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Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

381 judgments · newest first · showing 201–381

BALVIR SINGHversusSTATE OF UTTARAKHAND

2023 INSC 879Dismissed

The appellant Balvir Singh was convicted of murder under s.302 IPC and dowry harassment under s.498A IPC, while his mother‑in‑law Maheshwari Devi was convicted of s.498A IPC read with s.34 IPC. The prosecution proved that the victim died from aluminium phosphide poisoning, a fumigant not explainable …

SMT. ROOPA SONIversusKAMALNARAYAN SONI

2023 INSC 814Appeal(s) allowed

The marriage between Roopa Soni and Kamalnarayan Soni, solemnised in 2002, broke down after the birth of their child, leading to a separation that has lasted for over fifteen years. Both parties filed serious allegations against each other, including a complaint under Section 498A IPC and the Dowry …

ABHISHEKversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2023 INSC 779Appeal(s) allowed

The wife, Bhawna, filed a FIR in 2013 alleging dowry harassment by her mother‑in‑law and brothers‑in‑law under Section 498A IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The accused filed petitions under Section 482 of the CrPC to quash the FIR, but the High Court dismissed them even after …

CHARAN SINGH @ CHARANJIT SINGHversusTHE STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

2023 INSC 404Appeal(s) allowed

Charan Singh, the husband of the deceased Chhilo Kaur, was convicted under Sections 304B, 498A and 201 of the IPC for allegedly killing his wife over dowry demands. The trial court sentenced him to ten years' rigorous imprisonment under 304B, two years each under 498A and 201, which the High Court …

BIMLA TIWARIversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ORS.

2023 INSC 45Disposed off

The petitioners, Bimla Tiwari (informant), challenged a Patna High Court order that granted pre‑arrest bail to the accused in a dowry‑related case (IPC §§406, 420; Dowry Act §§3, 4) subject to the accused’s payment of Rs 75,000. The Supreme Court examined whether bail can be conditioned on monetary …

BHURI BAIversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2022 INSC 1325Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a 55‑year‑old mother‑in‑law, was granted regular bail by the First Additional Sessions Judge in a dowry‑related murder case, despite earlier allegations that she was absconding. The High Court, exercising suo motu powers under Section 439(2) of the CrPC, cancelled that bail, …

DEVENDER SINGH & ORS.versusTHE STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

2022 INSC 457Case Partly allowed

The deceased Sushila, married to Devender Singh, went missing six months after her marriage and her body was later recovered from a river. The prosecution alleged that she was subjected to dowry harassment, including a demand for Rs.2 lakh or a house, and that she died from injuries before falling …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESHversusJOGENDRA & ANR.

2022 INSC 30Case Partly allowed

The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed the High Court's judgment that set aside the convictions of Jogendra (husband) and Badri Prasad (father‑in‑law) under Sections 304‑B and 498‑A of the IPC for the death of their wife/ daughter‑in‑law Geeta Bai, who immolated herself while five months pregnant. The …

PARVATI DEVIversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR NOW STATE OF JHARKHAND & ORS.

2021 INSC 911Disposed off

The appellant husband, Ram Sahay Mahto, and his mother-in-law, Parvati Devi, were convicted under Sections 304B, 201 and 34 of the IPC for the death of the appellant's wife, Fulwa Devi, who disappeared from her matrimonial home and was later found dead in a river. The prosecution alleged that the …

MIRZA IQBAL @ GOLU & ANR.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2021 INSC 890Appeal(s) allowed

The father of a married woman filed a complaint alleging that her husband, brother‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law demanded dowry, beat her and eventually hanged her. The FIR named all of them and the prosecution charged the husband, the brother‑in‑law (first appellant) and the mother‑in‑law (second …

BRIJESH SINGHversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND OTHERS

2021 INSC 341Appeal(s) allowed

The trial court acquitted five accused persons of offences under Sections 302 read with 149, 304B and 498A of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The informant filed a criminal miscellaneous application under Section 378 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking leave to …

GURMEET SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2021 INSC 299Dismissed

Gurmeet Singh was convicted under Section 304‑B of the IPC for the dowry‑related death of his wife, who died after consuming poison within four years of marriage. The appellant challenged the conviction, arguing that the prosecution had not proved the "soon before" dowry demand, that the presumption …

SATBIR SINGH & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2021 INSC 301Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants were convicted for dowry death (Sec. 304B IPC) and abetment of suicide (Sec. 306 IPC) after the victim died from severe burns within a year of marriage, allegedly following dowry harassment. The Supreme Court examined whether the prosecution had proved the essential ingredients of …

SONUversusSONU YADAV AND ANOTHER

2021 INSC 225Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant filed a criminal appeal against the grant of bail to his brother-in-law, the first respondent, who was charged under Sections 498-A and 304-B of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for the unnatural death of his sister within a year of marriage. The Sessions Judge …

DR NARESH KUMAR MANGLAversusSMT. ANITA AGARWAL & ORS. ETC.

2020 INSC 706Disposed off

Dr. Naresh Kumar Mangla filed a criminal appeal challenging the Allahabad High Court's order granting anticipatory bail to his deceased daughter's in‑laws under Section 438 CrPC. The FIR alleged dowry harassment, assault in 2017, money demands and the unnatural death of the daughter within seven …

PREET PAL SINGHversusTHE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2020 INSC 493Appeal(s) allowed

The case arose from a conviction of Sandeep Singh Hora for offences under Sections 304B, 498A, 406 IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, including life imprisonment. While the appeal against the conviction was pending, the Allahabad High Court granted him bail under Section 389 of …

ARUN SINGH & OTHERSversusSTATE OF U.P. THROUGH ITS SECRETARY & ANOTHER

2020 INSC 163Disposed off

The appellants were charged under Section 493 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for allegedly demanding dowry and for deceitful cohabitation. The complainant filed an FIR after a purported compromise between the parties, and the High Court dismissed the appellants' …

DR NALLAPAREDDY SRIDHAR REDDYversusTHE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH & ORS

2020 INSC 68Dismissed

The appellant, Dr Nallapareddy Sridhar Reddy, was originally charged under Section 498A IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act. After the trial had proceeded, the public prosecutor filed an application under Section 216 of the CrPC to add charges of cheating (IPC ss. 406 and 420) based on an additional …

SMT. CHINTAMBARAMMA & ANR.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2019 INSC 944Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, the mother‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law of the deceased Sahitya, were convicted by the trial court and the Karnataka High Court for murder under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the IPC based on a prosecution theory that they conspired with alleged assailants (accused Nos. 4 and 5). …

MAHESH KUMARversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2019 INSC 872Appeal(s) allowed

Mahesh Kumar was convicted under Section 304-B IPC for the death of his wife, Omwati, alleged to be a dowry death. The prosecution's case relied mainly on statements of the deceased's father and brother, and on several letters written by the deceased, asserting continuous harassment and dowry …

VIJAY MOHAN SINGHversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2019 INSC 509Dismissed

The appellant, Vijay Mohan Singh, was accused of pouring kerosene on his wife, causing fatal burns, and was charged under Sections 302 r/w 34, 498A, 304B r/w 34 of the IPC and Sections 3, 4, 6 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The trial court acquitted him, discarding the victim's dying declaration and …

SUNIL KUMAR GUPTA AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND OTHERS

2019 INSC 284Appeal(s) allowed

The deceased Shilpa alleged that her sister‑in‑law Chanchal/Babita set her on fire and, in a dying declaration, named only her sister‑in‑law. The FIR initially listed nine persons, including the appellants, for offences under Sections 302 IPC, 498A IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act, but the …

MONUversusSTATE OF U.P. & ANR.

