Calcutta HC: IPC section 498A introduced for welfare of women being misused

Calcutta HC on August 21 said that women have unleashed legal terrorism by misusing IPC section 498A--primarily introduced for the welfare of women. The provision criminalises cruelty against a woman by the husband and his family.

The court noted that the definition of cruelty under Section 498A does not solely rely on the allegations made by the complainant (wife) and cannot be proven based solely on her testimony of harassment and torture.

The high court's strong observations came while hearing a petition filed by a man and his family against criminal cases filed against them by the man's estranged wife.