Hansika Motwani, Mother Move Bombay HC to Quash FIR Filed by TV Actor Muskan Nancy James

Actor Hansika Motwani and her mother, Jyoti Motwani, have filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking the dismissal of an FIR lodged against them by television actor Muskan Nancy James, who is Hansika’s sister-in-law.

According to a Times Now report, the matter is scheduled to be heard on July 3 by a bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and SM Modak.

The FIR against Hansika and her mother was registered under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with cruelty inflicted by a husband or his relatives upon a married woman.

Muskan also named her estranged husband, Prashant Motwani, in the complaint, accusing him along with his mother and sister of domestic violence, cruelty, causing hurt, and criminal intimidation.

Details of the Complaint and the Legal Stand

Muskan Nancy James, who married Prashant Motwani in 2020, filed the complaint following their separation in 2022. The relationship between the couple deteriorated, which led to the legal battle.

Hansika and Jyoti have contested the charges, asserting that the FIR has no merit. Their petition argues that the case is a consequence of ongoing domestic disputes and has been falsely escalated to a criminal matter.

What Hansika’s Petition Reveals

In the petition submitted to the High Court, Hansika Motwani stated that the FIR was lodged out of malicious intent.

She claims that she had lent ₹27 lakh to Muskan and Prashant to cover expenses for their wedding, specifically paid to wedding planners. Hansika says that the amount has not been reimbursed.

Hansika’s plea also describes the FIR as an “exaggerated response” to a “matrimonial dispute”, with the document reportedly stating, “The allegations against the petitioner are baseless, motivated, and arise out of domestic disputes that have been exaggerated to bring them under the purview of criminal prosecution.”

Aiming to Quash the FIR

Hansika further stated in her petition that she had no direct involvement in her brother’s marital issues. According to the actress, the case was filed solely because of her relationship to Prashant, and not because of any actions on her part.

She argued, “The FIR appears to be a retaliatory measure aimed at pressuring the petitioner and her family into a financial settlement in the ongoing matrimonial dispute.”

Previous Legal Relief and Next Steps

Earlier in February, Hansika and her mother received anticipatory bail from the Mumbai Sessions Court, providing temporary relief from arrest.

With the High Court hearing now scheduled, they are seeking to have the FIR permanently quashed, maintaining that the complaint is being used as a tool for coercion in the divorce proceedings between Muskan and Prashant.

Legal Background of Section 498A

The FIR was filed under Section 498A of the IPC, a law introduced to protect women from abuse by their spouses and in-laws.

It makes cruelty against a married woman by her husband or his family a punishable offence, with up to three years of imprisonment and a fine.

Hansika and Jyoti are among those named in the FIR by Muskan, who alleged mental and physical cruelty, domestic violence, and criminal intimidation during her marriage. Muskan’s legal complaint targets the entire Motwani family for alleged mistreatment.

A Family Dispute Turns Legal

For those unaware, Muskan Nancy James married Hansika’s brother, Prashant Motwani, in 2020.

However, the marriage reportedly turned sour, leading to their separation in 2022. Since then, tensions have risen, eventually resulting in legal action from Muskan.

Hansika, in her defense, stressed that her name was included in the case solely due to her being Prashant’s sibling.

She emphasized that she had no involvement in the personal issues between the couple and reiterated that the legal complaint is motivated by a desire for financial settlement.

Awaiting High Court’s Decision

As the Bombay High Court prepares to hear the matter on July 3, the case has drawn public attention due to Hansika’s celebrity status.

The outcome will determine whether the court finds grounds to quash the FIR against Hansika and her mother or allows the criminal proceedings to continue.