2019 INSC 24Appeal(s) allowed

Monu appealed to the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court Single Judge dismissed his Section 482 application seeking quashal of a charge‑sheet filed under IPC sections 420, 498A, 323, 376, 506 and Dowry Prohibition Act sections 3 and 4. The High Court dismissed the petition with a terse …

OMVEER SINGHversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2018 INSC 1134Leave granted

Omveer Singh appealed to the Supreme Court after a Single Judge of the Allahabad High Court dismissed his application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking to quash a criminal complaint (Sections 498A, 323, 376 IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act). The High …

DR. JAGDISH PRASAD & ORS.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2018 INSC 1135Leave granted

The appellants, Dr. Jagdish Prasad and others, filed a criminal complaint under IPC sections 498A and 323 and the Dowry Prohibition Act. They sought to quash the complaint and the proceedings by invoking Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Single Judge of the Allahabad High Court …

SANGEETA AGRAWAL & ORS.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.

2018 INSC 1137Leave granted

The appellants filed an application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking to quash a charge sheet and criminal proceedings arising under IPC sections 498A, 304B and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The Single Judge of the Allahabad High Court dismissed the application without setting …

SIDDALINGversusTHE STATE, THROUGH KALAGI POLICE STATION

2018 INSC 684Dismissed

The appellant was married to Kavitha, who committed suicide within four months of their marriage, allegedly due to dowry harassment and the husband's illicit relationship with another woman. The prosecution presented documentary evidence of a Panchayat agreement in which the husband admitted …

SRI RAMESHWAR YADAV & ORS.versusTHE STATE OF BIHAR & ANR.

2018 INSC 239Appeal(s) allowed

The second respondent lodged a complaint under Section 498A IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act against her husband and his parents. The accused filed an application under Section 205 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking exemption from personal appearance, citing the 1,750 km …

DINESH KUMAR KALIDAS PATELversusTHE STATE OF GUJARAT

2018 INSC 133Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Dinesh Kumar Kalidas Patel, was convicted by the Sessions Court for offences under Sections 498A and 201 of the Indian Penal Code after his wife allegedly committed suicide by hanging. The High Court acquitted him of the 498A charge but upheld the conviction under Section 201, relying …

RAJESH SHARMA & ORS.versusSTATE OF U.P. & ANR.

2017 INSC 683Directions issued

The Supreme Court examined a criminal appeal challenging the summoning of the husband’s relatives under Section 498A of the IPC in a dowry‑harassment case. It observed that a large number of 498A cases are filed in the heat of the moment, often without bona‑fide evidence, leading to uncalled‑for …

AJAY KUMAR GHOSHAL ETC.versusSTATE OF BLHAR & ANR.

2017 INSC 90Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants were convicted for a dowry death and related offences under the IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The High Court, noting certain procedural lapses, set aside the conviction and ordered a de novo retrial under Section 386(b)(i) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Supreme Court …

MOHD. HASHIMversusSTATE OF UP & ORS.

2016 INSC 1066Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents were convicted under IPC sections 323 and 498‑A and under Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and sentenced to imprisonment and fine. They sought release on probation of good conduct under Section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958. The question before the Supreme …

K.V. PRAKASH BABUversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2016 INSC 1051

The appellant, K.V. Prakash Babu, was convicted under Sections 498‑A and 306 of the IPC for the suicide of his wife, who allegedly suspected him of an extra‑marital affair. The prosecution alleged that the husband's alleged relationship and the resulting suspicion constituted mental cruelty that …

BAIJNATH & OTHERSversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2016 INSC 1040Appeal(s) allowed

The deceased Saroj Bai was found hanging in her matrimonial home within seven years of marriage. The State alleged that her husband’s family demanded a motorcycle as dowry, subjecting her to cruelty and harassment, thereby invoking Sections 304B and 498A of the IPC and the statutory presumption …

SATISH SHETTYversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2016 INSC 436Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the appeal of Satish Shetty, convicted under IPC sections 498A (cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) for the death of his wife, who had left a ten‑month‑old son and was twenty weeks pregnant. The High Court had set aside the trial court’s acquittal, invoking the …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusDATTARAJ & OTHERS

2016 INSC 168Dismissed

The State of Karnataka appealed the acquittal of the father, mother and brother of Dattaraj in a dowry death case where the victim, Savita, died of burn injuries within seven years of marriage. The trial court had convicted all four accused under Sections 498A, 304B read with Section 34 of the IPC …

RAM SARAN VARSHNEY AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANOTHER

2016 INSC 141Disposed off

The case arose from an FIR filed by Sonia Gupta under IPC §§498A, 506 and the Dowry Prohibition Act §§3,4, alleging harassment by her parents‑in‑law and other relatives. Four police investigations produced three closure reports, after which a fourth investigating officer filed a charge‑sheet despite …

RAJIV SINGHversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ANOTHER

2015 INSC 938Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Rajiv Singh was convicted under Sections 304B, 201 and 498A for the alleged murder of his wife Archana during a honeymoon train journey, based on a dead body found near the railway tracks. The Supreme Court examined whether the body was indeed Archana's, whether the prosecution proved …

MAYA DEVI & ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA

2015 INSC 892Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the appeal of Maya Devi and others convicted under Sections 3048 and 498A of the IPC for the death of their daughter-in‑law, Kavita. The Court reiterated that to establish a dowry death, the prosecution must prove (i) death within seven years of marriage, (ii) death caused …

BHANUBEN AND ANR.versusSTATE OF GUJARAT

2015 INSC 661Case Partly allowed

The deceased woman repeatedly fled her matrimonial home due to alleged dowry harassment and cruelty by her husband, mother‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law, and filed complaints and a maintenance suit. She later died after ingesting poison, claiming it was a mistake, and gave a dying declaration to that …

BASISTH NARAYAN YADAVversusKAILASH RAI AND ORS.

2015 INSC 475Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined the death of Raj Banshi Devi, who died from burn injuries in her matrimonial house within two years of marriage. The prosecution alleged dowry demands, physical and mental cruelty, and that the deceased was assaulted, tied with iron wire and set alight, invoking Section …

M.NARAYANversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2015 INSC 337Dismissed

M. Narayan was convicted for dowry death and cruelty after his wife Ganga was found hanging within two years of marriage. The prosecution alleged that Narayan repeatedly demanded additional dowry, subjected her to physical and mental harassment, and threatened her, leading to her suicide. The trial …

RAJINDER SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2015 INSC 161Dismissed

The appellant Rajinder Singh was convicted under IPC s.3048 for the death of his wife Salwinder Kaur, who died by poisoning within four years of marriage after repeated demands for dowry money and alleged ill‑treatment by the husband and his relatives. The trial court and the High Court upheld the …

BHIM SINGH AND ANR.versusSTATE OF UTIARAKHAND

2015 INSC 107Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the death of Prema Devi, who died within five months of marriage with extensive burn injuries and traces of poison. The prosecution alleged that she was subjected to cruelty and harassment by her husband Bhim Singh and his brothers in connection with dowry demands, …

RAJINDER KUMARversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2015 INSC 36Dismissed

Rajinder Kumar was convicted for the dowry death of his wife, Raj Rani, who was allegedly harassed by him and his family for a demand of Rs 20,000 after marriage. The deceased’s brothers, Ganpat Rai and Hari Chand, testified that the harassment occurred shortly before her death, which was caused by …

SHER SINGH @ PARTAPAversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2015 INSC 21Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Sher Singh, was convicted under Sections 3048 and 498A IPC for the alleged dowry‑related suicide of his wife, Harjinder Kaur, who had reportedly complained of dowry harassment two months before her death. The prosecution alleged that the husband and his family demanded a motorcycle …

VIJAY PAL SINGH AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF UTIARAKHAND

2014 INSC 870Case Partly allowed

The case involves the death of Saroj, a married woman, within four months of her marriage. Her father alleged that the husband, his father, brother and brother‑in‑law demanded dowry, threatened her and subsequently murdered her and attempted to burn the body. The trial court acquitted all accused, …

SHLOK BHARDWAJversusRUNIKABHARDWAJ & ORS.

