The appellate courts upheld the acquittal of the accused, including the husband and his family, in a dowry harassment and cruelty case. The prosecution failed to substantiate allegations of unlawful demands and cruelty due to insufficient evidence and delayed complaint registration.

1. Introduction

Appeal Context:
This appeal challenged the acquittal of respondents in a dowry harassment case under Sections 498A, 323, 504, and 506 IPC by the Trial Court (18th Jan 2019) and Sessions Court (15th Sep 2022).

2. Marriage and Background

Marriage Facts:

• Marriage Date: 26th June 2011, following a love affair.
• Financial Involvement: The appellant’s family alleged spending ₹3,00,000, giving a 2-tola gold ring, and ₹50,000 in cash.

3. Alleged Cruelty and Demands

Key Allegations:

• First Incident (7th Jan 2012): Demand for ₹1,50,000 and assault with a stick and blade.
  • No corroborative evidence or medical records.
• Second Incident (18th Sep 2012): Demand for ₹1,50,000 for job transfer and threats of harm.
  • No material evidence or timely reporting.

4. Defense and Trial Findings

Prosecution's Witnesses:

• Testimonies of appellant (PW-4), mother (PW-3), and sister (PW-2).
• Consistent narrative of peaceful marital life for the initial 9 months.

Key Trial Observations:

• Respondent No.1 was already employed; demand for ₹1,50,000 for job recruitment was implausible.
• Delayed lodging of FIR (2014) weakened the case.

5. Appellate Court Findings

Review of Evidence:

• Lack of proof of cruelty, harassment, or unlawful demands.
• Discrepancies in testimonies of interested witnesses (PW-2, PW-3).

Conclusion:

• Trial Court and Sessions Court found no credible evidence to substantiate charges under Sections 498A, 323, 504, and 506 IPC.

Acts and Sections Discussed:

• Section 498A IPC: Cruelty by husband or relatives.
• Section 323 IPC: Voluntarily causing hurt.
• Section 504 IPC: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
• Section 506 IPC: Criminal intimidation.

Ratio Decidendi:

• Mere allegations unsupported by credible evidence do not constitute proof of cruelty under Section 498A IPC.
• Delayed lodging of FIR raises doubts about the genuineness of the complaint.

Subjects:

Acquittal in Dowry and Cruelty Case
Dowry, Cruelty, Section 498A IPC, Criminal Appeal, Acquittal, Evidence Law