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DVC 15/2017
IN THE COURT OF XXII METROPOLITAN MAGISTRATE
CYBERABAD AT MEDCHAL
Monday, 05th day of August, 2019
PRESENT:- Sri A. Nagaraju, B.A., L.L.B.
XXII Metropolitan Magistrate,
Cyberabad at Medchal
DVC No.15 of 2017
Between:
B. Malathi W/o. S. Kiran Kumar, Age: 29 yrs, Occ: Pvt. Employee, R/o. H.No.1-79/3, Jeedimetla village, Quthbullapur Mdl, Medchal District – 500 067
…..Complainant
AND
1.S. Kiran Kumar S/o. S. Ramchander, Age: 32 yrs, Occ: Pvt. Employee
2.S. Bhagya Laxmi W/o. S. Ramchander, Age: 50 yrs, Occ: Housewife
3.S. Ramchander S/o. Not known, Age: 55 yrs, Occ: Pvt. Employee
4.S. Kishore Kumar S/o. S. Ramchander, Age: 27 yrs, Occ: Nil
5.V. Shailaja W/o. V. Bal Raj, Age: 26 yrs, Occ: Housewife
6.V. Bal Raj S/o. Not known, Age: 33 yrs, Occ: Pvt. Employee
All are R/o. H.No.1-2-361/13, Plot No.10, Anjaneya Swamy colony, Bholakpur, Secunderabad – 500 081
….. Respondents
This petition came up before me for hearing in the presence of M/s. V. Veda Vikas, Sri P. Bosu Babu, counsels for the complainant and Sri K. Ravindar Rao, Ms Archana Guduru, Sri P. Narsing Rao, counsels on behalf of the Respondents upon hearing on both sides, upon considering the material available on record and the matter having stood over for consideration till this day, the Court delivered the following.
ORDER
This Petition is filed U/s 12 of Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act, 2005 for the reliefs U/secs 18, 19 and 20. The brief facts of the complaint are that R.1 is the husband, R.2 and R.3 are parents in law, R.4 is brother in law, R.5 is the sister in law of petitioner / complainant. R.6 is the husband of R.5. The complainant is the legal wedded wife of R.1 and their marriage was performed on 28.02.2016 at 2
DVC 15/2017
AMR Gardens, Kompally, as per the Hindu Rites and Customs in the presence of elders and well wishers. At the time of marriage, the parents of complainant paid an amount of Rs.10.00 lakhs, 50 tulas gold, Rs.50,000/- towards Adapaduchu katnam, household articles worth Rs.2.00 lakhs to the respondents. After marriage, the complainant joined the respondents at their house at Anjaneya Swamy colony, Bholakpur, Secunderabad. The marriage was not consummated due to non cooperation of R.1. Since the date of marriage, the complainant was not happy in her in-laws house. Two months after their marriage, respondents removed the maidservant in the house and forced complainant to do entire household work. The complainant is working as Asst. Manager in M/s.Genpact, Habsiguda,
Hyderabad. After retirement from her job, she used to attend entire household work without the support of anybody. R.1 to R.6 used to harass her to clean the dishes, kitchen utensils, which were already cleaned and the clothes which were already washed and tortured her physically and mentally. After one week of marriage, all the respondents started demanding the complainant to get additional dowry of Rs.10.00 lakhs from her parents. R.2 used to beat the complainant indiscriminately for want of additional dowry. When R.1 and R.2 demanded her parents for payment of additional dowry, her father expressed his inability to pay any further amount, as he spent more amount for marriage and still he has to perform the marriage of another daughter.
2.It is further contended that on 22.06.2016, ten days before
Ashadam, her father took her to their house and after completion of
Ashadam in the month of Sravana Masam, her father telephoned R.1 and informed him to take back the complainant, but R.1 demanded
Rs.10.00 lakhs, otherwise he will not take her back. After that her father telephoned R.3, but he also did not respond properly and asked to talk with R.2. Then her parents called R.2 and requested her to take back the complainant, but R.2 also demanded Rs.10.00 lakhs, otherwise they will not allow the complainant. R.2 talked in rude manner over phone against her father stating that “Aey Ekkuva
Matlaadaku – Nenu bayata unnanante arthamavatleda raa”. On 3
DVC 15/2017 15.08.2016 father of complainant brought her to the house of respondents and dropped there, but R.2 threatened the complainant and her father stating that without payment of additional dowry of
Rs.10.00 lakhs, the marital obligations will not be performed by A.1.