2014 INSC 854Appeal(s) allowed

The husband and wife married in 1996; the husband filed for divorce in 1997 and the wife filed a criminal case alleging cruelty under Sections 498‑A, 406, 506 IPC and Sections 3/4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The trial magistrate acquitted all accused in 2002. While the parties later settled their …

KANCHANBEN PURSHOTTAMBHAI BHANDERIversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

2014 INSC 839Dismissed

The case involved the suicide of Hina, a daughter‑in‑law, who allegedly faced mental and physical harassment and dowry demands from her mother‑in‑law, Kanchanben. The trial court convicted Kanchanben under IPC sections 3048 (dowry death) and 498A (cruelty) and under sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry …

JAGDISH & ORS.versusSTATE OF UTTARANCHAL

2014 INSC 806Case Partly allowed

The deceased Seema was married in 1991 and soon after faced repeated dowry demands for a motorcycle and cash from her husband, Chandrahas, and his relatives. Despite a Panchayat‑mediated compromise deed in 1994, the harassment continued, culminating in her being beaten and later burnt to death in …

K. SRINIVASversusK. SUNITA

2014 INSC 791Appeal(s) allowed

The husband and wife were married in 1989; the wife later filed a criminal complaint against the husband and his family under several IPC provisions and the Dowry Prohibition Act, which led to their arrest. The husband filed for divorce on the grounds of cruelty and alleged irretrievable breakdown, …

KULDEEP KAURversusSTATE OF UTIARAKHAND

2014 INSC 737Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Kuldeep Kaur, the mother‑in‑law of Jagpreet Kaur, was convicted under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code for abetment of suicide after the bride died by hanging within four months of marriage. The prosecution alleged dowry demands and harassment, but the trial court found no …

AK DEVAIAHversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2014 INSC 715Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the appeal of A.K. Devaiah, convicted under Sections 3, 4, 6 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and Sections 498‑A and 304‑B of the IPC for the death of his wife, who committed suicide by self‑immolation within a year of marriage. The prosecution proved that the husband demanded …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusSMT. SUVARNAMMA & ANR.

2014 INSC 716Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Karnataka appealed the acquittal of Smt. Suvarnamma and her husband Manjunath for the dowry‑related death of the bride, Soumya, who died from severe burn injuries within seven years of marriage. The prosecution proved that the accused had harassed the victim for dowry and that the …

SULTAN SINGHversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2014 INSC 688Dismissed

Sultan Singh was married to Lavjeet Kaur, who died from severe burn injuries within four years of marriage. The prosecution alleged that the accused and his mother set the fire after the husband demanded Rs 30,000 as dowry, a demand that was repeatedly made up to the time of death. The defence …

S. MAHABOOB BASHAversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA

2014 INSC 672Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, S. Mahaboob Basha, was convicted under Section 498A IPC for subjecting his wife, PW‑1, to cruelty and dowry harassment, along with other offences. The prosecution presented testimony of the wife, her brother, and mother, and documentary evidence establishing repeated ill‑treatment and …

RAMAIAH @ RAMAversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2014 INSC 536Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Ramaiah, was charged with dowry‑related offences (IPC 498‑A, 304‑B, 201, 176) and violations of the Dowry Prohibition Act (ss.3,4) after his wife Laxmi died an unnatural death within six months of marriage. The trial court acquitted him, finding no evidence of dowry demand, …

STATE OF MAHARASHTRAversusRAJENDRA & ORS.

2014 INSC 477Case Partly allowed

The State of Maharashtra appealed the acquittal of six accused under Sections 498‑A, 304‑B and 306 of the IPC. The Supreme Court examined whether the prosecution had established the essential ingredients of a dowry death and the presumption under Section 113‑B of the Evidence Act. It held that the …

ARNESH KUMARversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ANR.

2014 INSC 463Appeal(s) allowed

Arnesh Kumar, husband of Sweta Kiran, was charged under IPC s.498-A and the Dowry Prohibition Act s.4. He sought anticipatory bail, which was denied by the trial court and the High Court, prompting a petition before the Supreme Court. The Court examined the statutory framework governing police …

PRADEEP KUMARversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2014 INSC 459Dismissed

The appellant, Pradeep Kumar, was convicted under Sections 304‑B (dowry death) and 498‑A (cruelty) of the IPC for the death of his wife Manju, who died from burns nine months after marriage. The prosecution relied on her dying declaration, which contained an initial statement of accident that was …

DAVINDER SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2014 INSC 460Dismissed

The appellant, Davinder Singh, was married to Amarjit Kaur who died within seven months of marriage from severe burns. Prior to her death, she had telephonically complained of harassment and dowry demands by her husband and in‑laws, a fact corroborated by her brother and maternal uncle who witnessed …

MANOHAR LALversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2014 INSC 439Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Manohar Lal, was convicted under Section 3048 of the IPC for the alleged dowry death of his wife, who died from burn injuries within seven years of marriage. The prosecution alleged that the deceased was subjected to cruelty and harassment for dowry, culminating in her death, and …

UMAKANT & ANR.versusSTATE OF CHHATISGARH

2014 INSC 447Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined the conviction of Umakant and his in‑laws for murder under Section 302 read with Section 34 IPC, which was based solely on the victim's dying declaration. The Court held that the dying declaration was unreliable, showing signs of tutoring and contradictions with other …

DR. (MRS.) MALATHI RAVI, M.D.versusDR. B.V. RAVI M.D.

2014 INSC 426Disposed off

The husband, Dr. B.V. Ravi, filed a petition for divorce under Section 13(1)(ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act alleging desertion, and also sought restitution of conjugal rights. The Family Court found no proof of desertion and granted restitution, but the wife, Dr. Malathi Ravi, later lodged FIRs …

SWAPNIL AND OTHERSversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2014 INSC 393Appeal(s) allowed

The husband, Swapnil, filed an application for restitution of conjugal rights, but his wife left the matrimonial home in April 2011 and later lodged two police complaints alleging dowry demands and threats to kill. A First Class Judicial Magistrate framed charges under IPC sections 498A and 506 Part …

SATISH CHANDRA & ANR.versusSTATE OF M.P.

2014 INSC 364Case Partly allowed

Sunita, a married woman, committed suicide within three years of her marriage by self‑immolation after a quarrel with her mother‑in‑law over a dowry demand for a gold chain. A dying declaration recorded by an Executive Magistrate, certified by a doctor, alleged that the mother‑in‑law repeatedly …

DINESHversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2014 INSC 333Dismissed

The appellant Dinesh was convicted for the death of his wife Manju Bala, who committed suicide by ingesting a pesticide within four years of marriage. The prosecution alleged that Dinesh and his brothers repeatedly harassed the deceased for additional dowry items such as a television and a gold …

SAVARALA SAI SREEversusGURRAMKONDA VASUDEVARAO & ORS.

