I am an NRI and False 498A case filed against my Me, My Parents and elder Sister
Urgent Legal Advice Needed
Hello, respected advocates and lawyers,
I apologize for the lengthy post, but I need to share the full background to get proper guidance.
I married in 2020 in India under the Hindu Marriage Act in an arranged marriage. My wife’s family informed us that she had completed her Engineering degree (I have proof), but after consummation, they revealed she had only completed the 12th standard. Additionally, before the wedding, her family borrowed nearly 10 lakhs from my parents (proof available), claiming they needed it for urgent purposes and would return it within a week, but they never did. Since her family was not well off, my family and I did not take any dowry or gifts from them, believing they were truthful and honest. After discovering that they had deceived us about her qualifications and failed to return the borrowed money, I was shocked and felt trapped but continued with the marriage, hoping for the best.
I applied for her VISA based on the assumed qualifications and went abroad for a short trip to complete my pending work, I found out during a visit to India that her family runs a business creating fake educational certificates. Despite my objections, they continued. When I wasn't at home, my wife attempted suicide due to internal family conflicts with her mother, and fortunately, someone took her to the hospital where she survived.
I decided to travel and took my wife abroad once her VISA was approved. However, during our stay abroad, she started threatening me with suicide and false police reports if I didn't give her money.
After a difficult 1.5 years, she said that she wants a divorce, and wants to live with her parents. Therefore, we returned to India in 2022. I waited for three months, but she never followed through with the divorce. I had to return abroad for work, hoping she would eventually contact me for a mutual separation.
Now, in 2024, she has filed a false 498A dowry harassment case against me, my parents, and my sister. My parents are about to take the 41A notice, and I’m unsure whether I should also take the notice. I feel trapped in a honeytrap set by the girl and her family, and back home in India my family is suffering immensely.
I have substantial evidence from the beginning of our marriage until our separation in 2022. I'm currently working abroad, unable to return to India due to work commitments, and I’m the sole provider for my elderly parents, I cannot be in India for too long to fight for justice as there is a risk of losing my job abroad. I lost so much of my life, time, health, and my parent's mental health as well and now I cannot lose my job.
Please advise on the best course of action. Your guidance is deeply appreciated.