The parents of complainant requested the respondents and informed that they are not in a position to pay such huge amount and went away. The respondents continued their harassment for additional dowry, as such the complainant informed the same to her parents on 20.08.2016. On that her parents came to the house of respondents on 21.08.2016 to find out the situation. In front of her parents, R.1 and
R.2 severely beat complainant and threw T-pai on her and respondents 1 and 2 necked the complainant out of their house with a demand to pay Rs.10.00 lakhs, otherwise they will not allow the complainant to live in their house. R.4 also threatened that if her parents do not pay money, they will perform another marriage to R.1 within two months and he will be blessed with a son in one year. R.2 abused the complainant and her parents in filthy language as described in the complaint and beat her with T-pai and necked them out from the house and shut the door. The complainant and her parents begged the R.1 and R.2 not to neck her out, as her parents are not in a position to meet their demand, but R.1 and R.2 necked out the complainant from their house. Having no other option, the complainant followed her parents and stayed with them at Jeedimetla. On 24.09.2016 the complainant filed complaint before the Police, Pet Basheerabad for the offence U/s 498-A IPC and Secs.3 and 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act vide
Crime No.493/2016. The above cruel acts and conduct of respondents caused economic abuse, verbal and mental abuse. They also caused mental and physical cruelty and financial loss to the complainant.
Hence the complaint is filed for Protection U/s 18 of the Act, for return of dowry amount of Rs.10.00 lakhs, 50 tulas gold, Rs.50,000/- towards
Adapaduchu katnam and household articles worth Rs.2.00 lakhs and marriage expenses to the tune of Rs.3.00 lakhs from the respondents and also for grant of Rs.30.00 lakhs towards compensation along with legal expenses from the respondents.
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DVC 15/2017
3.On the other hand, R.1 filed counter Affidavit on his behalf and on behalf of other respondents denying all the allegations made against them and contended that the complaint is not maintainable either in law or on facts and liable to be dismissed. All the allegations are false, created and concocted, except the relationship between the parties, marriage of complainant with R.1. The respondents denied all the allegations, except going to the house of her parents by the complainant 10 days before Ashadam. It is further contended that no cause of action arose for the complainant to file complaint and they never driven out her from the marital home and she herself withdrew from the society of the respondents and left voluntarily. As such there is no domestic violence against her and she is not entitled to claim any reliefs. It is further contended that on the night of wedding day, the complainant remained at her parents house weeping stating that she cannot leave her parents as her two other sisters are living in USA, but with great difficulty and convincing made by the R.2 and R.3 and her parents, she came to the house of respondents. It is further contended that the marriage was consummated out of much difficulty and protest faced by the respondent on the wedding night. During first night, he faced huge enquiries by the petitioner with regard to his savings and properties and finally commented against him stating that he is poor and waste fellow and she would have got a better match than him as he has no savings and bank balance, except heavy home loan payable @ Rs.72,000/- per month, out of the home take salary of Rs.80,000/-.
4.The complainant used to stay only for two or three days in a week at the matrimonial home and most of the time she used to go to parents house straight away from the office without any intimation to
R.1 to R.3. Whenever it is enquired by the respondents, she used to give rude replies stating that she is not their servant to inform in advance about her whereabouts. The complainant was disrespectful not only to the respondents, but she also used to behave rudely without any care and concern to them, as if she is a stranger, needs no help and remained aloof until she left the matrimonial home on 21.08.2016. At one occasion, while the R.2 was busy with her guests in 5
DVC 15/2017 talking to them, inspite of her requests, complainant denied to prepare and offer tea to the guests and commented on the face of R.2 in front of all the guests stating that she is not her servant to prepare and serve tea. The complainant got high dreams and lives while building mirages. At the same time she is also very much attached to her parents and used to say that she cannot live leaving her parents and used to remain back with her parents most of the days in a week.
