Can I file for Sec 498 a after my husband has file for restitution of conjugal rights?
Your lawyer is be fooling you by suggesting wrong tactics in order to delay the matter and make heavy fee for himself. When your husband agreed for divorce by mutual consent you should have gone and filled that case, the return of your dowry items or stridhan etc could be settled during the proceedings in that case on the first motion or second one. You could always request the Presiding Officer of the court about his not returning your articles. The Family Court has judicial powers to refuse any relief unless all issues with regard to child custody, maintenance/alimony, return of stridhan or properties of the wife etc get settled. Rather than suggesting all these your lawyer suggested you to file false criminal complaint under section 498A of the Indian Penal Code which is a very serious offence and any complaint made under this provision only if really there exist serious act or omission by the husband, mere refusal to return your articles is not serious offence this is simple matter
