A photographer in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, died by suicide, leaving a note alleging dowry laws misuse. His wife and three of her family members have been charged with abetment. The incident created concerns over the alleged misuse of dowry laws. Police are investigating the case further.
Bhopal: A police official reported that the wife of a photographer who took his own life, along with three of her relatives, has been charged with abetment in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Nitin Padiyar, 28, ended his life on January 20, leaving behind a suicide note urging the government to “amend the Dowry Prohibition Act to prevent its misuse by women”.
According to Banganga police station house officer Siyaram Gurjar,
“An FIR for abetment of suicide has been registered against his wife and three of her family members, her mother and two sisters. Padiyar’s wife had filed a dowry case against him in Rajasthan, from where her parents come. They allegedly demanded money from Padiyar to withdraw this case.”
Also Read: Section 498A and Dowry Act Misuse: Supreme Court Warns Wife For Filling False FIR
In his note, Padiyar wrote,
“I, Nitin Padiyar, request the Government of India to change the law because women are misusing it. If you do not change it, then many more men and their families will get ruined every day. I request the youth of India not to get married and if they do, they should strike an agreement before it. Seek justice for me after my death if you feel I have been bullied. Or wait for your turn.”
The deceased, a professional photographer, reportedly facing marital dispute with his wife. According to initial investigations, he had been accused of dowry harassment by his wife, which had led to legal proceedings.
However, in his suicide note, he claimed that the allegations were false and that he was being subjected to undue pressure and mental harassment. His family members have also alleged that he was pushed to take this extreme step due to the fear of wrongful legal action and humiliation.
The case primarily involves Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman. The section was introduced to protect women from harassment and cruelty in matrimonial homes, particularly in connection with dowry demands.
However, over the years, several reports and judicial observations have highlighted instances of misuse, where false cases were filed to harass husbands and their families.
Additionally, Section 306 of the IPC, which deals with abetment to suicide, has been invoked against the wife and her family members. This section states that anyone who abets the commission of suicide shall be punished with imprisonment, which may extend up to ten years along with a fine.
The Supreme Court of India acknowledged the misuse of Section 498A in multiple rulings. In cases such as Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014), the apex court emphasized that arrests under this provision should not be made automatically and that police should follow due diligence before taking action. Courts have also suggested the need for safeguards to prevent false implications while ensuring genuine cases receive justice.
The Indore police are conducting further investigations into the allegations mentioned in the suicide note. If proven guilty, the accused could face severe legal consequences under Section 306 IPC. Meanwhile, the case triggered a larger discussion on striking a balance between protecting genuine victims of dowry harassment and preventing the misuse of stringent laws meant to safeguard women.
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