New Delhi, August 19Describing dowry death as an “offence against society”, the Supreme Court has said the perpetrators must be dealt with an iron hand.”A strong message must go in society that a person who commits the offence of dowry death and/or offences under the Dowry Prohibition Act shall be dealt with an iron hand,” a Bench led by Justice MR Shah said.Must send out strong Message to societyA strong message must go in society that a person who commits offence of dowry death or offences under Dowry Prohibition Act shall be dealt with an iron hand. BenchThe Bench upheld the 10-year rigorous imprisonment awarded to Ajhola Devi and her husband — father-in-law and mother-in-law of the deceased woman — by the trial court and confirmed by the Jharkhand High Court for dowry death of their daughter-in-law. “In the facts and circumstances of the case, imposing 10-year rigorous imprisonment cannot be said to be disproportionate to the offence committed. Therefore, no interference of this court is called for so far as the imposition of the sentence is concerned,” the top court said, dismissing the appeal filed by the convicted couple.”The legislative intent of incorporating Section 304shy;B was to curb the menace of dowry death with a firm hand. In dealing with cases under Section 304shy;B, such legislative intent has to be kept in mind. The offence under Section 304shy;B — offence of dowry death is an offence against society. Such offences have a serious impact upon society,” the apex court said.
