Delhi High Court Sudhakar Singh vs State on 18 July, 2014Author: Sanjiv Khanna
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 240/1998
Reserved on : 16th May, 2014
Date of decision: 18th July, 2014
SUDHAKAR SINGH
….. Appellant
Through Mr. K. K. Sud, Senior Advocate with
Mr. Chirag Khurana, Mr. Vishal Dabas & Ms.
Banita Singh, Advocates.
Versus
STATE
….. Respondent
Through Ms. Rajdipa Behura, APP for the State.
CORAM:
HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJIV KHANNA
HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE G.P. MITTAL
SANJIV KHANNA, J.:
Appellant No. 2 Shyama Devi, mother of appellant No. 1 Sudhakar
Singh died on 8th May, 2011 and the appeal filed by her stands abated.
Appeal filed by Sudhakar Singh, appellant No. 1 challenging his conviction
under Section 304B and 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC, for
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 1 of 34 short) read with Section 34 remains on board and is being decided by this
judgment. The appellant-Sudhakar Singh married the deceased-Sundari
Devi on 17th November, 1986. Sundari committed suicide on 19th
December, 1989 in her matrimonial home at A-111, Moti Bagh-I, New
Delhi. At that time, no other person/family member was at home. Sundari
Devi had committed suicide by hanging herself from the ceiling fan, which
is apparent from the photographs Exhibits PW-12/A, B and C, which were
proved by Sunil Kumar Sharma (PW-12). In fact, the said information was
conveyed to the Police Station R.K. Puram and recorded in DD entry No.
38B Exhibit PW-18/A, which was handed over to SI Jagjit Singh and it
was found that the house was bolted from inside. From the window they
(i.e., Head Constable Ramji Lal (PW-18) and SI Jagjit Singh) noticed that a
person was hanging from the ceiling fan. They broke the glass of the main
door and entered the house and found that the deceased had committed
suicide. The deceased had kept a stool on the bed to end her life.
2. The post-mortem report of the deceased, Exhibit PW-6/A, was
proved by Dr. G.K. Chaubey (PW-6). He has referred to the ligature mark
encircling front of the neck and going obliquely upwards/backwards to the
nap of the neck and fading on the back of the neck. Cause of death, as
opined by PW-6, was asphyxia as a result of hanging. Thus, it has been
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 2 of 34 proved beyond doubt and debate that the deceased-Sundari Devi had died
an unnatural death within seven years of marriage (in fact within about
three years after marriage) in her matrimonial home.
3. The next and the primary question which arises for consideration is
whether the suicide was as a result of the required actus reus, i.e., cruelty
as defined in Section 498A IPC or the actus reus in the form of demand of
dowry soon before the death, which is mandated by Section 304B IPC.
4. Before we dwell into the factual aspects, it would be relevant to
reproduce Section 498A and Section 304B IPC.
“498A. Husband or relative of husband of a
woman subjecting her to cruelty.- Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.- For the purpose of this Section, “cruelty” means-
(a) Any wilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman; or
(b) Harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or
valuable security or is on account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 3 of 34 304B. Dowry death.- (1) Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death shall be called “dowry death” and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death.
Explanation.-For the purpose of this sub-section, “dowry” shall have the same meaning as in section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961).
(2) Whoever commits dowry death shall be
punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.”
5. Under Section 498A IPC, cruelty can be of two types. Firstly, wilful
conduct of a nature which is likely to drive a woman to commit suicide or
to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health. Wilful conduct can
be both mental and physical but it must relate to a woman. Secondly,
cruelty can also mean harassment with a view to coercing her or any
person related to her to meet unlawful demand of any property or valuable
security or on account of her failure or of any person related to her to meet
such demand. The second aspect is relatable to property, and should be
with a view to coerce her or any other person related to her to meet any
unlawful demand of property or valuable security. Further, the harassment
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 4 of 34 should be on account of her failure or failure of any other person related to
her to meet the said demand.
6. Section 304B has the following requirements:
(i) The woman should have died because of burns, bodily injury, poison
or otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of
marriage;
(ii) It should be shown that soon before her death, she was subjected to
cruelty or harassment by her husband or relative of her husband for
or in connection with any demand of dowry; and
(iii) The term dowry shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 2
of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
7. When we examine whether or not the offences under Section 304B
and Section 306 IPC are made out, we have to apply the standard of proof
and weigh the evidence/material keeping in mind the statutory mandates of
Sections 113B and 113A of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. We shall be
referring to the said sections subsequently after examining the ocular
evidence on record.
8. On the question of date of marriage, Davki (mother of Sundari)
(PW-3) has deposed that the appellant-Sudhakar had got married to CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 5 of 34 Sundari on 17th November, 1986. This part of her testimony remains
uncontroverted. The appellant in his statement under Section 313 Cr.P.C.
has accepted the date of marriage as 17th November, 1986. This brings us
to the evidence on the question of cruelty and demand of dowry. Davki-
mother (PW-3) has deposed that after six months or one year of marriage,
the appellant-Sudhakar and his mother started demanding dowry in form
of fridge, scooter and cash. The demand was raised to her daughter. She
was harassed for not bringing the said items and the appellant and his
deceased mother used to fight with her daughter for the said reason. The
deceased had visited her parental house 15 days prior to her death and
complained about her mother-in-law and the appellant. In her cross-
examination, PW-3 has stated that she had not lodged any police report
and had not requested them to intervene in the matter. She has not gone
to any institution or organisation seeking support. This, to our mind, does
not affect PW-3‟s deposition because as a mother she was interested that
her daughter‟s marriage continues and going to a police station or taking
help from a third party/organisation would have only been fatal and
detrimental to their interest. In the cross-examination, PW-3 has deposed
that in this situation appellant-Sudhakar had stopped the deceased from
speaking and talking to her. They had spoken to Suman Singh about the
behaviour of appellant-Sudhakar and his mother. However, at the time of CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 6 of 34 marriage, there was no talk of dowry. PW-3 accepted that no direct
demand was made to her, but the demand was communicated through her
daughter. She could not tell the date, month or year when her daughter
told her about the dowry demand.
