Establish ‘live link’ between dowry death, cruelty : Supreme Court

New Delhi, May 29

Expressing “grave concern” over family members of the husband being falsely implicated, the Supreme Court has said the prosecution must establish the existence of “proximate and live link” between the dowry death and cruelty or harassment for dowry demand by the husband or his relatives.

Clarifying the legal position on dowry death and harassment, a Bench, led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, however, said the penal provision on it must be interpreted by keeping in mind the legislative intent to curb the social evil of bride burning and dowry demand. Often, trial courts recorded the statement of an accused in a “very casual and cursory manner, without specifically questioning the accused as to his defence” and sometimes family members of the husband were roped in, even though they had no active role, it noted. — TNS