Allegations Under Section 498A IPC And Dowry Act Cannot Be Ambiguous Or Made In Thin Air: Supreme Co

Supreme Court Acquits Rajesh Chaddha, Cautions Against Misuse of Dowry Laws

 

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court has acquitted Rajesh Chaddha of charges under Section 498A of the IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, emphasizing that such serious allegations must be backed by specific and credible evidence—not vague or baseless claims.

 

The verdict was delivered by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma in the case Rajesh Chaddha vs State of Uttar Pradesh (Criminal Appeal Nos. 2353-54 of 2019). The Court set aside previous convictions upheld by the Trial Court, Sessions Court, and Allahabad High Court.

 

Background

 

The case began with a complaint filed by Mala Chaddha in 1999, alleging mental and physical cruelty by her husband and his family over dowry demands. She accused them of harassment, forced drugging, and physical assault leading to a miscarriage, citing a specific demand of ?2 lakhs.

 

Trial and Appeals

 

While the Trial Court acquitted the accused of assault and criminal intimidation due to lack of medical evidence, it convicted Rajesh Chaddha under Section 498A IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Act. These convictions were later upheld by both the Sessions Court and the High Court.

 

Supreme Court’s Observations

 

On appeal, the Supreme Court critically examined the evidence and found it lacking in substance. The Bench noted that:

 

> “Allegations cannot be ambiguous or made in thin air.”

 

 

 

The Court observed that the complaint was filed after the husband had initiated divorce proceedings and the marriage had already ended. Apart from the testimonies of the complainant and her father, there was no corroborative evidence—no medical records, dates, or specific instances of cruelty.

 

Concern Over Misuse

 

Expressing concern over the growing misuse of dowry laws, the Court said:

 

> “The term ‘cruelty’ is subject to rather cruel misuse by the parties… sweeping allegations without specific details undermine the complaint’s credibility.”

 

 

 

Final Verdict

 

Calling the continued prosecution an abuse of legal process, the Supreme Court acquitted Rajesh Chaddha of all charges, bringing closure to a case that had lingered for over two decades.

 

This judgment serves as a reminder that while the law must protect victims of dowry harassment, it must also guard against its misuse—ensuring justice for all parties involved.

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