The Supreme Court has ruled that a husband's financial dominance in a matrimonial dispute does not constitute cruelty under Section 498A of the IPC. The court stated that such dominance reflects societal norms and cannot be used to settle personal scores. It emphasized that seeking details of expenses from an estranged husband is not cruelty, distinguishing it as 'daily wear and tear' of marriage, and quashed an FIR, citing vague allegations made with mala-fide intent.