Allahabad High Court Orders Fast-Track Hearings in 21-Year-Old Dowry Harassment Case

The Allahabad High Court directed daily or weekly hearings in a 21-year-old dowry harassment case, stressing that failure to commence trial violated the petitioner-wife’s fundamental rights under Article 21.

Justice Vinod Diwakar observed that prolonged inaction by the Trial Court denied justice and weakened the rule of law.

The petitioner, who married in 2003, alleged cruelty and was removed from her home in 2004, leading her to lodge an FIR under Sections 498A of the IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Despite charge sheets and summons, the case remained stagnant. The Court ordered strict trial monitoring, bail forfeiture on default, and non-bailable warrants for absentees.

[Sudha Agarwal Alias Sudha Garg v. State of U.P. And 10 others]