9. Ganga Singh (PW-4) father of deceased Sundari has similarly
deposed that after about 2 ½ to 3 months of marriage, the appellant started
demanding/claiming that costly items had not been given as dowry.
These included fridge, TV, scooter and his daughter had told him that her
mother-in-law and husband wanted her to secure money from them, i.e.,
her parents for purchasing the said items. They wanted a scooter,
television and fridge. Sundari was being pressed to bring the said items.
In his cross-examination, PW-4 deposed that he was a hawker and one
Suman Singh, his brother-in-law had acted as a middleman in the
marriage as he was also related to appellant No. 1. He had not gone to the
house of Suman Singh requesting him to mediate or intervene. Deceased
Sundari had informed him that she was being harassed by her mother-in-
law, appellant No. 1 and some other family members, but he had not
made any complaint to the police or to the Women‟s Cell. Deceased had
written one letter to her brother (PW5) but had not written any letter
referring to demand of dowry or harassment on account of the same.
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 7 of 34
10. Om Prakash-brother of the deceased (PW-5) was the
informant/complainant also. He has stated that after one year of marriage,
mother-in-law of the deceased and the appellant-Sudhakar started
harassing Sundari, his sister. The mother-in-law would not provide
clothes, shoes etc. and she would not allow Sundari to come to her
parental house. Sundari was described as unlucky person (manhus) and
taunted that since she had come to their house, their savings had dropped.
She had brought insufficient dowry, neither television nor fridge had been
bought. In 1988, Sundari had visited their house and narrated the said
facts. She had stayed with them for one month and then returned. Again
in the year 1989, Sundari had come to their house and only a week back,
she had returned to her matrimonial home. Earlier, PW-5 had gone to
Sundari‟s matrimonial home to bring her to her parental home. PW-5 had
then offered sweets to her mother-in-law and requested her to send
Sundari for his marriage function in their house. She had thrown away
the sweets and sharply criticised them. He had then brought his sister
forcibly. After about one month, the appellant No. 1 attended the
marriage of PW-5 at the house of his (PW5‟s) in laws i.e. the bride‟s
house but did not visit their house. Thereafter, appellant-Sudhkar had
come to their house to take deceased Sundari Devi and at that time they
had refused insisting that the appellant-Sudhakar should take some CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 8 of 34 responsibility. Parents of PW-5 had called upon appellant No. 1 not to
harass his sister, whereupon he had promised and assured them that in
future he would not do the same.
11. Apart from the testimony of the family members, we have statement
by Raj (PW-2), a neighbour. She has deposed about marriage of deceased
Sundari with the appellant-Sudhakar in the year 1987 and claimed that
whenever deceased Sundari used to visit their house, she looked greatly
frustrated. On being questioned, she used to tell them that her mother-in-
law was tyrannical and harsh towards her and used to demand one thing
or the other and used to criticise her for having brought insufficient
dowry. Deceased used to be taunted for not being beautiful and the fact
that she was not a mother. She had brought ill luck, and thus was called
“manhus” by her mother-in-law. Deceased Sundari belonged to a middle
class family which was not so rich to meet the demands. In the cross-
examination, PW-2 has stated that appellant No.1 was working in CPWD
and she has seen the appellant-Sudhakar at the time of his engagement
ceremony. The deceased was not despondent as she was not a mother but
she was unhappy because of the taunts given to her by appellant No. 1
and his now deceased mother for not bearing a child. PW-2 had not given
any attention to the dowry articles given at the time of marriage and was
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 9 of 34 thus, not aware whether any report had been made to police or to the
Crime against Women Cell. PW-2 had seen a beating mark upon
deceased Sundari once, but she did not remember the date, month or year.
12. Before we elucidate on the testimonies, we would like to first refer
to the “dying declaration” made by deceased Sundari. Appellant No. 1
has challenged the “dying declaration” on various grounds, including its
authenticity and whether the suicide note could be treated as a dying
declaration. SI Devender Singh (PW-16), a member of the crime team
had inspected the spot and had found Sundari‟s body hanging from the
ceiling fan. He has stated that a suicide note was lying under the pillow.
It was written on two pages torn from a diary. The note was written in
red ink and a red refill was found lying inside the diary kept on the shelf.
He had recorded the said facts in his report (Exhibit PW-16/A), which
was signed by him at point A. In the cross-examination of PW-16, he was
asked whether the scene of crime was tampered with or touched by
anyone, to which PW-16 had responded that he could not state the same.
He had checked the refill of the pen and found it to be red.
