Holding

When a woman dies within seven years of marriage from burns, and the husband or his relatives subjected her to cruelty or harassment in connection with a dowry demand, the death is deemed a dowry death under S.304‑B IPC, and the husband is liable for abetment of suicide under S.306 IPC.

Summary

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 cruelty and harassment, and that a quarrel the day before her death drove her to suicide. The Supreme Court examined the statutory ingredients of a dowry death under S.304‑B IPC, the meaning of "dowry" under the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the scope of cruelty under S.498‑A IPC, holding that demand for dowry need not be based on a formal agreement and that mental torture constitutes cruelty. It affirmed the conviction of the husband, finding sufficient circumstantial evidence of cruelty and abetment of suicide, but acquitted the father‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law for lack of evidence against them. The Court upheld the sentences for the husband and set aside those of the other appellants.

Issues considered

The statutory requirements for a dowry death under S.304‑B IPC and whether they were satisfied.
The interpretation of "dowry" and whether a demand for a scooter and refrigerator constitutes dowry without a formal agreement.
The meaning of "cruelty" and "wilful conduct" under S.498‑A IPC and whether mental harassment qualifies.
Whether the husband’s conduct amounted to abetment of suicide under S.306 IPC.
The allocation of the burden of proof and the applicability of the presumption under Explanation to S.304‑B and Section 113‑B of the Evidence Act.

Legislation cited

Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 1983
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961s. 2, s. 3, s. 4, s. 8-A
Indian Evidence Act, 1872s. 113-B
Indian Penal Code, 1860s. 107, s. 304-B, s. 306, s. 498-A

Subjects

dowry deathS.304-B IPCS.498-A IPCabetment of suicideS.306 IPCcrueltyharassmentbenefit of doubtpresumption of dowry deathcircumstantial evidence

Judgment

A PA WAN KUMAR AND ORS.
v.
STATE OF HARYANA

FEBRUARY 9, 1998

B [M.M PUNCHHI, CJ., AND A.P. MISRA, JJ.]

Criminal Law:

Penal Code, 1860
c Section 304-B-lngredients of-Dowry death-Presumption of-
' 'Demanli of dowry' '-Proof of-Burden-Cruelty or harassment of wife-Jn
connection with demand of dowry by husband soon before the death of his
wife by suicide-Husband and his relatives demanded scooter and refrigerator
soon after marriage-Deceased·(wife) failed to meet the demand which led
D to repeated taunts and maltreatment-Quarrel took place between husband
and deceased at her sister's house one day before death-While going with
her husband deceased told her sister that it would be difficult to see her face
in the future-Held: Demand of dowry is punishable if ingredients of S.304-
B are satisfied-Burden on accused to prove otherwise-Jn the circumstances
E of the case, cruelty and harassment in connection with demand of dowry
proved-Conviction and sentence under S.304-B upheld-Evidence Act, 1872,
S.113-B-Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Ss. 2,3 and 4-lnterpretation of
·Statutes-Mischief rule.

Section 498-A Exp/n. (a)- "Cruelty "-Jni:ludes mental and physical
F cruelty- "wilful conduct '-Can be inferred by direct or indirect evidence.

Sections 306 and 107-First-Suicide-Abetment to commit-
"Jnstigates any person to do that thing"-Deceased (wife) failed to meet
demand of dowfy-Husband treated deceased with cruelty and harassment-
One day before. commission of suicide quarrel took place between husband
G and deceased at her sister's house resulting in saturated mental agony-Her
mental state was further clear when the deceased told her sister that it would
be difficult to see her face in future-Held: All this would·constitute an act
which would be an abetment for the commission of suicide by the deceased-
Hence, sentence of 4 years' rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs. 200, in
H default of payment of fine further rigorous imprisonment of 3 months under
746
PAWANKUMARv. STATEOFHARYANA 747
''
S. 306 upheld. A
- •·;( -
Criminal Trial :

Benefit of douht-·Can be extended to the accused but within the
~ confines of the stringency of law.
B
_ _..,. Benefit ofdoubt-Is available if there is supportive evidence on record-
Hence, for creating doubt or granting benefit of doubt, the evidence has to
be such which may lead to such doubt.

Words and Phrases :

"Cruelty" and "wilful conduct"-Meaning of-In the context of S.498-
c
A Expln. (a) of the Penal Code, 1860.

