The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently overturned the dowry death conviction of a mother and her son. Justice Dr. VRK Krupa Sagar heard the appeal, which challenged their ten-year imprisonment under Section 304B IPC (Dowry Death).
The complainants claimed that their daughter faced cruelty within eight months of marriage. They argued that the husband and his mother often criticized her household work, comparing her wedding arrangements unfavorably with her sister’s.
The bench observed, “Comments or praises about household work are common in any home. There was no evidence that she was abused or beaten for imperfections in her tasks.”
The court noted that the evidence did not support a dowry death conviction. “If she faced real trouble, she would have confided in someone nearby,” the judge stated.
Furthermore, the bench pointed out that there was no indication of the accused driving the woman out of the house or her seeking refuge with her family to complain about the treatment.
“This indicates she was leading a typical family life, which includes both joys and challenges. Her parents’ testimony showed no concern or suspicion warranting further inquiry into her well-being,” the bench added.
The court concluded, “Comparing marriage celebrations or advising a newly married woman to be more efficient in household tasks is not related to dowry or cruelty under Section 304B IPC.”
Based on the evidence, the bench allowed the appeal, overturning the conviction of the mother and son.
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