Court Denies Bail in Dowry Harassment Case: Parents' Testimony Crucial

The Delhi High Court has refused bail to a man accused of harassing his wife, resulting in her alleged suicide. The court emphasized the gravity of testimonies provided by the woman's parents, who claimed their daughter faced torture over dowry demands including a motorcycle and a gold chain.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed the defense's attempt to label the wife's parents as 'private witnesses,' stressing that Indian societal norms maintain that parents do not become strangers post-marriage. The deceased, an 18-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, died while reportedly three months pregnant.

The judge highlighted the significant emotional bond between parents and their daughters, even after marriage, noting this connection often provides the only support for women suffering harassment. The father's testimony of witnessing abuse via a video call and subsequent denial of viewing his deceased daughter further drew attention to the familial emotional trauma involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)