The appellants were _convicted for offences under Section 306, 498-A
and 304-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The High Court maintained the
convictions. Hence this appeal. D
According to the prosecution, the deceased and appellant no. 1 were
married in 1985. Within a few days of the marriage there was a demand for
a refrigerator and scooter. On account of non-fulfilment of these demands,
the deceased was repeatedly taunted, maltreated and mentally tortured by
being cal,led ugly. When the maternal uncle of the deceased died, the deceased E
along with her husband visited his place to offer condrllences. From there,
the deceased, instead of returning to her husband's place, came to her
sister's house and remained there for a few days. Both her sister and
brother-in-law deposed that the deceased told them that husband was mal-
teating her in view of dowry demand, and that not being satisfied, was F
harassing her. When the husband of the deceased came to take her back, she
was reluctant but her sister brought her down and sent her with husband.
The deceased went with her husband but with the last painful words that it
would be difficult now to see her face in the future. On the very next day,
the deceased committed suicide.
G
Allowing the appeal, this Court

HELD : 1.1. The ingredients necessary for the application of Section
304-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 are :- (753-F]

(a) When the death of a woman is caused by any bums or bodily injury, H
748 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1998] l S.C.R.

A or (753-F)
(b) Occurs othenvise then under normal circumstances. (753-F-G)

(c) And the aforesaid two facts spring within 7 years of the girl's
marriage. [753-F-G)
B (II) And soon before her death, her husband or his relative subjected
her to cruelty or harassment. (753-F-G)

(e) This is in connection with the demand of dowry. [753-F-G)

1.2. ff these condition exist, it would constitute a dowry death; and the
C husband and/or his relatives shall be deemed to have caused her death. In
the present case, it is an indisputable fact that the deceased died of burn
injuries, that she died otherwise than under normal circumstances, and that
the death was within a period of 7 years of marriage. The only consideration
has to be: whether she was subjected to any cruelty or harassment by the
D appellants soon before her death and whether the same was for or in connection
with any demand of dowry. (753-H; 754-A) ~

2. It is true that in criminal jurisprudence benefit of doubt is extendable
to the accused. But that benefit of doubt would arise in the context of the
application of penal law and in the facts and circumstances of a case. The
concept of benefit of doubt has an important role to play but within the
E confines of the stringency of laws. Since the cause of death to a married
woman was to occur not in normal circumstances but as a 'dowry death' for
which the evidence was not so easily available, as it is mostly confined to
within four walls of a house, namely husband's house, where all likely
accused reside. Hence, the amendments introduced by Criminal Law (Second
F Amendment) Act, 1983 brought in the concept of deemed 'dowry death' by
the husband or the relatives, as the case may be. This deeming clause has
a role to play and cannot be taken lightly and ignored to shield an accused;
otherwise the very purpose of the amendment will be lost. Of course, the
prosecution has to prove the ultimate essential ingredients beyond all
reasonable doubt after raising the initial presumption of 'deemed dowry
G death'. In cases of dowry deaths and suicides, circumstantial evidence plays
an important role and inferences can be drawn on the basis of such evidence.
(756-D-F)

3. Demand for dowry neither conceives nor would conceive of any
H agreement. The word 'agreement' refened to in Section 2 of the Dowry
I

tr
• PAW AN KUMAR v. STATE OFHARYANA 749
Prohibition Act, 1961 has to be inferred on the facts and circumstances of A
-i each case. The interpretation that conviction can only be if there is agreement
--i:
::::::r.. for dowry, is misconceived. This would be contrary to the mandate and object
of the Act. "Dowry" definition is to be interJlreted with the other Jlrovisions
of the Act including Section 3, which refers to giving or taking dowry and
~ection 4 which deals with 11enalty for demanding dowry, under the 1961 Act
and the Indian Penal Code, 1860. This makes it clear that even demand of B
-i
dowry on other ingredients being satisfied is Jlunishable. This leads to the
inference, when Jlersistent demands for TV and scooter are made from the
l11ide after marriage or from her Jlarents, it would constitute to be in connection
with the marriage and it would be a case of demand of dowry wit~in the
c
~

meaning of Section 304-B IPC. It is not always necessary that there be any
"
agreement for dowry. (757-F-H; 758-A-D]

4. In the Jlresent case, after a few days of marriage, there was demand
---< of scooter and fridge, which when not being met led to re)letitive taunts and
maltreatment. Such demands cannot be said to be not in connection with the
marriage. Hence the evidence qualifies to be demand for dowry in connection D
~
with the marriage and in the circumstances of the case constitutes to be a
case falling within the definition of 'dowry' under Section 2 of 1961 Act and
Section 304-B IPC. [758~EJ

