Bombay High Court Acquits Husband, In-Laws; Says Parental Claims of Unhappiness Not Proof of Cruelty

The Bombay High Court, per Justice Milind Sathaye, acquitted a husband and his relatives accused under Section 498A IPC, holding that mere statements by the deceased’s parents about her being “unhappy” and “weeping often” could not establish cruelty in law.

The Court noted that the prosecution failed to show any willful conduct likely to drive the woman to suicide or cause grave injury. Finding no substantive evidence of harassment, the Court ruled that emotional impressions without corroboration were insufficient for conviction.

Accordingly, all accused were acquitted of charges under Section 498A.

[Ramprakash @ Popat Govind Manohar v. State of Maharashtra]