2014 INSC 897Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the conviction of respondents under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The trial court had sentenced them to three months' imprisonment, far below the statutory minimum of five years, without recording any special reasons. The High Court further reduced the …

CHHOTAN SAO & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF BIHAR

2013 INSC 849Case Partly allowed

The deceased, Babita Devi, allegedly died after being forced to consume poison following dowry harassment by her husband’s relatives. The father‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law were tried and convicted under Sections 304B (dowry death) and 498A (cruelty) of the IPC, as well as under the Dowry Prohibition …

SURINDER SINGHversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2013 INSC 756Dismissed

The appellant, Surinder Singh, was convicted under Sections 3048 and 498A of the IPC for the death of his wife Anita, who died by burns within 94 days of marriage. The prosecution alleged that the husband and his family were dissatisfied with the dowry received and repeatedly harassed Anita, …

ANJANAPPAversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2013 INSC 753Dismissed

Gowramma, a married woman, died from severe burns after allegedly being doused with kerosene by her husband Anjanappa. She gave a dying declaration implicating him, which was recorded by a police officer and endorsed by the attending doctor, who testified that she was conscious and fit to speak. The …

BHUPENDRAversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2013 INSC 745Dismissed

Bhupendra was married to Geeta Bai in 1993. After repeated dowry demands, Geeta consumed wheat tablets on 20 August 1996 and died of suspected poisoning. The trial court convicted Bhupendra and his father under sections 498‑A, 304‑B and 306 IPC; the High Court upheld Bhupendra's conviction but …

BHOLA RAMversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2013 INSC 746Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Bhola Ram was convicted under Sections 304‑B and 498‑A IPC for the alleged dowry death of his sister‑in‑law Janki Devi, who committed suicide by poison. The prosecution alleged that Bhola Ram, along with his brother Darshan Ram and mother Vidya Devi, demanded additional dowry and …

SURESH KUMARversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2013 INSC 747Dismissed

Suresh Kumar was convicted under Sections 304‑B (dowry death) and 498‑A IPC for the death of his wife Sulochana within seven years of marriage. The trial court acquitted him, deeming the death accidental, but the High Court reversed the acquittal, holding that the death occurred under non‑normal …

GURDIP SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2013 INSC 585Case Partly allowed

Harjit Kaur, a married woman, died on 6 April 1990 after alleged dowry harassment by her husband and father‑in‑law (the appellant). The prosecution charged both accused under IPC sections 498A (cruelty) and 3048 (dowry death). While the Sessions Court convicted them under both sections and the High …

KAMLESH PRABHUDAS TANNA & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

2013 INSC 562Disposed off

The appellant Kamlesh Prabhudas Tanna and his mother were convicted for dowry harassment, abetment of suicide and culpable homicide after the death of Sandhya, the sister of the informant, who allegedly committed suicide. The trial court found the prosecution evidence sufficient under IPC sections …

ARATHI SANDIversusBANDI JAGADRAKSHAKA RAO AND ORS.

2013 INSC 473Dismissed

Arathi Sandi and Sandi Jagadrakshaka Rao, a married couple residing in the United States, fought a divorce and child‑custody dispute. The US Superior Court initially granted primary custody of their US‑citizen son to the mother, later modifying the order to make the father the custodial parent and …

S. ANIL KUMAR @ ANIL KUMAR GANNAversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2013 INSC 427Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Anil Kumar, was convicted by the Karnataka High Court for dowry harassment (Sec. 498-A IPC) and dowry death (Sec. 304-B IPC) based on the suicide of his wife, Meena Kumari, in their matrimonial home. The trial court had acquitted all accused, finding contradictions in witness …

GURNAIB SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2013 INSC 339Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Gurnaib Singh was convicted for the death of his young wife Amarjeet Kaur, who allegedly committed suicide after being harassed for a dowry demand of Rs 50,000. The trial court and the Punjab High Court upheld a conviction under Section 3048 IPC (dowry death) and sentenced him to seven …

KULWANT SINGH & ORS.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2013 INSC 205Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the death of Rachhpal Kaur, who died of aluminium phosphide poisoning within seven years of her marriage while staying at her in‑laws' house. The deceased had repeatedly complained of harassment and cruelty by her husband Kulwant Singh and his parents for allegedly …

JITENDRA RAGHUVANSHI & ORS.versusBABITA RAGHUVANSHI & ANR.

2013 INSC 164Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants were charged under Sections 498A and 406 of the IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act after a matrimonial dispute. While the criminal case was pending, the parties reached a mutual settlement, and the complainant wife filed an affidavit supporting the settlement. The trial court rejected …

VIPIN JAISWAL(A-1)versusSTATE OF A.P. REP.BY PUB.PROSECUTOR

2013 INSC 159Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Vipin Jaiswal was convicted under Sections 3048 and 498A of the IPC for the death of his wife, who died from burn injuries. The prosecution alleged that the wife was subjected to cruelty and dowry harassment, citing a demand of Rs.50,000 for a computer six months after marriage. The …

MODINSAB KASIMSAB KANCHAGARversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA & ANR.

2013 INSC 147Appeal(s) allowed

The husband (appellant) was convicted by the Karnataka High Court for dowry death (IPC s.304B), cruelty (IPC s.498A) and offences under the Dowry Prohibition Act after his wife committed suicide, allegedly due to his demand for a further Rs 10,000. The Supreme Court held that the Rs 10,000 demand …

VAJRESH VENKATRAY ANVEKARversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

[2013] 1 S.C.R. 80Dismissed

The appellant, a husband, was charged with cruelty, dowry harassment and abetment of suicide after his wife, Girija, died by consuming poison in their matrimonial home within seven years of marriage. The trial court acquitted all accused, but the Karnataka High Court convicted the husband under …

KASHMIR KAUR & ANR.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2012 INSC 585Dismissed

Kashmir Kaur and another were convicted under Section 3048 IPC (dowry death) read with Section 34 IPC and Section 498A IPC for the death of the deceased woman, which occurred 11 months after her marriage. The prosecution proved that the victim was repeatedly harassed and tortured by her …

DEVINDER @ KALA RAM & ORS.versusTHE STATE OF HARYANA

2012 INSC 484Case Partly allowed

The appellants Devinder @ Kala Ram, his mother and his brother's wife were convicted under Sections 498-A and 304-B of the IPC for dowry harassment and the death of Devinder's wife by burns. The Supreme Court examined the evidence, finding that witnesses PW‑2 to PW‑5 reliably proved continuous dowry …

GEETA MEHROTRA & ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P. & ANR.

2012 INSC 478Appeal(s) allowed

The wife filed an FIR in Allahabad alleging dowry harassment, physical and mental torture by her husband and his family, naming the husband, his parents, brother and sister. The brother and sister, who were unmarried, sought quashing of the criminal proceedings under Section 482 of the CrPC, …

MUSTAFA SHAHADAL SHAIKHversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2012 INSC 403Dismissed

The appellant, Mustafa Shahadal Shaikh, was convicted for the dowry death of his wife, who committed suicide by poisoning within seven months of marriage. The prosecution relied on the testimony of the deceased's close relatives, who detailed repeated harassment and demands for dowry by the …

PATHAN HUSSAIN BASHAversusSTATE OF A.P.

2012 INSC 337Case Partly allowed

The husband (Pathan Hussain Basha) and his mother‑in‑law were convicted under Sections 304‑B (dowry death) and 498A of the IPC for the suicide of the wife, who had been harassed for unpaid dowry. The Supreme Court examined whether the statutory ingredients of a dowry death were satisfied and whether …

BHUSHAN KUMAR MEENversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

2011 INSC 633Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Bhushan Kumar Meen, was married to the respondent No.2 in 2004. After periods of discord, the wife filed a complaint in 2006 alleging dowry demand and cruelty, leading to an FIR under Sections 406 and 498‑A IPC. The Women's Cell’s inquiry found no evidence of dowry demand and deemed …

SUNITA KUMARI KASHYAPversusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ANR.