5. Cruelty or harassment need not be )lhysical. Even mental torture in
a given case would be a case of cruelty and harassment within the meaning E
of Section 304-B and 498-A IPC. Ex)llanation (a) to Section 498-A itself
refers to both mental and )lhysical cruelty. Again wilful conduct me;ins,
conduct wilfully done; this may be inferred by direct or indirect evidence,
. which could be construed to he such. A girl dreams of great days ahead with
ho)le and aspiration when entering into a marriage and iffrom the very next
F -·
-1 day the husband starts taunting her for not b1inging dowry and calling her
ugly, there cannot be greater mental torture, harassment or cruelty for any
bride. There was a quarrel a day before her death. This by itself would
constitute to be a wilful act to be a cruelty both within the meaning of
sections 498-A and 304-B IPC. (758-G-H; 759-A-B]
6. The Court must ado)lt that construction which, "SUJlJlresses the G
mischief and advances the remedy." The earlier law was not sufficient to
-v ,;
check dowry deaths. Hence stringent Jlrovisions were brought in, so that
-. Jlersons committing such inhuman crimes on married women should not
escape, as evidence of a direct nature is not readily available except of the
circumstantial kind. It is that interpretation, which SUJlJlresses the mischief, H
1.
750 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1998] 1 S.C.R.

A subserves the ob.iectin and advances the remedy, which would be acceptable.
Ob.iective is that men committing such crimes should not escape punishment
Hence ~1iingent provisions were brought in by shifting the burden onto the
accused by bringing in the deemed clause. According to Secticn 8-A of the
1961 Act for taking or abetting any dowry, the burden to explain is 11Iaced
on such person against whom the allegation of committing an offence is
B made. Similarly, under Explanation to Section 113-B of the Evidence Act,
1872 there is a presumption that such death is on account of dowry death.
Thus the burden, if at all, was on the accused to prove otherwise.
[757-C-E; 759-F-G]
Bengal Immunity Co. Ltd. v. State of Bihar, AIR (1955) SC 661, relied
C on. Heydon's case, [1584] 76 ER 639, referred to.
7. The evidence would, on the facts and circumstances of the case,
bring to an inescapable conclusion that the quarrel a day before actual death
of the deceased, cumulatively with other evidence con~1itute ot be cruelty and
harassment in connection with marriage and that too at her own sister's
D place which has direct co-relation with the preceding evidence of repeated
demand of dowry, to be a case covered both under Section 304-B and 498-
A IPC. However, it was open to the accused to prove othenvise or dispel by
means of evidence to destroy that deeming clause. But he has not been able
to do so. Such burden is placed on the accused with a purpose. Evidence also
E concludes harassment to the deceased with in the meaning of Section 498-
A Explanation (b), as she was repeatedly coerced for not meeting the demands
leading to her mental torture and agony which ultimately led her to commit
suicide. (759-H; 760-A-C]

8. Section 107 IPC first provides "instigates any person to do that
F thing". There is no doubt in the present case that there was repeated demand
from the husband's side from the girl and her parents for the various (-
articles as aforesaid and on failure, the girl was tortured, harassed by words ·
and deals, amounting to cruelty. One day before the fateful day, the husband
saturated the mental agony and cruelty by quarrelling with the \life (deceased)
even at her sister's place, leaving no option which led the deceased to commit
G suicide. This mental state is further clear by the following words, which she
spoke to her sister that it would be difficult now to see her face in the future.
All this would constitute to be an act, which would be an abetment for the '\
commission of the suicide by the girl. (760-E-G]

9. The husband, in the present case, has not led any cogent evidence
H or brought any circumstance to dislodge the aforesaid inference. Of course
PAWANKUMARv.STATEOFHARYANA [A.P.MISRA,J.] 751

benefit of doubt to the actused would be available provided there is supportive A
.; evidence on the record. Hence, for creating doubt or granting benefit of
doubt, the evidence has to be such which may lead to such doubt. [760-H)

10. Appellant no. 1 is sentenced to 7 years' rigorous imprisonment
with a fine of Rs. 500, in default of payment of fine. for further rigorous
im11risonment for 6 months under Section '304-B IPC, 4 years' rigorous B
-;' imprisonment and to 11ay a fine of Rs. 200, in default of payment of fine,
further rigorous imprisonment for 3 months, under Section 306 IPC, and
sentence for 2 years' rigorous imprisonment and to pay fine of Rs. 200 and
in default of payment of fine further rigorous imprisonment for three months,
under Section 498A IPC. [761-D-E) C

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Criminal Appeal No. 604 of
1991.

From the Judgment and Order dated 7.6.91 of the Punjab & Haryana
High Court in Cr!. A.No. 463-SB of 1988. D
U.R. Lalit, Manoj Swarup and Sudhir Walia, for t11e Appellants.

