Legal update
Published
24 Oct 2026
Source date
23 Oct 2026
Delhi High Court Holds Mere Non-Return of Stridhan Insufficient for Section 406 IPC Without Specific Entrustment
Why it matters
In Harcharanjeet Bains v. State (NCT of Delhi), the Delhi High Court ruled that mere non-return of stridhan is insufficient to attract Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code without specific entrustment. On this basis, the High Court partly quashed criminal proceedings arising from a matrimonial dispute.
Key points
- In Harcharanjeet Bains v. State (NCT of Delhi), the Delhi High Court partly quashed criminal proceedings arising from a matrimonial dispute.
- The Court held that mere non-return of stridhan does not constitute an offence under Section 406 IPC in the absence of specific entrustment.
What changed
Clarified that prosecution under Section 406 IPC in matrimonial disputes requires specific entrustment of stridhan, not merely its non-return.
Who it affects
Parties involved in matrimonial disputes and legal practitioners handling criminal breach of trust proceedings under Section 406 IPC.
Jurisdiction
Delhi
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