Live-in Relationship – Protection of Life and Liberty – Petitioners, a minor girl aged 14 years and 8 months, and a 20-year-old boy, sought protection from their families – Held, legitimacy of live-in relationships requires certain conditions – Court found petitioners' claim of live-in relationship unsupported due to minor status of petitioner No.2 – Directed SSP,...
Dowry Death and Cruelty – Sections 304-B and 498-A IPC – The Supreme Court held that offences under Sections 498-A and 304-B IPC are distinct, though both involve cruelty. Conviction under each section requires separate proof of their specific ingredients. In this case, the death due to poisoning within seven years of marriage and evidence of consistent dowry demands and harassment sat...
Dowry Death – Section 304-B IPC – The deceased committed suicide by setting herself ablaze just after one year of her marriage, having been subjected to cruelty and harassment for dowry by the accused. The court emphasized that Section 304-B IPC, which defines 'dowry death', should be interpreted keeping in mind the legislative intent to curb the social evil of dowry demands an...
Dowry Death – Bail Rejection – Specific allegations in FIR regarding demand for dowry and proximity of death to the demand – High Court granted bail without adequate reasons – Medical evidence did not support the claim of mental illness – Serious allegations and presumption under Section 304-B IPC and Section 113-B Evidence Act – High Court not justified in gran...
Family Courts Act – Jurisdiction and Procedure – Family Court does not have plenary powers to bypass mandatory procedural requirements ensuring fairness and transparency – Section 7 defines jurisdiction, while Section 10 integrates CPC procedures for dispute resolution – Family Courts must adhere to principles of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, as mandated by Section 14 of t...
Matrimonial Law – Dissolution of Marriage – Appellant (Husband) sought dissolution of marriage due to mental cruelty by the wife – Complaints made by wife to Army superiors and other authorities – Court of inquiry against husband and adverse consequences in career – High Court erred in dismissing husband's plea and allowing wife's plea for restitution of conju...
Victim Rights and Anonymity – Media Disclosure – Disclosure of a rape victim’s identity by the media violates Section 228-A IPC. No person can publish the name or any matter revealing the identity of the victim. Ensuring anonymity is crucial to protect the victim from social ostracization and discrimination [Paras 21-23].
Rehabilitation and Compensation – State Responsib...
Criminal Law – Kidnapping and Consensual Affair – The appellant argued that the minor girl's consent should be a defense due to their consensual relationship. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, emphasizing that the consent of a minor is immaterial under Section 361 IPC. The Court noted that the statutory provisions do not allow for the consent of the minor as a valid defense ...
Protection of Minor in Runaway Marriage — Application by minor girl and her husband seeking protection from her parents after eloping — GIRL's age at time of leaving home 16 years and 10 months, HUSBAND's age 18 years and 6 months — Both minors under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, yet claiming marriage under customary rites — Application of Child Marriage Act, 2006 a...
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 - Section 13 - Divorce on Grounds of Cruelty and Desertion - Held, husband's sweeping allegations of cruelty were unsubstantiated and negated by his own witnesses. Allegations of attempted suicide by wife also not proven. Evidence showed wife willing to reconcile and husband unwilling to accept her back. Appeal dismissed.
Cruelty - Lack of Evidence - Analy...