<p>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. <br /><br />The trial court acquitted them of murder charge, but had convicted them under 498 (A).</p>
<p>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. <br /><br />The trial court acquitted them of murder charge, but had convicted them under 498 (A).</p>