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[Cites 21, Cited by 0]

Delhi District Court

Fir No. 120/2007, Ps Mirzapur, ... vs . Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 1 Of 39 on 26 October, 2018

  In The Court of Ms. Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan, Metropolitan
      Magistrate­02, (Mahila Court), South East, New Delhi

                                       State v. Shailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors.
                                       FIR No: 120/2007
                                       Crl. Case No. 9756/2007
                                       PS: Mirzapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
                                       CC No.616833/2016
                                       PS: H.N. Din 
                                       U/s: 498A/406/420/34 IPC & Section 3,7 
                                              Dowry Prohibition Act.

                                           JUDGMENT
Date of institution                              : 11.02.2010
CRC no.                                          : 616833/2016
Name of the complainant                          : Saroj Sailesh Jani
                                                   W/o Sailesh Harshadrai Jani
                                                   R/o H.No. 13, Church Lane, 
                                                   Bhogal, H.N. Din, New Delhi.

Name & address of the accused : 1. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani S/o Harshadrai Jani

  2.  Harshadrai Jani, S/o Sh.  Natha Lal Jani

  3.  Bimal H. Jani,  S/o Sh. Harshadrai Jani

  4.  Rekha H. Jani,  D/o Sh. Harshadrai Jani

  5.  Urmila Ben H. Jani,  W/o Sh. Harshadrai Jani FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 1 of 39 All R/o Maruti Nagar, Verawar            Highway road, Opposite    Roshan Bhai shop,  Paluka Kodinal, District  Junagarh, Gujarat.

Offence Complained of                            :  U/s 498­A/406/420 IPC & 
                                                     Section 37 Dowry 
                                                     Prohibition Act. 

Offence Charged of                               :  U/s 498­A/406/420 IPC & 
                                                     Section 37 Dowry 
                                                     Prohibition Act. 

Plea of accused                                  :  Pleaded not guilty

Final Order                                      : Acquitted  

Date of arguments                                :  22.10.2018

Date of announcing of order                      :  26.10.2018

BRIEF FACTS:­

1. Brief facts of the case are that the present matter was received by way of transfer by the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 18.11.2008. Upon being directed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court the original   case   file   of   the   present   matter   alongwith   chargesheet   and other documents including the English translation was filed before the present Court and the same was received on 11.02.2010. Perusal of the record shows that the present criminal complaint was filed initially FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 2 of 39 vide case FIR No. 9756/2007 at PS Mirzapur, Ahmadabad, Gujarat. The present case file was received having Page No. 1 to 314 and upon perusal of the index at para 49 i.e. Page No.289 and 290 of the record revealed   that   accused   Shailesh   Harshad   Rai   Jani,   Bimal   H.   Jani, Harshad M. Jani, Urmila Ben H. Jani and Rekha H. Jani were charged u/s 498­A/406/420 IPC & Section 3 and 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act upon which accused persons had pleaded not guilty and claimed trial and   therefore   the   matter   was   listed   for   prosecution   evidence.   The charge   was   framed   against   the   accused   persons   on   26.03.2008   to which   accused   persons   pleaded   not   guilty   and   claimed   trial.   All accused   persons   were   summoned   by   the   present   court   and   they admitted to bail vide order dated 18.05.2017.

2. Briefly the facts of the complaint filed by the complainant in her   complaint   Ex.PW­1/A   dated   04.02.2007   and   the   English translation of the same Ex.PW­1/A1 wherein she has stated that she got married to accused No.1 on 02.05.2006 at her house No.B­504, Sukriti Garden, opposite Amrakadam Bungalow near Super Society, Ramdev Nagar, Cross road, PS Satellite, Ahmedabad as per Hindu rites and  rituals  and the Satpadi was  performed  in the  presence  of elder persons and parents. After marriage, she lived with the accused at the aforesaid address. Accused No.1 had also taken her to his house and for sometime, she was kept there as the family of accused persons FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 3 of 39 had given a party in their guest house. Complainant alongwith accused Shailesh Harshadrai Jani stayed at the guest house for about 3­4 days and thereafter, she alongwith accused returned back to Ahmedabad. She   had   good   relations   with   the   accused   but   after   sometime   his behaviour changed towards the complainant and he stopped treating the complainant properly. Thereafter, accused left the premises of the complainant without informing her. When the complainant objected to his behaviour, he abused her in filthy language and demanded money from   the   complainant   for   carrying   out   his   business.   Further,   the husband of complainant started demanding money and also threatened the complainant that if she would not arrange money, she would not be treated well by the family of accused. Complainant was physically and mentally tortured by her husband and she was extended threats by the accused persons to transfer her aforesaid property of Ahmedabad in   the   name   of   accused   No.1   or   accused   No.1   shall   divorce   the complainant. She was also threatened by the accused persons to be implicated   in   false   cases   and   to   be   raped   by   goons   after   being kidnapped. Further, her husband had taken away her passport, gold chain, gold ring, documents and marriage evidence from the house of the   complainant   and   when   she   asked   her   husband   to   return   her aforesaid articles, she was threatened.

FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 4 of 39

3. In her complaint before the court addressed to the District & Sessions Judge, Gramin, Ahmedabad dated 18.05.2007 Ex.PW­1/B, it was stated by her that she was residing at House No.B­504, Sukriti Garden, opposite Amrakadam Bungalow near Super Society, Ramdev Nagar, Cross road, PS Satellite, Ahmedabad. She got married with accused Shailesh Harshadrai Jani who belonged to Kodinar, District Junagarh as per Hindu rites and rituals and Saptpadi on 02.05.2006. After   few   months,   she   alongwith   accused   Harshadrai   Jani   lived together happily. In her marriage, her parents had given Rs.2 lakhs and   jewellery.   After   few   months,   parents   of   accused   Shailesh Harshadrai Jani started demanding more dowry. She was working and all her salary were taken by her husband and she was told to sell her house and the money received be given to her husband. Further, her husband was residing at Shivam Guest House near Somnath temple, Kodinar, District Junagarh, Gujarat. Thereafter, her husband and in­ laws   again   started   demanding   dowry.   She   was   pressurised   by   her husband to sell off her house since he needed money for the marriage of his sister. For the same, the complainant had paid Rs.1lakh and Rs.50,000/­ and gold jewellery. All the gifts given by her friends had been taken away by the accused Shailesh Harshadrai Jani and her in­ laws. That her husband Shailesh Harshadrai Jani had brutally beaten her. When she went to her in­laws house at Kodinar, all the accused persons again gave her brutal beatings and she was pulled by hair and FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 5 of 39 abused   by   the   accused   persons.   Further,   the   torture,   atrocities   and harassment   of   her   husband   and   her   in­laws   continued.   They   also extended threats to the complainant and her parents that she should pay Rs.2 lakhs as dowry or they shall kill her. Further, her husband Shailesh Harshadrai Jani was having illicit relation with another girl. Further, an amount of Rs.2.5 lakhs, jewellery of gold worth Rs.1 lakh, utensils   and   clothes   worth   Rs.3,000/­   were   in   the   custody   of   her husband at Kodinar. Further, the accused persons had intention to use the aforesaid articles of the complainant in the marriage of accused Rekha.   Further,   the   complainant   was   deserted   by   her   husband   by torturing her and playing fraud upon her. 

