JOIN USJustice Ajit Bharihoke quashed the criminal proceedings against the bride and her family after they convinced the court that the dowry was given under pressure as the bridegroom’s family had threatened to canceal the marriage.
“As per the allegations in the complaint made by the petitioner (bride), the demand for dowry was made by the father of respondent (bridegroom) at the time of engagement ceremony when he allegedly asked the father of the girl to concede to his demand for dowry, failing which he would call off the marriage.
“From the aforesaid facts, it is obvious that the petitioner and her parents were confronted with the unenviable situation either to concede to the demand or face the loss of honour of their family in the society, and if under that fear, the petitioner and her parents conceded to the demand for dowry, they cannot be faulted as they were victims of the circumstances,” the court said.