Krishnawati Devi and 6 Ors Vs State of UP and Anr on 22 Jan 2025

A single judge of Allahabad High Court held as follows,

From Paras 13-14,

13. From the above analysis, it is clear for holding a person liable u/s 3 of Domestic Violence Act, the following condition must be satisfied:
“The respondent must be related to the aggrieved person in the manner asmentioned in Section 2(f) and he lived or has been living together with aggrieved person in a shared household and then commits domestic violencein the manner mentioned in Section 3 of Domestic Violence Act.”
14. This Court came across number of cases where just to harass the family ofhusband or the person in domestic relationship, aggrieved party used to implicate the relatives of other side who are not even living or lived with theaggrieved person in shared household and they have been residing at separateplaces. Therefore, courts below while issuing notice u/s 12 of the Domestic Violence Act must look into this fact from the perusal of the application filedu/s 12 of the Domestic Violence Act along with other available record including the report of the Protection Officer, if available on record. It isfurther observed that the concerned courts before issuing notices to the persons impleaded as respondents in the application under Domestic ViolenceAct should satisfy about the fulfilment of the conditions mentioned in paragraph no. 13 of this judgment.

From Para 20,

20. The court below is free to proceed against applicant nos. 1 and 7 and decide Case No. 59 of 2016 (Smrita Srivastava Vs. Rajiv Kumar Srivastava and others) expeditiously within a period of 60 days from the date of receiving the copy of this order.

Krishnawati Devi and 6 Ors Vs State of UP and Anr on 22 Jan 2025

Index of DV cases is here.

Dr. Virender Kumar Vs State of UP and Anr on 16 Oct 2024

Posted on October 31, 2024 by ShadesOfKnife

A single judge of Allahabad High Court held as follows,

From Paras 4-5,

4. From a bare perusal of Section 125(4) Cr.P.C., it is patently manifest that once there is categorical allegation of adultery against the wife, then the court concerned dealing with the matter under Section 125 Cr.P.C. has to decide the issue of adultery and even interim maintenance can be awarded only after recording a finding on that issue.
5. This Court prima facie finds that the exercise as required under Section 125(4) Cr.P.C. is completely missing in the matter and without recording any finding on the issue of adultery, the impugned order dated 13.4.2023 has been passed whereby interim maintenance amounting Rs.7,000/- has been awarded in favour of Opposite Party No.2.

Dr. Virender Kumar Vs State of UP and Anr on 16 Oct 2024

If this case status is not available from eCourts app/website, then access it from Allahabad HC’s inhouse application here.

Index of Maintenance Judgements u/s 125 CrPC is here.

Parul Tyagi Vs Gaurav Tyagi on 04 Aug 2023

Posted on September 23, 2024 by ShadesOfKnife

A single judge of Allahabad High Court passed the following guidelines in elaboration of Rajnesh Pal Naidu Vs Neha Naidu Joshi and Anr on 04 Nov 2020 and Aditi Sharma Vs Jitesh Sharma on 06 Nov 2023

