In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has acquitted a Pune-based agriculturist of charges relating to dowry demands and physical assault, overturning the decisions of lower courts. The 33-year-old man had previously been convicted under multiple sections including the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Justice Shivkumar Dige, presiding over the case, clarified that the accused’s initial dissatisfaction over not being served food on silver plates during his marriage does not constitute a dowry demand. This clarification came after the court reviewed the evidence and concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish a link between the alleged assault and any dowry demands.
The case originated from accusations by the wife, a government clerk, who alleged that her husband and his family had subjected her to physical and mental harassment over demands for silver plates, gold rings, and other valuables. The prosecution detailed an incident where the woman was purportedly beaten by her husband to the point of unconsciousness, requiring hospitalization. The medical evidence was said to support this claim.
However, the defense, led by attorneys Amit Icham and Chaitanya Purankar, argued that there were significant inconsistencies in the medical evidence and witness testimonies. They suggested that the accusations were exaggerated and noted the lack of independent witnesses to support the prosecution’s claims.
In his judgment, Justice Dige highlighted the need for concrete evidence when dealing with allegations of dowry-related demands and cruelty. He pointed out that the couple had continued to live together harmoniously after the alleged incident, which undermined the claims of ongoing dowry demands.
The man was initially sentenced by the Magistrate court to two years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine, a decision which was upheld by the Sessions court. This latest decision by the Bombay High Court brings relief to the acquitted, who has been embroiled in legal battles for years over these allegations.
The case has shed light on the complexities of dowry-related prosecutions and the importance of substantiating claims with robust evidence. The couple, married since 2001 and parents to a child, can now look to move beyond this legal hurdle.
