BHAGWANSINGH @ BHAGGU vs THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The Supreme Court addressed the jurisdictional question of whether a woman, forced to leave her matrimonial home due to cruelty, can initiate proceedings under Section 498A IPC in the courts where she takes shelter. The Court noted conflicting opinions in previous judgments, with some cases holding that cruelty must be ongoing at the parental home for jurisdiction to apply, while others allowed jurisdiction based on the consequences of prior cruelty. The matter was referred to a larger bench for clarification on this critical issue, indicating the need for a consistent legal standard.