G. Guidelines to the Family Courts
87.1 The Family Court Judge shall ensure compliance of the following guidelines in maintenance proceedings:
i) Both parties must submit the Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities as Enclosure-I or II (as applicable), as provided in the Rajnesh Case (supra).
ii) The memo of parties shall include the parties’ current mobile number, email address (if available), and the latest residential and official addresses, particularly if the applicant/respondent is employed.
iii) The memo of parties shall also specifically mention the name of the concerned police station, where the applicant and respondent resides and works (as applicable).
iv) Additionally, the Family Court Judge must ensure that Enclosure-I or II, as applicable, are accompanied by an affidavit from the respondent, containing the following details:
a) Permanent and current address of the respondent.
b) Mobile number of the respondent for communication during the pendency of the petition.
c) Email ID and WhatsApp number, if any.
d) Name and address of the respondent’s employer, along with a telephone number.
e) An undertaking from the respondent to promptly inform the court through an affidavit if there is any changes to his address, mobile number, E-mail ID, WhatsApp number, residential address, workplace, or employer’s name.
87.2 Upon receiving an application for maintenance, the Family Court shall include the following specifics in the initial order:
i) Mandatory requirement of an Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities, as per Enclosure-I & II, whichever is applicable, along with the reply.
ii) The respondent shall be given two opportunities for filing a reply, and the application for interim maintenance shall be decided in less than six months.
iii) The respondent must submit the reply within four weeks.
iv) If the affidavit is not filed within four weeks, the court will proceed based on the applicant’s submission and the existing pleadings to decide the application. If the respondent repeatedly delays in filing the reply with the affidavit, requesting more than two adjournments, the court may exercise its authority to strike off the respondent’s defence, provided it determines that the delays are intentional and obstructive, causing undue disruptions to the proceedings. In such cases, the Family Court may proceed to adjudicate the maintenance application based on the applicant’s submitted affidavit and the existing pleadings.
v) The order shall indicate that false statements in the Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities may lead to proceedings under section 340 Cr.P.C. besides contempt of court. It should also explain the ingredients of section 340 Cr.P.C., the potential criminal prosecution in IPC, and the maximum sentence for such offences, if proved in court.
87.3 The Family Court shall employ all legally permissible methods of serving notices to the respondent, using persuasive measures as may be necessary. The Family Court shall develop practical and effective mechanisms to ensure successful service on the respondent, aligning with the objectives and principles of these guidelines. If the court determines that the Process Server/Postman/Police Officer has submitted a routine, repetitive service report (e.g., citing unclaimed postal articles, locked premises, addressee left the address, or an unknown address), it may hold the officer accountable in accordance with the law. The Family Court may also explore modern methods of service facilitated by internet access, including courier services, email, or instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp and other electronic media. The essence of service lies in ensuring that the proceedings are duly conveyed to the respondents or contesting parties. Service on a litigant can be accomplished through e-mail or phone contact29. Serving notice, summons, and exchange of pleadings, service via e-mail, fax, or commonly used instant messaging services like WhatsApp is considered valid30.
87.4 If either party disputes the information declared in the Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities, the aggrieved party has the right to seek the other party to produce the relevant documents in question31.
87.5 To determine the amount of maintenance, the Family Court Judge shall adhere to the criteria outlined in Part-3 of the Rajnesh Case (supra). In cases where the wife has her own income, this shall not preclude her from being eligible to receive maintenance from her husband. The court must assess whether the wife’s income allows her to sustain a lifestyle commensurate with that of her husband in her matrimonial home32.
87.6 It is assumed that an able-bodied husband is capable of earning enough to support his wife and children. For interim maintenance determination, the minimum wage rates of Uttar Pradesh, as per the latest Government Notification, may serve as a guideline. This is just one of the alternatives that the Family Court Judge may consider when assessing a person who claims to be a labourer with no other income sources, among other pleadings.
88. The interim maintenance order shall contain the ingredients of the third proviso to section 125 Cr.P.C. (added by Act 50 of 2001, effective from 24.9.2001), and Uttar Pradesh State Amendments (upto date) in this regard, in plain language so that the respondent could understand understand the consequences of non-payment of interim maintenance. A table summarizing hearing dates and a brief description of Family Court orders on each date shall also be made part of the order.
89. Both interim and final maintenance orders shall include a table showing the number of orders passed by the Family Court prior to awarding interim and final maintenance, along with brief descriptions of orders passed on each date until the final adjudication of the section 125 Cr.P.C. application. The final maintenance order shall also include a date-wise account of proceedings related to section 125(3) Cr.P.C.
90. In cases involving parties from the Economically Weaker Section, individuals living below the poverty line, or casual labourers, the obligation to submit the Affidavit of Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities would be exempted. The court may demand an EWS/BPL certificate issued by the competent authority, which may be the Office of the Labour Commissioner or the Revenue Authority, as applicable.
91. District Judges shall develop a structural system for regularly assessing and overseeing the performance of family courts within their districts, ensuring the adherence to directives issued by the Supreme Court in Rajnesh Case (supra) and by this Court, in the instant case, this reporting mechanism would serve as a means of accountability, enabling timely interventions by the Constitutional Courts, when necessary. This may encompass routine evaluations, case audits, and feedback mechanisms to gauge the effectiveness and quality of judicial decisions in this context.
92. All District Judges shall convene semi-annual meetings of their respective Family Court Judges to review and evaluate the implementation progress of the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in Rajnesh Case (supra) and this Court in the instant case. If the guidelines issued to Family Courts are not followed, concerned District Judge shall submit a semi-annual report to the Registrar General of this Court, against the Judicial Officer, who has not complied the guidelines. The Registrar General shall record its finding and present these reports to the respective Administrative Judge of the concerned Judicial Officer for their review and reference. Additionally, a record of these reports shall also be maintained in the service book of the concerned Judicial Officer. The District Judge shall prepare the progress report in the manner as provided in Enclosure-III attached with this judgment.
93. The District Judge along with the Principal Judge, Family Court shall flag the critical issues with respect to service of notice/summons and problems encountered in enforcement of interim maintenance/maintenance orders passed by respective Family Court Judges in the meeting of District Monitoring Committee for Family Courts, and the civil administration shall provide all assistance, as may deem necessary.
94. The District Legal Services Authority, in collaboration and cooperation with the respective District Bar Association, shall arrange awareness and training sessions/ workshops to encourage Bar members to submit pleadings in accordance with Enclosure-I & II.
95. For the sake of convenience, the Enclosures I & II attached to Rajnesh Case (supra) are hereby included as part of this order. Additionally, Enclosure-III is provided for the convenience of all District Judges to prepare the compliance report, in case aforesaid guidelines are not followed.
96. The Registrar (Compliance) of this court shall communicate copy of this judgment to all District Judges for dissemination among all Family Court Judges, and Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh to circulate among all District Magistrates and Senior Superintendent of Police, of respective districts. Furthermore, a copy of this judgment shall be published on the websites of all District Courts, Family Courts, and Courts of Judicial Magistrate to facilitate awareness and implementation.

