Life imprisonment for dowry death only in rare cases: SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has taken a view that only in rare cases life imprisonment should be awarded to those convicted for causing the
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death of women in dowry-related cases.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and H L Dattu passed the judgement while reducing to 10 years the life sentence imposed on G V Siddaramesh, convicted by a sessions court in Karnataka for causing the death of his wife Usha.

Under Section 304-B (dowry death) of the IPC, the minimum punishment is seven years but the maximum punishment can go up to life imprisonment.

Citing the judgement of a three-judge bench in the "Hemchand V State of Haryana" case, the apex court said Section 304 B merely raises a presumption of dowry death and lays down that the minimum sentence should be seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life.

"Therefore, awarding the extreme punishment of imprisonment for life should be used in rare cases and not in every case," it said, citing its observation in the earlier case.

In the present case, the Supreme Court said since Siddaramesh was a young man, it would be appropriate if his sentence is altered to 10 years as against the life imprisonment imposed by the trial court.