In Ishwar Chand Sharma & Ors. v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Another [2026 INSC 587], the Supreme Court addressed the concept of the “Matrimonial Bouquet”—a set of cases brought by an estranged wife against her husband and his family out of personal animosity and spite.
Matrimonial Bouquet Included bogus and Empty allegations
These typically include bogus, empty allegations and false claims of harassment, cruelty, and marital hardships that lack substance and are usually unsupported by any material or documentary evidence. This collection of litigation often features claims of dowry demands, cruelty under Section 498A of the IPC, harassment by in-laws, and domestic violence made by the complainant against her spouse and extended family.
The Court cautioned that the misuse of criminal law through vague and omnibus allegations contributes to unnecessary harassment, the abuse of legal processes, and an increased judicial burden on the courts.
Courts, Police and Advocates Must Prevent the Abuse
The Supreme Court further emphasized that courts, investigating agencies, and legal practitioners must exercise strict caution to prevent the abuse of the criminal justice system.
