Munni Devi v. State of Uttar Pradesh 2026 INSC 136 IPC - Dowry Death
Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 304B - Essential Ingredient
Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 304B - It is one thing to make a demand for dowry and another thing to inflict cruelty or harassment in connection with such demand for dowry -For sustaining the conviction under Section 304-B , it would be necessary for the prosecution to bring on record at least some instance of cruelty or harassment being caused to the woman in connection with any demand for dowry that results in her death occurring otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of the marriage. (Para 9) [Context: The mother‑in‑law of the deceased was convicted under Sections 304‑B and 316 IPC for dowry death and causing the death of a 34‑week fetus- Allowing appeal, SC observed: Only general allegations of “mental and physical harassment” with no specific instances showing that the appellant herself subjected the deceased to cruelty or harassment for dowry soon before her suicide, and also noted that she was not present at the matrimonial home at the time of death. ]
Case Info
Basic Information
Case name: Munni Devi v. State of Uttar PradeshNeutral citation: 2026 INSC 136Coram: J.K. Maheshwari, J. and Atul S. Chandurkar, J. (judgment authored by Atul S. Chandurkar, J.)Judgment date: 29 January 2026Court: Supreme Court of India, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, Criminal Appeal No. 532 of 2021
Statutes / Laws Referred
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Section 304-B (Dowry death)
- Section 316 (Causing death of quick unborn child)
- Section 498-A (Cruelty) – charge and trial discussion
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Sections 3 and 4
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- Section 113-B (Presumption as to dowry death)