Prem Mall1otra and Altaf Hussain, for the Respondent.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
E
A.P. MISRA, J. For more than a century, inspite of tall words of respect
for women, there has been an onslaught on t11eir liberties through 'bride
burning' and 'dowry deaths'. This has caused anxiety to t11e legislators,
judiciary and law enforcing agencies, who have attempted to resurrect them
from this social choke. There have been,series of legislations in this regard, F
-r without much effect. l11is led to t11e passing of Dowry Prohibition Act in 1961.
Inspite of this, large number of 'brides burning' and dowry deaths continued.
To meet this, stringent measures were brought in the Indian Penal Code and
the Evidence Act through amendments. It seems, sections of society are still
boldly pursuing this chronic action to fulfil their greedy desires. Inspite of
stringent legislations, such persons are still indulging in these unlawful G
activities, not because of any shortcomings in law but under the protective
principle of criminal jurisprudence of benefit of doubt. Often, innocent persons
aie also trapped or brought in with ulterior motives. This places an arduous
duty on the Court to separate such individuals from the offenders. Hence the
Courts have to deal such cases with circumvention, sift through the evidence H
'--
752 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1998) l S.C.R.

A with caution, scrutinise the circumstances with utmost care. The present
matter is one such where similar questions have been raised, including
questions of interpretation of the stringent Jaw.

The three appellants were convicted for offence under Sections 306,
498-A and 304-B IPC. Appellant No. 1 is the deceased's husband, No. 2 the
B father-in-Jaw and No, 3 the mother-in-law respectively. The trial court convicted
and sentenced appellant No. I for offence under section 304-B for 10 years 't·
and a fine of Rs. 500, under section 306 for 7 years and a fine of Rs. 200 and
under section 498-A for 2 years and a fne of Rs. 200. Appellant Nos. 2 and
3 were convicted and sentenced under section 304-B for 7 years with a fine
C of Rs. 500/-, under section 306 for 7 years with a fine of Rs. 200 and under
section 498-A IPC for 2 years with a fine of Rs. 200/-. The sentences were
ordered to run concurrently. The High Court maintained the convictions but
reduced the sentence from 10 years to 7 years so far appellant No. I is
concerned.

D The brief facts of the case are : ......
Urmil (deceased) and appellant No. I were married on 29tl1 May, 1985.
Appellant No. I was working at Lucknow and had later shifted to Sonepat
(Haryana). According to the prosecution case, within a few days of the
marriage Urmil returned home and complained regarding demands of dowry
E for a refrigerator, scooter etc. by appellants. These demands were reiterated
on subsequent visits. On account of non-fulfilment of these demands, the
deceased was allegedly tortured and harassed. These alleged actions ultimately
contributed towards a suicidal death. It is not in dispute that she died of bum
injuries on 18th May, 1987.

F In April 1987, Tara Chand, maternal uncle of the deceased died. Unnil
(deceased) and Appellant No. I went to Shalldara (Delhi) to offer condolences.
From there, Appellant No.I returned and Urmil went to her sister's place in
Delhi. On 17th May, 1987, when Appellant No. I went to the deceased's
sister's place to bring Urmil (the deceased) back to Sonepat, some quarrel
G took place between them. Regardless, Appellant No. I brought back the
deceased to Sonepat. The very next day i.e. on the 18th May, 1987, according
to the appellants, at 9.30 a.m. Joginder Pal, (neighbour of the appellant) came
to appellant No.2 and informed him that smoke was coming out from the room
on the first floor of the house. When they reached there, they found Urmil
lying dead on the floor with bum injuries. The room was full of smoke. Later,
H the parents of the deceased arrived and a post mortem examination was
PAWANKUMARv.STATEOFHARYANA (A.P.MISRA,J.) 753

conducted on the body of the deceased. The doctor found that the cause of A
death was shock and asphyxia as a result of servere burns which were ante-
:=>"· mortem and were sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of life.

