'Abusing is not ill-treatment'

Hearing an appeal by G R Lokanath and others who were convicted under 498(A) by a lower court here in connection with the death of a person Saritha, Justice Arali Nagaraj on Monday observed, “Since this alleged ill-treatment was not in connection with any unlawful demand (dowry) it cannot be categorised under 498(A).”  Saritha was married to Lokanath and was found dead in a suspicious manner on March 10, 2007. Lokanath lodged a complaint of murder with the Police. But later, victim’s mother Siddamma lodged a complaint against her son-in -law and his relatives stating her son-in-law and his relatives would abuse her for not doing household work and talking to neighbours. Lokanath was booked for murder and dowry harassment.

The trial court acquitted them of murder charge, but had convicted them under 498 (A).