Parul Tyagi Vs Gaurav Tyagi on 04 Aug 2023

Index of Maintenance cases u/s 144 BNSS (125 CrPC) is here.

Arti Tiwari Vs Sanjay Kumar Tiwari on 04 Sep 2024

Posted on September 14, 2024 by ShadesOfKnife

A division bench at Allahabad High Court held that,

From Para 3,

3. In brief, it may be noted that the marriage between the parties was solemnized on 2.3.2000. At that time, the appellant was working as Class-III employee at the Rajkiya Bachat Karyalaya, at Bareilly. His father and siblings were residing at their house at Unnao. The family of the appellant belongs to Kanpur Nagar. According to the respondent/husband, the appellant resided at her matrimonial home for a few days, but raised complaint of not feeling safe in the company of only male family members of the respondent, his mother having died almost 20 years earlier.Occasioned by that, the respondent took the appellant to the city of his work, at Bareilly. Even there, the appellant, did not stay for long. She now cited reasons to stay at Kanpur Nagar as she was a practising advocate. Thus, the appellant is described to have left for Kanpur Nagar. However, intermittent cohabitation of the parties at Bareilly, Kanpur Nagar and Unnao, during that period, is not disputed. Then, according to the respondent, he applied for and consequently, was transferred to Kannauj. This transfer, respondent had sought only to make it possible for the respondent to stay at Kanpur Nagar with him. Upon being thus transferred, the respondent took up a rented accommodation at Kanpur Nagar and he used to commute to Kannauj from there every day. However, the appellant still did not stay with him for long. Though intermittently, the appellant did stay with the respondent at his rented premises, she preferred to stay at her parental house. In that context, it is the further case of the respondent that the appellant wanted the respondent to stay with her at her parental home at Kanpur Nagar. When the appellant did not agree to live with the respondent at the rented accommodation taken by him at Kanpur Nagar, he vacated that premises and started staying at Unnao, at his parental home from where too he could easily commute to Kannauj, in connection with his work.

From Para 7,

7. It is also the case of the respondent that the appellant offered cruel behaviour towards all family members of the respondent, from very beginning. Not only she would use harsh words andabusive language in normal household affairs, it was specifically stated by the respondent that the appellant wanted the respondentto abide absolutely, by her wishes. Failing that she threatened to level false allegations against the respondent and his father, including allegation of illicit relationship between the respondentand his real sister. While no such case was ever lodged by the appellant and no such complaint appears to have been made by the appellant to any authority, at the same time, it is on record that after the institution of the divorce suit on 01.08.2006, the appellant instituted Criminal Case No. 687 of 2006 on 14.11.2006 i.e. after three months of the institution of the divorce case. Remarkably,though allegations of demand of dowry and cruelty were made in the First Information Report, there is no prior complaint or First Information Report of such allegation ever made by the appellant,over six years of marriage between the parties.

From Para 11, (Desertion is established)

11. During his extensive cross-examination, the above noted aspects proven by the respondent during his examination-in-chief were not controverted or doubted. We have made reference to those facts to bring out the extent to which the efforts had been made by the respondent to prove desertion offered by the appellant. In absence of any doubt being raised during the extensive cross-examination of the respondent, we do not find any error in the finding of the learned Court below to believe the testimony of the respondent. Sitting in first appeal, we are ourselves inclined to draw firm conclusion that the appellant had no will or desire to live in matrimony with the respondent either at his parental home or at his place of work, or even otherwise at Kanpur Nagar. She only desired to stay at her parental home.

From Para 17,

17. In face of Criminal Revision proceeding pending, against the order of conviction passed in the appeal proceedings, we are not recording any firm conclusion with respect to falsity or otherwise the allegations made in the criminal case, at the same time, in the context of facts and circumstances proven in this case, the critical element of cruelty is found in existence. Desertion suffered over long years in a young marriage, accompanied with harsh words spoken and complete lack of desire and effort on part of the deserting spouse to cohabit as also lodging of criminal case alleging demand of dowry only after institution of divorce case proceeding by the other spouse and pursuing it in appeal to secure conviction (after initial acquittal) does indicate in any case, the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken down.