4. Pursuant to this complaint dated 04.02.2007 against accused, FIR   was   registered   on   same   day   and   the   matter   was   investigated. Chargesheet   was   filed.   Court   took   cognizance   of   offence   and summoned   the   accused.   Vide   order   dated   26.03.2008   charge   was framed against accused for the offences U/s 498A/406/420/34 IPC & Section 3,7  Dowry Prohibition Act. Accused pleaded not guilty and claimed   trial   and   accordingly   matter   was   listed   for   prosecution evidence. Thereafter, prosecution evidence was led. IO had cited  six witnesses in the present matter that is complainant namely Sarojben, PW Geetaben being the mother of the complainant, Shudhaben being the   sister   of   the   complainant,   PW   Kalpesh   being   the   son   of   the FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 6 of 39 complainant from her previous marriage, one Smt. Shukhavinder and IO, PSI D.A. Sanghavi. 

5. In order to prove its case, prosecution has examined three witnesses.  However, during trial PW Kalpesh being the son of the complainant from her previous marriage, one Smt. Shukhavinder were dropped   from   the   list   of   witnesses   as   they   were   not   traceable   and remained unserved through DCP concerned. PW Geetaben being the mother   of   the   complainant   was   dropped  from   the  list   of   witnesses upon the request of the complainant being aged and bed ridden.  

6. PW1/complainant  Sarojben  deposed  that  on  02.05.2006, she   got   married   to   the   accused   as   per   Hindu   rites   and   customs   at Ahmedabad. At the time of marriage, she was residing at House No.B­ 504,   Sukriti   Garden,   Opposite   Amrakadam   Bungalow,   Satellite, Ahmedabad­15. The marriage was performed in her aforesaid house in the presence of about 25­30 people which including her parents and relatives   and   also   the   parents   and   family   members   of   the   accused persons. After her marriage, she and the family of the accused persons organised a party at Kodinar, District Junagarh, Gujarat which was the Guest house of the accused persons after 7­8 days of her marriage. At the aforesaid Guest house, she alongwith accused Shailesh Harshadrai Jani, Bimal H. Jani, Harshad M. Jani, Urmila Ben H. Jani, Rekha H. Jani (accused Shailesh Harshadrai Jani was correctly identified by the FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 7 of 39 witness and other accused persons were exempted) and several other relatives of the accused persons remained there for about five days. After that, she alongwith accused Shailesh Harshadrai Jani came back to her house at Satellite, Ahmedabad. The aforesaid house of Satellite was   in   the   name   of   her   previous   husband   and   myself   jointly. Thereafter, accused Shailesh lived with her in the house properly only for two months. Thereafter, her husband left her and went to his house at Kodinar. After 5­6 days, accused Shailesh again returned to their house and told her that he was suffering losses in his business and therefore, told her that either she should transfer the house of Satellite in his name or should sell off the property and give the proceeds of the same to him so that he can invest in his business at Kodinar to run his Guest House to come out of the losses. Upon hearing the same, she told the accused that she was not the sole owner of the property of Satellite   and  the   same   was   jointly   owned  by   her   and   her   previous husband to whom she got divorced in the year 2004. At that time, accused also told her that his sister Rekha was also due for marriage and   his   father   was   not   in   a   position   to   spend   or   arrange   for   the expenses   of   her   marriage   and   therefore,   she   should   help   him   with giving some funds or money. Upon hearing the same, she arranged an amount of Rs.2 lakhs from her father and also gave Rs.50,000/­ from her   own   funds   and   handed   over   the   same   to   accused   Shailesh. However, she did not remember the date on which she had handed FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 8 of 39 over the aforesaid amount to accused Shailesh but the same was in the month of August, 2006. Thereafter, accused went to Kodinar and gave the aforesaid amount to his mother. During the festival of Diwali in the year 2006, accused left her and went to Kodinar eight days before Diwali on the pretext of  meeting his parents and also promised that he shall return back two days prior Diwali and thereafter, shall arrange for some holiday with her. On the festival of Diwali, accused Shailesh did not return back to Ahmedabad and she kept calling him and the phone was always picked by her mother in law or her brother in law who   never   allowed   her   to   talk   to   accused   Shailesh.   At   that   time, accused  Bimal   Harshadrai   Jani,   Urmila  Harshadrai  Jani   and  Rekha Harshadrai Jani used to abuse her on phone and also told her that she should forget that she had got married to accused Shailesh and there was   no   marriage   between   her   and   accused   Shailesh.   At   that   time, father of accused Shailesh also told her not to give them a call and forget that she had got married to accused Shailesh. After Diwali, on one occasion,  she  contacted accused Shailesh who told her that he shall return after 3­4 days and also consoled her by saying that she should not feel bad about the behaviour of his family members. After 3­4 days, accused Shailesh returned back to Ahmedabad at her house and also told her that he would return back to Kodinar as his father was unwell. At that time, she was working in a college and used to return back only at 7.00 PM in the evening. Thereafter, on one day, FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 9 of 39 when she was away for her work at her college, accused Shailesh left the house alongwith all her jewellery articles, cash, her degrees, her passport and other documents. Thereafter, she made a call to accused Shailesh to know about him but he abused her in filthy language on the phone. The fact that accused had taken her aforesaid articles came to her knowledge only after 5­6 days. Thereafter, she made a call to accused   Urmila   Ben   (mother   in   law)   but   she   and   accused   Bimal started abusing her on the phone and also threatened her with dire consequences  and  also   threatened   her   to  get  her  killed.  Thereafter, accused  Rekha also abused  her  in filthy language. After  about 2­3 months, she kept on calling accused to sort out the matter and settle with him but he only had intention to come back if she transferred  her house in his name. At that time, accused also used to threat her by saying that he shall divorce her, for which she was not ready. Despite her several efforts, accused did not return back home to live with her and she approached the police station to lodge her complaint against the accused. Due to all this, her brother namely Jugal Kishore Yadav also suffered heart attack and expired in December, 2006. Thereafter, she visited PS Satellite, Ahmedabad and gave complaint to the police on 04.02.2007 Ex.PW­1/A. The translation of the same in English was Ex.PW­1/A1. Thereafter, the present FIR was registered against the accused   persons.   During   investigation,   accused   persons   tried   to influence the police officials also. At that time, she had also given a FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 10 of 39 complaint to the concerned CJM vide Ex.PW­1/B in English. During the investigation, IO had inquired from her about the present matter and also recorded the statement of witnesses and her family members.

