Supreme Court anguish over dowry deaths

 The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its anguish over the increasing incidents of dowry deaths and suggested that no mercy be shown to those accused of burning women to death over dowry demands.

Justice Markandey Katju sitting with Justice Deepak Verma as a vacation Bench orally observed that such persons should be hanged.

The Bench was hearing an application filed by Prem Kumar Gulati, the elder bother-in-law of the bride, who was burnt to death in Haryana. He was awarded life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The applicant was accused of burning his brother’s wife in collusion with his brother and mother.

Mr. Justice Katju told applicant’s counsel Jasbir Singh Malik: “You have burnt to death a woman by pouring kerosene. How can you do such a barbaric act? It is an uncivilised act. You should be hanged for the crime.”

Mr. Justice Katju said: “In India hundreds of innocent women are being burnt to death. It is an uncivilised act. How can we do it? We should hang such persons.”

When counsel said it was a case of suicide, Mr. Justice Katju said: “They all say that. Every time they burn a bride, they say it was a suicide. On the one hand they regard women as a devi, on the other hand they burn them alive. This is against the norms of civilised society. It’s barbaric. We will not grant you any relief. You can try your luck before another Bench.” The Bench adjourned the hearing to a later date.

The deceased, Rajani, in her dying declaration had implicated her husband Mahender Kumar Gulati, his elder brother Prem Kumar Gulati and the latter’s wife Rajani of constantly harassing her and then setting her ablaze after pouring kerosene over her at their house in Bhiwani district. The trial court awarded life sentence to the applicant and this was confirmed by the HC. The appeal was directed against that judgment and in the appeal he also sought bail.