BHANUMATI ACHARJEE Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This criminal appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 29.11.96 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Cachar, Silchar in Sessions Case No. 113/94 whereby the accused appellants were convicted under Section 304B/34 IPC and sentenced to undergo R.I. for a period of 10 years.

(2.) Heard Mr. J.M. Choudhury, learned Senior Advocate for the appellants and the learned Public Prosecutor, Assam.

(3.) This is yet another case where a young bride was sacrificed at the altar of dowry. Shampa Acharjee, an educated lady was given in marriage to accused appellant Shantanu. The marriage was solemnised on 13th March, 1991. Both the parties were Hindu and according to their customs and belief, marriage ceremony is a sacred and solemn occasion where the bridegroom accepts the bride as his wife assuring her protection for the whole life. It is also believed that the marriage has been ordained in the heaven. Although there is no scope to look for worldly considerations on such occasion, the other accused appellant Sujit Acharjee, brother of the bridegroom, however, insisted at the time of marriage that unless a colour T.V. is provided along with the bride, she is not acceptable to them and the marriage cannot be solemnised. Placed in such situation, the family members of the bride however managed a black and white portable T.V. and assured better one after the marriage ceremony. The marriage ceremony was, thereafter, solemnized and the young bride went to her husband's place but there was no end to her miseries - she was abused and taunted for not bringing quality an well as quantity dowry and on 6th October, 1992, on the day of 'Vijaya Dasami', when as per Hindu Mythology the goodness scores victory over 'evil', the young bride of 1 and 1/2 year's old marriage suffered burn injuries to the extent of 95 % at her matrimonial house. She was removed to a hospital where she succumbed to the injuries, thereby putting an end to all her miseries in this worldly life.