RAMAN KUMAR Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The hearing of this petition has taken place through video conferencing on account of outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

(2.) This petition has been filed under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as "Cr.P.C), for grant of regular bail to the petitioner in the case arising out of FIR No. 127 dated 03.07.2019 registered under Sections 304-B and 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (wherein Section 34 IPC was deleted in report under Section 173 Cr.P.C. and Section 406 IPC was added) at Police Station Bhattu Kalan, District Fatehabad.

(3.) FIR in question was registered on the complaint of Birbal, son of Phoosa Ram, father of the deceased Shakuntla, to the effect that his daughter, aged 31 years, was married to the petitioner about 3/4 years ago The in-laws of a daughter were not happy with the dowry and she had to constantly face insults and harassment at their hands. Demand for more dowry was raised immediately after marriage and about two years later, when his daughter was blessed with a son, the in-laws demanded Rs.5.00 lakhs on chhuchak. The complainant had given gifts like jewellary, clothes and Rs.2.00 lakhs in cash, but that did not satisfy the in-laws. About one year ago, the deceased was beaten by her mother-in-law and husband (present petitioner) and thrown out of the house. Two days later, her in-laws came, admitted their mistake and took her back with the promise that they will not demand dowry and that they will not harass her. On 03.07.2019, the complainant was informed that his daughter had expired. When he reached the matrimonial home of his daughter with some relatives, he saw the body of his daughter on a cot in the yard with the friction mark on her neck. He alleged that his daughter had been murdered by the petitioner and her chunni. During investigation, the petitioner was arrested on 09.07.2019. The mother-in-law of the deceased was found to be innocent. Police report dated 31.08.2019 (Annexure P-2) was submitted under Section 173 Cr.P.C. wherein Section 34 IPC was deleted and Section 406 IPC was added.