13. The aforesaid fact that the suicide note was found under the pillow
should be accepted in view of the statement of PW-16, which is
corroborated by the contemporaneous report (Exhibit PW-16/A). It is CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 10 of 34 obvious that after the note was found, it had to be preserved. Reliance
placed by the counsel for the appellant-Sudhakar on the testimony of PW-
18 Head Constable Ramji Lal does not propel us to accept the argument
that the suicide note was possibly written much earlier in point of time or
was found in the diary itself. PW-18 Head Constable Ramji Lal had
reached the spot after receiving copy of DD No. 38B (Exhibit PW-18/A)
dated 19th December, 1989. Upon reaching the spot, PW-18 had noticed
that a diary was lying on a table in the room. The Investigating Officer,
i.e., PW-18 opened the diary and found suicide note written by hand
available in the said diary. IO recorded statement of Om Prakash (PW-5),
who had come on the spot. It is apparent that after the suicide note was
recovered and the diary was noticed, the diary and suicide note were kept
on the table. DD No. 38B dated 19th December, 1989 was recorded at
3.47 P.M. whereas the crime team led with SI Devinder Singh (PW-16)
had reached the spot earlier. Crime team report (Exhibit PW-16/A)
mentions period of inspection as 4 to 5.15 P.M. and it is specifically
recorded that the suicide note was lying beneath the pillow lying on the
bed. It was in two pages and written in red ink and the diary from which
the pages were torn was also found along with the pen refill used for
writing the suicide note. It is, therefore, clear to us that the suicide note
was written immediately before the death. The deceased had torn two CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 11 of 34 pages from the diary and had written the said note in red ink, signifying
blood and death. As noticed above, the deceased had died by hanging
herself from a ceiling fan after standing on a stool, which was kept on the
bed. It was a deliberate act. The suicide note, therefore, has been rightly
treated and regarded as a “dying declaration” of the deceased. The
handwriting of the deceased on the said note was identified by Om
Prakash (PW-5), brother of the deceased.
14. In order to decide the controversy in question, i.e., whether the
deceased was subjected to cruelty or harassment, we would like to
reproduce the suicide note in verbatim. English translation of the note
reads:-
“I am leaving this world forever. My husband and “inhumane” mother-in-law are responsible for
ruining my life. I want to live , but I am unable to live.
Regards for maa, baba ji, brother and mami ji.
Please forgive me, as your daughter-sundari can‟t live because I cannot fulfil desires of these people. They do not want me to attend my brother‟s
marriage, but is it possible, no, never!”
15. The aforesaid note speaks for itself about the agonising pain and the
suffering of the deceased-Sundari Devi which compelled her to take her
life, though she wanted to live. She had blamed both her mother-in-law,
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 12 of 34 appellant No. 2 (who has died) and her husband appellant No. 1 Sudhakar
Singh. We have also examined the said note in original. The said note is
written on two pages marked Exhibits PW-5/D and 5/E. The last two
sentences of the note are extremely important and refer to two aspects.
Firstly, that she is unable to fulfil the desires of the appellant and his
mother and secondly, that she was being prevented or prohibited from
attending the marriage of her brother.
16. It has come on record that marriage of one brother of the deceased-
Sundari had taken place in February, 1989 and appellant-Sudhakar had
not attended the ceremonies or visited the parental home of the deceased-
Sundari. Appellant No. 1 Sudhakar instead had preferred to go to the
house of the girl, i.e., the bride as he was also related to the said side.
Thus, it would be reasonable to infer and accept that the appellant
Sudhakar had serious grievance and dislike and, therefore, had not
attended the ceremonies or functions at the residence of deceased
Sundari‟s parents/brother. The said position is indicative of the
resentment and grudge that the appellant No. 1 had for the family of
Sundari. The said antipathy and abhorrence had grown and intensified
between February, 1989 and November, 1989 as deceased Sundari was
not being allowed and was barred/prohibited from attending the marriage
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 13 of 34 of her second brother. Deceased Sundari rightly felt that this was not
possible and how could she not attend the wedding of her own brother
and that too only because she was unable to fulfill certain demands.
17. Learned counsel for the appellant has drawn our attention to the
letter Exhibit A-2, which was written by deceased Sundari to her brother
in Hindi. The verbatim translation of the said letter reads as under:-
“Dear brother, accept regards from your sister. Seeking blessings of maa, baba ji, brother and mam ji. I am fine. ( kushalpurvak).
Further thing, brother as you had asked for the
address of your brother-in-law‟s (jija) office, that I didn‟t have. Even, you did not call your brother-in-law. I asked him day before yesterday and yesterday also. What is the reason? I had made him to write his
address and sent it to you. Rest everything is fine. I only pray this much that you may get a job.”
18. The aforesaid letter when read between the lines reveals that the
relationship between the two brother-in-laws was deficient and
perfunctory and deceased Sundari‟s brother was reluctant to directly
speak to Sudhakar Singh, the appellant herein, which is normal and
natural in a cordial and close relationship. Even after 1 to 2 years of
marriage, the two brothers-in-law could not comfortably interact and
speak to each other on issues including the aspects referred to in the letter. CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 14 of 34 Ganga Singh (PW4) in categorical terms has stated that the deceased had
written one or two letters to her brother and last one was written about an
year before her death. We would not like to read this letter in isolation
and use it as a negative or incriminating fact against appellant No. 1 as it
is also capable of being interpreted as a letter written by the deceased
showing/deposing confidence in the appellant No. 1. However, the letter
shows that in spite of appellant No. 1 not visiting the parental home of the
deceased on the occasion of the marriage of her first brother, the deceased
had reconciled and had taken the said lapse and incident in her stride and
moved on.
19. A reading of the suicide note itself would justify conviction of the
appellant under Section 498A IPC. It will certainly qualify and meet the
mandate of part one of the Explanation to Section 498A IPC, which not
only includes physical cruelty but the mental cruelty. We, therefore, do
not think that there can be any doubt or debate upon conviction of the
appellant under the said section.
