'Why do boys marry girls and then humiliate their families': SC slams dowry harassment
Supreme Court condemns humiliation of brides and their families while dismissing an appeal in a Chhattisgarh dowry death case
The Supreme Court on Friday (May 29) made scathing remarks during the hearing of a dowry death case in Chhattisgarh asking why boys marry girls and then humiliate their families. The court further stated that a clear message must be sent such insults to the bride’s family could not go on.
The remarks were made by the bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of an appeal against the Chhattisgarh High Court’s decision to uphold the trial court’s verdict convicting the family members of the husband of the deceased under provisions including Sections 304B (dowry death), 306 (abetment of suicide), and 498A (cruelty and harassment).
Message against harassment
“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,” said Justice Nagarathna as quoted by the Bar and Bench.
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The case is related to a 2010 incident in in Chhattisgarh where a woman died by hanging within three years of her marriage. During the trial, the prosecution claimed that there was prolonged harassment and dowry demands, including cash payments and a car, made by the husband and his family.
The trial court came to the conclusion that woman died in “unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage adding that it triggered presumption of dowry death.
Bench questions defence
The petitioner’s counsel argued that his client had been convicted only under Section 498A and that the ingredients of the offence were not established. The submission, however, did not find favour with the bench.
“You should be happy that it is only 498A and only three years,” remarked Justice Nagarathna.
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Drawing attention to the allegations on record, the judge said, “Attempt is to squeeze the bride and her family.”
“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,” she added.
When counsel sought to respond, Justice Nagarathna interjected, “You should have kept quiet. Bride’s father said they can give RS 60,000 and you call them beggars?”
Appeal dismissed
The Court also rejected the argument regarding delay in registration of the FIR. “Let the message go. This is how brides are treated,” the Court observed.
Justice Bhuyan further remarked, “These are educated people.”
The appeal was ultimately dismissed. Advocate Rishi Jaiswal appeared for the petitioner.