Penal Code, 1860–Secs. 304-B, 302 & 498-A [Corresponding Secs. 80, 103 & 85 of BNS, 2023]–Acquittal–Inconsistencies in the statements of prosecution witnesses (family members of the deceased) regarding allegation of cruelty and harassment, particularly concerning a consistent demand for dowry immediately before the incident–Other witnesses produced by the prosecution have also not provided any evidence indicating that the deceased was subjected to cruelty or harrssment related to dowry demands prior to incident–Four defence witnesses stated that they are the residents of close vicnity of the accused-respondents and they never heard of any allegation of cruelty or harrasment or dowry demand from the deceased–Prosecution has not abled to cross-examine them–Held, acquittal was justified.
