PADALA SIRISHA Vs. DR. SARADA PRATHIMA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Criminal Petition is filed by the petitioner/A4 to quash the proceedings against her in CC.No.7191 of 2019 on the file of XIII Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Hyderabad. The offences alleged against the petitioner are under Ss. 4 and 6 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and Sec. 498A of IPC.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the 1st respondent-State.

(3.) Briefly, the case of the 1st respondent/defacto complainant is that she was married to Accused No.1 on 19/4/2018 in accordance with Hindu customs. At the time of marriage Accused No.1 was working in USA. On demand made, 40 lakhs cash, 2 lakhs as 'Aadapadachu Lanchanam'(customary gift to the groom's sister), 100 Tulas of gold, silver worth Rs.35.00 lakhs was given at the time of marriage. An amount of Rs.30.00 lakhs was spent for performing the marriage. Immediately, after marriage on the day of 'vratam' A1 shouted at the 1st respondent and her father for additional dowry and diamond necklace. Thereafter, Accused No.1 and 1st respondent lived together at L.B.Nagar, Hyderabad. On the very same day A3-mother-in-law took her jewellery. Eventually, A1 to A3 started harassing her and did not take proper care. Further A1 to A3 insisted for additional dowry of Rs.60.00 lakhs and ill- treated her for the reason of the parents of the 1st respondent not being able to arrange for the same. A1 went to USA on 7/5/2018, however on repeated requests, failed to make travel arrangements of the 1st respondent. She went to the house of Accused Nos.2 and 3. A2 and A3 started demanding for additional dowry and sent her out of the house asking her not to come back until the additional dowry demand was fulfilled. Thereafter, A1 to A3 were called for settlement, however, the conduct of A1 to A3 did not change, for the said reason a criminal complaint was filed.