From Para 19,

19. In view of the facts noted above we do not find it a fit case to provide for permanent alimony. The daughter born to the parties has attained the age of majority.

Arti Tiwari Vs Sanjay Kumar Tiwari on 04 Sep 2024

Dinesh Kumar Yadav Vs State of U.P and Anr on 27 Oct 2016

Posted on August 5, 2024 by ShadesOfKnife

A full bench of Allahabad High Court (at Lucknow) held as follows:

From Para 23,

23. Under Section 397 of Cr P C “the High Court or any Sessions Judge may call for and examine the record of any proceeding before any inferior Criminal Court…”. That the Court of Sessions is as an inferior Court to the High Court, cannot be disputed. Thus, the Court of Sessions before which an appeal has been prescribed under Section 29 of the Act, 2005 is a Criminal Court inferior to the High Court and, therefore, a revision against its order passed under Section 29 will lie to the High Court under Section 397 Cr P C. Section 401 Cr P C is supplementary to Section 397 Cr P C.

From Para 25,

25. In the result, we answer the first question in the affirmative holding that the decisions in Nishant Krishna Yadav (supra) and Manju Shree Robinson (supra) do not lay down the law correctly. In other words, we hold that a revision under Section 397/401 of Cr P C against a judgment and order passed by the Court of Sessions under Section 29 of the Act, 2005 is maintainable and that the decisions in Nishant Krishna Yadav (supra) and Manju Shree Robinson (supra) do not lay down the law correctly.

Dinesh Kumar Yadav Vs State of U.P and Anr on 27 Oct 2016

Index of all DV cases is here.

