Research › Search › Judgment

Andhra High Court · body

2013 DIGILAW 283 (AP)

M. Sukender v. S. M. Shirisha

2013-04-12

K.G.SHANKAR, L.NARASIMHA REDDY

body2013
Judgment : L. Narasimha Reddy, J. The marriage between the appellant and the respondent was performed on 13-08-2006. Within a short time thereafter, differences have arisen between them. The respondent filed O.P.No.5 of 2009 before the Additional Family Court, Hyderabad, seeking divorce against the appellant under Section 13(1) (ia)(ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (for short ‘the Act’). She pleaded that prior to the marriage itself, the appellant and his family members demanded dowry of Rs.10 lakhs; valuable articles, and marriage expenditure, and that demands have been complied with. She further pleaded that after the marriage, the appellant and his parents demanded additional dowry of Rs.11 lakhs, for purchase of a flat at Seethaphalmandi. She has also stated that a two wheeler was purchased by the appellant, in her name, and the installments were being paid from her hank account. She alleged that on 22-09-2006, when she was travelling on a two wheeler, somebody dashed against the vehicle, and she received grievous injuries. She suspected the hand of the appellant and her family members, to do away with her. Another allegation was that on 04-04-2007 a birthday party was celebrated in the house of the appellant, and on that day, she narrowly escaped, when the appellant and his father have thrown empty beer bottles on her. An iron rod is also said to have been thrown from the first floor on 19-05-2007 by the appellant and his parents. It was further stated that the appellant and his family members have necked her out, stating that she should come back with additional dowry. Narrating these and other instances, she prayed for a decree of divorce. The appellant opposed the O.P., by denying the allegations made against him, and his family members. He has also stated that it is the respondent, that has been creating trouble to the family, and has filed frivolous complaints. The trial Court decreed the O.P., through its order dated 22-06-2011. The appellant challenges the same. Sri V. Roopesh Kumar Reddy, learned counsel for the appellant submits that none of the allegations made by the respondent were proved, and small incidents, that occur in any family, have been blown, out of proportion. He submits that the respondent caused harassment to the appellant and his family members, and still, they kept quiet, with a view to continue the matrimony. He submits that the respondent caused harassment to the appellant and his family members, and still, they kept quiet, with a view to continue the matrimony. Sri Rana Praveer, learned counsel for the respondent, on the other hand, submits that the various acts of cruelty and desertion resorted to by the appellant were proved, by cogent oral and documentary evidence, and that the finding recorded by the trial Court does not warrant interference. He submits that the conduct of the appellant is evident from the filing of I.A.No.262 of 2011, in the O.P., with a prayer to direct the respondent to return the Mangalasuthra. On the basis of the pleadings before it, the trial Court framed only one point for its consideration, viz., whether the respondent is entitled for a decree of divorce. On behalf of the respondent, PWs 1 to 3 were examined, and Exs.P-1 to P-5 were filed. The appellant deposed as RW-1, and no other evidence was adduced by him. The respondent pleaded the grounds of cruelty and desertion. As regards cruelty, she has narrated various events, such as demand for additional dowry, physical attack upon her, and mental harassment causing to her, from time to time. Apart from deposing as PW-1, she has examined PW-2, the immediate neighbour, who has witnessed the various events. PW-2 stated that the appellant and his family members picked up quarrels with the respondent for additional dowry and subjected her to physical and mental agony. The fact that the respondent filed a complaint under Section 498-A I.P.C., and Sections 4 and 6 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and that the same has been taken up, as Crime No.130 of 2007, on the file of the XIII Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Hyderabad, supports this. The appellant did not deny the occurrence of the incident, on 04-04-2007, wherein the respondent was said to have been attacked with beer bottles. On the allegation as to desertion, PWs 1 to 3 have categorically stated that the appellant and his family members have necked out the respondent, from their house, with a warning that she should come back with additional dowry. Nothing was suggested to disbelieve the evidence of PWs 2 and 3. Further, the very fact that, except the appellant, no other witness, including anyone from his family, was examined; discloses that he has no defence. Nothing was suggested to disbelieve the evidence of PWs 2 and 3. Further, the very fact that, except the appellant, no other witness, including anyone from his family, was examined; discloses that he has no defence. In case what is stated by the respondent, as to the occurrences, during her stay in the house of the appellant, was not proved, he could have examined anyone from his family, or the neighbours, in this regard. He did not choose to do so. There cannot be a better proof of the pleadings of a person in a given case. The most significant aspect of a Hindu Marriage is the tying of ‘thalibottu’ i.e., ‘Mangalasutra’. Even when the relations are strained, it remains on the neck of the woman spouse, as a sacred bond. Any attempt made by the woman spouse to remove it, either out of anger, or without any bad intention; is found fault with. In the instant case, the appellant filed I.A.No.262 of 2011, with a prayer to direct the respondent herein to return the Mangalasutra. That only shows his lack of regard for the sacred bond. There cannot be a better instance of cruelty to a woman, in the hands of a spouse, than to be asked to return the Mangalasutra. Though the I.A was dismissed, the appellant has signified his disrespect to the marriage, and proved his acts of cruelty towards the respondent. We do not find any reason to interfere with the decree passed by the trial Court. The appeal is accordingly dismissed. The miscellaneous petitions filed in this appeal shall also stand disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.