New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed a man to pay ₹3 lakh as compensation to his former wife after ending their marriage over unmet dowry demands, while upholding his conviction under anti-dowry laws.
Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Dowry Harassment Case, Orders ₹3 Lakh Compensation
A bench comprising Justices K.V. Viswanathan and S.V.N. Bhatti delivered the judgment, addressing dowry harassment and the appropriate legal remedies in such cases.
The case involved M. Venkateswaran, who was convicted under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act for harassing his wife over dowry demands. The marriage, which took place on March 31, 2006, lasted only three days.
Landmark Judgment: Supreme Court Enforces Anti-Dowry Laws with ₹3 Lakh Compensation Directive
The court noted that the accused refused to cooperate during the wedding reception when the bride’s family failed to meet his demand for 100 sovereigns of gold as dowry. Multiple witnesses testified to the harassment, including additional gold demands and the groom’s family’s non-cooperation during the wedding ceremonies.
In its directive, the court modified the sentence to the period already undergone (approximately three months) while maintaining the conviction. The court ordered, “The appellant shall deposit a sum of ₹3,00,000/- in the 4th Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet, Chennai, within a period of four weeks, which shall be paid as compensation to PW-4 Sridevi.”
The court further emphasized that failure to pay the compensation would result in the dismissal of the appeal, requiring the appellant to serve the remainder of the original sentence.
Mr. M.P. Parthiban appeared for the appellant, while Mr. D. Kumanan represented the State.
Case Title: M. Venkateswaran Versus The State