Ankit Singh and 3 Ors Vs State of U.P. and Anr

Posted on May 16, 2024 by ShadesOfKnife

A single bench judge at Allahabad High Court held as follows,

On 16 Jul 2024

From Paras ,

On 23 May 2024

From Paras 18-24,

18. This Court is witnessing that in cases where allegations of dowry is being made, same is being investigated by police and not by Dowry Prohibition Officer. The police in case diary are not recording whether procedure under the Rules of 1999 are being followed more particularly whether the principle provided under Rule 6 (4) and Rule 7 (9) of Rules of 1999 are being implemented in letter and spirit. It is to be noted that Dowry Prohibition Officer under Rule 6(4) of Rules of 1999 is empowered to take preventive and remedial measures (to save the marriage) and can pass orders in this respect, which the police is not empowered under law. Once the mandate as to whether the parties to marriage is required to be prosecuted for an offence under the Dowry Prohibition Act is to be decided by the Dowry Prohibition Officer then how the police authority is bypassing the aforesaid special procedure and jurisdiction of Dowry Prohibition Officer and are submitting chargesheet against the groom and his family members.
19. This Court is observing that in many cases the allegations are being levelled against groom and his family members with regard to dowry and other offences. The chargesheet is been submitted by police in a mechanical manner just by recording the statement of bride or their family members. In order to take away jurisdiction of Dowry Prohibition Officer, along with offence under Dowry Prohibition Act, allegations are also being levelled with regard to provisions of Indian Penal Code. In respect of offence under Dowry Prohibition Act, authority to collect evidence and prosecute is vested with Dowry Prohibition Officer and when other offences are also involved then the State Government can always resort to Section 8B (3) of Dowry Prohibition Act. However, in the garb of allegations with regard to offence under the Indian penal code being levelled by the informant, the jurisdiction of the Dowry Prohibition Officer cannot be taken away in respect of offence under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
20. A unique situation has arisen on account of the enactment of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the Rules of 1999. The offences under the Dowry Prohibition Act would be examined and prosecuted by the Dowry Probation Officer while keeping into account the principles laid down under Rule 6 (4) of the Rules of 1999. However, when the offence under the Dowry Prohibition Act is investigated along with other offences under the Indian Penal Code then the principal of saving the marriage being resorted to at the first instance (as per Rule 6 (4) of the Rules of 1999), is ignored and the chargesheet and criminal prosecution is being resorted to by police. Prima facie, this Court is of the opinion that once an offence is arising out of marriage and allegations with regard to dowry is made then the Dowry Prohibition Officer is required to examine the dispute at the first instance by resorting to the principal laid down in Rule 6 (4) of Rules of 1999 and upon being satisfied that all of the measures to save the marriage are not effective then Dowry Prohibition Officer can recommend for prosecution or himself prosecute. Any other interpretation of law would mean that bride or her family members may resort to allegations under the Indian penal code along with allegations under the Dowry Prohibition Act and thereby take away the jurisdiction of Dowry Prohibition Officer and straight away expose the groom and their family members to the rigour of criminal law and deprived them of liberty although dispute may be a matrimonial dispute between parties. Even otherwise, the State government is required to examine the necessity of exercising the power under Section 8B (3) of Dowry Prohibition Act to remove such an anomaly.
21. It is further to be noted that Rule 6 (12) of Uttar Pradesh Dowry Prohibition Rules, 1999 (as amended by Uttar Pradesh Dowry Prohibition (First Amendment) Rules, 2004) provides that Dowry Prohibition Officer shall render assistance to police investigating complaint filed under the Dowry Prohibition Act or to the court in the trial of the case. In none of cases coming up before this Court, where the police are investigating, it is found that any assistance is being rendered to police by Dowry Prohibition Officer. The purpose of Rule 6 (12) of the Rules of 1999 is to involve the Dowry Prohibition Officer at the stage of investigation so that he can pass orders for remedial and preventive nature in terms of Rule 6(4) of the Rules of 1999. The involvement of an officer who is a person outside the police department is to initiate remedial measures and collect evidence. The case diaries of investigation are not revealing that Dowry Prohibition Officer has rendered assistance in investigation. Such an approach when the matter is being investigated by police is not desirable.
22. It is further to be noted that in first information report, bride or her family members are stating that they have given dowry at time of marriage. In many cases, dowry is alleged to have been given in cash being huge amount. As per Section 3 of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, giving of dowry or betting to giving dowry is also an offence. The bride and her family members are blatantly stating in First Information Report and in their statement under Section 161 Cr.P.C that they have given dowry of huge amount at time of marriage to groom and his family members. The bride and her family members in defiance of the law, which prohibits giving dowry, are indulging in giving dowry as per their own admission. Although, bride or her family members who are giving dowry are offenders as per Section 3 of Dowry Prohibition Act, however they are not being prosecuted in view of Section 7 (3) of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The effect of Section 7 (3) of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 is that bride or her family members, who indulge in giving dowry although being an offender under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, cannot be proceeded with for prosecution under the Dowry Prohibition Act. The situation can be summarised that a person who is giving dowry will not be prosecuted as per the bar under law, however receiver of dowry is being prosecuted. The situation is alarming as some citizens (bride or her family members) are openly giving in writing to authorities that they have given dowry, which is indicative of fact that they have no respect to law laid down by Parliament. It is for the executive to take effective measures so that the situation does not arise where the citizens openly disrespect the law laid down by the Parliament or State Legislature, otherwise, the law with regard to prohibition in giving dowry would be a dead letter.
23. It is also being observed by this Court that in first information report or in the statement, it is being alleged that huge amount of cash is paid at the time of marriage to the groom or his family members, as dowry. Section 269ST of Income Tax Act prohibits cash transaction beyond Rupees two lakhs, however bride and her family members are openly giving statement in the first information report or during investigation that they have paid dowry in cash beyond Rupees two Lakhs to groom or his family members. Even, when the amount is being paid in cash as dowry, is beyond the limit prescribed by law, neither any investigation is being carried out as to source of aforesaid amount nor any investigation with regard to utilisation aspect by groom side is being made by police or investigating officer. Even the amount given as dowry in cash is not being recovered during investigation by police authorities. Only on the basis of statement of person who has given dowry, the chargesheet is being filed against groom and his family members.
24. A person who has given dowry is also an offender under Dowry Prohibition Act and solely relying on the statement of such a person who defies the law and is an offender, the groom side is being proceed with, which is not permissible nor desirable. The investigating officer is required to look at corroborative evidence in this respect. The source of huge cash (beyond permissible limit) alleged to be given in dowry is required to be investigated and whether such huge cash was given by known sources of income is also required to be investigated. Even otherwise, amount given in dowry are crime proceeds (being amount from illegal activity) as such the same are also required to be recovered during investigation.