20. The second aspect relates to the conviction of the appellant under
Section 304B wherein the requirement is different and relates to demand
of dowry soon before death. It is here that Sections 113A and 113B of the
Evidence Act are relevant and material.
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 15 of 34
21. Section 113A of the Evidence Act reads:-
“113A. Presumption as to abetment of suicide by a married women – When the question is whether the commission of suicide by a woman had been abetted by her husband or any relative of her husband and it is shown that she had committed suicide within a period of seven years from the date of her marriage and that her husband or such relative of her husband had subjected her to cruelty, the court may presume, having regard to all the other circumstances of the case, that such suicide had been abetted by her husband or by such relative of her husband.
Explanation – For the purposes of this section, “cruelty” shall have the same meaning as in section 498 A of the Indian Panel Code (45 of 1860).”
22. The said Section raises a presumption when a wife commits suicide
within seven years from the date of her marriage and it is shown that the
husband or his relatives had subjected her to cruelty as defined under
Section 498A IPC,. The husband or relatives of the husband might have
abetted the deceased to commit suicide and therefore, they have
committed an offence under Section 306 IPC. The presumption which
arises is rebuttable. On the said aspect, we have already recorded a finding
that the charge of cruelty under Section 498A IPC stands proved against
appellant No. 1. However, the appellant-Sudhakar Singh has not been
convicted under Section 306 IPC.
23. Section 113B of the Evidence Act reads:
“113B. Presumption as to dowry death
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 16 of 34 When the question is whether a person has committed the dowry death of a woman and it is shown that soon before her death such woman had been subjected by such person to cruelty or harassment for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, the Court shall presume that such person had caused the dowry death.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section, “dowry death” shall have the same meaning as in section 304B of the Indian Penal Code(45 of 1860).]”
24. The aforesaid presumption applies to prosecution under Section
304B IPC i.e. in cases of dowry death. The requirement before the
presumption is invoked is that the prosecution should show that soon
before her death, the wife had been subjected to cruelty or harassment for
or in connection with any demand for dowry. The court in such cases
should presume that the said person has caused dowry death. The term
“dowry death” has to be read and is given the same meaning as in Section
304B IPC. The Section negates and obliterates a necessity or requirement
that the prosecution should establish actual participation of the husband or
his relative in the commission of the offence. The reason for incorporating
and enacting the presumption is obvious; normally dowry deaths take place
within four corners of the matrimonial home and it is difficult, if not
impractical, to expect relatives or the husband to come forward and depose
as to how the husband or other relative had participated or were active
participants in commission of the offence. The aforesaid sections i.e.
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 17 of 34 Section 113A and 113B of the Evidence Act were inserted by Criminal
Law (Second Amendment) Act, 1983 (Act 46 of 1983) Dowry Prohibition
(Amendment) Act (43 of 1986) respectively.
25. In Pawan Kumar v. State of Haryana, (1998) 3 SCC 309, Section 304B IPC was interpreted and the following ingredients to prove the offence were highlighted:
“6. Let us see Section 304-B IPC. The ingredients necessary for the application of Section 304-B are:
(a) When the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury, or
(b) occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances (c) and the aforesaid two facts spring within 7 years of girl’s marriage
(d) and soon before her death, she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relative,
(e) this is in connection with the demand of dowry.”
26. The aforesaid presumption under Section 113B of the Evidence Act
takes care of the difficulty in proving requirement (e) i.e. the death was in
connection with the dowry, once the other ingredients/requirements of
Section 113B are established. In Pawan Kumar’s case (supra), Section 2
of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was interpreted and it was highlighted
that the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was enacted to provide effective
check on the evil practice of dowry and its ill effect. Section 2 of the
Dowry Prohibition Act reads:
“2. Definition of “dowry”. In this Act, “dowry” means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly-
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 18 of 34 (a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or
(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by a other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person;
at or before or after the marriage us consideration for the marriage of the said parties, but does not include dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies.
Explanation I.-For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declare that any presents made at the time of a marriage to either party to the marriage in the form of cash, ornaments, clothes or other articles, shall not be deemed to be dowry within the meaning of this section, unless they are made as consideration for the marriage of the said parties.”
27. The definition of dowry was expanded and extended to include the
period even after solemnisation of marriage by Act 43 of 1986. The
Supreme Court elucidated that in criminal jurisprudence, principle of
benefit of doubt extends to the accused and has an important role but the
same prevails within the confines of the stringency of laws. In case of
abnormal death such as dowry death, the deeming provisions in form of
Sections 113A and 113B of the Evidence Act along with applicable
provisions of Indian Penal Code have a great role to play and should not be
taken lightly or ignored or otherwise, the very purpose of the amendment
would be lost. Of course, the prosecution has to prove the essential
ingredients beyond all reasonable doubts after raising and relying upon the
initial presumption of deemed dowry death. Principle of mischief rule i.e. CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 19 of 34 the construction which suppresses the mischief and advance the remedy is
applicable.
