SANTOSH BAKSHI vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the High Court's rejection of the appellant's petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 was erroneous, as it failed to consider the merits of the complaint under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The Court emphasized that the absence of the husband as a party does not invalidate the complaint, and that the allegations of dowry harassment were serious and warranted investigation. The appeal was allowed, and the High Court's order was set aside, directing the police to take appropriate action on the appellant's complaint.