AIROnline 2025 SC 796

Supreme Court Of India

(From : AIROnline 2014 UTR 5)

Hon'ble Judge(s): Aravind Kumar, N. V. Anjaria , JJ

Penal Code (45 of 1860) , S.498A— Evidence Act (1 of 1872) , S.3— Cruelty and harassment - Proof of - Deceased had allegedly committed suicide in her matrimonial home, while her husband was away - In-laws of deceased were acquitted from charges under Ss.302 and 304-B IPC but mother-in-law was convicted for offence punishable u/S498-A IPC - There was nothing in testimonies of father, mother and brother of deceased to conclude that deceased was forced to commit suicide on account of cruelty or harassment for dowry by mother-in-law - Medical evidence merely showed that cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation - Courts below had erred in ignoring testimony of neighbour who was not interested witness, examined as defence witness - Conviction was set aside AIROnline 2014 UTR 5-Reversed (Para 9 10 11 12) .....