Under the Indian law WhatsApp message can be used as evidence in court, provided that they are authenticated properly. In defense against the allegation of dowry and cruelty, the messages you have where your daughter-in-law has mentioned that the family members are innocent could be significant.
To ensure that these messages are admissible you need to take the following into consideration:
Under the Indian Evidence Act sec65B provide a certificate that outlines the conditions for admitting electronic records as evidence. This certificate confirms that the message is not tampered and is genuine
The message should directly relate to the allegation framed against your son or other members of the family. The FIR can be countered if they clearly state that the family is innocent. If in the message daughter-in-law has acknowledged the innocence of family then that WhatsApp message can paly a crucial role as an evidence for defense. Inconsistency can be shown in her statement as the message could potentially undermine her claims of harresment / cruelty.
In counterclaim you can hold them for mental cruelty by illustrating her acknowledgment of the innocence of family.
Formal responding is needed in this situation by your son in regards to the allegation against him. This has to include the WhatsApp message, any other evidence that support his innocence in the response. The WhatsApp message can also be part of the evidence in such proceedings if you want to file restitution of conjugal rights or even divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty.
You can also file a complaint against your daughter-in-law for false allegation. An application of anticipatory bail can be made to mitigate the risk of arrest due to the allegation . The allegation under sec 498A and 406 are authenticated and relevant.
