Bhagwati Devi v. State of Uttarakhand 2025 INSC 1051 - S. 498A IPC
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Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 498A - Demand for dowry in any form is itself sufficient for Section 498-A of IPC being attracted. Demand made in any form either by the husband or by the relative of the husband would also attract Section 498-A of IPC. Even if the demand exhibits the conduct that would likely to drive the said woman being unable to bear such conduct would attract Explanation (a). Likewise, harassing of a married woman with a view to coercing her or her relative to meet any unlawful demand would also fall within the mischief of the expression ‘cruelty’ - It has to be established that the woman had been subjected to cruelty continuously/ persistently or atleast in close proximity of time of lodging of complaint. (Para 8) [Context: SC acquitted the accused who was concurrently convicted under Section 498A IPC]
Case Info
Case Name and Neutral Citation
- Case Name: Smt. Bhagwati Devi v. State of Uttarakhand
- Neutral Citation: 2025 INSC 1051
Coram (Judges)
- Justice Aravind Kumar
- Justice N.V. Anjaria
Judgment Date
- August 29, 2025
Caselaws and Citations Referred
- Manju Ram Kalita vs. State of AssamCitation: (2009) 13 SCC 330
Statutes/Laws Referred
- Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 498-A (Cruelty by husband or relatives of husband)
- Section 304-B (Dowry death)
- Section 302 read with Section 34 (Murder with common intention)
#SupremeCourt judgment on Section 498A IPC: https://t.co/GcowgHuERb pic.twitter.com/ReGfnPiyxL
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