From Paras 28-29,

28. If source of dowry/cash is not found during investigation nor the dowry amount is recovered from accused-person then solely relying upon the statement of person who has given dowry (who is also an offender under the Dowry Prohibition Act) will be unjust, unfair and unreasonable. It is to be seen that the person giving dowry is an offender under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act however such a person cannot be prosecuted in view of the bar provided under Section 7 (3) of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The bar of prosecution of person giving dowry does not remove his status as an offender under Dowry Prohibition Act however only effect of such a bar is that he cannot be criminally proceeded with or prosecuted. In these circumstances, solely relying on statement of offender (person giving dowry) for prosecution of groom or his family members under Section 3 of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 is not fair, just or reasonable. Some other evidence to corroborate the allegations is required to be looked into including source of dowry amount and whether the individual has given dowry from known sources of income more particularly when allegation of dowry is beyond the limit of cash transaction prescribed under the Income Tax Act.
29. There is another aspect of matter, under Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act, the punishment for demand of dowry may extend to 2 years and punishment under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code is a term which extend to three years however the punishment for receiving dowry under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act is not less than five years. Where except for the allegation of giving huge amount in dowry there is no other corroborative evidence (as discussed hereinabove or where the dowry amount which are the proceeds of the crime are not recovered during investigation), it may be that the allegations under section 3 have been made so that the groom and his family members are prosecuted for bigger punishment in order to take vengeance in a matrimonial dispute.

From Para 31,

31. It is therefore, imperative that investigation in dowry matters should examine whether the presents that are being alleged as dowry are customary in nature and whether the same is within the financial status of the person who is giving dowry. A person who does not have financial status/means to give the dowry and is also not able to substantiate the source of dowry given, may be indicative of fact that the allegations are incorrect or that there is use of undisclosed income or back money or there is tax evasion. Use of black money or tax evasion is required to be reported to authorities under the Income Tax Act as the same does not stand protected under Section 7(3) of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Where there is no substantive evidence with regard to giving or receiving dowry then only on the basis of the statement of an offender, criminal prosecution under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act should not be permitted. In such matters either further investigation is required to be carried out or provisions of Section 3 of Dowry Prohibition Act may have to be eliminated from prosecution on account of lack of substantive evidence. Such aspect of matters is required to be examined by the appropriate authority.

Ankit Singh and 3 Ors Vs State of U.P. and Anr on 23 May 2024

On 08 May 2024

From Paras 4-11,

4. The legislature in its wisdom carved out an exception by providing that the presents which are given to the bride or the bridegroom at the time of marriage are not construed as dowry attracting Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. In order that the aforesaid exception is available to an individual, it is necessary that the aforesaid presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the Rules made under the Dowry Prohibition Act. The Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985 have been framed in this respect by the Central Government in the Indian marriage system gifts and presents act as a token of celebration and honouring the important event. The legislature was aware of the Indian tradition and as such the above mentioned exception was carved out. The above mentioned list would also act as a measure to thrash out the allegations of dowry which are subsequently levelled in matrimonial dispute. The maintenance of the list is also important so that both the parties to the marriage and their family members may not level false allegation of taking dowry or giving dowry in a marriage subsequently. The arrangement made by the Dowry Prohibition Act may also assist in subsequent litigation between the parties to arrive at a conclusion whether the allegations with regard to the taking or giving of dowry is covered by the exception carved out under section 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
5. Before this Court the parties to the marriage are filing cases with allegations of dowry, however, no list in terms of Section 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act and Rules of 1985 are being filed by the husband or the wife or their family members. It may be a case where no list is being prepared by the parties to the marriage. It has not been brought to the notice of this Court that the aforesaid provision is in any manner being monitored or implemented by any responsible officer of the State Government. Section 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 is required to be implemented in its letter and spirit so that citizens are not subject matter of frivolous litigation.
6. As per the aforesaid provision of law, list of presents which are required to be entered in a list and the aforesaid list is required to be signed by both bride and bridegroom. Under section 8B of the Dowry Prohibition Act, Dowry Prohibition Officers are required to be appointed for the purpose to see that the provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act are complied with.
7. The Chief Secretary, U.P. or any other officer authorised by him shall file an affidavit as to whether in terms of Section 8B of the Act, Dowry Prohibition Officers have been appointed by the State Government.
8. In the event, Dowry Prohibition Officers have not been appointed till date, the State Government shall explain as to why the Dowry Prohibition Officers have not been appointed when the dispute of dowry is rising.
9. In the event, the State Government has appointed Dowry Prohibition Officers, it is then imperative that the steps taken by such Dowry Prohibition officers towards implementation of the provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act is shown in respect of preparation of list of presents given in the marriage as per section 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The State Government shall also disclose the orders issued for implementation of the Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985. The Dowry Prohibition Officers are enjoined with the duty to ensure compliance of the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Rules framed thereunder. The affidavit shall also disclose how many Dowry Prohibition Officers have been appointed throughout the State and at what level.
10. The State Government shall also file an affidavit to the effect whether at the time of registration of marriage, list of presents as required by the Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985 are being taken by the officers and being maintained so that subsequently in the event there is dispute between the parties to marriage with regard to the presents being given in marriage being designated as dowry, the same can be verified.
11. The State Government shall also file an affidavit whether any rules (for carrying out the purpose of the Dowry Prohibition Act) in terms of Section 10 of the Dowry Prohibition Act has been enacted by the State Government. A copy of the same shall also be placed before this Court on the next date.

