Karnataka High Court Halts Investigation into Domestic Dispute Over Pet Cat

The Karnataka High Court has intervened in an unusual domestic dispute, halting further investigation into a Bengaluru man accused by his wife of prioritizing their pet cat over her.

According to a Deccan Herald report, the couple was involved in legal battles under IPC Section 498A, which deals with cruelty and dowry harassment. However, the court clarified that the main issue was not about dowry or abuse but rather a domestic disagreement over the husband’s affection for their pet cat.

The court found the petition to be trivial. Justice M Nagaprasanna pointed out that such disputes, often based on minor domestic issues, were putting unnecessary pressure on the criminal justice system and wasting resources on unsubstantiated claims.

The wife’s complaint focused on the husband’s attention to their cat, which she claimed led to frequent arguments. She also mentioned that the cat had attacked or scratched her multiple times, adding to the tension.

Justice Nagaprasanna noted that the wife’s allegations did not meet the legal requirements for a charge under IPC Section 498A. The court emphasized that the main issue was not about dowry, abuse, or cruelty, but rather disputes over the cat’s treatment and its interactions with the wife.