28. The term „soon before death‟ which finds incorporation in Section
304B IPC and Section 113B of Evidence Act has been interpreted in
several cases to connote and signify reference to course of conduct which
may be spread over a period of time. It is a relative term and the time or
period applicable would depend upon circumstances of each case and no
strait jacket formula can be laid down as to what would construe a
relevant/culpable period before the occurrence. The said period should not
be unreasonably stretched or made abnormally narrow/small but a practical
and pragmatic approach should be adopted. In State of Punjab v. Iqbal
Singh : AIR (1991) SC 1532 it was observed:
“8. The legislative intent is clear to curb the menace of dowry deaths, etc., with a firm hand. We must keep in mind this legislative intent. It must be remembered that since crimes are generally committed in the privacy of residential homes and in secrecy, independent and direct evidence is not easy to get. That is why the legislature has by introducing
Sections 113A and 113B in the Evidence Act tried to strengthen the prosecution hands by permitting a presumption to be raised if certain foundational facts are established and the unfortunate event has taken place within seven years of marriage. This period of seven years is considered to be the turbulent one after which the legislature assumes that the couple would have settled down in life. If a married women is subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his family members Section 498A, Indian Penal Code would be attracted. If such cruelty or harassment was inflicted by the husband or his relative for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry immediately preceding death by burns and bodily injury or in abnormal circumstances within seven years of marriage, such husband or relative is deemed to have caused CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 20 of 34 her death and is liable to be punished Under Section 304B, Indian Penal Code.
When the question at issue is whether a person is guilty of dowry death of a woman and the evidence discloses that immediately before her death she was subjected by such person to cruelty and/or harassment for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, Section 113B, Evidence Act provides that the court shall presume that such person had caused the dowry death. of course if there is proof of the person having intentionally caused her death that would attract Section 302, Indian Penal Code. Then we have a situation where the husband or his relative by his wilful conduct creates a situation which he knows will drive the woman to commit suicide and she actually does so, the case would squarely fall within the ambit of Section 306, Indian Penal Code. In such a case the conduct of the person would tantamount to inciting or provoking or virtually pushing the woman into a desperate situation of no return which would compel her to put an end to her miseries by committing suicide.”
29. In the case of Kans Raj v. State of Punjab and Ors. : (2000) 5 SCC
207, it has been held that in cases of dowry death, the circumstances
showing the existence of cruelty or harassment to the deceased are not
restricted to a particular instances but normally refer to a course of
conduct. Such conduct may be spread over a period of time. If the cruelty
or harassment or demand of dowry is shown to have persisted, it shall be
deemed to be “soon before death”.
30. Elucidating the said principles in Dhian Singh and Anr. v. State of
Punjab: (2004) 7 SCC 759, the Supreme court observed that such cruelty
on account of demand of dowry should be soon before death in the sence
that there should be proximate connection between the alleged cruelty and
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 21 of 34 death. In the said case, the Supreme Court upheld conviction under
Section 304B IPC observing that only after mediation, the deceased had
gone back to the accused‟s house and soon thereafter i.e. within two
months, the death occurred. There was evidence to show that the accused
had demanded dowry and had therefore sent his wife away from his house.
Similarly in Kailash v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2006) 12 SCC 667 it
has been held:
“No presumption under Section 113B of the Evidence Act would be drawn against the accused if it is shown that after the alleged demand, cruelty or harassment the dispute stood resolved and there was no evidence of cruelty or harassment thereafter. Mere lapse of some time by itself would not provide to an accused a defence, if the course of conduct relating to cruelty or harassment in connection with the dowry demand is shown to have existed earlier in time not too late and not too stale before the date of death of the victim. This is so because the expression used in the relevant provision is “soon before”. The expression is a relative term which is required to be considered under specific circumstances of each case and no straitjacket formula can be laid down by fixing any time-limit. The expression is pregnant with the idea of proximity test. It cannot be said that the term “soon before” is synonymous with the term “immediately before”. This is because of what is stated in Section 114 Illustration (a) of the Evidence Act. The determination of the period which can come within the term “soon before” is left to be determined by the courts, depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case. Suffice, however, to indicate that the expression “soon before” would normally imply that the interval should not be much between the cruelty or harassment concerned and the death in question. There must be existence of a proximate and live link.”
31. Thus, the expression „soon before‟ is required to be considered and
applied under specific circumstances of each case. The said term is not CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 22 of 34 synonymous with the term „immediately before‟ and whether the period
can be termed as „soon before death‟ is left to be determined by the court
depending upon circumstances of each case.
32. Similar elucidation can be found in Kans Raj (supra) and Hira
Lal v. State (Govt. of NCT), Delhi (2003) 8 SCC 80. In the last decision,
reference has been made to illustration A to Section 114 of the Evidence
Act where expression „soon before‟ is also used and it has been held that
the term „soon before‟ is case specific and has to be determined by the
courts depending upon facts and circumstances of each case. There should
be existence of proximate and live link between the demand of dowry and
the unnatural death.