2011 INSC 291Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant-wife alleged that her husband and in‑laws subjected her to dowry‑related cruelty and forced her to leave the matrimonial home in Ranchi and return to her parental home in Gaya. She filed an FIR in Gaya under IPC sections 498A, 406 r/w 34 and Dowry Prohibition Act sections 3 and 4. The …

BACHNI DEVI AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA THROUGH SECRETARY, HOME DEPARTMENT

2011 INSC 108Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined an appeal by Bachni Devi and her son, convicted under Section 304B of the IPC for the dowry death of the son’s wife, Kanta, who died by hanging within three months of marriage. The prosecution proved that Kanta’s death was unnatural, occurred within seven years of …

SANJAY KUMAR JAINversusSTATE OF DELHI

2010 INSC 890Case Partly allowed

The appellant Sanjay Kumar Jain was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for the death of his wife within fourteen months of marriage, based on circumstantial evidence and a post‑mortem indicating strangulation. The Supreme Court found serious inconsistencies in the prosecution’s version, …

SATYA NARAYANA TIWARI AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P.

2010 INSC 749Dismissed

The appellant husband and his mother‑in‑law were accused of dowry death after the bride, aged about 24, was found strangled and burnt in her matrimonial home within three years of marriage. The prosecution proved, on circumstantial evidence, that the accused repeatedly demanded a Maruti car as …

MANOJ MAHAVIR PRASAD KHAITANversusRAM GOPAL PODDAR AND ANR.

2010 INSC 690Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, brother of the daughter‑in‑law who had filed a dowry harassment case under Sections 498A, 406 IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act against her father‑in‑law, was accused by the father‑in‑law of stealing two gold bangles during a police raid on the matrimonial home. A complaint was filed, …

PREETI GUPTA & ANOTHERversusSTATE OF JHARKHAND & ANOTHER

2010 INSC 512Appeal(s) allowed

The complainant filed a criminal complaint under sections 498‑A, 406, 341, 323 and 120‑B IPC and sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act against her husband and his immediate relatives, including the married sister‑in‑law (Preeti Gupta) and the unmarried brother‑in‑law (Gaurav Poddar). The …

ASHOK KUMARversusSTATE OF HARYANA

2010 INSC 379Case Partly allowed

Ashok Kumar was convicted under Section 304‑8 IPC for the death of his wife, who died from burn injuries allegedly after being harassed for a dowry demand of Rs.5,000. The appellant argued that the alleged demand did not constitute "dowry" within the meaning of Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act …

DURGA PRASAD AND ANR.versusSTATE OF M.P.

2010 INSC 323Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined the conviction of Durga Prasad and others under IPC sections 498-A and 304-B for the alleged dowry death of Kripa Bai, who committed suicide within seven years of marriage. The trial and High Courts had relied solely on the testimony of the victim's mother and brother, …

G.V. SIDDARAMESHversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2010 INSC 80Dismissed

The appellant Siddaramesh was convicted for the death of his wife Usha, who committed suicide by hanging within seven years of marriage. The prosecution proved that the husband and his family had repeatedly demanded dowry—gold, cash and a motorcycle—and that the wife was subjected to mental and …

STATE OF U. P.versusSANTOSH KUMAR

2009 INSC 1106Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Uttar Pradesh prosecuted Santosh Kumar and others for the murder of Sunita, alleging dowry harassment. The trial court convicted Santosh Kumar under sections 302, 498‑A IPC and sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, acquitting him of section 304‑B IPC. The Allahabad High Court …

SUKANTI MOHARANAversusSTATE OF ORISSA

2009 INSC 972Dismissed

The appellant, Sukanti Moharana, was convicted under Section 302 IPC for allegedly pouring kerosene on her sister-in-law and setting her on fire, resulting in extensive burn injuries and death. The conviction was based primarily on a written dying declaration recorded by a doctor and an oral dying …

SAVITRI AGARWAL & ORS.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ANR.

2009 INSC 903Disposed off

The appellants, accused of dowry death and related offences under Sections 498A, 304B (IPC) and Sections 3 and 4 (Dowry Prohibition Act), obtained anticipatory bail from an Additional Sessions Judge under Section 438 of the CrPC after the court considered two dying declarations that made no …

BHAIRON SINGHversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2009 INSC 852Appeal(s) allowed

Bhairon Singh was convicted under Section 498A IPC for cruelty to his wife, based solely on the testimony of the deceased's brothers who recounted her alleged complaints of torture and dowry demands. The wife died accidentally by drowning, and the trial and High Courts acquitted him of dowry death …

SUBRAMANIAMversusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU & ANR.

2009 INSC 805Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Subramaniam was charged with murder (s.302 IPC), dowry harassment (s.498A IPC) and a dowry prohibition offence (s.4 DP Act) after his wife was found dead in their home. The trial court acquitted him, but the High Court convicted him for murder, relying on the fact that the couple lived …

SURESH KUMAR SINGHversusSTATE OF U.P.

2009 INSC 707Case Partly allowed

The appellant, Suresh Kumar Singh, was convicted under IPC Sections 3048 (dowry death) and 498A (cruelty) for the death of his wife Asha Devi, who died from burns on 8 December 1993. The marriage date was disputed (1983 or 1987), and the prosecution alleged dowry demands and a prior attempt to burn …

RAMAN KUMARversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2009 INSC 605Appeal(s) allowed

Raman Kumar was convicted by the High Court for dowry death under Sections 304B and 498A of the IPC based on the death of his wife Suman Bala, who allegedly died from burns after being allegedly harassed for dowry. The Supreme Court examined whether the prosecution had proved the essential …

SATISH KUMAR BATRA & ORS.versusSTATE OF HARYANA

2009 INSC 448Disposed off

The wife, Santosh Kumari, alleged that her husband Satish Kumar Batra and his relatives subjected her to dowry demands and cruelty, leading to physical assaults and attempts to force her to commit suicide. An FIR was filed under Sections 498A and 406 IPC, and the trial court convicted all accused, …

RAJESH PANDEYversusSTATE OF U.P.

2009 INSC 405Case Partly allowed

The appellant Rajesh Pandey's wife died from burns five years after their marriage. The prosecution alleged that Pandey, his parents and sister harassed the wife for dowry and burned her to death by pouring keroselle. The trial court convicted all accused under IPC sections 3048 and 498A and under …

SAMIRA KHANUMversusMD. AFSAR TOWHEED AND ANR

2009 INSC 334Appeal(s) allowed

The case arose from a complaint by Samira Khanum alleging dowry harassment, cruelty and breach of trust under Sections 498‑A and 406 IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The trial magistrate ordered summons against the husband and his parents, which the husband challenged by filing …

JAGJIT SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2009 INSC 342Dismissed

Jasprit Kaur, married to Jagjit Singh, died within 1 year 3 months of marriage, her body found hanging from a ceiling fan. The prosecution alleged that Jagjit and his parents subjected her to cruelty and demanded Rs 1 lakh for a house purchase, constituting dowry demand, leading to her death. The …

MADAN LAL AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P.

2009 INSC 324Case Partly allowed

The case concerned the death of Asha G, alleged to have resulted from throttling by her husband’s relatives in connection with a dowry demand. The trial court acquitted the accused, holding that the deceased suffered from epilepsy and her death could have been caused by an epileptic fit. The …

ANAND KUMARversusSTATE OF M.P.

