On Tuesday, the Madras High Court held that in-laws should not be allowed to go scot-free in bride suicide cases just because they did not live with the woman and refused to suspend a jail term imposed by a lower court on the parents of a newlywed groom. "Since the in-laws are not residing with their son and the victim woman, and they are seeking suspension of sentence on that ground. Taking advantage of that, a wrong message has gone to society that the parents can easily escape from their liability and the alleged offence," Justice P Velmurugan has said.
The parents should not stop providing shelter and good education to their children and motivate them to get a job alone. Their first and foremost responsibility is to groom their children as responsible citizens. The judge added while dismissing a miscellaneous criminal petition from the parents of a person sentenced to two years' Rigorous Imprisonment in a dowry harassment case, where their daughter-in-law allegedly committed suicide.
The court said there had been an increase in instances of women committing suicide due to dowry harassment. On the other hand, the in-laws were escaping from their liability, saying they were not living with their son.
Even though they lived separately, they induced their sons to get dowry in the form of money or jewellery, two or four-wheelers, the judge noted. "Given the nature and gravity of the offence committed by the accused, this Court is not inclined to suspend the sentence," the judge said and posted the main appeal challenging the sentence to April 28.
We offer a wide range of lawyers to cater to all your every legal needs and requirement.
Our team provides you support in managing your legal issue without any additional and hidden charges.
Once you finalise the lawyer, you can proceed with predefined time estimation & pricing.
Dedicated Case Follow-up Manager to assist you in coordination with the Lawyer.