During cross­examination PW1 deposed that  it was correct that   her   marriage   with   accused   Sahilesh   Harsadharai   Jani   was   her second marriage. Even her first marriage was duly solemnized and it was an arranged marriage. Mr Swami Nath Yadav was the name of her previous husband. Her previous husband was alive. She was in talking terms with her previous husband. She had two children(sons) namely   Kalpesh   and   Jatin   from   her   previous   husband.   The   age   of elder son Kalpesh is 32 years and Jatin is aged about 28­30 years. She had obtained divorce from her earlier husband prior to her marriage with   accused   Shailesh   Harshadrai   Jani.   Her   divorce   took   place   on 15.04.2004   on  stamp   paper   before   Registrar.  She   took  a   decree   of divorce from the court. She did not remember the date of decree of divorce.   She had not placed the paper of divorce before any court including   this   court.   She   tried   to   submit   the   same   to   the   police officials   as   she   was   divorcee   at   the   time   of   marriage   with   present accused but police official refused to receive the same stating that she would produce the same before the court. It was wrong to suggest that she   did   not   get   married   with   accused   Sailesh   Harsadhrai   Jani   on 02.05.2006. It was wrong to suggest that she never got divorced from FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 11 of 39 her previous husband.   It was wrong to suggest that as on date, her marriage with earlier husband was still valid and surviving. She could not place the photographs of marriage as the accused took away all the photographs. She did not try to contact with photographer who took the marriage photographs as the photographs were taken from mobile and personal camera of one Bimal and no photographer was hired on the occasion of her marriage. Her brother or she herself did not have a mobile so they did not take the photographs of her marriage from the side of bride. Her relatives such as her sister, mother, masi, brother and   her   neighbour   namely   Sukhwinder,   her   bhabi   and   one   Mr Kamlesh were all present in her marriage from her side. None of them were having mobile phone at that time. It was wrong to suggest that she had not married with accused due to which neither she nor her relative possess any photograph of her marriage.   It was correct that she   did   not   apply   for   obtaining   marriage   certificate   before   the Registrar of marriages. She did not apply the same as the same was not required by her.  It was correct that she had a house in joint name of her and her previous husband, at Ahmedabad i.e. B­504, Sukirti Garden, Opposite Aamar Kadam Banglow Satellite, Ahmedabad­15 and she had sold out the aforesaid house to one Giri Raj Singh in the year 2009. However, she did not receive any consideration amount for the aforesaid house as Giri Raj was not intended to pay her because of the   objection   of   her   previous   husband.  As   per   the   mutual FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 12 of 39 understanding between her and her previous husband, she was staying in the aforesaid house even after her divorce. It was correct that she had obtained the duplicate copies of all her educational certificates which the accused Shailesh had taken out. She had not attached any receipt of expenditure of her marriage with her complaint as the same had   already   been   taken   out   by   accused.   Both   children   from   her previous marriage are educated and were perusing their 10 th and 12th at the   time   of   her   marriage   with   accused.   She   did   not   know   how qualified were her two sons presently.   It was correct that she was president of Lok Jan Shakti Party of Ahmadabad Unit. She had never been arrest during any political protest being member of the aforesaid party. She had never  participated in any Dharna Pradarshan  of  the aforesaid   party.   She   had   never   been   accused   in   any   criminal proceeding   during   her   political   carrier.   She   was   working   in   the aforesaid party for the purpose of bringing women together. The work was to help the women in their obstacles of obtaining ration card, for vaccination of children of women of poor family etc. She had never fought   election   of   aforesaid   party.   She   was   not   a   lecturer   in   any university.   She   was   never   receiving   any   monthly   salary   from   any college. It was wrong to suggest that she was employed as a lecturer or a teacher in a organization and receiving monthly salary. After her M.Phil. Degree, she did not pursue her Ph.D. She did not receive any money from her previous husband from him on her divorce.   It was FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 13 of 39 wrong to suggest that she was seeking financial help from her children or from previous husband for maintenance. She was having a PAN card No. ACAPY5691B. It was wrong to suggest that she was having regular income as salary. Her previous husband had not objected to her   second   marriage   with   the   accused   no.1   since   she   was   already divorced by him. It was wrong to suggest that her previous husband had filed a case against her. It was wrong to suggest that a complaint before Ahmadabad Court was filed by her previous husband which was still pending adjudication. She had not placed on record any bank account statement for herself or for her father to show the payment of Rs.2,00,000/­   made   by   her   father   and   Rs.50,000/­   from   her   own account to accused Shailesh. She had given an amount of Rs.50,000/­ to   accused   Shailesh   through   her   credit   card   of   City   Bank.   It   was wrong to suggest that she never lived with the accused persons in the matrimonial house. It was correct that she had not placed on record the photographs of marriage or any other photograph of herself with the accused persons or his family member. It was wrong to suggest that  she  never  got  married to the accused  as  she  had not obtained divorce from her previous husband. It was wrong to suggest that the accused   persons   never   treated   her   with   any   cruelty   or   demand   of dowry since she never stayed with the accused persons and was never legally married to accused Shailesh Harsadrai Jani. It was wrong to FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 14 of 39 suggest that she falsely implicated the accused persons in the present matter with the intention to falsely implicate them. 

