Summary
The deceased’s married sister-in-law and her husband were acquitted of dowry death on benefit of doubt. Defence witnesses and public documents showing their residence in another village had not been properly considered. The circumstantial evidence did not prove dowry-related torture by them or common intention with the deceased’s husband.
Issues
- Whether the evidence proved these two relatives’ involvement beyond reasonable doubt.
Held
- Both lower courts failed to explain rejection of defence testimony about separate residence. Residence, PAN and service documents reinforced that testimony and created serious doubt about the prosecution case against these appellants. (¶ 10–12)
- Dowry-related torture and common intention were not proved beyond reasonable doubt against these appellants. The Court expressly refrained from commenting on evidence against the husband. (¶ 12–14)
Result
Appeal allowed; appellants acquitted under Sections 304B/34 IPC and ordered released unless required in another crime.