FIR filed for 498A but charge sheet not submitted since 9 months, what is the time limit to file cha

No, the Indian police cannot refuse to file a charge sheet under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) simply because the accused is outside India. If there is evidence to suggest that an offence has been committed, the police are duty-bound to investigate and file a charge sheet.

Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,�the police have the power to investigate and file a charge sheet against an accused who is residing outside India. If the accused is not available for the investigation, the police can seek the help of the Indian Embassy or High Commission in the country where the accused is residing.

In case the accused is not available for trial, the court can issue a non-bailable warrant against the accused. In certain cases, the court may also declare the accused as a proclaimed offender and attach their properties.

It is important to note that if the police refuse to file a charge sheet without any valid reason, the victim can approach the higher authorities or file a complaint in court seeking directions to the police to investigate the matter and file a charge sheet.