When a woman commits an offence by torturing another woman, it is a more serious offence – SC

Apex Court observed that A lady like the appellant should have been more empathetic when it came to her daughter-in-law. When a woman commits an offence by torturing another woman, such as her daughter-in-law, it is a more serious offence. Mother-in-daughter-in-law law's would be at risk if another lady, such as the mother-in-law herein, does not protect the other lady Even the victim's husband was away at the time of the incident. With her husband's family, the victim was left to fend for herself. Since she is her daughter's mom, the appellant had a duty to protect and care for her daughter-in-law rather than harass and/or torture and/or cruelly treat her on any other matter, such as jewels or anything else. As a result, the appellant does not need any leniency in this case.

Headnote -Sections 498A and 306 IPC - Facts - a complaint was lodged by mother of the victim therein alleging that all the accused – her son-in-law, his mother, her daughter and father-in-law harassed - torture/cruelty for want of jewels.  It was alleged that due to which her daughter immolated herself - accused were charged for the offences under Sections 498A and 306 IPC – Trial court convicted Husband , Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law – accused preferred appeal to High Court – partly allowed by Setaside the conviction under Section 306 IPC and maintained the conviction under 498A IPC only against Mother-in-law – preferred appeal to Supreme court – Held – PW 1 and 2 after detailed cross-examination have stood by what they have stated - concurrent findings of  both the Courts - the harassment and/or torture and/or cruelty by the appellant – with regards to jewels - held guilty for the offence under Section 498A IPC –  reduce the sentence from one year R.I. to three months R.I. with fine - Appeal Partly Allowed. 

D.D- JANUARY 11, 2022.

Meera   Versus State By the Inspector of Police   Thiruvotriyur Police Station Chennai