Learned counsel for the appellants vehemently argued with vehemence
that even if all the evidence on record was taken into consideration, no
offence could be made out. No clear finding of suicide had been recorded and B
-i in any case essential ingredients of Section 304-B of IPC were lacking. The
evidence against appellants No.2&3 was flimsy and in any case their conviction
could not be sustained. Further, there was no evidence that soon before her
death, the deceased was subjected to cruelty or ha~assment for or in connection
--f with any demand of dowry. There was neither any demand of dowry nor was C
_there any agreement at the time of marriage, which is an essential ingredient
to constitute an offence under dowry death in terms of definition of 'dowry'
as given under Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (hereinafter
referred to as 'the 1961 Act'). Unless there is an agreement for dowry, at the
time of marriage or in connection with marriage, it would not qualify to be a
dowry within such definition, hence no offence under Section 304-B J.P.C. D
Merely expressing the grouse of asking for fridge or TV would not by itself
constitute to be a dowry within the said definition in the absence of any
agreement. Further, before applying the demand clause under Section 304-B
the evidence has to be within the scope of criminal jurisprudence, i.e. to prove
guilt beyond all reasonable doubt. It cannot be based merely on suspicion, E
conjectures and surmises._

Let us see Section 304-B l.P.C. The ingredients necessary for the
application of Section 304-B are :-

(a) When the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily F
injury, or

(b) ·occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances.

(c) and the aforesaid two facts spring within 7 years of girl's marriage.
(d) and soon before her death, she was subjected to cruelty or
harassment by her husband or his relative. G
(e) this is in connection with the demand of dowry.

If these conditions exist, it would constitute a dowry death; and the
husband and/or his relatives shall be .deemed to have caused her death. In
the present case, it is not in dispute that the deceased Urmil died of burn H
754 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [ 1998] l S.C.R.

A injuries, that she died otherwise than under normal circumstances and that the
death was within a period of 7 years of marriage. The only consideration has
to be : whether she was subjected to any cruelty or harassment by the
appellants soon before her death and whether the same was for or in connection
with any demand of dowry. In support of prosecution case, Smt. Misro Devi,
mother of the deceased, PW-4 Trishala Devi, sister of the deceased, PW-5
B Prem Chand Jain, father of the deceased, PW-6 Ram Gopal, brother-in-law of 't.-
the deceased, husband of PW-5,PW-7 were examined. On perusal of the
evidence of PW-4 we find that the mother of the deceased deposed that
within four days following the marriage, her daughter deceased Urmil came
back to her and told her that her parents-in-law and husband were subjecting
C her to taunts for not bringing a scooter and refrigerator as dowry at the time
of marriage. She somehow pacified her daughter to return. Unnil c.ame back
after two months and again told her mother that her husband and in-laws were
continuously taunting her daily, maltreating her and calling her ugly for not
bringing the aforesaid goods as dowry. Admittedly, these taunts were uttered
in view of the lesser dowry brought by her. Even after giving birth to a son,
D when she came back she again narrated the continued maltreatment poured
on her by the accused. She also deposed that Unnil wrote some letters from
Sonepat to her at Calcutta and Hansi, but after going through them she tore
them up. Her letters also referred to the same maltreatment and torture.
Similarly, I'W-6, the father of the deceased also referred to the similar complaints
E made to hi;JJ by Unnil. He also deposed that she used to tell him that her
husband and in-laws were maltreating and harassing her on account of not
meeting the demand of a scooter and a fridge. The father again expressed his
inability to nieet this demand. Hence her father sent her back after pacifying
her. Similar is the deposition of PW-5, the sister of the deceased and PW-7,
the brother-in-law of the deceased. ·
F
The afore referred to evidence, according to the learned counsel for the
appellant, may merely be an expression of the desire to acquire a fridge,
scooter etc. and that by itself cannot be construed as an offence as this
would not come within the definition of 'dowry' under Section 2 of the Dowry
G Prohibition Act, 1961 read with Section 304-B and 498 I.P.C. It is necessary
to refer the afore referred provisions.

Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 defines 'dowry' as under:-,.,

"Definition of 'dowry'- In this Act, 'dowry' means any property or
H valuable security given or· agreed to be given either directly or
PAWANKUMARv. STATEOFHARYANA [A.P. MISRA,J.] 755
indirectly. A
~
(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage;
or

(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other
person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person,
at or before or any time after the marriage in connection with the
B
marriage of the said parties, but does not include dowry or mehr
in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat)
applies.

Section 304-B(l) with Explanation of IPC is as also quoted.
/
c
"304-B Dowry death - (i) where the death of a woman is caused by
any bums or bodily injury or occurs otherwise than under normal
circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that
soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by
her husband or any relative or her husband for, or in connection with,
D
any demand for dowry, such death shall be called "dowry death" and
such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death.

Explanation - For the purposes of this sub-section, "dowry" shall
have the same meaning as in Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act,
1961 (28of1961). E
Section 498-A is also quoted hereunder :

"498-A Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her
to cruelty - whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband
of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with
-\, imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall
F
also be liable to fine.

Explanation - For the purposes of this section, "cruelty" means-

(a) any wilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive
the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger G
to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman;
,..~-)- or
(b) harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view
to coercing here or any person related to her to meet any
unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on H
756 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1998) 1 S.C.R.

