THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE G.V.SEETHAPATHY CRIMINAL PETITION No.12077 OF 2010 DATED:03-12-2010 ORDER: This petition is filed under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. for quashing further proceedings in Cr.No.256 of 2010 of Kasibugga police station, Srikakulam District. 2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the 1st respondent-State. None appeared for the 2nd respondent. Perused the records. 3. Based on a complaint given by the 2nd respondent herein, police registered a case in Cr.No.256 of 2010 against the petitioner-accused for the offence under Section 498-A IPC. 4. According to the complainant, she was married to the petitioner on 14-09-2006 at Sri Narasimha Swamyvari devasthanam, Yadagirigutta and at the time of marriage her parents gave dowry of Rs.1,00,000/- and subsequently additional dowry of Rs.1,50,000/- was also given. However, petitioner has been harassing the 2nd respondent-complainant demanding additional dowry and subjected her to physical and mental cruelty. Specific allegations have been made in the complaint, prima facie attracting the ingredients of the offence under Section 498-A IPC. Investigation is in the threshold stage. 5. Learned counsel for the petitioner would contend that the 2nd respondent is not the legally wedded wife of the petitioner and there was no formal marriage between the petitioner and the 2nd respondent. 6. The complaint specifically states that the marriage has in fact taken place in the temple at Yadagirigutta in the presence of elders. The question as to whether there was any lawful marriage between the petitioner and the 2nd respondent is a matter for investigation and the same cannot be considered at this stage. Having regard to the fact that specific allegations have been made in the complaint against the petitioner attracting the ingredients of the alleged offence under section 498-A IPC and the investigation is in the threshold stage, it is considered not a fit case to invoke the inherent powers of this Court under Section 482 Cr.P.C. and quash further proceedings in Cr.No.256 of 2010 of Kasibugga police station, Srikaklam District. 7. It is well established principle of law that the inherent powers of the Court under Section 482 Cr.P.C., have to be exercised with care and caution and they may not be invoked to thwart the investigation at the threshold stage, especially when the complaint discloses specific allegations, attracting the ingredients of the offence alleged. In the circumstances, it is held that the investigation can go on. 8. In the result, Criminal Petition is dismissed. _______________________ G.V.SEETHAPATHY, J 03rd December, 2010 Tsy