Rajeswari vs State Of Telangana - S 4 Dowry Prohibition Act

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 - Section 4 -While the offence of dowry demand can, in certain factual scenarios, implicate other family members, each accused must be shown to have actively participated in the alleged offence- A conviction for dowry demand has to be founded on clear and credible evidence that proves the offence beyond reasonable doubt- In the absence of any firm or consistent evidence, the claim of a paid dowry remains insufficiently proven. In cases involving allegations of dowry demand and associated offenses, the prosecution bears the burden of establishing its case through consistent and credible evidence- Hearsay, unless falling within specific exceptions, cannot form the basis of a conviction, especially in cases where the charges involve serious allegations such as dowry demand and cheating- Criminal convictions must rest on evidence that is clear, credible, and free from reasonable doubt. (Para 6-11)