33. In Kashmir Kaur v. State of Punjab, (2012) 13 SCC 627, it was
held:
“13. In Kaliyaperumal [(2004) 9 SCC 157 : 2004 SCC (Cri) 1417] para 5 is relevant for our purpose which reads as under: (SCC pp. 162-63)
“5. A conjoint reading of Section 113-B of the Evidence Act and Section 304-B IPC shows that there must be material to show that soon before her death the victim was subjected to cruelty or harassment. The prosecution has to rule out the possibility of a natural or accidental death so as to bring it within the purview of the „death occurring otherwise than in normal circumstances‟. The expression „soon before‟ is very relevant where Section 113-B of the Evidence Act and Section 304-B IPC are pressed into service. The prosecution is obliged to show that soon before the occurrence there was cruelty or harassment and only in that case presumption operates. CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 23 of 34 Evidence in that regard has to be led in by the
prosecution. „Soon before‟ is a relative term and it would depend upon the circumstances of each case and no straitjacket formula can be laid down as to what would constitute a period of soon before the occurrence. It would be hazardous to indicate any fixed period, and that brings in the importance of a proximity test both for the proof of an offence of dowry death as well as for raising a presumption under Section 113-B of the Evidence Act. The expression „soon before her death‟ used in the substantive Section 304-B IPC and Section 113-B of the Evidence Act is present with the idea of proximity test. No definite period has been indicated and the expression „soon before‟ is not defined. A reference to the expression „soon before‟ used in Section 114 Illustration (a) of the Evidence Act is relevant. It lays down that a court may presume that a man who is in the possession of goods soon after the theft, is either the thief who has received the goods knowing them to be stolen, unless he can account for his possession. The determination of the period which can come within the term „soon before‟ is left to be determined by the courts, depending upon facts and circumstances of each case. Suffice, however, to indicate that the expression „soon before‟ would normally imply that the interval should not be much between the cruelty or harassment concerned and the death in question. There must be existence of a proximate and live link between the effect of cruelty based on dowry demand and the death concerned. If the alleged incident of cruelty is remote in time and has become stale enough not to disturb the mental equilibrium of the woman concerned, it would be of no consequence.”
xxxx xxxx
17. From the above decisions the following principles can be culled out:
17.1. To attract the provisions of Section 304-B IPC the main ingredient of the offence to be established is that soon before the death of the deceased she was subjected to cruelty and harassment in connection with the demand of dowry. 17.2. The death of the deceased woman was caused by any burn or bodily injury or some other circumstance which was not normal.
17.3. Such death occurs within seven years from the date of her marriage.
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 24 of 34 17.4. That the victim was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband.
17.5. Such cruelty or harassment should be for or in connection with demand of dowry.
17.6. It should be established that such cruelty and harassment was made soon before her death.
17.7. The expression “soon before” is a relative term and it would depend upon circumstances of each case and no straitjacket formula can be laid down as to what would constitute a period of soon before the occurrence. 17.8. It would be hazardous to indicate any fixed period and that brings in the importance of a proximity test both for the proof of an offence of dowry death as well as for raising a presumption under Section 113-B of the Evidence Act. 17.9. Therefore, the expression “soon before” would normally imply that the interval should not be much between the cruelty or harassment concerned and the death in question. There must be existence of a proximate or live link between the effect of cruelty based on dowry demand and the death concerned. In other words, it should not be remote in point of time and thereby make it a stale one.
17.10. However, the expression “soon before” should not be given a narrow meaning which would otherwise defeat the very purpose of the provisions of the Act and should not lead to absurd results.
17.11. Section 304-B is an exception to the cardinal principles of criminal jurisprudence that a suspect in the Indian law is entitled to the protection of Article 20 of the Constitution, as well as, a presumption of innocence in his favour. The concept of deeming fiction is hardly applicable to criminal jurisprudence but in contradistinction to this aspect of criminal law, the legislature applied the concept of deeming fiction to the provisions of Section 304-B.
17.12. Such deeming fiction resulting in a presumption is, however, a rebuttable presumption and the husband and his relatives, can, by leading their defence prove that the ingredients of Section 304-B were not satisfied. 17.13. The specific significance to be attached is to the time of the alleged cruelty and harassment to which the victim was subjected, the time of her death and whether the alleged demand of dowry was in connection with the marriage. Once the said ingredients are satisfied it will be called “dowry death” and by deemed fiction of law the husband or the relatives will be deemed to have committed that offence. CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 25 of 34
18. Keeping the above principles in mind, when we examine the case on hand, we find the following uncontroverted facts: (i) The death of the deceased occurred 11 months after her marriage thereby the main condition prescribed under Section 304-B, namely, within seven years of the marriage was fulfilled.
(ii) The death of the deceased was not normal as evidenced by the version of PW 1 post-mortem doctor, the post-mortem certificate and also Ext. PG, the report of the chemical examiner.
(iii) The evidence of PWs 2 and 3 read along with Exts. PH to PK disclose that there was a demand for payment of cash of Rs 30,000 apart from a stereo set and a scooter. (iv) According to PW 2, father of the deceased, three to four days prior to the unfortunate death of the deceased his daughter came to his house and expressed her dire need for payment of Rs 30,000 as demanded by her in-laws and that she was being harassed on that score.
(v) The evidence of PW 3 was to the effect that on the date of the death of the deceased, namely, 3-11-1987 he happened to witness the torture meted out to the deceased at the hands of her in-laws.
(vi) Though on behalf of the appellant and other accused certain witnesses were examined by way of defence, both the trial court as well as the appellate court have noted that nothing concrete was brought out to show that the evidence led on the side by the prosecution through PWs 1 to 3 were in any way contradicted.”
34. Recently, in Surinder Singh v. State of Haryana, (2014) 4 SCC
129, it has been observed:
“26. While we reiterate what this Court has said in Appasaheb [Appasaheb v. State of Maharashtra, (2007) 9 SCC 721 : (2007) 3 SCC (Cri) 468] that a penal statute has to be construed strictly, in light ofKisan Trimbak [Kisan Trimbak Kothula v. State of Maharashtra, (1977) 1 SCC 300 : 1977 SCC (Cri) 97] and Natwarlal Damodardas [State of Maharashtra v. Natwarlal Damodardas Soni, (1980) 4 SCC 669 : 1981 SCC (Cri) 98], we are of the opinion that penal statute, even if it has to be strictly construed, must be so construed as not to defeat its purport. Harassment of a married woman in an Indian household is a peculiar phenomenon. In CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 26 of 34 most cases it is seen that the husband or the members of his family are never satisfied with what they get as dowry. The wife’s family is expected to keep fulfilling this insatiable demand in some form or the other for some period of time after marriage. Such demands are also fulfilled by parents of the wife for fear of their daughter being ill-treated. The courts of law cannot lose sight of these realities. The presumption under Section 113-B of the Evidence Act, 1872 and the presumption under Section 304-B IPC have a purpose. These are beneficent provisions aimed at giving relief to a woman subjected to cruelty routinely in an Indian household. The meaning to be applied to each word of these provisions has to be in accord with the legislative intent. Even while construing these provisions strictly care will have to be taken to see that their object is not frustrated.