Ankit Singh and 3 Ors Vs State of U.P. and Anr on 08 May 2024

Layak Singh Vs Ekta Kumari on 21 Mar 2024

Posted on April 29, 2024 by ShadesOfKnife

A single judge bench of Allahabad High Court held that, a divorce petition is maintainable within 1 year from date of marriage, if there are Pleadings about Exceptional Hardship.

From Para 19, 20 and 21,

19. Where there is a chance of reconciliation, however slight, the cooling period of six months from the date of filing of the divorce petition should be enforced. However, if there is no possibility of reconciliation, it would be meaningless to prolong the agony of the parties to the marriage. Thus, if the marriage has broken down irretrievably, the spouses have been living apart for a long time, but not been able to reconcile their differences and have mutually decided to part, it is better to end the marriage, to enable both the spouses to move on with the life.
20. In the present case, the petitioner (husband) is aged about 34years and the opposite party (wife) is aged about 32 years. They got married on 29.06.2020 and are living separately since 28.10.2020. It is the case of the parties that every effort to resolve their difference failed despite best efforts being made by their family members and other persons of the society. It is further admitted that since both the parties failed to reconcile their dispute they agreed for divorce by mutual consent and entered into a settlement according to which the husband had to pay a sum of Rs. 6,00,000/- to the wife. In the application which was jointly made by both the parties for waiving of the cooling period, it was stated that the husband was in lookout for a job outside of State of Uttar Pradesh and because of pendency of this proceeding, he was not able to join his new job and further the wife also wanted to restart her life after the divorce. In this case marriage was a non starter. Admittedly, the parties lived together only for few months. After which they have separated on account of irreconcilable differences. It is jointly stated by the parties that the efforts at reconciliation have failed. The parties are unwilling to live together as husband and wife.Even after over three years of separation, the parties still wants to go ahead with divorce. As the parties are living separately for more than three years soon after their marriage and they have entered into a compromise to settle their dispute amicably and has agreed for divorce, specially considering the age of the parties, no useful purpose would be served by making the parties wait except to prolong their agony rather it will be useful that both the parties may be given a chance to restart their life afresh after the divorce. It is also admitted, in the present case, that there are no issues out of the wedlock of the parties.
21. The order passed by the Principal Judge, Family Court, Agra is not consistent with the judgment of Supreme Court in case of Amardeep Singh v. Harveen Kaur (Supra) and Amit Kumar v.Suman Beniwal (Supra).

Layak Singh Vs Ekta Kumari on 21 Mar 2024

Index of Divorce Matters here.

Vipin Kumar Vs State of U.P. and Anr on 25 Feb 2022

Posted on August 6, 2023 by ShadesOfKnife

A single Judge of Allahabad High Court held as follows,

On a plain reading of sub-section (3) of Section 125 Cr.P.C., it is apparently clear that in the event of any failure on the part of any person to comply with an order to pay maintenance allowance, without sufficient cause, the Magistrate is empowered to issue warrant for levying the amount due in manner provided for levying of fines for every breach of the order. Section 421Cr.P.C. prescribes the manner for levying fine and clause (a) of sub-Section (1) of Section 421 provides for issuance of warrant for levy of the amount by attachment and sale of any movable property belonging to the offender. In other words, in the event of any failure without sufficient cause to comply with the order for maintenance allowance, the Magistrate is empowered to issue distress warrant for the purpose of realization of the amount, in respect of which default has been made, by attachment and sale of any movable property, that may seized in execution of such warrant. Sub-section (3) of Section 125 Cr.P.C. makes it further clear that the jurisdiction of the Magistrate for sentencing such person to imprisonment would arise only after the maintenance allowance, in whole or in part, remains unpaid after the maintenance allowance, in warrant. It is only after the sentence of imprisonment is awarded by the Magistrate under sub-section (3) of Section 125 that the occasion may arise for issuance of warrant of arrest for bringing the person concerned to Court for his committal to prison to serve out the sentence.
It is further apparent that the Magistrate has no jurisdiction to issue warrant of arrest straight way against the person liable for payment of maintenance allowance in the event of non-payment of maintenance allowance within the time fixed by the court without first levying the amount due as fine and without making any attempt for realization that fine in one or both the modes for recovery of that fine as provided for in clauses (a) or (b) of sub-Section (1) of Section 421 Cr.P.C. say by issuance of distress warrant for attachment and sale of movable property belonging to the defaulter as contemplated under Section 421 (1) (a) and without first sentencing the defaulter to imprisonment after the execution of the distress warrant.

