GURDIT SINGH Vs. JEETO

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE present petition has been filed for quashing of the complaint under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code and under Sections 4 and 6 of Dowry Prohibition Act.

(2.) THE complainant was married to Jagtar Singh in the month of June, 1969. It is alleged that her husband Jagtar Singh alongwith his brother Gurdita alias Guriya and his brother's wife Smt. Piaro demanded dowry articles from the parents of the complainant. It is further averred that although sufficient dowry was given in the marriage, yet the husband's brother and the two petitioners demanded more dowry. On his failure to give dowry articles, she was maltreated and was given beating. It is further alleged that Jagtar Singh has illicit relation with Smt. Piaro wife of Gurditta alias Guriya and on her complaint to her husband, all the accused started maltreating the beating the complainant. The demand of dowry was persisted with by the petitioner. Ultimately, the complainant was turned out of the house in June, 1970. The complainant requested her husband and the petitioner to return her dowry articles but they refused to do so. Finding no other way, the present complaint was filed for the return of dowry articles. To challenge the illegal possession of the dowry articles by the petitioners, the complaint has been filed on 19.5.1992.

(3.) I find that the complaint has been filed after an in-ordinate delay of more than 23 years. No reasons have been mentioned in the complaint as to why the complainant remained silent for all these years i.e. from 1969 onwards and no reason is also forthcoming as to why efforts were not made to recover the dowry articles earlier. I am of the considered view that the present complaint is clearly an abuse of the process of the Court and thus, the complaint as well as further proceedings taken in pursuance of the filing of the said complaint are liable to be quashed.