Hansika Motwani to face trial for cruelty allegations; Bombay HC refuses to quash FIR; Nancy James levels dowry charges

DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence,assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental healthspecialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offerassistance.

Actor Hansika Motwani is facing a serious legal setback after the Bombay High Court dismissed her plea to quash an FIR filed by her estranged sister-in-law, actor Muskan Nancy James.





Reportedly, the FIR names Hansika and her mother, Jyotika Motwani, accusing them of cruelty and other criminal offenses. The charges, filed under sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, include 498A (dowry-related cruelty), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 352 (criminal intimidation and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). With her petition rejected, Hansika will now stand trial along with her mother.

Allegations of cruelty and dowry demands

Nancy James, who married Hansika’s brother Prashant Motwani in a grand ceremony in March 2021, alleges that she was subjected to domestic violence and emotional abuse during her marriage. As reported by Hindustan Times, in her complaint, Nancy claimed that her in-laws repeatedly demanded money and expensive gifts, even forcing her to sell her flat. She further alleged that the harassment and cruelty she endured led to her developing Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes facial paralysis. Reports suggest that Nancy and Prashant’s marriage was strained soon after the wedding, with the couple beginning to live separately within a year.

Bail relief earlier

In February this year, Hansika and her mother were granted anticipatory bail by the Mumbai Sessions Court, offering temporary relief. However, the actress later sought to have the FIR against her quashed, a plea that has now been dismissed.



Meanwhile, on the work front, Hansika was last seen in the role of Aparna in the 2024 film 'Guardian'. The horror film was directed by Sabari and Guru Saravanan and had actors Suresh Menon, Suprava Mondal, Hansika Motwani, Motta Rajendran and Sriman in pivotal roles.