The Karnataka High Court recently ruled that a husband asking his wife to pursue higher education or find a job cannot be considered as cruelty under the law.
A single-judge bench led by Justice Dr. H.B. Prabhakara Sastry overturned a trial court’s conviction of Dr. Shashidhar Subbanna and his mother under Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code and the Dowry Prohibition Act.
The complainant, who lived with her husband in the United States, alleged that her husband encouraged her to further her education and secure a job to help with family expenses. The court found this allegation to be baseless, stating, “A husband suggesting his wife acquire more knowledge and pursue higher studies cannot amount to cruelty.”
Discussions Before Marriage
The court noted that the couple had discussed their future plans, including the wife’s further education and potential employment, even before their marriage. It was not a sudden or coercive demand.
The complainant also claimed that her husband expressed a desire to delay having children until completing his degree. The court observed, “Conversations between spouses about family planning are normal and cannot be construed as harassment or cruelty.”
Allegations of Dowry
The complainant accused the husband and his family of accepting ₹50,000 in cash, a golden ring, and a Sherwani during the marriage. However, the court noted that such exchanges were customary in their families. Additionally, no evidence was presented to prove demands for additional dowry.
The court highlighted that the husband, earning over ₹10 lakh annually in the U.S., had no financial need for dowry. The lack of corroborative evidence from the complainant weakened her claims.
Final Judgment
Considering the lack of evidence and the nature of the allegations, the court acquitted the husband and his mother. It emphasized that discussions about education, employment, or family planning between spouses should not be misinterpreted as cruelty.
This judgment underscores the importance of differentiating genuine abuse from normal marital discussions, especially in modern, educated households.
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