In a recent legal ruling, the High Court upheld the conviction in a significant dowry death case. The court’s thorough legal analysis examined the evidence and testimonies, ultimately resulting in the affirmation of the lower court’s decision. The verdict highlights the importance of justice prevailing in cases of domestic violence and dowry harassment.
Facts
- The High Court found the case against the husband and parents-in-law of the deceased established.
- The two sisters of the husband, not residing at the same place, were given the benefit of doubt.
- Accused nos. 4 and 5, the sisters, were acquitted of all charges.
- The conviction and sentences against accused nos. 1 to 3 were affirmed.
- The appeal by special leave is against the High Court judgment of 29.03.2018 in Criminal Appeal No.97 of 2013.
- The Trial Court initially convicted all five accused for offences under Sections 302, 498A, 201 read with 34 of the IPC.
- They were sentenced to life imprisonment for Section 302 IPC, with other sentences for subsidiary offences.
- The High Court dealt with the appeal by the convicted accused in the judgment being challenged.
- Parents of the deceased gave silver plate, silver tumbler, and silver wedding card as part of the dowry agreement.
- Accused demanded Rs.2.00 lakhs from the deceased due to misunderstanding regarding a deposit in her name.
- Deceased was found dead with burn injuries and tongue protruding.
- Accused pretended that the deceased committed suicide by setting herself on fire.
- Investigation revealed harassment and demands made by the accused.
- Accused No.1 was working as an Electrical Operator in Railways at Guntakal during the marriage.
- Accused No.3 demanded sare sman from the deceased, leading to a visit by the deceased accompanied by PW.2.
- Accused No.2 also accompanied accused No.3 when he went to the house of PW.1.
- Accused Nos. 1 to 5 were involved in harassing the deceased to bring Rs.2.00 lakhs and a share in the house at Rajahmundry.
- Accused were arrested later, and the investigation led to altering the charges to 302, 498-A, and 201 IPC for the remaining accused.
Also Read: Balancing Power and Transparency: Electoral Bonds Struck Down, Disclosure Mandated
Arguments
- The evidence on record conclusively shows that the deceased was strangled to death, followed by an attempt to make it appear as death by burn injuries.
- The testimonies of PWs 1, 2, and 3 are consistent and establish the demands for dowry and related harassment faced by the deceased.
- After considering all evidence, the Court finds no reason to overturn the decisions of the lower courts and hence dismisses the appeal.
- Accused no.2, the mother-in-law, was granted bail due to her medical condition.
- The appeal is dismissed, and the decision of the lower courts stands.
Also Read: Recall of Resolution Plan Approval: Legal Analysis
Decision
- Accused no.2 must surrender within seven days or risk forfeiting bail bonds
- The appeal is dismissed
- Accused no.2 with medical issues must receive all necessary medical facilities from Jail Authorities
Case Title: SAREPALLI SREENIVAS Vs. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH (2022 INSC 393)
Case Number: Crl.A. No.-001630-001630 / 2018
