‘Career halted, passport seized’: IIT-IIM graduate calls out ‘misuse’ of 498A in viral video

Amid growing discussions about misuse of dowry harassment laws, IIT-IIM alumnus Prathyusha Chala shared her family’s ordeal, alleging extortion and false accusations under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.

In a YouTube video, Chala explained how her brother’s 10-day marriage turned into a drawn-out legal nightmare that cost her jobs, withheld her passport, and left her family emotionally and financially drained.

Section 498A, which aims to protect married women from cruelty, has faced increasing scrutiny over alleged abuse. In its recent ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted this concern, noting that there is an “increasing tendency” to use the law “as a tool to unleash personal vendettas” against spouses and their families. A bench led by Justices B V Nagaratna and Koteswar Singh warned that vague and generalized accusations in matrimonial disputes, if unverified, could lead to arm-twisting tactics and harassment of innocent family members.

T’Challa’s story echoes these concerns. Her brother, an assistant professor in Hyderabad, married a woman from Rajahmundry in February 2019. Within days, the relationship turned hostile. “She misbehaved with my father, prevented my brother from entering his room, and repeatedly threatened to commit suicide,” Challa claimed. Ten days after the wedding, the woman left the family home and filed a 498A case, accusing the family of harassment.

Shala alleged that the case was part of a broader extortion plan hatched by her sister-in-law and her family, who had allegedly carried out similar schemes in other cases. It further alleged that the FIR was lodged in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines, without proper advice or investigation.

“The police arrived in their own car, which made the operation appear deliberate,” Chala said.

Her brother made nearly 40 trips between Hyderabad and Rajahmundry to attend court sessions, often delayed due to the petitioner’s absence. Meanwhile, her parents’ health deteriorated under the pressure. “These five years have been nothing but a shock,” Challa said.

The Supreme Court’s observations are consistent with T’Challa’s plight. In its latest ruling, the court dismissed Case No. 498A, stating that vague and sweeping allegations without concrete evidence cannot justify criminal prosecution. The court stressed the need for scrutiny to prevent misuse of legal provisions and unjustified harassment of innocent family members.