In a stern response to the persisting issue of dowry deaths in India, the Supreme Court on Monday underscored the seriousness of the matter and revoked the bail of a deceased woman’s parents-in-law, who were implicated in her untimely death under suspicious circumstances. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed concern over dowry deaths being a “grave social concern” and emphasized the necessity for courts to scrutinize bail conditions rigorously in such cases.
The case involved the tragic death of a young woman at her matrimonial home in January 2024, just two years after her marriage. The FIR lodged against her in-laws alleged that she was subjected to continuous harassment and cruelty over dowry demands. Addressing this, the apex court criticized the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court for previously granting bail to the primary suspects — the woman’s parents-in-law.
Justice Nath remarked, “It is unfortunate that dowry deaths, which strike at the very root of social justice and equality, continue to occur in today’s society. The courts are duty-bound to undertake deeper scrutiny of the circumstances under which bail is granted in these cases.”
The Supreme Court noted that such judicial oversight is critical, especially when evidence suggests that the accused were directly involved in both physical and mental torment of the victim. Allowing them to remain on bail could potentially compromise the fairness of the trial and diminish public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to dowry death, demands stringent scrutiny due to the severe nature of the offence and the systemic harm it perpetuates. The justices stressed that the judicial orders in these cases send a powerful social message, and the judiciary must demonstrate vigilance and seriousness to ensure justice for the victims.
While the court revoked the bail for the woman’s parents-in-law, it upheld the bail for her two sisters-in-law, citing the nature of their involvement. The bench directed the accused parents-in-law to surrender before the trial court as soon as possible.
