Bhupal Singh vs State Of Uttarakhand 2025 INSC 82 - S 304B IPC - Dowry Death

Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 304B ; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023- Section 80 - For proving the offence of dowry death, the prosecution must prove that (i) the death of the woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or has occurred otherwise than in normal circumstances, (ii) the death has occurred within seven years of her marriage, (iii) soon before her death, she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his any relative and (iv) the cruelty or harassment was for or in connection with the demand for dowry. (Para 9)

Criminal Trial - Though the Investigating Officer collected the alleged admitted handwriting of the deceased, the said alleged handwriting, along with the letter, were not sent to a handwriting expert to secure his opinion. Therefore, an adverse inference needs to be drawn against the prosecution. (para 6)