By Grace Cyril,News18

Copyright news18

Actor Hansika Motwani is set to stand trial after the Bombay High Court firmly dismissed her plea seeking to quash a cruelty complaint filed by her former sister-in-law, Nancy James. The high-profile case, which has now moved into a critical trial stage, places both Motwani and her mother, Jyotika Motwani, under serious legal scrutiny.
Allegations and charges
Nancy James, who was earlier married to Hansika’s brother, Prashant Motwani, has brought forward grave accusations against the actress and her mother. She has alleged that the two subjected her to cruelty and harassment during her marriage.
According to documents cited by Hindustan Times, an FIR has been lodged under multiple sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita:
Section 498A (dowry-related cruelty)
Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt)
Section 352 (criminal intimidation and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace)
These charges have now paved the way for a full-fledged trial.
Nancy James’ claims
James, who married Prashant Motwani in March 2021, has claimed in her complaint that she endured persistent domestic violence during her marriage. She has further alleged that her in-laws routinely demanded money and expensive gifts, which left her feeling deeply humiliated.
Her lawsuit also states that she was compelled to sell her flat under pressure from the Motwanis. James has claimed the alleged abuse eventually affected her health, leading to Bell’s Palsy.
A source told a media outlet, “Nancy and Prashant Motwani, Hansika’s brother, had a lavish wedding ceremony in March 2021. However, their marriage was strained from the start. A year later, the two started living separately.”
Timeline of court proceedings
In February this year, Hansika Motwani and her mother secured anticipatory bail from the Mumbai Sessions Court, offering them temporary protection from arrest. However, in the months that followed, the actress filed a petition requesting the dismissal of the FIR.
The Bombay High Court has now rejected that plea, meaning Motwani and her mother will face trial in the case.
Personal turmoil
Amidst the ongoing legal case, reports suggest that Hansika is also grappling with challenges in her personal life. According to media outlets, the actress is reportedly experiencing difficulties in her marriage with businessman Sohael Khaturiya.