7. PW2   Shudhaben   (sister   of   complainant)   deposed   that Complainant   Saroj   Sailesh   was   her   real   sister.   Complainant   got married with accused Shailesh on 02.05.2006 as per Hindu rites and rituals. The marriage was performed in the house of the complainant which was situated at Sukriti Garden, Vardhaman, Satellite Gujarat. After 08 days of her marriage, complainant visited her matrimonial house   alongwith   accused   at   Kodinar.   Complainant   remained   at   her matrimonial   house   of   Kodinar   for   some   days   around   08   days, however, complainant was ill treated and beaten there by her sister­in­ law  namely  Rekha,  brother­in­law  namely  Vimal  and  her   husband. Thereafter, she returned back to Ahmadabad alongwith her husband. Thereafter, complainant  narrated the same to elders of their  family like her parents, brother and his wife in the presence of PW2, to settle the matter  between the family of the accused and herself. For  two months, she stayed  with the accused.  During the month of  Diwali, complainant was wanting to get her house painted and also invited the family of the accused to visit her at Ahmadabad. However, the mother and sister of the accused refused to visit her house at Ahmadabad and told   her   on   the   phone   that   she   should   name   the   house   of   Sukriti Garden and transfer the same in the name of accused Shailesh and FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 15 of 39 only then they shall visit the house at Ahmadabad. However, her sister refused   to   name   the   property   on   her   husband's   name.   Thereafter, accused Shailesh also forced her sister to name the property in his name   and   on  her   refusal   gave   beatings   to  her.   Thereafter,   accused Shailesh remained with her sister only for few days and left her and went to live with his parents at Kodinar. When he left the house of the complainant,   he   took   away   her   jewelery,   documents,   three   mobile phones and money which was belonging to the complainant since at that time complainant was not home and had gone to give lecture in the college. Thereafter, her sister had given her a call and narrated the incident   to   her.   She   could   not   tell   the   year   in   which   he   left   the complainant   but   it   may   have   been   in   the   year   2006   or   2007.   The evidence on affidavit u/s 296 CrPC was given by her vide affidavit Ex.CW2/A.  During cross­examination PW2 deposed that  it was correct that it was the second marriage of the complainant with accused no.1. The name of the previous husband of complainant was Swaminath. Complainant had two children from her previous marriage and their names   are   Jatin   and   Kalpesh.   She   did   not   know   the   age   of   her children.   She   was   not   having   any   contact   with   the   children   of   the complainant. The elder son of the complainant was already married and she did not know their present whereabouts. She did not know the FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 16 of 39 date of marriage of the elder son of the complainant. She was not aware if the second child of the complainant was also married. She did not know where the children of the complainant were employed. She had   attended   the   first   marriage   of   the   complainant   and   she   had witnessed   the   ceremonies   of   marriage   at   that   time.   She   did   not remember   the   date   of   the   first   marriage   of   the   complainant. Complainant got divorced from her first husband and the same was by mutual consent (samadhan). Complainant was highly educated but she did not know her educational qualifications. She did not know if the complainant was Ph.D. qualified. Complainant was presently residing at Ranchi in Jharkhand. The house of Sukriti Garden, Ahmadabad is still in the name of complainant. Her father has already expired. Her mother   was   presently   residing   with   the   complainant.   When complainant visits Ahmadabad, she stays at her house. She did not know if complainant was affiliated with any political party. She had been residing at Ahmadabad after her marriage. Earlier complainant used to go for lectures in different colleges. At present, complainant was not employed as a lecturer in any college. Presently, complainant was not employed. The house of Ranchi is a rented accommodation but   she   did  not   know  the   rent  amount   of   the  same.   PW2   was   not employed   but   her   son   was   working   in   Dubai.   Her   husband   was   a school   auto   driver.   She   did   not   have   the   photograph   of   the   first marriage   of   the   complainant.   The   photographs   of   marriage   of FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 17 of 39 complainant with accused no.1 was in possession of accused persons. During the marriage of complainant with accused no.1, her father was having   work  of   agriculture.   She   did   not  know   as   to   what  was   the income   of   her   father   in   the   year   2005   that   is   at   the   time   of   the marriage of the complainant. Her mother was not working at the time of the marriage of the complainant with accused no.1. Complainant had got registered a complaint against the accused persons when they gave beatings to the complainant at Kodinar. It was correct that she was   not   present   at   Kodinar   when   the   beatings   were   given   to   the complainant. She had attended the marriage of the complainant which was   performed   at   the   house   of   the   complainant   at   Sukriti   Garden, Ahmadabad. She had never visited Kodinar. It was correct that she was informed about the incidents by the complainant on phone. She used to meet the complainant only sometimes after her marriage with the   accused   no.1   and   not   often.   The   previous   husband   of   the complainant did not object to the fact of complainant residing with accused no.1 at the house of Sukriti Garden, Ahmadabad. Accused had taken away an amount of Rs. 2 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs from the house of the complainant when he left her house. Complainant lived with accused no.1 after her marriage at Ahmadabad only for three months. It was correct that when accused no.1  left the complainant after three months of her marriage, he had taken away with him jewelery, cash, documents etc. of the complainant. Accused no.1 never came back to FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 18 of 39 reside with the complainant after he left her. Further, the same was around Diwali time. The document Ex.CW2/A was prepared in the Court   to   her   knowledge.   The   same   was   prepared   since   the complainant had to file her case against the accused persons.  It was wrong  to  suggest   that   she   had  deposed   falsely   against   the   accused persons. Accused had taken away two gold rings, one gold chain, one gold bangle, one pair of gold ear rings of the complainant.   It was wrong to suggest that accused had not taken any of such articles from the house of the complainant.  Witness denied all the suggestions put to her.

