KOCHI: Attack on women in matrimonial homes demanding more dowry should be stopped forever, the high court said while denying anticipatory bail to a young doctor accused in a dowry harassment case.
Justice Shircy V said: “Harassment, abuse and torture, both mental and physical towards married ladies are increasing by day to pressurize them to bring more wealth to the family of the bridegroom. Though so many cases are being registered against husbands and in-laws, there is no change in the attitude of the society towards married women and family members. The attack towards them are of course, for various reasons, making their matrimonial homes as most dangerous place to live…This has to be stopped forever. But, if anticipatory bail is granted to such wrongdoers that will definitely give a ‘wrong message’ to the society.”
Sijo Rajan RV of Vattappara in Thiruvananthapuram, his parents, and his brother were accused of attacking Sijo’s wife, her father, and her brother when they came to the matrimonial home to take the bride back to her home as she complained of torture.
A car and Rs 7 lakh were given as gift to Sijo’s wife during marriage in September last year and her parents had registered two acres in her name, as per the prosecution case.
Sijo is alleged to have forced his father-in-law to transfer 10 cents to his name. At the matrimonial home, the bride allegedly faced torture from the accused who demanded that the two acres should also be transferred to Sijo’s name.
In the attack on April 14, the bride’s father sustained severe injuries on his neck and spinal cord. The bride and her brother also sustained fractures, as per the petition.
Advocate Thomas J Anakkallunkal, who represented the bride, argued that the bride contacted her parents when the physical torture became unbearable and that she and her family members are still undergoing treatment for the injuries.
