Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 4: Actor Hansika Motwani and her mother Jyoti Motwani have approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash a First Information Report (FIR) filed against them by television actress Muskan Nancy James, the estranged wife of Hansika’s brother, Prashant Motwani.
The FIR has been registered under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to cruelty by a husband or his relatives. Muskan has accused her husband, mother-in-law Jyoti, and sister-in-law Hansika of domestic violence, cruelty, causing hurt, and criminal intimidation.
The High Court bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak has taken cognisance of the plea and has issued a notice, scheduling the matter for hearing on July 3.
Hansika and her mother, in their plea, have claimed that the FIR is "malicious" and has been filed as an act of retaliation following Hansika’s demand for the repayment of Rs 27 lac, which she allegedly loaned to Muskan and Prashant to fund their wedding. The actor stated that the amount was paid to wedding planners, but the couple never returned the money.
"The allegations are baseless, motivated, and stem from domestic disputes that have been exaggerated and given a criminal angle," Hansika’s petition reads. She asserted that she had no direct role in her brother's marital relationship and that her name was included in the complaint only because she is his sister.
The petition further stated, "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."
Muskan and Prashant, who married in 2020, reportedly separated in 2022 due to marital discord. The case, according to Hansika, is a civil family matter that has been inappropriately escalated to criminal litigation.
Earlier in February, Hansika and Jyoti had secured anticipatory bail from the Mumbai Sessions Court. With this fresh plea in the High Court, the Motwanis are now seeking complete quashing of the FIR, alleging misuse of legal provisions to harass them amid the ongoing divorce proceedings between Muskan and Prashant.
The case is expected to be heard on July 3, with both parties likely to present their respective arguments before the Bombay High Court.