Husband’s friend cannot be prosecuted for cruelty under Section 498A IPC: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court addressed the issue of whether a husband’s friend can be held liable under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cruelty towards a married woman by her husband and his relatives. The court clarified that the scope of Section 498A is primarily directed at the husband and his family members, and not at acquaintances or friends. This ruling delineates the legal boundaries of accountability under this section and ensures that legal actions are appropriately targeted at those directly responsible for the alleged cruelty.