2009 INSC 225Appeal(s) allowed

Karuna, the wife of Anand Kumar, died by suicide within seven years of marriage. Kumar, his parents and brother were charged under IPC s.306 (abetment of suicide), s.498A (cruelty) and the Dowry Prohibition Act s.4. The trial court acquitted the parents and brother but convicted Kumar based on a …

SUNDAR BABU AND ANR.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

2009 INSC 218Appeal(s) allowed

The wife, Sukanya, filed a complaint under IPC s.498A and Dowry Prohibition Act s.4 against her husband Sunder Babu, his parents, sister and maternal grandmother, alleging dowry harassment. The husband had left for the USA six months after their marriage and the complaint was lodged many months …

KISHANGIRI MANGALGIRI GOSWAMIversusSTATE OF GUJARAT

2009 INSC 82Case Partly allowed

The appellant, Kishangiri Mangalgiri Goswami, was convicted for abetment of suicide under s.306 IPC, cruelty and dowry harassment under s.498A IPC, and for dowry demand under s.3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, based largely on letters he allegedly wrote demanding Rs.40,000. He appealed, arguing that …

PREM KANWARversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN

2009 INSC 5Dismissed

The deceased daughter‑in‑law was burnt to death within four years of her marriage. The prosecution alleged that the mother‑in‑law, husband and uncle repeatedly harassed and tortured her for not providing sufficient dowry. A post‑mortem showed ante‑mortem burns and fractured skull bones, indicating …

PREMKUMAR & ORS.versusSTATE OF KERALA

2008 INSC 1499Case Partly allowed

The deceased Jeeja, married to appellant Premkumar, died by suicide in Tamil Nadu on 14 Feb 2003. Her father‑in‑law reported the death to the Courtallam police (Tamil Nadu) who registered a case under s.174 CrPC and concluded it was a suicide due to mental illness, halting further investigation. The …

BAIKUNTH SINGHversusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

2008 INSC 1433Disposed off

Baikunth Singh filed a complaint under IPC s.406, leading the trial court to take cognizance and issue summons against respondents 2 and 3. The respondents filed a petition under CrPC s.482, impleading the appellant, and the Patna High Court quashed the trial court's order without giving any notice …

TARSEM SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2008 INSC 1421Appeal(s) allowed

Tarsem Singh was convicted under Section 3048 of the IPC for the death of his wife Amriko, alleged to have been caused by dowry‑related cruelty. The prosecution alleged harassment for insufficient dowry and childlessness, but the FIR and evidence did not show any demand for dowry made "soon before" …

AMBIKA MANDALversusTHE STATE OF BIHAR (NOW JHARKHAND)

2008 INSC 1361Disposed off

Ambika Mandal was convicted under IPC sections 304‑C and 306 and under the Dowry Prohibition Act for dowry‑related offences. She appealed the conviction, but the appeal was transferred from the Patna High Court to the Jharkhand High Court after the reorganisation of states. The appellant received no …

MD. SHAKEELversusSTATE POLICE THROUGH P.S. HANMAKONDA & ANR.

2008 INSC 1254Disposed off

MD Shakeel was convicted under IPC sections 304‑B and 498‑A and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for the alleged dowry‑related death of his wife. The conviction was affirmed by the trial court and the first appellate court, while the co‑accused were acquitted. Shakeel filed a revision petition …

B. VENKAT SWAMYversusVIJAYA NEHRU AND ANR.

2008 INSC 966Dismissed

The father of a deceased woman appealed against the acquittal of her husband and his mother, who had been charged under IPC sections 302, 498A and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for alleged dowry harassment and murder. The deceased was found hanging in a bedroom, and the trial court had …

PRIYA VRAT SINGH & ORS.versusSHYAM JI SAHAI

2008 INSC 906Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, Priya Vrat Singh and others, sought to quash criminal proceedings filed under Sections 494, 120B and 109 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for alleged dowry harassment and bigamy. The High Court had dismissed their Section 482 CrPC application, but the …

BALDEV SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2008 INSC 900Disposed off

Baldev Singh was convicted under Section 304‑B IPC for the death of his wife Satwant Kaur, who died by poisoning within two years of marriage. The prosecution proved that she was repeatedly harassed for dowry, including demands for a fridge, TV and a cash amount, in addition to a claim on her share …

NARAYANAMURTHYversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND ANR.

2008 INSC 646Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant Narayanamurthy was convicted by the Karnataka High Court under Sections 498A and 3048 of the IPC for the alleged dowry death of his wife Jagadeshwari. The prosecution alleged that the accused and his parents harassed the deceased for not providing dowry and that she committed suicide …

RENU KUMARIversusSANJAY KUMAR AND ORS.

2008 INSC 278Case Allowed

Renu Kumari, the wife of Respondent No.3, filed a complaint under Section 498A IPC and Sections 3 & 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act alleging dowry harassment. The police registered an FIR and a charge‑sheet was filed. The respondents sought discharge under Section 239 CrPC, which was rejected, and …

REKHA PATELversusPANKAJ VERMA AND ORS.

2008 INSC 288Disposed off

The appellant, married to the first respondent, alleged dowry harassment and a FIR was lodged under sections 498A, 323, 504, 506 IPC and sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The respondents filed a writ petition under Article 226 seeking quash of the FIR and a stay of arrest. The Allahabad …

RAN SINGH AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ANR.

2008 INSC 121Case Partly allowed

A complaint under IPC sections 498A, 406, 323, 506, 148 and 149 alleged dowry harassment by the husband, his parents, brother and sister‑in‑law. The Additional Sessions Judge held that only the husband could be prosecuted, finding no material against the other accused. The Punjab and Haryana High …

SUNITA JAINversusPAWAN KUMAR JAIN & ORS.

2008 INSC 106Disposed off

Sunita Jain alleged that her husband Pawan Kumar Jain and his parents harassed her for dowry, physically and mentally torturing her, leading her to lodge an FIR. The trial court framed charges under IPC sections 498A, 506, 406, 34 and Dowry Prohibition Act sections 3 and 4. The High Court, invoking …

SANAPAREDDY MAHEEDHAR AND ANRversusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ANR.

2007 INSC 1283Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, Sanapareddy Maheedhar and his parents, were charged under Sections 498A and 406 IPC read with the Dowry Prohibition Act for alleged dowry harassment and cruelty towards the appellant's wife, who later obtained a divorce in the United States and remarried. The Metropolitan Magistrate …

RAMESHWAR DASSversusSTATE OF PUNJAB & ANR.

2007 INSC 1286Dismissed

The appellant, Rameshwar Dass, was convicted under Section 304B of the IPC for the dowry death of his pregnant wife, Sushma Rani, who allegedly committed suicide after being tortured for a dowry demand of Rs 40,000. The prosecution relied on the husband’s telegram to the father‑in‑law, testimony of …

KISHAN SINGH AND ANR.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2007 INSC 1051Disposed off

Reeta Kumari married Manmohan Singh in February 1999 and was repeatedly harassed by her in‑laws for a scooter and a golden bangle as dowry. She died by consuming aluminium phosphide in June 1999 while pregnant. The trial court convicted the father‑in‑law (Kishan Singh) and mother‑in‑law (Bachni …

M. SRINIVASULUversusSTATE OF A.P.

2007 INSC 905Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, M. Srinivasulu, was convicted under Sections 304B (dowry death) and 498A (cruelty) of the IPC for the self‑immolation death of his wife. The prosecution relied on three letters written by the deceased, alleging they demonstrated a dowry demand and cruelty. The Supreme Court examined …

ARVIND KUMAR AND ANR.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

2007 INSC 775Disposed off

Arvind Kumar married Sadhna and, along with his mother Prem Bai, repeatedly demanded additional dowry items. Sadhna, unable to meet these demands, was allegedly harassed and tortured, leading her to set herself on fire and die within 1.5 months of marriage. Both were convicted under IPC s.306 …

SHIV ANAND MALLAPPA KOTIversusTHE STATE OF KARNATAKA

2007 INSC 681Appeal(s) allowed

The husband (appellant) was convicted under Section 498‑A of the IPC for the death of his wife by burn injuries, the prosecution alleging a dowry demand. The trial court also convicted the mother‑in‑law and brother‑in‑law under the same provision and the Dowry Prohibition Act, but the High Court …

GAJANAND AGARWALversusSTATE OF ORISSA AND ANR.

