SUNITA JHA vs STATE OF JHARKHAND

The Supreme Court held that the mere fact of living with a husband does not automatically make a woman a relative under Section 498A IPC. The Court emphasized that the definition of 'relative' in Section 498A is specific and does not include individuals who are not related by blood or marriage. The Court overturned the High Court's ruling that the Appellant was a family member of the husband for the purposes of Section 498A, thereby allowing the discharge application of the Appellant.