8. PW3   Insp.   Dharmender   Chaudhary   (IO   of   the   case) deposed   that  in   the   year   2007,   he   was   posted   at   Police   Station Satellite, Ahmedabad.  During the aforesaid year 2007 on 04.02.2007, a written complaint was received by the Police Officer In­Charge of the   aforesaid   police   station   and   the   investigation   of   the   same   was marked   to   him.   The   aforesaid   written   complaint   was   already Ex.PW1/A.    Thereafter,   he   recorded   the   statement   of   complainant Sarojben,   Sukhwinder,   Geeta   Ben   (Mother   of   the   complainant), Sudhaben   (Sister   of   the   complainant),   Kalpesh   (Son   of   the complainant)   u/s.   161   CrPC.   Thereafter,   accused   persons   namely, Sailesh Harshad Rai Jani, Harshad Rai Natha Lal Jani, Vimal Harshad Rai Jani, Urmila Ben (W/o Harshad Rai Natha Lal Jani), Rekha Ben FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 19 of 39 (D/o. Harshad Rai Natha Lal Jani) were arrested on 24.04.2007 and 26.04.2007.   The   arrest   memos   were  Ex.PW3/A,   ExPW3/B, ExPW3/C, ExPW3/D, ExPW3/E and the accused persons were sent to judicial custody after being produced before the concerned court. During investigation, he collected a document pertaining to Shivam Guest   House,   situated   at   Somnath,   Gujarat   showing   that   the complainant   has   visited   the   same   along   with   accused   no.   1   on 27.04.2006.  The photocopy of the same was Mark X1 and  the same was reflecting the name as Sweety Yadav which complainant told him was her nick name. Thereafter, he prepared the charge sheet in the present matter and filed the same before the court on 27.04.2007.  The document pertaining to the identity of the accused persons ExPW3/F and   his   report   pertaining   to   the   Judicial   Custody   Remand   of   the accused persons was  ExPW3/G. The true English translation of the charge sheet (final report) filed by him was ExPW3/H (Colly 1 and

2).

During cross­examination PW3 deposed that  he  was posted at PS Satellite, Ahmedabad from the year 2004 till the year 2007 but he did not remember the exact dates of his aforesaid posting. He had received only one complaint in the PS which was Ex.PW­1/A from the complainant   for   investigation.   During   trial   at   Gujarat,   he   did   not appear before the court as he was not summoned. He did not know if FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 20 of 39 complainant had filed any complaint against some police officials in respect to the present matter. The chargesheet in the present matter bears his signature. The statements of the witnesses recorded by him u/s 161 CrPC was annexed by him with the judicial file and the same were mark X2 to X6. The signatures of the witnesses were not taken on the statement mark X2 to mark X6. It was wrong to suggest that the statement  of the witnesses  were not recorded correctly and the same   have   been   recorded   on   his   own.   He   did   not   know   if   the complainant   was   married   earlier   also.   He   did   not   know   if   witness Kalpesh who had been cited in the list of witnesses was the son of the complainant from her previous marriage since during recording of his statement by him, he had stated in his statement that the complainant was her relative "sambandhi". He did not investigate to find out if the complainant   was   divorced   by   her   first   husband.   It   was   wrong   to suggest   that   he   investigated   the   matter   at   the   behest   of   the complainant.   He   did   not   know   if   the   complainant   was   having   two children from her previous marriage. It was wrong to suggest that he did not conduct fair and proper investigation. He did not record the statement of the priest "pandit" who had solemnised the marriage of complainant and accused No.1. It wass wrong to suggest that it was in his   knowledge   that   the   previous   marriage   of   the   complainant   was subsisting when she got married with accused Shailesh Harshad Rai Jani.   It   was   correct   that   complainant   had   not   disclosed   to   him FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 21 of 39 regarding her previous marriage during investigation. He did not know if   witness   Sukhvinder   had   filed   a   case   against   the   complainant regarding theft by her of Rs.50,000/­ at Ahmedabad. It was correct that document mark X1 does not reflect the name of complainant as Saroj  Ben.  It  was   correct   that in  document mark X1,  name  of   the accused No.1 was not mentioned and the name of husband of Sweety Yadav   was   also   not   mentioned.   He   did   not   inquire   as   to   why   the complainant resided in guest house at Somnath, however, the owner of Shivam guest house was the family of accused No.1. He could not tell if the complainant had signed on document mark X1 as Saroj Ben since the same are only the initials. As per the entry on document mark   X1,   complainant   resided   in   the   aforesaid   guest   house   from 27.04.2006 to 01.05.2006. It was correct that in document mark X1, the person  Sweety Yadav is  shown to be "in service". He  did not know in which service was complainant employed and what was her salary at that time. Complainant had never handed over to him any list of   dowry   articles   given   in   her   marriage.   It   was   correct   that complainant  had never handed over to him the photographs of her marriage with accused No.1. He further deposed that upon asking the complainant, she had informed him that all her documents were taken away by accused No.1. It was correct that complainant had not handed over to him any separate list of articles stolen by accused No.1 from her premises, though she had mentioned the same in her complaint.

FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 22 of 39 He did not know if the complainant was the worker of President with Lok Jan Shakti party, Ahmedabad. Complainant did not inform him regarding   the   same.   He   did   not   get   the   complainant   medically examined   after   receiving   the   complaint.   Accused   persons   were arrested   when   they   were   served   notice   to   join   investigation   at Ahmedabad. He had never collected any affidavits from any of the witnesses during his investigation. It was wrong to suggest that the accused persons have been falsely implicated in the present matter. It was wrong to suggest that he did not verify regarding the marriage of the complainant and the accused No.1. It was wrong to suggest that he did not verify if the complainant had solemnised the marriage with accused No.1 by performing Saptpadi. It was wrong to suggest that the accused persons have been wrongly arrested in the present matter at the behest of the complainant. 

9. Thereafter, prosecution evidence was closed and statement of accused   persons   were   recorded   U/s   313   Cr.   P.C   wherein   all incriminating evidence was put to accused persons. Accused persons denied   the   allegations   of   prosecution   as   false   and   pleaded   false implication. 

