THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 29: Delivering a strong message against dowry-related harassment, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the conviction of a man found guilty of cruelty towards his sister-in-law in a dowry death case from Chhattisgarh.
A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan upheld the conviction under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and made sharp observations on the treatment often meted out to brides and their families after marriage.
“Why do boys marry girls and then insult them and their families? Let a message go out that they cannot continue insulting the bride and her family,” the court observed during the hearing.
Case Linked to Woman’s Death Within Three Years of Marriage
The case dates back to 2010 when a woman was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Chhattisgarh within three years of her marriage.
According to the prosecution, she was repeatedly subjected to harassment and cruelty over dowry demands, including cash and a car. The trial court found that the continued demands and harassment were closely linked to her death.
Several members of the husband’s family were convicted under Sections 304B (dowry death), 306 (abetment of suicide) and 498A (cruelty by husband or relatives) of the IPC. The convictions were subsequently upheld by the Chhattisgarh High Court.
‘You Should Be Happy It Is Only 498A’
Before the Supreme Court, the petitioner argued that he had been convicted only under Section 498A and deserved relief.
Rejecting the plea, Justice Nagarathna remarked, “You should be happy that it is only 498A and only three years.”
The Bench also criticized the practice of pressuring brides and their families for money after marriage.
“Attempt is to squeeze the bride and her family,” Justice Nagarathna observed.
Court Condemns Financial Coercion
Referring to evidence on record, the court noted allegations that the bride’s family was humiliated despite trying to meet financial demands.
“What exactly did the boy’s family say? You people are beggars; you cannot pay. The girl’s family was pleading to save their daughter and they were being called beggars,” Justice Nagarathna said.
When the defence counsel attempted to respond, the judge reportedly interjected: “You should have kept quiet. Bride’s father said they can give Rs 60,000 and you call them beggars?”
Appeal Dismissed
The petitioner also cited a delay in lodging the FIR, but the Supreme Court found no merit in the argument and dismissed the appeal.
Reiterating the need to address dowry-related abuse, the Bench observed, “Let the message go. This is how brides are treated.”
Justice Bhuyan also underlined the disturbing nature of such conduct, remarking, “These are educated people.”
With these observations, the Supreme Court upheld the findings of the trial court and the Chhattisgarh High Court, reaffirming its stance against dowry harassment and cruelty towards married women.