2007 INSC 415Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant's daughter died within five months of her marriage, leading to FIRs under Sections 498A, 304B, 302, 406 IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. Multiple bail applications under Section 438 of the CrPC were filed by the accused, initially rejected by the Sessions Judge and the …

BISWAJIT HALDER @ BABU HALDER AND ORS.versusSTATE OF WEST BENGAL

2007 INSC 305Appeal(s) allowed

Rupali, married to Biswajit Halder, alleged that her husband and in‑laws repeatedly demanded additional dowry items after the marriage. She committed suicide within seven years of marriage. The trial court convicted the appellants under IPC Sections 304B (dowry death), 498A and the Dowry Prohibition …

D.K. GANESH BABUversusP.T. MANOKARAN AND ORS.

2007 INSC 191Case Partly allowed

The complainant appealed against a Madras High Court order that granted anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the Cr.P.C. to three accused who were apprehending arrest in a dowry‑related murder case. The High Court had stipulated detailed conditions and effectively released the accused without …

ANURAN RASTOGI AND ORS.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ANR.

2007 INSC 113Disposed off

The informant filed a complaint alleging offences under Sections 498A, 323 and 504 IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The magistrate took cognizance of those offences only and issued summons. The informant later applied that the material in the case diary also justified adding …

APPASAHEB AND ANR.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2007 INSC 9Appeal(s) allowed

Appasaheb and his mother-in-law were convicted under IPC Section 304‑B (dowry death) for the suicide of their wife, Bhimabai, who allegedly took poison after being harassed for dowry. The prosecution alleged that the accused demanded money for domestic expenses and for purchasing manure, which the …

GAJANAND AGARWALversusSTATE OF ORISSA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 626Appeal(s) allowed

The father of a deceased woman (Gajanand Agarwal) appealed against the Orissa High Court’s grant of bail to two accused (Bimal Kumar Khetan and Sunil Kumar Khetan) in a dowry‑death case involving offences under Sections 498A, 304B, 302, 406 IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. Earlier …

RAM BADAN SHARMAversusSTATE OF BIHAR

2006 INSC 528Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the case of Ram Badan Sharma and his father-in‑law, who were accused of killing their daughter‑in‑law Sanju Kumari by poisoning her after persistent demands for a colour TV, a motorcycle and cash. The prosecution proved that the accused repeatedly demanded dowry, harassed …

BHUPINDER SINGH AND ORS.versusJARNAIL SINGH AND ANR.

2006 INSC 427Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants were arrested for a dowry death under Section 304B(8) of the IPC and applied for bail, contending that the police challan had not been filed within the statutory period. The trial magistrate rejected bail, holding that the challan was filed within 90 days, while the Sessions Judge …

PANAKANTI SAMPATH RAOversusSTATE OF A.P.

2006 INSC 346Dismissed

The appellant, a medical representative, was married to Panakanti Kavitha who was found dead in their rented house within three months of marriage. The prosecution alleged that the appellant had repeatedly harassed her for dowry, leading to her death by asphyxia due to throttling, and charged him …

HARJIT SINGHversusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2005 INSC 603Appeal(s) allowed

Harjit Singh was convicted by the trial court under Section 304‑B IPC for the alleged dowry death of his wife, Jasbir Kaur, and sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment. On appeal, the Supreme Court examined whether the prosecution had proved the essential ingredients of a dowry death – that …

IN RE: ENFORCEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT, 1961versus-

2005 INSC 243Case Allowed

The Supreme Court entertained a public interest writ petition under Article 32 seeking mandamus to compel the Union and State governments to enforce the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 more effectively. The petitioners alleged that despite the enactment of the Act and its amendments, the provisions and …

KAMESH PANJIYAR @ KAMLESH PANJIYARversusSTATE OF BIHAR

2005 INSC 57Dismissed

The appellant Kamesh Panjiyar was convicted under Section 304‑B IPC for the dowry death of his wife, Jaikali Devi, and sentenced to ten years' rigorous imprisonment, later reduced to seven years by the High Court. He appealed to the Supreme Court, contending that there was no live link between the …

MUTHU KUTTY AND ANR.versusSTATE BY INSPECTOR OF POLICE, TAMIL NADU

2004 INSC 662Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the appeal of the accused who were convicted for dowry death after the victim, Kodimalar, was set on fire by her in‑laws. The victim gave a dying declaration identifying the accused, which was recorded by a Judicial Magistrate in the presence of a doctor who certified her …

RANDHIR SINGH AND ANR.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB

2004 INSC 596Disposed off

Randhir Singh and another were convicted under Section 306 read with Section 34 of the IPC for abetting the suicide of their wife, who allegedly died by self‑immolation within seven years of marriage. The prosecution proved that the accused repeatedly demanded additional dowry, threatened a second …

ARUN GARGversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ANR.

2004 INSC 561Case Partly allowed

Arun Garg was convicted for the dowry death of his wife Seema, who died within three years of marriage after alleged repeated dowry demands and harassment, culminating in her poisoning with aluminium phosphide. The trial court sentenced him to ten years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2,000; …

NIRMAL JEET KAURversusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANR.

2004 INSC 490Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Nirmal Jeet Kaur, alleged dowry harassment and filed a criminal complaint against her husband (Respondent No.2) under Sections 498A, 506 IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act. Respondent No.2 sought anticipatory bail under Section 438 CrPC, which the High Court disposed of, directing him …

Y. ABRAHAM AJITH AND ORS.versusINSPECTOR OF POLICE, CHENNAI AND ANR.

2004 INSC 454Leave Granted & Allowed

The appellants challenged the jurisdiction of a Chennai Metropolitan Magistrate to try a complaint alleging offences under Sections 498A, 406 IPC and the Dowry Act, arguing that no part of the cause of action arose within the magistrate's local area. The High Court dismissed their Section 482 …

STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESHversusRAJ GOPAL ASAWA AND ANR.

2004 INSC 179Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined the suicide of a young woman within months of her marriage, for which her brother‑in‑law (A‑1) and mother‑in‑law (A‑2) were convicted under Sections 304‑B IPC and 498‑A IPC for demanding dowry. The State appealed the High Court’s acquittal of the accused, arguing that a …

KUNHIABDULLA AND ANR.versusSTATE OF KERALA

2004 INSC 146Disposed off

The deceased woman, Sherifa, married in 1989, allegedly faced mental and physical harassment from her husband for not receiving the full dowry of Rs.35,000. On 29 August 1991 she jumped into an uncovered well, resulting in her death, which the prosecution claimed was a suicide linked to dowry …

REEMA AGGARWALversusANUPAM AND ORS.

2004 INSC 25Appeal(s) allowed

Reema Aggarwal married Anupam while his first wife was alive and was subsequently harassed for dowry by Anupam, his parents and brother, who forced her to ingest poison. She reported the incident and the accused were charged under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 498A (dowry harassment). The …

KALIYAPERUMAL AND ANR.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

2003 INSC 428Case Partly allowed

The appellants, Kaliyaperumal and Muthulakshmi, were convicted under Sections 304B (dowry death) and 498A (cruelty) of the IPC for the suicide of their daughter‑in‑law, Devasena, after alleged dowry demands and harassment. The trial court and High Court upheld both convictions, though the High Court …

HIRA LAL AND ORS.versusSTATE (GOVT. OF NCT) DELHI.

