#delayed complaint

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that a 12-year delay in filing a 498A FIR, even after divorce, does not automatically invalidate the case if the allegations disclose ongoing mental or physical cruelty. This affirms that domestic abuse under Section 498A is a continuing offence, protecting survivors who delay reporting due to fear, social stigma, or economic dependence.

Allahabad High Court rules that Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) cannot reject delayed complaints under the POSH Act without a reasoned analysis of merits. The court emphasized full compliance with natural justice principles, including recording complainant statements and allowing cross-examination, before concluding guilt. This ruling impacts workplace harassment inquiries across educational and research institutions.

Telangana High Court rules that an FIR lodged after an 18-year delay without reasonable explanation cannot sustain criminal proceedings under Section 528 BNSS. The Court emphasized that prior land clearance and unexplained lapse render allegations unsustainable, reinforcing the threshold for quashing FIRs marred by inordinate delays.

Bombay High Court dismisses criminal revision, holding that complaints filed beyond limitation period under Section 468 CrPC cannot sustain charges for offences punishable by up to one year.