July 28, 2025

In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court acquitted a man who had been convicted for abetting his wife's suicide almost three decades ago. The case centers around events that transpired in 1998, when the man was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly harassing his wife, leading to her tragic death. The case began when the couple married in 1993. However, domestic disputes arose, marked by remarks about the wife's complexion and threats of a second marriage. The man was convicted based on these allegations and sentenced to five years in prison for abetment of suicide and an additional year for cruelty. On July 11, Justice S M Modak presided over the appeal, quashing the previous conviction. The judge highlighted that domestic quarrels, including the nature of the accusations directed towards the wife, do not equate to criminal harassment as defined by law. He emphasized that the legislature does not intend for every marital dispute to be classified as a criminal offence. The court's examination revealed that while the wife faced distress due to her husband's comments regarding her appearance, and although there were household tensions, the evidence presented did not substantiate the claim of harassment that would legally compel an individual to end their life. The judge stated, "Domestic quarrels are common in marital life, and such arguments alone cannot be grounds for criminal charges unless they create an unbearable situation, leaving the spouse with no alternative but to take their own life." During the trial, the prosecution's arguments fell short as they could not convincingly link the wife's suicide directly to the alleged harassment. The couple shared financial responsibilities for their wedding without any dowry demands, and the husband's job as a goatherd often kept him away from home. The court noted that while there were times when the wife expressed discontent and reached out to her mother, leading to her eventual death, these were deemed as domestic disputes rather than criminal actions. Justice Modak's ruling serves as a reminder of the court's role in distinguishing between serious criminal offences and ordinary disagreements in marital relationships. Ultimately, the judgment from the trial court could not be upheld due to the lack of solid evidence, leading to the husband's acquittal. This case underscores the complexities of domestic relationships and the importance of thorough legal examination in cases involving sensitive issues like suicide and marital strife.

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Tags: Suicide, Abettment, Acquitted, Marital dispute, Justice,