27. As stated by this Court in Appasaheb [Appasaheb v. State of Maharashtra, (2007) 9 SCC 721 : (2007) 3 SCC (Cri) 468] a demand for meeting financial stringency may not fall within the ambit of the term “dowry” as defined under the Dowry Prohibition Act. Similarly, a demand of money made six months after marriage for setting up computer business of the husband may not be covered by the term dowry as stated inVipin Jaiswal [Vipin Jaiswal v. State of A.P., (2013) 3 SCC 684 : (2013) 2 SCC (Cri) 15] . But, in this case, the demand is made to complete and fulfil the demand of dowry made prior to the marriage. The appellant’s grievance was about the inferior and insufficient dowry given by the deceased’s family and after marriage that was sought to be fulfilled by asking for Rs 60,000 for setting up the appellant’s business or for getting him some job. Insufficient dowry given to the appellant was sought to be supplemented by the demand of Rs 60,000. The present case, therefore, stands on a different footing. Section 304-B IPC is clearly attracted to this case.
28. It was argued that the evidence of the doctors examined by the appellant show that the deceased’s pregnancy was terminated, that she was told that she may not conceive a child again and that, thereafter, she was in depression. It is argued that, therefore, she committed suicide. It is not possible to accept this submission. Even if the pregnancy of the deceased was terminated, that would not necessarily lead to depression. In fact, DW 3 Dr C. Vijayendra, who terminated the pregnancy of the deceased stated that it is not necessary that a patient may suffer from depression after termination of pregnancy. Neither DW 1 Dr Mrs Iqbal Kaur or DW 2 Dr Mrs CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 27 of 34 Ritu Mago stated that the deceased was in depression. They stated that there was no imminent danger to the life of the deceased. No medical record was produced to show that the deceased was in depression and she was taking medicine for the same. There is nothing on record to show that the deceased was told that she will never conceive a child. It is not, therefore, possible to say that the deceased committed suicide because she was in depression.”
35. Two submissions have been raised before us. Firstly, deceased
Sundari could not conceive and have a child within three years of
marriage and this was the cause for the strained relationship and quarrels.
Reliance is placed upon testimonies of Yograj Sharma (DW-1) and Ved
Prakash Yadav (DW-2) and our attention is also drawn to the fact that Raj
(PW-2) in the cross-examination was specifically asked whether the
deceased was depressed as she could not conceive. Secondly, reliance is
placed upon the FIR and the statement (Ex.PW5/A) of Om Prakash (PW-
5) which only had reference to demand of cash for purchasing a three-
wheeler scooter, whereas prosecution witnesses Davki (PW-3), Ganga
Singh (PW-4) and Om Prakash (PW-5) have referred to demand of
television, fridge, scooter etc. It is submitted that the witnesses did not
specify the date/time etc. and their statements are vague and lacking in
particulars.
36. On the first aspect, it is noticed that Raj (PW-2) in the cross-
examination was asked and replied that deceased Sundari was not
unhappy for not bearing a child, but she was traumatised because of the CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 28 of 34 taunts given to her for being able to conceive. Davki (PW-3), the mother
was not cross-examined and no question was put to her on the said aspect.
Ganga Singh (PW-4) again was not cross-examined and no suggestion
was given to him that deceased Sundari was mentally disturbed because
she could not conceive. On a suggestion being made during cross-
examination, PW4 accepted that deceased Sundari was being treated in a
hospital but he immediately asserted that his daughter and son in law were
being treated in a hospital and papers relating to their ailment details must
be with the appellant. No such details or papers have been placed on
record. To Om Prakash (PW-5) in the cross-examination, it was
specifically suggested that deceased Sundari had taken her life because he
(PW5) was unemployed and due to economic condition of their father.
He denied the suggestion and stated that he was working and this was not
the reason. Om Prakash (PW5) had identified handwriting of his sister
deceased Sundri on the suicide note Ex.PW5/D and 5/E.
37. Appellant No.1, Sudhakar in his statement under Section 313
Cr.P.C., had in response to question No.44 stated that he was innocent
and was falsely implicated in this case. No dowry was ever demanded
and deceased Sundari was disturbed on account of her father‟s problems
and her brother‟s unemployment. He has not stated or highlighted that
deceased Sundari was mentally disturbed and perturbed because she could CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 29 of 34 not conceive and therefore she had committed suicide. Similar stand was
taken by now the dead accused No.2, Shyama Devi. In case and if the
deceased was mentally disturbed as she could not conceive or have a
child, the said factum would have been highlighted and would have been
the cornerstone and the main fulcrum of the cross-examinations as well as
including the statement of the accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. This is
not so.
