Delhi HC: Dowry Deaths Not Just About Male Dominance, Women Also Contribute
The Delhi High Court has emphasized that dowry deaths are not solely a result of male dominance but also involve women reinforcing societal hostility against other women.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that dowry deaths continue to reflect the failure of society to move past the notion that women are a financial burden.
Women’s Role in Dowry-Related Abuse
The court pointed out that dowry-related violence is not just about gender-based oppression but also about women themselves participating in the mistreatment of other women.
- Women are often subjected to psychological and emotional trauma due to constant dowry demands.
- Many victims of dowry abuse are treated like slaves, deprived of basic rights such as communication with their parents or access to food and clothing.
- The practice reinforces the belief that a woman’s family must continuously provide money and gifts even after marriage.
Case Background
The court was reviewing an appeal by Satpal Singh, who challenged his conviction in the suicide case of his wife in May 2000.
- In April 2009, the trial court convicted Singh under Sections 498A (cruelty towards wife) and 304B (dowry death) of the IPC.
- He was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
- The court found that Singh’s wife was constantly harassed, denied food and clothing, and restricted from contacting her parents.
Final Verdict
The Delhi High Court upheld the conviction, ruling that the woman was subjected to severe mental and emotional abuse that led to her tragic death.
Since the convict had been out on bail since 2009, the court ordered him to surrender within 30 days to serve the remaining portion of his sentence.
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