PURAN SINGH Vs. SURJIT KAUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) PURAN Singh (petitioner No. 1) was married to Surjit Kaur, respondent on 13.3.1988. Respondent filed a complaint in the Court of Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Fetehabad with respect to offences punishable under Sections 406/498-A/494/109 Indian Penal Code. It was asserted that petitioner No. 2 Dona Singh, father of petitioner No. 1, petitioner No. 3, Jamna Bai, mother of petitioner No. 1, petitioner No. 4 Mangal Singh, younger brother of petitioner No. 1, petitioner No. 5, Kartar Singh, maternal uncle of petitioner No. 1, petitioners No. 6 & 7 Veero and Jeeta Singh, sister and brother-in-law of petitioner No. 1, petitioners No. 8 & 9 Ramo and Tarlok Singh, sister and brother-in-law of petitioner No. 1 were present at the time of marriage of petitioner No. 1 with respondent. Father of the respondent gave dowry articles and the same were handed over to petitioner No. 1 Puran Singh, Petitioner No. 2, Dona Singh and petitioner No. 3, Jamna Bai. The petitioners were not happy with the dowry and they forced the respondent to bring more dowry articles. She was harassed and physically assaulted. She was asked to bring a watch, radio and a fan. Ultimately on 12.4.1989 the respondent was beaten and turned out of the house. She started living with her parents at Fatehabad. Many a time the Panchayat went to the petitioners, but, they were not willing to give up their old demands. On 12.6.1990, Panchayat was convened. Petitioners No. 1 to 3 were also present, but they repeated their demand of dowry. They further demanded a motor cycle for settling the dispute with the respondent.

(2.) AT the time respondent was staying in the house of petitioner No. 1, it is claimed that Sumitra Bai, Amri Singh and Rani Bai used to visit her and they knew that petitioner No. 1 is married to respondent Despite their knowledge that petitioner No. 1 was legally married to respondent petitioner Puran Singh was married to Sumitra Bai. Petitioners 2 to 8 attended the marriage. On these broad facts, complaint was filed with respect to offences punishable under Indian Penal Code mentioned above.

(3.) THE petitioners seek quashing of the complaint and the proceedings before learned Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Fatehabad.