498A is a non-bailable offense, meaning bail is not automatic—it requires court approval. However, the Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent misuse and arbitrary arrests. Police cannot automatically arrest without conducting proper preliminary inquiry. Courts generally grant bail in 498A cases when there’s no prima facie evidence of severe cruelty, you have no criminal history, you’re willing to cooperate with investigation, and you’re not likely to flee or tamper with evidence. Our immediate focus is securing anticipatory bail (before arrest) or regular bail (after arrest) to protect your freedom.

Unfortunately, yes—complainants often name entire families in the FIR even when they had minimal or no contact with the wife. However, the Supreme Court has criticized this practice of dragging innocent relatives. We work to get uninvolved family members excluded from the case by showing they didn’t live with the couple, had no role in alleged cruelty, or were falsely implicated. Anticipatory bail for all family members is crucial. Courts are increasingly sensitive to harassment of elderly parents and distant relatives in false 498A cases.

Yes, High Courts have power to quash FIRs under Section 482 CrPC when allegations are clearly false, vague, or don’t constitute an offense, when the complaint is filed to settle personal scores or pressurize for settlement, when there’s compromise between parties, or when continuing prosecution would be abuse of process. The Supreme Court has encouraged quashing of frivolous 498A cases. However, quashing requires strong legal grounds and compelling evidence that allegations are fabricated. We assess your case for quashing possibilities and file petitions when appropriate.

Not automatically. 498A is a criminal offense against the state, not just a private dispute. However, if you and your wife reach a compromise, we can submit the settlement agreement to the High Court seeking quashing under Section 320 CrPC or inherent powers. Courts increasingly favor quashing when parties reconcile or settle, especially if it’s early in proceedings. Alternatively, compromise can lead to favorable testimony at trial resulting in acquittal. Many 498A cases end through negotiated settlements where criminal case is quashed or trial results in acquittal based on wife’s changed testimony.

498A trials typically take 2-4 years depending on court workload and case complexity. Acquittal rates are relatively high in 498A cases—various studies show 70-90% result in acquittal or discharge. This is partly because many cases involve false or exaggerated allegations with weak evidence. However, this doesn’t diminish the harassment of going through years of trial. Our strategy focuses on early resolution through quashing or settlement when possible, and if trial is unavoidable, strong defence to secure acquittal with minimum time and stress.