10. Accused   persons   did   not   examine   any   witness   in   their defence.

FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 23 of 39

11. Final arguments were heard on both sides.

12. It   has   been   argued   by   Ld.   LAC   Ms.   Anurag   Rita   for complainant that in the present matter accused No.1 got married with the complainant  on 02.05.2006 and thereafter lived with her at her house   situated   at   Ahmedabad   and   thereafter   took   her   to   the matrimonial home at Kodinar, Ahmedabad. Thereafter, the accused Shailesh   Harshadrai   Jani   came   back   with   the   complainant   to Ahmedabad and ill treated her. Further, he had stolen all the personal articles of the complainant and used to demand cash amount of Rs.2 lakhs   and   gold   jewellery   from   her.   Accused   No.1   deserted   the complainant in October, 2006 on the pretext of meeting his parents. However,   never   returned   to   the   complainant   and   took   away complainant's I Card, educational certificates, passport, three mobile phones,   gold   jewellery   and   evidence   of   marriage   without   the knowledge of complainant and the same with an intention to humiliate and harass the complainant. It is further argued that the contention raised by the accused that he never got married to the complainant is devoid of merit since it was the accused No.1 himself who had filed a petition   u/s   9   Hindu   Marriage   Act   (Restitution   of   Conjugal   rights) against the complainant and had also requested the concerned court wherein   the   aforesaid   application   was   pending   to   issue   search warrants   and   the   same   itself   shows   that   both   the   parties   had   got FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 24 of 39 married to each other. It has also been argued that the complainant could not file her documents pertaining to her marriage since it was not in her possession and the accused No.1 had stolen them from the custody of the complainant. It was therefore, argued that the accused persons are liable to be convicted for the offences charged as they had treated   the   complainant   with   extreme   cruelty   and   harassed   her   by demanding dowry and for torturing the complainant to name the house owned by her to the name of the accused persons. 

13. On the other hand, it has been argued on behalf of accused persons that the marriage between accused No.1 and the complainant did not take place. Further, the alleged marriage by the complainant has not been proved by her as the onus of proof of the same was on her, since it had been denied by the accused No.1 from the inception of the matter. It has been argued that the application u/s 9 HMA filed before   Principal   Civil   Judge,   Verawar,   Gujarat   was   filed   by   the respondent upon the misguidance of the advocate of the accused No.1. It   is   also   argued   that   the   marriage   of   the   complainant   with   her previous husband is still subsisting as the complainant failed to file any document to show that she was legally divorced with her previous husband. Since the previous marriage had not been dissolved as per the procedure established by law, therefore, the alleged marriage of the complainant with accused No.1 is null and void. Further, it has FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 25 of 39 been   admitted   by   the   complainant   that   she   allegedly   continued   to reside in the house of her first husband with the accused No.1, despite the fact that her marriage had come to an end with her first husband. It has   also   been   argued   that   the   complainant   has   not   examined   any witness who had attended her alleged marriage with the accused No.1 and further the same was never registered. Complainant has not filed any decree of divorce with her first husband. It has been argued that the complainant has not come to the court with clean hands and the complainant has failed to substantiate her allegations with any cogent evidence like photographs of marriage, saptpadi, marriage card etc. It has   also   been   argued   that   the   complainant   never   lived   with   the accused persons in the matrimonial house situated at Kodinar and it is admitted   fact   that   she   visited   Kodinar   and   stayed   there   in   a   guest house allegedly in the name of the family of accused No.1. It is argued that the prosecution has failed to prove the guilt of accused beyond reasonable doubt and therefore, he is liable to be acquitted.

14. After having carefully perused the evidence on record and considered   the   rival   contentions   of   the   state   as   well   as   defence counsel, this court has come to the following conclusion:

Observations qua offence u/s 498A/406/420/34 IPC :­
(i)     The   case   of   the   prosecution   rests   on   the   assertion   that   during almost   three   months   of   the   marriage   between   the   complainant   and FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 26 of 39 accused   No.1,   complainant   was   subjected   to   physical   and   mental cruelty   on  account   of   failure   by  her   to  meet   unlawful   demands   of dowry raised by the accused persons. It is disputed that the marriage between   the  parties  was   solemnized   on  02.05.2006  by  the  accused No.1   and   further   by   the   accused   persons   that   after   the   alleged marriage, she remained in her matrimonial house and that the accused persons committed any offence or cruelty upon her. Accused persons have denied these allegations and raised manifold defences.
(ii)  It is the foremost defence of the accused that the prosecution has miserably failed to prove its allegations of cruelty of any nature upon the complainant by the accused. As per complaint Ex.PW1/A dated 04.02.2007   and   its   English   translation   Ex.PW­1/A1   parties   got married   on   02.05.2006   in   Ahmedabad,   Gujarat.   However,   the complainant did not place on record any document to substantiate her initial   averment   of   her   marriage   with   accused   No.1.   Complainant failed to place on record any document pertaining to the solemnisation of   marriage,   marriage   card,   marriage   photographs   etc.   Further,   the complainant   did   not   place   on   record   any   list   of   dowry   articles allegedly given by her family or parents at the time of marriage. She did not place on record any document to substantiate  her claim of making payment of Rs.2 lakhs to the family of accused No.1 upon raising any such demand. The complainant did not examine a single FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 27 of 39 witness or the priest in whose presence the marriage was solemnised.

Therefore, the averment on behalf of accused No.1 that he did not get married to the complainant cannot be ignored. It is admitted by the complainant during her cross­examination that she had two children from her previous marriage aged 32 years and 30 years and that she had obtained divorce from her previous husband on a stamp paper before the Registrar and had taken a decree of divorce but she did not remember the date of decree of divorce. She further admitted that she had not placed on record any paper of her divorce from her previous husband on record. She further admitted that though the marriage was attended by her family members, none of them had in their possession any photograph of the marriage being solemnised. She also admitted that she did not obtain any marriage certificate from the Registrar of marriages after her marriage with accused  No.1. She also admitted that she continued to reside in the house of Ahmedabad even after her divorce with her previous husband, alongwith accused No.1. In view of the same, it is difficult to believe that the complainant got married to accused No.1 as the complainant has failed to prove the same by leading any cogent evidence. 

