The ruling is considered a significant relief for men entangled in prolonged legal proceedings stemming from false matrimonial allegations.
In a noteworthy decision, the Gurugram district court admitted a ₹1.80 crore damages suit filed by a UK-based man against his former wife, who had earlier initiated a false dowry case against him. Delivered on August 13, 2025, by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Manish Kumar, the judgment is seen as an important development offering respite to husbands subjected to extended litigation arising from fabricated matrimonial disputes.
The plaintiff, Gurusharam Lal Awasthi, was acquitted of charges under Sections 498A (cruelty), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code—first by the trial court in 2016 and later by the sessions court in 2018. Following his acquittal, Awasthi filed a civil suit against his former wife for malicious prosecution, citing severe financial losses and personal distress suffered during the 16-year-long litigation.
In 2020, Awasthi obtained a divorce decree from a UK court. However, neither party sought to have it recognized in India. Under Indian law, a foreign divorce is enforceable only if specific conditions are met—such as both spouses submitting to the jurisdiction of the foreign court and the decree being granted on grounds acceptable under Indian matrimonial law. Without such recognition, the marriage is deemed to remain legally valid in India.
At the hearing on August 13, the plaintiff’s former wife contested the maintainability of the suit, arguing that an appeal against Awasthi’s acquittal was still pending before the High Court and that the requisite court fee had not been paid. The court dismissed these objections, noting that an acquittal retains its validity despite a pending revision and that in cases involving unliquidated damages, payment of a tentative court fee is permissible.
Judge Kumar observed that the plaint disclosed a prima facie case of malicious prosecution. He further noted that the ex-wife’s claim that the suit was “false and fabricated” was a matter to be adjudicated during trial. The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2025, for the filing of the written statement.
Speaking to HT, Awasthi recounted: “The marriage itself lasted only seven days, but I spent 40 days in jail and fought 16 years of court cases. They demanded ₹1.20 crore for a settlement, but I chose to fight. With my passport impounded for three years, I could neither travel nor work, and my family suffered immensely. My father passed away under constant police harassment. The damage to my dignity and life cannot be measured.”
Women’s rights activist and documentary filmmaker Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who supported Awasthi, welcomed the verdict. “This judgment is commendable as it offers hope to thousands of men facing false dowry cases. Despite the severe personal, financial, and emotional strain, he continued his legal battle. His perseverance may inspire many others to seek justice through malicious prosecution,” she remarked.
Legal experts observed that the ruling reflects the judiciary’s acknowledgment of the potential misuse of dowry laws and is expected to act as a deterrent against frivolous complaints in matrimonial conflicts.
Ambika Yadav, a senior lawyer at the Gurugram district court, remarked that the order could set an important precedent. “For years, courts have been reluctant to entertain malicious prosecution claims in matrimonial cases. By allowing this suit to proceed despite a pending appeal, the court has affirmed that an acquittal is a legitimate basis for seeking damages. This sends a strong message against the abuse of criminal law and may encourage others in similar situations to pursue justice,” she said.