A account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet
such demand.

The aforesaid 1961 Act was enacted to provide an effective check to 1
dowry deaths which were continuing despite the then prevailing laws. The
object of the Bill was to prohibit the evil practice of giving and taking of
B dowry. This objective was not achieved hence drastic amendments were
brought in by amending various provisions of the said Act and the related
provisions under the Indian Penal Code and the Evidence Act. Earlier, the
definition of 'dowry' which was limited to the time at or before the marriage
was extended to the period even after the marriage by means of Act 43 of 1986
C w.e.f. November 19,1986. Similarly, Section 304-B was introduced by means of
the same anlending Act and Section 498-A was introduced by Criminal Law
(Second Amendment) Act, 1983 (Act 46of1983). Various other anlendments
were brought in bringing more stringent provisions in the aforesaid 1961 Act
in order to stem the onslaught on the life of a married woman.

D It is true, as argued by learned counsel for the appellants, that in
criminal jurisprudence benefit of doubt is extendable to the accused. But that
benefit of doubt would arise in the contei.1 of the application of penal law and
in the facts and circumstances of a case. The concept of benefit of doubt has
an important role to play but within the confines of the stringency of laws.
Since the cause of death to a married woman was to occur not in normal
E circumstances but as a 'dowry death' for which the evidence was not so
easily available, as it is mostly confined to within four walls of a house,
namely husband's house, where all likely ~ccused reside. Hence the aforesaid
amendments brought in the concept of deemed 'dowry de;;tth' by the husband
or the relatives, as the case may be. This deeming clause has a role to play
and cannot be taken lightly and ignored to shield an accused, otherwise the
F very purpose of tl1e amendment will be lost. Of course, the prosecution has 1'-
to prove the ultimate essential ingredients beyond all reasonable doubt after
raising the initial presumption of 'deemed dowry death'.

Explanation to section 304-B refers to dowry "as having the same
G meaning as in Section 2 of the 1961 Act", tl1e question is - what is tl1e
periphery of the dowry as defined therein? The argument is, there has to be
an agreement at the time of the marriage in view of the words 'agreed to be
given' occurring tl1erein and in tl1e absence of any such evidence it would
not constitute to be a dowry. It is noticeable, as this definition by amendment
includes not only the period before and at the marriage but also a period
H subsequent to the marriage.
PAWANKUMARv. STATEOFHARYANA [A.P.MISRA, J.] 757

When words in statute are referable to more than one meaning, the A
-( established rule of construction is found in Heydon's case (1584) 76 E.R.
639 also approved by this Court in Bengal Immunity Co. Ltd. v. State of
Bihar & Ors., AIR (1955) SC 661 (674). The rule is to consider four aspects
while construing an Act :
•
(a) what was the Jaw prior to the law which is sought to be B
interpreted;

(b) what was the mischief or defect for which new law is made;
(c) what is the remedy the Jaw now provides; and

(d) what is the reason of the remedy. c
The Court must adopt that construction which, "suppresses the mischief
and advances the remedy."

Applying this principle, it is clear that the earlier law was not sufficient
to check dowry deaths hence aforesaid stringent provisions were brought in, D
so that persons committing such inhuman crimes on married women should
not escape, as evidence of a direct nature is not readily available except of
the circumstantial kind. Hence it is that interpretation which suppresses the
mischief, subserves the objective and advances the remedy, which would be
acceptable. Objective is that men committing such crimes should not escape
punishment. Hence stringent provisions were brought in by shifting the E
burden onto the accused by bringing in the deemed clause. As aforesaid, the
definition of 'dowry' was amended with effect from 19th Nove"1J.ber, 1986, to
include a period eve;i after the marriage.

Tl1e offence alleged against appellants is under Section 304-8 IPC
which makes 'demand of dowry' itself punishable. Demand neither conceives F
nor would conceive of any agreement. If for convicting any offender, agreement
for dowry is to be proved, hardly any offenders would come under the
clutches of law. When Section 304-8 refers to 'Demand of dowry', it refers
to the demand of property or valuable security as referred to in the definition
of 'dowry' under 1961 Act. It was argued on behalf of the appellants that mere G
demand of scooter or fridge would not be a demand for dowry. We find from
)- the evidence on record that within a few days after the marriage, the deceased
was tortured, maltreated and harassed for not bringing the aforesaid articles
in marriage. Hence the demand is in connection with marriage. The argument
that there is no demand of dowry, in the present case, has no force. In cases
of dowry deaths and suicides, circumstantial evidence plays an important role H
758 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1998] l S.C.R.