(iii)   Be   that   as   it   may,   even   if   we   assume   the   averment   of   the complainant to be correct that she got married to accused No.1 on 02.05.2006, the allegations in the aforesaid complaint have not been FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 28 of 39 reiterated in the testimony of complainant as PW1. PW1 during her cross­examination had admitted that she was residing in the house of her   previous   husband   due   to   mutual   understanding   even   after   her marriage with accused No.1. She also admitted that she had not placed on record any document, receipt or bill to show the expenditure of her marriage. She further stated that the same was not placed on record since   all   her   documents   were   taken   away   by   the   accused   No.1. Though the complainant admits that she had procured the duplicate copies of all her educational certificates and documents, she did not made an endeavour to provide any document, bank account statement, ITR   return   to   substantiate   her   claim   of   giving   Rs.2   lakhs   to   the accused   persons.   The   complainant   has   admitted   that   she   was   well qualified   and   was   also   the   President   of   a   local   party   and   used   to participate in Dharna Pradarshans and was working as a social worker to   help   women   in   obtaining   documents   from   Government departments,   but   she   did   not   deem   it   appropriate   to   obtain   any document pertaining to her divorce with her previous husband or any document   pertaining   to   her   marriage   with   accused   No.1.   She   also admitted   during   her   cross­examination   that   she   had   not   placed   on record   any   bank   account   statement   of   herself   or   her   father   to substantiate   her   claim   of   payment   of   Rs.2   lakhs   or   Rs.50,000/­   to accused No.1 or her credit card statement pertaining to Citi Bank.  It is further observed that though the complainant had not placed on record FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 29 of 39 any of her photographs of marriage, she did not place on record any photograph of herself with accused No.1 even subsequent to marriage.

(iv) Apart from the complainant, her sister PW2 Shudaben had been examined by the prosecution. However, if we carefully perused the testimony   of   PW2,   she   has   not   averred   that   she   had   attended   the marriage of complainant and her testimony is of hearsay nature as she had admitted during her cross­examination that all the incidents were narrated to her by the complainant and she was not present when the alleged incidents of beatings with the complainant took place. 

(v)   Therefore,   PW2   being   sister   of   the   complainant   have   admitted during her cross­examination that she did not herself witnessed any such incident of cruelty upon the complainant in her presence.   

(vi)  It has been stated by the complainant in Ex. PW1/A though not reiterated by her as PW1, that the accused persons that is the family of accused  No.1  had demanded from the complainant that she  should name   her   property   in   the   name   of   accused   No.1,   however,   the complainant does not mention any date, time or place on which such demand  was raised  and the day, date or  time or  the people  in the presence of whom complainant was given severe beatings upon her refusal to fulfill the demand. Further the complainant did not place on record any complaint of any of  the alleged incidents therefore, the FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 30 of 39 allegations pertaining to the aforesaid incident are false and cannot be relied upon. She has further admitted of not making any complaint before any authority apart from   her complaint before CAW cell on 04.02.2007. Credibility of such an allegation is also dubious for the reason that there is not even any averment made by the complainant against the accused persons of having committed cruelty for demand of dowry which could lead the complainant to commit suicide.

(vii)    It   has been asserted by the complainant in Ex. PW1/A that "after few days of her marriage"  accused and his family members started demanding cash. To the contrary as PW1, complainant vaguely stated that accused demanded money and property from her. There is no specification of the amount of cash demanded by the accused or his family members after few days of marriage or even the amount paid by   the   complainant   to   the   accused   in   fulfillment   of   any   of   their demands. The allegation of demand are unspecified and also obscure. As such, the allegations of demand of dowry by the accused persons lack credence.

(viii)  Further as per complaint Ex.PW1/A there is no specification of the   manner   in   which   the   complainant   was   mentally   or   physically harassed   by   the   accused   or   his   family.   The   complaint   as   well   as testimony of PW­1 is silent on the specific date, month, year, event or occasion of any beating given to the complainant by the accused or the FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 31 of 39 manner   of   such   beating   i.e.   slapping,   kicking   etc.   Admittedly,   the complainant did not lodge any complaint regarding any such alleged beating   or   harassment   prior   to   the   present   complainant   and   are, therefore ambiguous and vague.

(ix)  It has also been alleged by PW1 that the behavior of accused was callous   and   indifferent   to   her   since   he   would   often   leave   the complainant to visit his parents. However it has not been elaborately clarified   as   to   how   did   PW1   infer   the   behavior   of   accused   to   be callous or found him to be indifferent and has only stated that accused used   to   remain   away   and   did   not   give   any   financial   assistance   or maintenance to her. 

(x) Further, there is neither any averment nor any piece of evidence in   the   form   of   a   medical   report   or   otherwise,   to   draw   a   logical inference of such a threat to be of a  nature likely to have driven the complainant to commit suicide or caused grave injury or danger to her life limp or health. In absence of any assertion to this effect, it cannot be assumed that a threat or alleged callous or indifferent behavior of the accused was with a view to coercing her to meet any demand for property or valuable security or on account of her failure to meet such demand.   Reliance   is   placed   upon   decision   in  Sanjeev   Kumar FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 32 of 39 Aggarwal Vs. State & Ors. Crl. M.C. No. 2645­53/2005 decided on 12.10.2007 wherein following observation was made :­ ".....Under Explanation (a) the cruelty has to be of such a gravity as is likely to drive a woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health. Explanation (b) to Section 498­A provides that cruelty means harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.

Explanation (b) does not make each and every harassment cruelty.    The  harassment   has  to be  with  a definite  object, namely to coerce the woman or any person related to her to meet harassment by itself is not cruelty.   Mere demand for property  etc. by itself is also not cruelty. It is only where harassment is shown to have been committed for the purpose of coercing a woman to meet the demands that it is cruelty and this is made punishable under the Section...."

(xi)  Similar view was adopted in the decision reported as Smt. Sarla Prabhakar Waghmare  Vs.  State of Maharashtra  & Ors. 1990 (2) RCR 18, wherein Hon'ble Bombay High Court observed that it is not FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 33 of 39 every harassment or every type of cruelty that would attract Section 498­A   IPC.   Beating   and   harassment   must   be   to   force   the   bride   to commit   suicide   or   to   fulfill   illegal   demands.   Hon'ble   Punjab   & Haryana High Court in the decision reported as  Richhpal Kaur  Vs. State   of   Haryana  and   Anr.   1991   (2)   Recent   Criminal   Reports   53 observed that offence U/s 498­A IPC would not be made out if beating given   to   bride   by   husband   and   his   relations   was   due   to   domestic disputes   and   not   on   account   of   demand   of   dowry.   Further,   while interpreting the provisions of Section 304­B, 498­A, 306 and 324, IPC in the decision reported as  State of H.P. Vs. Nikku Ram & Ors. 1995 (6) SCC 219  the Supreme Court observed that harassment of constitute cruelty under explanation (b) to Section 498­A must have nexus with the demand of dowry and if this is missing the call will fall beyond the scope of Section­498­A IPC.

