Panchkula Woman Marries ‘Graduate’, Later Learns Husband Studied Only Till Class 5; Case Filed

A Panchkula woman has filed a police complaint against her husband, alleging he was falsely presented as a BA graduate before their marriage when he had only studied up to Class 5. She also accused him and his sister of cruelty, physical assault, and retaining her dowry after her family spent lakhs on the wedding.

A Panchkula woman has alleged that her husband was falsely presented to her family as a BA graduate before marriage, while he had studied only up to Class 5, leading her family to agree to the marriage and spend lakhs of rupees on the wedding functions. The accusations are included in a formal complaint filed against the woman's spouse on August 22 at the Pinjore police station. She also made accusations against another lady who purportedly served as a marital mediator and the accused's sister. A case has been filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 85 (spouse or relative of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and 316(2) (criminal breach of trust).

The 29-year-old complainant, a BSc nursing graduate, said in the FIR that her family was informed prior to the marriage that her husband was a teetotaller, a BA graduate, and a person of high repute. She alleged that these representations were false and that the truth about his educational qualification came to light later during proceedings concerning annulment of the marriage. She married the accused in September 2025.

The complainant also claimed that her family had spent around Rs 40 lakh on the wedding and an additional Rs 5 to 6 lakh on pre-wedding activities, bridal clothes, and cosmetics. Additionally, she said that a number of home and dowry items, together with gold decorations, were presented at the moment of marriage.

The woman said that following their marriage, her husband mistreated her, limited her freedom of movement, disregarded her medical requirements, and reportedly physically attacked her in May of this year. She further claimed that her dowry was kept by her husband and his sister.

Additionally, the complainant claimed that her husband had disguised his alleged premarital relationship with another lady and was a regular user of intoxicating narcotics. According to police, top officers' instructions and an investigation by the Women Cell led to the case's registration.