A and inferences can be drawn on the basis of such evidence. That could be
either direct of indirect. It is significant that Section 4 of the 1961 Act, was
also amended by means of Act 63 of 1984, under which it is an offence to
demand dowry directly or indirectly from the parents or other relatives or
guardian of a bride. The word 'agreement' referred to in Section 2 has to be
B inferred on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Interpretation that
the appellant seeks, that conviction can only be if there is agreement for
dowry, is misconceived. This would be contrary to the mandate and object
of the Act. "Dowry" definition is to be interpreted with the other provisions
of the Act including Section 3, which refers to giving or taking dowry and
Section 4 which deals with-penalty for demanding dowry, under the 1961 Act
C and tl1e Indian Penal Code. This makes it clear that even demand of dowry
on other ingredients being satisfied is punishable. This leads to the inference,
when persistent demands for TV and scooter are made from the bride after
marriage or from her parents, it would constitute to be in connection with t11e
marriage and it would be a case of demand of dowry within the meaning of
Section 304-B IPC. It is not always necessary that there be any agreement for
D dowry.

Reverting to the present case, the evidences of the aforesaid PW s are
very clear. After few days of the marriage, there was demand of scooter and
fridge, which when not being met lead to repetitive taunts and maltreatment.
E Such demands cannot be said to be not in connection with the marriage.
Hence the evidence qualifies to be demand for dowry in connection witl1 the
marriage and in the circumstances of the case constitutes to be a case falling
within the definition cif 'dowry' under Section 2of1961 Act and Section 304-
B IPC.

F The next question is, whetl1er there was any cruelty or harassment by
the deceased' s husband or any relative and that too was it soon before her
death. The argument put in is that neither there is any physical injury nor any
evidence of cruelty from any neighbours or other independent persons;
hence there is no cruelty or harassment. In our considered opinion, cruelty
G or harassment need not be physical. Even mental torture in a given case
would be a case of cruelty and harassment witlrin the meaning of Section 304-
B and 498-A IPC. faplanation (a) to Section 498-A itself refers to botl1 mental
and physical cruelty. In view of Explanation (a) the argument is, before it
constitutes to be a cruelty tl1ere has to be wilful conduct. Again wilful
conduct means, conduct wilfully done; this may be inferred by direct or
H indirect evidence which could be construed to be such. We find, in the
PAWANKUMARv. STATEOFHARYANA [A.P.MISRA,J.] 759
present case, on account of not satisfying the demand of the aforesaid goods, A
right from the next day, she was repeatedly taunted, maltreated and mentally
""
tortured by being called ugly etc. A girl dreams of great days ahead with hope
and aspiration when entering into a marriage and if from the very next day
the husband starts taunting for not bringing dowry and calling her ugly, there
cannot be greater mental torture, harassment or cruelty for any bride. There
was a quarrel a day before her death. This by itself, in our considered opinion,
B
would constitute to be a wilful act to be a cruelty both within the meaning
of Section 498-A and Section 304-B IPC.

The argument, that there is no evidence of any cruelty or harassment
soon before her death, is also not correct. We find both from .the evidence
of her sister, Trachala Devi PW-5 and her brother-in-law, Ram Gopal PW-7,
c
that the deceased on 14th May, 1987 came to Shahdara (Delhi) to mourn the
death of her maternal uncle and by evening on the same day instead of
returning to her husband's place came to her sister's house. She remained
there for few days. Both deposed that she told them that her husband was
maltreating her in view of dowiy demand and that not being satisfied was D
harassing her. When on 17th May, 1987 the husband came to take her back,
she was reluctant but Trishala Devi brought her down and sent her with her
husband. She went with the husband but with t11e last painful words that "it
would be difficult now to see her face in the future". On the very next day,
on 18th May, one day after she arrived at her husband's place, the unfortunate
E
death of Urmil took place. She died admittedly on account of total bum of
her body. Admittedly the incident of quarrel as deposed was only a day
before her death. There is direct evidence that on 17th May itself, there was
quarrel at the house of her sister with the deceased and her husband. The
.•
quarrel between the deceased and her husband was tried to be explained as
some other quarrel which should not constitute to be a quarrel in connection F
'f
with the dowry or demand of dowry in connection with the marriage. We find
that Section 8-A of the aforesaid 1961 Act which came into force w.e.f. 2nd
October, 1985 for taking or abetting any dowry, the burden to elq>lain is placed
on such person against whom the allegation of committing an offence is
made. Similarly, underExplanati?n to Section 113-B of the Indian Evidence
Act, which was also brought in tiy the aforesaid Act No. 43 of 1986, there
G
J is presumption that such death is on account of dowry death. Thus the
burden, if at all, was on the accused to prove otherwise.

