Actor Hansika Motwani Takes Legal Route, Moves HC to Quash Sister-in-Law’s Complaint

Actress Hansika Motwani and her mother, Jyoti Motwani, approached the Bombay High Court on Thursday, requesting the dismissal of a criminal case lodged against them by Hansika’s sister-in-law, Nancy James. The petition states that the FIR was filed "as a retaliatory measure." Nancy James, a television actress, was previously married to Hansika’s brother, Shant. The couple decided to separate in December 2022. Later, on December 18, 2024, James filed an FIR at Amboli Police Station, naming Hansika and her mother in the complaint.

James alleged that Hansika Motwani demanded ₹20 lakh from her family to cover wedding expenses, luxury gifts, and jewellery. The prosecution also claimed that Hansika influenced Shant to turn against his wife. According to the petition, "She dictated what James could wear, how she should behave, and even tried to interfere with her career choices." Additionally, James accused the Motwanis of installing CCTV cameras inside her home to monitor her activities without consent.

Meanwhile, in her petition filed through advocate Drishti Khurana, Motwani stated that she had demanded that James return the ₹27 lakh that she had loaned them during the wedding. Her petition further argued, "The FIR appears to be a retaliatory measure aimed at pressuring Motwani and her family into a financial settlement in the ongoing matrimonial dispute." It also dismissed allegations of physical assault and verbal abuse, citing a lack of evidence.

Hansika Motwani and her family have moved the Bombay High Court, seeking relief in an ongoing legal battle. The FIR named Hansika, Jyoti, and Shant Motwani, accusing them of offenses under sections 498A (cruelty to wife), 323 (causing hurt), 504, and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. Hansika and Jyoti were granted anticipatory bail in February 2025. Following this, they filed a petition before the high court to have the FIR quashed. According to the petition, "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."

The case is set to proceed further, with the next hearing scheduled for July 3 before a division bench of justices Sarang Kotwal and SM Modak.