Unnatural death of wife in matrimonial home within seven years of marriage cannot be sole ground to convict accused for dowry death, when she is harassed for dowry soon before her death.

The allegations levelled against accused persons were that they used to harass victim for not bringing sufficient dowry, leading her to consume poison and end her life. No complaint was made by the victim herself or her parents against the accused persons. There was unexplained delay of about 13 months in filing of the FIR. It was proved that victim did not die under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage. However, prosecution was unable to prove that soon before death, victim was subjected to cruelty in connection with demand of dowry. The Chhattisgarh High Court held that mere fact of unnatural death of victim in matrimonial home within seven years of marriage is not sufficient to prove dowry death. All accused persons were given benefit of doubt.