.
- After expiry of the Cooling-Period, the FWC’s report must be considered by the Magistrate and Investigating Officer before proceeding further.
V. Additional Provisions
- If a settlement is reached during the Cooling-Period, the District & Sessions Judge or a nominated senior judicial officer may dispose of the proceedings, including quashing of the FIR, if appropriate.
- The Legal Services Authority shall provide basic training (up to one week) to FWC members.
- Members shall generally serve pro bono, but may receive a nominal honorarium as fixed by the District & Sessions Judge.
- Matrimonial FIRs under Section 498A IPC shall be handled by specially trained, high-integrity Investigating Officers.
Supreme Court’s Affirmation in Shivangi Bansal v. Sahib Bansal
In Paragraph 26 of the Shivangi Bansal v. Sahib Bansal judgment, the Supreme Court stated:
“The guidelines framed by the High Court of Allahabad in the impugned judgment dated 13.06.2022 in Criminal Revision No. 1126 of 2022 vide paras 32 to 38, with regard to constitution of Family Welfare Committees for safeguards regarding misuse of Section 498A IPC, shall remain in effect and be implemented by the appropriate authorities.”
This unequivocal affirmation grants nationwide authority to the safeguards and imposes a duty upon law enforcement and lower judiciary to implement them.
Legal Significance
The judgment addresses the long-standing concern over the mechanical arrests and false implications of multiple family members in dowry-related complaints. By institutionalizing a two-month buffer and third-party scrutiny through FWCs, the Court ensures a balanced approach — safeguarding the rights of genuine victims while protecting innocent relatives from undue harassment.
These safeguards now form a binding precedent under Article 141 of the Constitution, having been affirmed by the Supreme Court through its Article 142 powers.
Practical Implications for Legal Practitioners
Lawyers should now:
- Invoke these guidelines during bail hearings and FIR quashing petitions to argue for restraint in arrest.
- Advise clients on the non-applicability of arrest during the Cooling-Period.
- Ensure that trial courts are reminded of the mandatory role of FWCs before any police action is undertaken.
- Use the FWC process as an opportunity for out-of-court settlements or reconciliations.
Advocate Nitish Banka is a first-generation lawyer with over a decade of courtroom experience, known for his strategic defense in complex matrimonial and criminal litigation. He is the founder of Lexspeak Legal, a premium litigation practice that focuses on false 498A/DV cases, maintenance disputes, quashing petitions, discharge, counter-cases, and high-stakes matrimonial strategy for Indian and NRI clients.
connect on 9891549997
Widely recognised for simplifying complex legal processes
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