(xii)  It has also come in evidence, during cross examination of PW1, that the complainant was in constant touch with her family members. However, none of the witnesses  examined by the prosecution have corroborated the story of the complainant and out of three witnesses examined on behalf of the prosecution, PW2 is a only hearsay and interested witnesses. In such an eventuality, veracity of allegations of cruelty appear to be in doubt.   Further, Ex.PW1/A does not reveal anything of the sort of marriage to have been ostentatiously displayed.

FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 34 of 39

(xiii)   Even the allegations that the accused used to gave beatings to the complainant have not been corroborated by any reliable piece of evidence.   There   are   discrepant   statements   regarding   the   allegations levelled   by   the   complainant   against   the   accused.   Therefore,   the allegations levelled by the complainant are discrepant and devoid of specific details and as such does not inspire confidence of the court. Also, there is no evidence such as a medical report, photograph or otherwise to prove any physical injury to the complainant which she would have received had she been  assaulted.

(xiv)  Further, during cross examination PW1 has stated that her father had given Rs.2 lakhs to the accused persons in view of their demand however, has not proved the same by any cogent evidence. Further, again, this averment is not corroborated by any independent witness who   could   corroborate   that   such   payment   was   made   and   the complainant has not placed on record any documentary proof of such handing over of cash to the accused or even the exact date, month, year or occasion of such handing over of money. As such there is no convincing   evidence   on   record   to   believe   the   allegations   of   the prosecution regarding commission of offence u/s 498A IPC against accused persons.   

FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 35 of 39 Observation qua offence U/s 406/420/34 IPC  

15. As regards allegations pertaining to criminal breach of trust committed by accused persons, it has been alleged in Ex.PW1/A that the   complainant   also   received   stridhan   from  her   parents.   However, there   is   no   specification   of   the   exact   articles   gifted   to   her   by   her parents or any receipt or bill of the gold articles alleged to have been taken away by the accused or his family. Even the complainant failed to place on record the list of dowry articles allegedly in possession of the accused persons. The complainant has not even averred that a list of dowry articles was prepared at the time of marriage. 

16. This view is supported by the decision  Pehlad Kumar & Ors. Vs. State  of Haryana II (1992) DMC 259, wherein it was held that   a   sweeping   statement   was   made   by   the   complainant   that   her stridhan was  entrusted to the family of  the husband.   Holding that there was no specific allegation of entrustment against some of the family   members,   the   Punjab   &   Haryana   High   Court   quashed   the complaint and the consequential proceedings against the said family members and observed as under:­                 ".....From   these   we   find   that   while   there   are   specific allegations   about   the   entrustment   of   certain   articles   to   the husband­Pehlad   and   mother­   in­law,   the   allegations   with regard to the entrustment to the other petitioners are general, FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 36 of 39 vague   and   not   specific.     Though   certain   articles   are enumerated,   a   sweeping   statement   has   been   made   by   the complainant that these articles have been entrusted to the other relations of her husband, namely father­in­law, her brother - in­law and wife of one of the brothers­in­law.  The complainant has not specifically mentioned as to which item of dowry was entrusted  to which of these  other  petitioners.    Therefore,  on such vague and general allegations it cannot be stated that the complainant has made out a prima facie case against any of the other  petitioners  than  her  husband  and mother­in­law  under Section 406, IPC....."

Ms. Anu Gill Vs. State & Anr. 92 (2001) DLT 179, also lends support to the same view, wherein court observing that  there was no allegation of entrustment in the complaint,   quashed the FIR against the   married   sister­in­law   (nanad)   of   the   complainant   under   section 498­A and 406 IPC and opined:­  " .....To constitute the offence under Section 406 IPC there must be clear and specific allegation that the accused was entrusted with some property or domain over it, by the complainant; that the accused has dishonestly misappropriated or converted the same to his own use or that accused refused to return back the articles when the same were FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 37 of 39 demanded by the complainant.  Perusal of the allegations appearing against the petitioner do not show that the articles of stridhan were even entrusted to her.  In the absence of the allegation of entrustment, question of misappropriation or conversion to her use does not arise. Thus the most vital ingredient to constitute the offence U/s 406 IPC is missing.     In   view   of   the   above,   no   case   U/s   406   ICP   is   spelt   out against the petitioner...."

             As such the allegations of criminal breach of trust u/s. 406 IPC   are   not   proved   against   the   accused   persons   beyond reasonable doubt.

17.  Further, the complainant has alleged that she was cheated by the accused persons however, none of the ingredients of the offence u/s 420 IPC that the accused persons had with fraudulent or dishonest intention induced the complainant to deliver any property or she was induced to do anything which the complainant would not do or omit if she   was   not   so   deceived   and   there   was   any   fraudulent misrepresentation on the part of accused persons. Therefore, in my considered   view,   no   offence   u/s   420   IPC   is   made   out   against   the accused persons.

18. Accused   persons   have   also   been   charged   for   the   offences punishable u/s 3 and 7 Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Section 3 of the aforesaid Act provides penalty for giving or taking dowry and section FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 38 of 39 7 provides that the offences thus committed shall be cognizable in nature. Section 3 prohibits giving or taking or abetting the giving or taking of dowry and if the bride's father had paid the dowry after the commencement of this act or the opposite party or any of the family members of the groom's side has taken the dowry, they fall under the purview of the aforesaid offence. However, in the present matter, the complainant has failed to aver if any such act of giving or taking of dowry or exchange of any dowry articles had taken place between the complainant   and   the  accused   persons.   Therefore,  in   my  considered view that there is no offence made out against the accused persons under the Dowry Prohibition Act. 

19. In view of the above discussion, it can be safely concluded that prosecution has failed to prove offence U/s 498A/406/420/34 IPC and section 3 and 7 Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. 

20. Accordingly, all accused persons stand acquitted for all the offences. 




    Announced in Open Court                   Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan)
    on 26.10.2018                                 Metropolitan Magistrate
                                          Mahila Court/SED/Saket/New Delhi.
                  Digitally signed
                           by SHEETAL
    SHEETAL                CHAUDHARY
    CHAUDHARY              PRADHAN
    PRADHAN                Date: 2018.10.27
                           16:50:14 +0530

FIR No. 120/2007, PS Mirzapur, Ahmedabad; CC No. 616833/2016 State Vs. Sailesh Harshadrai Jani & Ors. 39 of 39