Supreme Court cautions against over-implication of in-laws in 498A cases
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a warning to state prosecution and the judiciary, urging caution to prevent the “over-implication” of in-laws in domestic harassment cases under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The directive was delivered in a recent judgment by a Bench comprising Justices C.T. Ravikumar and Sanjay Kumar.
The warning came during the hearing of an appeal by a man, the brother-in-law of the victim, who was charged with harassment despite a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the alleged offence. The incident dates back to April 2011, and the appellant had married into the family just five months before the victim’s death.
The case began when the woman’s father lodged a complaint with Maharashtra Police, alleging that his daughter was subjected to mental and physical torture by her husband and in-laws to extort ₹5 lakh for purchasing a flat. The victim’s body was discovered with ligature marks and abrasions, leading to suspicions of foul play.
Despite the man’s claim of innocence, both the session’s court and the Bombay High Court dismissed his appeal, asserting his involvement. In the Supreme Court, the appellant argued that he had minimal interaction with the deceased and had no opportunity to harass her.
Justice Ravikumar, writing for the Bench, emphasized the prevalence of exaggerated complaints in such cases, stating, “Exaggerated versions of the incident are common, and over-implication is frequently observed.” The court underscored the need for judicial prudence in distinguishing genuine cases from those involving baseless allegations, to prevent unjust suffering.
The judgment further criticized the lower courts for delivering a “perverse” finding of guilt against the appellant, noting the complete lack of evidence connecting him to the offence.“The appellant has suffered ignominy and legal consequences without any material evidence against him,” the Bench observed, setting aside the conviction.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