2003 INSC 331Disposed off

The appellants, the husband and his parents, were convicted for the suicide of their wife, who allegedly suffered dowry‑related cruelty. The trial court sentenced them under Sections 304‑B (dowry death) and 498‑A (cruelty) of the IPC, and the High Court reduced the sentence but upheld the …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusM.V. MANJUNATHEGOWDA AND ANR.

2003 INSC 3Case Partly allowed

The State of Karnataka prosecuted M.V. Manjunathegowda (A‑1) and others for the murder of his wife Kamalamma, alleging that she was killed within seven years of marriage after the accused demanded a dowry of Rs 10,000 and three sovereigns of gold, of which only Rs 8,000 was paid. The trial court …

K. PREMA S. RAO AND ANR.versusYADLA SRINIVASA RAO AND ORS.

2002 INSC 443Disposed off

The husband forced his wife to relinquish land given as stridhana, concealed her family’s mail, and, together with his parents, drove her out of the matrimonial home, leading her to commit suicide. The trial court convicted the husband under Section 498A IPC for cruelty and acquitted all accused of …

VIKASversusSTA TE OF RAJAS THAN

2002 INSC 324Dismissed

The appellant Vikas, his parents and sisters were charged with dowry harassment, torture and murder of Vikas's wife Neeta. The prosecution alleged that Neeta was taken from a relative's house on a motorbike, later found dead in a river, and that ornaments worn by her were recovered from Vikas's …

SATVIR SINGH AND ORS.versusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ANR.

2001 INSC 464Disposed off

The case involved Tejinder Pal Kaur, who attempted suicide after alleged dowry‑related cruelty by her husband Satvir Singh and his parents. The trial court convicted the accused under Section 116 read with Sections 306 and 304B IPC and under Section 498A IPC. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that …

SHAMNSHAEB M. MULTTANIversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2001 INSC 43Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, his brother and father were tried for murder (IPC s.302) of the appellant's wife; the trial court acquitted them after witnesses turned hostile. The Karnataka High Court, however, convicted the appellant under IPC s.304B (dowry death) and s.498A without a specific charge for s.304B. …

ASOKANversusSTATE REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, MADRAS

2000 INSC 190Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined the murder of Porkodi, who was manually strangulated in her in-laws' house, and the related dowry death allegations. The trial court had acquitted Balasubramaniam (A-2) for lack of evidence of his participation, while convicting Rajammal (A-1) and Murugesan (A-3) for …

PAWAN KUMAR AND ORS.versusSTATE OF HARYANA

1998 INSC 76Case Partly allowed

Pawan Kumar (husband) and his parents-in‑law were convicted for the death of his wife, Urmil, who died from severe burns within seven years of marriage. The prosecution alleged that the husband and his relatives repeatedly demanded a scooter and refrigerator as dowry, subjected the wife to mental …

S. GOPAL REDDYversusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

1996 INSC 727Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, S. Gopal Reddy, was convicted under Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 for demanding dowry in connection with a proposed marriage. He appealed, arguing that a demand made during pre‑marriage negotiations does not fall within the statutory definition of "dowry" and that the …

STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESHversusNIKKU RAM AND ORS.

1995 INSC 519Case Partly allowed

The deceased Roshani was married in 1985 and, five to six months later, her husband, mother‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law allegedly demanded additional dowry items such as a television, fan and buffalo. The mother‑in‑law allegedly inflicted a wound with a sickle; the deceased later ingested naphthalene …

A. E. RANIversusV.S.R. SARMA AND ORS.

1994 INSC 611Appeal(s) allowed

A.E. Rani filed a complaint under IPC s.395 and the Dowry Act alleging that relatives forcibly took movable articles belonging to her and her deceased husband. The police report concluded no offence, prompting Rani to file a fresh complaint under s.173, s.156(3) and s.190 CrPC. The Metropolitan …

KUNDULA BALA SUBRAHMANYAM AND ANR.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

1993 INSC 119Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the murder trial of Kundula Bala Subrahmanyam, who died from extensive burns after allegedly being set alight by her husband and mother‑in‑law over a dowry‑related dispute. The prosecution relied on a chain of circumstantial evidence: a clear motive (dowry and land …

SONI DEVRAJBHAI BABUBHAIversusSTATE OF GUJARAT AND ORS.

1991 INSC 214Dismissed

The petitioner’s daughter died in August 1986 and the petitioner filed a criminal complaint under Section 498-A IPC. After the Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 1986 inserted Section 304‑B IPC (dowry death) with effect from 19 November 1986, the petitioner sought to have the case transferred to a …

SMT. SHANTI AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA

1990 INSC 349Disposed off

The deceased, Smt. Kailash, was married to Sat Pal and allegedly subjected to harassment by her mother‑in‑law (Smt. Shanti) and another relative for not providing a scooter and television as dowry. She was found dead under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage, and the accused were …

STREE ATYACHAR VIRODHI PARISHAD ETC. ETC.versusDILIP NATHUMAL CHORDIA & ANR.

1989 INSC 47Case Partly allowed

Chanda, a newly married woman, died from severe burns after a fire broke out in her in-laws' house; neighbours rescued her but she later succumbed to her injuries. Her parents alleged dowry harassment and filed a police report; the investigation led to a charge sheet under s.306 IPC read with s.34 …

SHOBHA RANIversusMADHUKAR REDDI

1987 INSC 329Appeal(s) allowed

Shobha Rani, a postgraduate, filed for divorce from her husband Madhukar Reddi on the ground of cruelty, alleging repeated dowry demands by the husband and his parents. The trial court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed her petition, holding that the demands did not amount to harassment and …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusNARSA REDDY

1987 INSC 211Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Karnataka charged Narsa Reddy and three others with murder and related offences. During the trial, two police officers were added as accused for disposing of the body, but they claimed that prosecution required prior sanction under Section 197 of the CrPC. The Sessions Judge rejected …

PRATIBHA RANIversusSURAJ KUMAR & ANR.

1985 INSC 50Appeal(s) allowed

Pratibha Rani, an estranged wife, filed a criminal complaint under s.406 IPC alleging that her husband Suraj Kumar, his father, brothers and brother‑in‑law had misappropriated her stridhan (dowry) worth Rs.60,000 that was entrusted to them at the time of marriage. The Punjab & Haryana High Court …

L. V. JADHAVversusSHANKARRAO ABASAHEB PAWAR & OTHERS

1983 INSC 108Appeal(s) allowed

L.V. Jadhav, the father of the bride, complained that during his daughter's marriage the groom's father and son demanded Rs. 50,000 as dowry, threatening to halt the ceremonies. The Judicial Magistrate issued summonses, but the Bombay High Court quashed the proceedings, holding that no offence under …

BHAGWANT SINGHversusCOMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELHI

1983 INSC 62Disposed off

Bhagwant Singh, a senior Indian Revenue Service officer, filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution alleging that his daughter Gurinder Kaur was murdered in a dowry‑related dispute and that the Delhi police investigation was irregular, delayed and failed to collect crucial evidence. …

FAZLUNBIversusK. KHADER V ALI AND ANR.

1980 INSC 112Appeal(s) allowed

Fazlunbi, a Muslim woman, was deserted by her husband K. Khader Vali who obtained a divorce and paid a meager mahar of Rs.500 and iddat maintenance of Rs.750, after which the magistrate cancelled the earlier maintenance order under Section 125 CrPC. The issue before the Supreme Court was whether …