The Rajasthan High Court held that criminal liability under Section 498A IPC cannot be imposed on a husband’s relatives merely because they resided in the matrimonial home. The case concerned the death of a woman after ten years of marriage, following which allegations of cruelty and dowry harassment were made against multiple family members. While the police filed a charge sheet only against the husband due to lack of evidence against others, the trial court later summoned additional relatives under Section 319 CrPC. Setting aside this order, the High Court ruled that prosecution under Section 498A requires specific and distinct allegations of cruelty against each accused. Vague and omnibus accusations based solely on familial relationship are insufficient to attract criminal liability. The Court emphasised that criminal responsibility requires intentional conduct supported by evidence and that powers under Section 319 CrPC must be exercised cautiously. However, proceedings against the husband’s father were allowed to continue due to specific allegations against him.