38. Yograj Sharma (DW-1) in his examination-in-chief has himself
accepted that the relations between the appellant Sudhakar and his mother
on the one side and deceased on the other side remained well for about an
year after marriage but thereafter they became strained and quarrels used
to take place off and on in their house. The reason given was that
deceased Sundari did not conceive. Thus, as per DW-1, quarrels had
started one year after the marriage, which is too soon for quarrels to take
place because deceased Sundari could not conceive. Further, DW-1 had
deposed that he had not seen deceased Sundari for about 3-4 months prior
to her death. Indeed, harassment and valedictory cursing does/will
amount to mental cruelty under Section 498A IPC.
39. Ved Prakash (DW-2) was a neighbour and had claimed that every
day he used to meet deceased Sundari and appellant Sudhakar, but
deceased Sundari had never complained. DW-2‟s deposition that his wife CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 30 of 34 told him that deceased Sundari used to remain disturbed as she could not
conceive is a hearsay evidence and is not admissible. Vijay Nair (DW-3)
was also a neighbour and has stated that he had never seen deceased
Sundari and appellant Sudhakar quarrelling, which is something contrary
to what has been testified by Yograj Sharma (DW-1). DW-3 accepted
that he was aware that Sudhakar had been arrested by police, but he did
not lodge any complaint and come forward to state that Sudhakar had
been wrongly implicated.
40. In view of the aforesaid discussion, it is apparent to us that the
defence version that deceased Sundari had taken her life as she was
mentally disturbed and depressed because she could not become a mother,
is an afterthought and a false plea. This is not the reason and the cause
given in the suicide note, which specifically refers to inability to fulfil the
desires of her mother in-law/husband. The desire in the said case would
not have any reference to her (Sundari) becoming a mother, but would
have reference to something else. Further, it is clear from the suicide note
that failure to meet the desire or demand had propelled the appellant and
his mother to issue an intimidating and audacious mandate that deceased
Sundari would not attend her second brother‟s marriage fixed on 31st
December, 1989. In case there was any medical problem, the appellant
would have certainly taken deceased Sundari for medical examination and CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 31 of 34 consultation. Possibly, medical examination of the appellant was also
required. PW4 Ganga Singh, father of the deceased on suggestion in the
cross-examination had stated that deceased was being treated in a hospital
but the appellant was also being treated and details, if any, were known to
the appellant only. There is nothing in the post mortem report to indicate
that the deceased was suffering from a serious or life threatening ailment.
As noticed above, the suggestion i.e. mental/psychological depression due
to inability to conceive has not been given to some of the witnesses and
was not the plea or ground mentioned by appellant No. 1 in his statement
under Section 313 Cr.P.C. It is apparent that the desire or demand
referred to in the suicide note was not the wish and desire that Sundari
becomes a mother but was something different and related to monetary
consideration. Normally a demand is made for monetary consideration or
a material object.
41. Thus, the appellant‟s alibi and plea that the demand/desire referred
to in the suicide note Ex. PW5/E did not relate to a material object or a
dowry demand, but deceased Sundari‟s own inability to conceive, has to
be rejected.
42. Statement of Om Prakash (PW-5), Ex.PW5/A which resulted in
registration of FIR, refers to demand of Rs.5,000/- for purchase of a three-
wheeler scooter. The statements made by Davki (PW-3), Ganga Singh CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 32 of 34 (PW-4) and Om Prakash (PW-5) also referred to demand of scooter in
addition to other items. Even if we disregard their testimonies referring to
other items as exaggerations and improvements, no benefit would accrue
and can be given to the appellant No. 1 as the said witnesses are
consistent and have uniformly deposed about demand of money for
purchase of a scooter.
43. In view of the aforesaid discussion, we uphold the conviction of
appellant No. 1 under Sections 498A and 304B IPC. The next question
relates to quantum of punishment. Offence under Section 498A IPC is
punishable for a term which may extend to three years and the accused is
also liable to pay fine. Offence under Section 304B IPC is punishable
with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but
may extend to imprisonment for life. The aforesaid appeal was preferred
in the year 1998 and deceased undari had committed suicide in December,
1989. A long time has elapsed since then. As per papers available on
record, appellant No. 1 was released on suspension of sentence vide order
dated 14th July, 1998. We have quoted the dying declaration marked Ex.
PW16/A wherein the deceased Sundari had specifically used abusive
word in respect of her mother in law – Shyama Devi appellant No. 2, who
has expired, indicative that she (Sundari) had primary grievance and
complaint against her.
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 33 of 34
44. Keeping in view the aforesaid facts, the sentence awarded to
appellant No. 1 under Section 304B is reduced from life imprisonment to
seven years, which is the minimum sentence stipulated. The sentence of
three years and fine of Rs.1,000/- awarded to the appellant No. 1 for the
offence under Section 498A IPC is maintained. In default of payment of
fine, appellant No. 1 will undergo rigorous imprisonment for three
months. The sentences will run concurrently and benefit of Section 428
Cr.P.C. will be given.
45. Conviction of appellant No.1 Sudhakar Singh, under sections 498A
and 304B IPC is upheld, but the sentence awarded under section 304B IPC
is modified. The appellant is accordingly required to surrender and undergo
the remaining sentence. In case the appellant does not surrender within a
period of one month from the date of pronouncement of the judgment, the
trial court will take appropriate steps in accordance with law. The appeal is
disposed of accordingly.
-sd-
(SANJIV KHANNA)
JUDGE
-sd-
(G.P. MITTAL)
JUDGE
JULY 18, 2014
VKR/KKB/NA
CRL.A. No. 240/1998 Page 34 of 34
