A Judicial Magistrate at Vizianagaram passed this Order. Very valid points raised while not finding the accused guilty of the allegations made in the false criminal case.
From Para 23, regarding Dowry givers’ role
Section 3 of Dowry prohibition Act clearly defines the offence as whoever gives or takes Dowry comes under clutches of the Law and punishable. If A1 and A2 were held for demanding Dowry why PW2 father of the PW1 who is also police official well aware of Law has given the Dowry and not taken action against A1 and A2. Instead he alleges he has paid 15,00,000/dowry to A1 and A2. PW2 also comes under the purview of Law and he is also liable for punishment. Here another notion would be taken if it is treated as present made to A1 at the time of marriage which is exemption to this section of law. But the presentations were to be listed and signed by either parties as per mandate of law. That is also not the case here.
Regarding Dowry Allegations:
State of AP Vs Pantla Krishna Murthy and Anr on 16 Dec 2022Prosecution has produced bank statement of A1 dated 7/6/2010 to show his account was deposited by the amounts of Rs 9,66,000/- and Rs 2,00,000/- and got it exhibited through bank manger to prove the amount of Rs 15,00,000/- was given to accused by PW2 before day of the marriage. Here prosecution has not lead any evidence how PW2 paid such huge amount. Whether he obtained loan or he paid from his savings. There might be some document to prove how he raised such huge amount to present the dowry. In the absence of such evidence ExP3 cannot be relied upon. A1 is working in Railway in respectable job and has opportunity to raise such amount even to spent for his marriage expenses. There cannot be a conclusive theory that the entire marriage expenses from both sides would be taken care of the parents of bride. if such is the case they have to produce reliable evidence. The court arrived at the conclusion that whatever the things presented at the time of marriage of PW1 is only presentation though prosecution witnesses has stated that at the time of marriage of PW1 dowry and gold was give to accused. Because if there is demand from accused, PW2 being police official might have initiated action against Accused. PW2 considered at the time of marriage as presentation and presented it without taking action and when marriage tie was strained with misunderstanding between A1 and PW1 and then PW1 and PW2 cannot take stand of dowry subsequently in the year 2016 when marriage took place in the year 2010.
