Hansika Motwani Seeks Bombay HC Relief in Cruelty Case Filed by Sister-in-Law
Actress Hansika Motwani and her mother, Jyoti Motwani, petitioned the Bombay High Court to quash a complaint filed by her sister-in-law, Muskan Nancy James. James alleged abuse by both women.
The Amboli police station in Mumbai registered the FIR on December 18, 2024. The case was filed under IPC Sections 498A (cruelty against a woman), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention).
In her petition, Hansika said she was surprised to see her name in the FIR. She stated that her brother and his wife had been having marital issues since 2021. According to her, both parties had settled the matter in 2022 during a discussion on consensual divorce.
Hansika Motwani Calls FIR Malicious After Sister-in-Law Alleges Harassment, Lavish Wedding Demands, and Marital Interference
TV actress Muskan James married Prashant Motwani, Hansika’s brother, in December 2020. The couple separated in December 2022. James alleged that Hansika forced her to sell her apartment and contribute ₹20 lakh for a lavish wedding venue in Udaipur. She also claimed that Hansika demanded expensive watches, exotic fruits, and dry fruits as gifts during the Roka and wedding ceremonies.
James further alleged that Hansika interfered in her married life. She said Hansika turned Prashant against her, controlled her behavior, and meddled in her career.
Hansika described the FIR as malicious. She said she had loaned ₹27 lakh to her brother and James for their wedding. She believes her demand to recover the amount led to the complaint.
Hansika Motwani Questions FIR Timing, Calls Abuse Claims Baseless and Tied to Matrimonial Dispute
Hansika pointed out the delay in filing the FIR. Although the incidents allegedly took place between December 2020 and May 2024, the FIR was filed only in December 2024. She noted that there were no previous police reports, court actions, or medical records, which cast doubt on the credibility of the claims.
She called the FIR a retaliatory tactic in the ongoing matrimonial dispute. According to her, the aim was to pressure her family into a financial settlement. She also claimed that the abuse accusations lacked evidence and the financial allegations were unclear and inconsistent.
Bombay HC Issues Notice to Muskan James; Hansika Motwani Granted Bail, Allowed Foreign Travel Amid FIR Row
After hearing the plea, a Division Bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S.M. Modak issued a notice to Muskan James. The court set the next hearing for July 3, 2025.
In February 2025, a Mumbai sessions court granted anticipatory bail to Hansika and her mother. On April 1, 2025, the court allowed them to travel abroad for business. Their lawyer, Adnan Shaikh, confirmed the permission.
