1. Understand the Offence (Now under BNS)

• Old: Section 498A IPC
• New: Section 85 BNS (Cruelty by husband/relatives)

Nature:

• Cognizable
• Non-bailable
• Often misused in matrimonial disputes

2. IMMEDIATE REMEDIES AFTER FIR

(A) Anticipatory Bail

Under: Section 482 BNSS

When to file:

• Immediately after FIR or apprehension of arrest

Grounds:

• False implication
• Matrimonial dispute
• No specific allegations
• Delay in FIR

(B) Quashing of FIR

Under: Section 528 BNSS

Filed in:

• High Court

Grounds:

• FIR is false or malicious
• No prima facie case
• General/omnibus allegations
• Settlement between parties

(C) Discharge Application

Under:

• Section 250 BNSS (Magistrate cases)

When:

• After chargesheet filed

Ground:

• No sufficient evidence
• Only allegations, no proof

(D) Regular Bail

Under: Section 483 BNSS

• If already arrested

3. DEFENCE STRATEGY IN FALSE 498A

Key Defence Points:

• No specific date/time of cruelty
• No medical evidence
• Delay in FIR
• Independent witnesses missing
• WhatsApp/chat contradictions
• Previous disputes / motive

4. COUNTER ACTIONS (STRONG DEFENCE)

(A) File Complaint for False Case

Under:

• Section 217 BNS
• Section 248 BNS

(B) Defamation Case

Under:

• Section 356 BNS

(C) Restitution / Divorce

Under:

• Hindu Marriage Act Section 9
• Divorce for cruelty

5. IMPORTANT SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES

Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar

Police must:

• Not arrest automatically
• Follow proper procedure
• Issue notice before arrest

Rajesh Sharma v. State of UP

Prevent misuse of 498A

6. PRACTICAL COURT STRATEGY (VERY IMPORTANT)

Step-by-Step:

1. File Anticipatory Bail
2. Collect evidence (Chats, call records, proof)
3. File Quashing (if strong case)
4. Else → File Discharge Application
5. Start cross-examination attack

7. COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Ignoring FIR initially
• Not applying for anticipatory bail
• Not collecting evidence early
• Emotional statements in court

8. BEST DEFENCE LINE (COURT USE)

Oral submission:

“This is a matrimonial dispute converted into criminal litigation. There are no specific allegations or independent evidence. The FIR is an abuse of process of law.”

FINAL TAKEAWAY

• False 498A case can be strongly defended
• Law provides multiple remedies
• Strategy matters more than allegations

For Educational & Legal Awareness
Website: www.ushavatsassociates.in