The aforesaid evidence would, on the facts and circumstances of the
case, bring to an inescapable conclusion that the aforesaid quarrel referred H
760 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1998] l S.C.R

A to by PW s 5 & 7 a day before actual death of the deceased, cumulatively with
other evidence constitute to be cruelty and harassment in connection with
marriage and tha~ too at her own sister's place which has direct co-relation
with the preceding evidence of repeated demand of dowry, to be a case
~

-
covered both under Section 304-B and 498-A lPC. However, it was open to
the accused to prove otherwise or dispel by means of evidence to destroy
B that deeming clause. But we find he has not been able to do so. Such burden
is placed on the accused with a pmpose. Evidence also concludes harassment
to the deceased within the meaning of Section 498-A Explanation (b ), as she
was repeatedly coerced for not meeting the demands leading to her mental
torture and agony which ultimately led her to commit suicide.
c In the present case, we find that both the courts below found that
inspite of thorough cross-examination, there is no deviation on this issue. In
fact, it has been pointed out by the learned counsel for the respondent that
on the question of cruelty and torture, there is no cross-examination though
there is some on other points. The courts below have rightly believed the
D testimonies of the PWs and we do not find that there is anything for us to
deviate from the same. On the other hand, the evidence of the defence is of
perfunctory nature, not enough to dispel the burden cast.

A faint submission was also made that it would not be a case of
abetment of suicide under Section 306 IPC. Reference to Section 107 IPC was
E also made where abetment should fall under any of the three heads. Reliance
is placed on the first head. We find that the first head provides "instigates
any person to do that thing". There is no doubt in the present case there is
repeated demand from the husband's side from the girl and her parents for
the various articles as aforesaid and on failure, the girl was tortured, harassed
F by words and deeds, amounting to cruelty. As we have held above and one
day before the fateful day, the husband saturated the mental agony and
cruelty by quarrelling with the wife (deceased) even at her sister's place,
leaving no option which led the deceased to commit suicide. This mental state
is further clear by the following words which she spoke to her sister, "it would
be difficult now to see her face in the future". In our opinion all this would
G constitute to be an act which would be an abetment for the commission of
the suicide by the girl. The husband, in the present case, has not led any
~
cogent evidence or brought any. circumstance to dislodge the aforesaid
inference. Of course benefit of doubt to the accused would be available
provided there is supportive evidence on the record. Hence for creating doubt
H or granting benefit of doubt, the evidence has to be such which may lead to
PAWANKUMARv.STATEOFHARYANA [A.P.MISRA,J.] 761

such doubt. We do not find that present is a case where any benefit of doubt A
results at least against the husband. There is direct evidence, as stated by
the aforesaid witnesses PWs 5 & 7 that soon before her death she was
subjected to cruelty by the husband. However, we find in so far appellant
Nos. 2 & 3, father-in-law and the mother-in-law, are concerned, the evidence
is of a general nature. No convincing evidence has b.een led that the deceased B
was subjected to cruelty by appellant Nos.2 & 3. Before holding that appellant
Nos. 2 & 3 had committed the offence, it had to be found that they are
responsible for subjecting her to cruelty or harassment, soon before her
death. We find in this case evidence is only confined to the husband and not
against appellant Nos. 2 & 3. Hence on the' evidence on record, so far as
appellant Nos. 2 & 3 are concerned, we extend to them the benefit of doubt C
and acquit them.

Hence for the aforesaid reasons, we partly allow the appeal. Convictions
and sentences of appellant No. I are maintained but the convictions and
sentences of the appellant Nos. 2 & 3 are set aside. Accordingly, appellant
No.I, namely Pawan Kumar is sentenced to 7 years' rigorous imprisonment D
with a fine of Rs. 500, in default of payment of fine for further rigorous
imprisonment for 6 months under Section 304-B !PC, 4 years' rigorous
imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs 200, in default of payment of fine further
rigorous imprisonment for 3 months, under Section 306 !PC and sentence for
2 years' rigorous imprisonment and to pay fine for Rs. 200, and in default of E
payment of fine further rigorous imprisonment for three months, under Section
498-A !PC. All the sentences would run concurrently. The other appellants,
namely appellants Nos. 2 & 3 are hereby acquitted. They are on bail. They
need not surrender to their bail bonds. Their bail bonds are hereby discharged.

The appeal is allowed in part. F
,r V.S.S. Appeal partly allowed.
......·'