ISSUE:
Whether the accused was guilty of abetting the suicide of the deceased under Section 306 IPC based on evidence of cruelty?
Whether the accused committed dowry death under Section 304B IPC by subjecting the deceased to cruelty in connection with a demand for dowry?
Whether the absence of a specific charge under Section 306 IPC affects the validity of the conviction under that section?
RULE:
Abetment of Suicide (Section 306 IPC): Abetment of suicide is established if the accused’s conduct constitutes cruelty under Section 498A IPC, leading the victim to commit suicide. The presumption under Section 113A Evidence Act supports conviction when suicide occurs within seven years of marriage.
Dowry Death (Section 304B IPC): A dowry death requires proof that the victim was subjected to cruelty or harassment soon before her death, and the cruelty must be directly linked to demands for dowry. The absence of this connection precludes conviction under this section.