Vipin Kumar Vs State of U.P. and Anr on 25 Feb 2022

Citations:

Other Sources:

https://indiankanoon.org/doc/139127943/

Jeetan Lodh Alias Jitendra Vs State of UP Lucknow and 3 Ors on 11 Apr 2023

Posted on July 4, 2023 by ShadesOfKnife

A single bench Judge of Allahabad High Court at Lucknow held that, compensation obtained as victims has to be recovered if the said alleged victims turn hostile before Courts.

From Para 11,

11. Now, the question has cropped up before me as to whether, the prosetrix who has become hostile is entitled to retain the amount of compensation. In my opinion, if the victim has become hostile and does not support the prosecution case at all, it is appropriate to recover the amount if paid to the victim. The victim is the person who comes before the Court and during trial if she denies the allegation of rape and becomes hostile, there is no justification to keep the amount of compensation provided by the State Government. The State Exchequer cannot be burdened like this and there is all possibility of misuse of the laws. Therefore, in my opinion, the amount of compensation given to the victim or the family member, is liable to be recovered by the authorities concerned who have paid the compensation.
12. Therefore, considering the above aspect of the matter, it is directed that the State Government will pass appropriate orders and issue necessary directions to the authorities concerned to recover the amount of compensation if paid, in the cases, where the victim has become hostile during trial and not supported the prosecution. Let necessary exercise be done within a period of three months.
13. The Senior Registrar of this Court is directed to send a copy of this order to the Chief Secretary of Government of Uttar Pradesh for necessary compliance.
14. List this case in the second week of August and learned AGA will submit progress report.

Jeetan Lodh Alias Jitendra Vs State of UP Lucknow and 3 Ors on 11 Apr 2023

Citations:

Other Sources:

Javed Ahmad Vs State of U.P. and Anr on 13 Feb 2023

Posted on April 13, 2023 by ShadesOfKnife

A single judge bench of Allahabad High Court held as follows,

It is true that filing of first information report (F.I.R.) is not a condition precedent to exercise the power under Section 438(1) Cr.P.C., as held in Gurbaksh Singh Sibbia Vs. State of Punjab,(1980) 2 SCC 565, but at the same time it is also to be kept in mind, as held in the aforesaid case by the Hon’ble Apex Court, that“when a person apprehends arrest and approaches a court for anticipatory bail, his apprehension (of arrest), has to be based onconcrete facts (and not vague or general allegations) relatable to a specific offence or particular offences. Applications for anticipatory bail should contain clear and essential facts relating to the offence, and why the applicant reasonably apprehends his or her arrest, as well as his version of the facts. These are important for the court which is considering the application, the extent and reasonableness of the threat or apprehension, its gravity or seriousness and the appropriateness of any condition that may have to be imposed. It is not a necessary condition that an application should be moved only after an FIR is filed; it can be moved earlier,so long as the facts are clear and there is reasonable basis for apprehending arrest.“

Then, What is ‘Reason to Believe‘?

The Hon’ble Apex Court in Adri Dharan Das Vs. State of West Bengal, (2005) 4 SCC 303 has emphasized over this requirement and held as under.
“Section 438 is a procedural provision which is concerned with the personal liberty of an individual who is entitled to plead innocence, since he is not on the date of application for exercise of power under Section 438 CrPC convicted for the offence in respect of which he seeks bail. The applicant must show that he has “reason to believe” that he may be arrested in a non-bailable offence. Use of the expression “reason to believe” shows that the belief that the applicant may be arrested must be founded on reasonable grounds. A belief can be said to be founded on reasonable grounds only if there is something tangible to go by on the basis of which it can be said that the applicant’s apprehension that he may be arrested is genuine. Mere “fear” is not “belief” for which reason it is not enough for the applicant to show that has some sort of vague apprehension that some one is going to make an accusation against him in pursuance of which he may be arrested. Grounds on which the belief on the applicant is based that he may be arrested in non-bailable offence must be capable of being examined. If an application is made to the High Court or the Court of Session, it is for the court concerned to decide whether a case has been made out of for granting of the relief sought. (Para 16)”
The aforesaid theory makes the legal position explicit that Section 438 (1) of Cr.P.C. applies not only at post FIR stage, but it does not require that the offence must have been registered. It is contemplated by this section that if a person is going to apply for anticipatory bail, he must have a reasonable belief that he may be arrested on accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence.

Javed Ahmad Vs State of U.P. and Anr on 13 Feb 2023

Shades of Knife

True Colors of a Vile Wife

Category: High Court of Allahabad Judgment or Order or Notification

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