5.The complainant tried her level best to convince R.1 to join her at her parents house by leaving his parents and when he refused, she started abusing the respondents in most filthy language only in order to blackmail for monetary gains and finally she left to her parents house on 21.08.2016 by taking all her jewelery whatever she wore on the day of wedding. It is further contended that out of love and affection, R.2 and R.3 gifted Pusthelathadu, three rings, 2 nos.
Nallapusala thadulu small and long, pair of kankanallu, pair of ear tops, pair of Buttas, pair of Maatis, in all 120 grams of gold thereof worn by the complainant in the marriage and they are retained by her. R.2 and
R.3 also arranged reception as per the demand made by the father of complainant at the cost of Rs.5.00 lakhs. After first night, the complainant has never showed any concern to discharge her marital obligations / conjugal life with R.1 till she left to her parent’s house.
Though Complainant hails from lower middle class family and her father is a clerk of an advocate. She is having ego problem and feels proud of herself, feels superiority as she is employed and earns rupees more than Rs.50,000/- per month.
6.The complainant refused to go to honeymoon to Ooty on the pretext that leave will not be sanctioned to her. In fact the complainant is not interested, which is revealed by her to R.1. R.1 went to the house of complainant for several times with a request to join him even after she went back to her parent’s house permanently.
R.2 and R.3 also requested the parents of complainant to send her to their house, but their efforts went in vain and futile. Ultimately the complainant filed a present complaint and so also criminal case vide CC
No.493/2016 along with FCOP No.1262/2017 on the file of Family Judge, 6
DVC 15/2017
LB Nagar. The complainant instead of leading marital life with R.1, filed this complaints with all ill motives and for wrongful gains. Though respondents are not at fault; R.1 is still ready to receive and accept the complainant to lead happy marital life, provided that she joins him and his family members unconditionally with whole interest to lead life with him and also by withdrawing the cases filed against them, but the complainant did not consider his requests and appeals. Hence, it is prayed to dismiss the complaint with exemplary costs.
7.In support of her case, complainant examined herself as Pw.1.
She also examined her parents as Pws.2 and 3 and Exs.P.1 to P.5 are marked. Respondents did not lead any evidence.
8.The learned counsel for complainant has filed written arguments taking all pleas which are mentioned in the complaint.
9.On the other hand the learned counsel for respondents argued that Pw.2 is a private employee working as clerk under an advocate and it can be considered how much he could earn, as such the plea of the complainant about presentation of 50 tulas gold, Rs.10.00 lakhs cash, household articles worth Rs.2.00 lakhs and adapaduchu katnam to the respondents is false. He further argued that after closure of evidence on both the sides, the complainant came up with petition as party in person and filed Ex.P5 to show that her parents presented cash to the respondents, but nothing is mentioned about taking of any photos or videos at the time of engagement ceremony either in the complaint or in her chief affidavit. Pw.1 also admitted that the Ex.P5 also does not show father of complainant who is supposed to present cash to the respondents, but Pw.1 stated that the person who was presenting the cash is the husband of her paternal aunt, but the said person is not produced before the Court and examined. Further Ex.P5 photo is not having any certificate as required U/s 65-B of Indian
Evidence Act and no negative is also filed. Further the evidence of
Pws.1 to 3 is contradicting with each other and also contradicting with
Ex.P4 – copy of complaint filed before the police. The evidence of
Pws.1 to 3 is totally contradicting with the evidence in the criminal case vide CC No.793/2016, which is also pending adjudication along with this 7
DVC 15/2017 case. He also argued that as per the evidence of Pw.6 – mediator for marriage, who is examined in CC 793/2016 in which she stated that except there are some petty issues, there are no disputes between the
Pw.1 and R.1. She also suggested R.2 to adjust herself with Pw.1, as she will not hear to words of elders, as she is an educated lady. The complainant has not examined the mediator before the Court in this case. The complainant also not examined Pws.5 and 6 who are examined in CC No.793/2016 in this case, as they have not supported the complainant, as such she conveniently avoided to examine them in this case. Hence the evidence in CC No.793/2016 can also be taken into consideration while appreciating the facts on record in both the cases.
10.It is further argued that, even Pw.3 also admitted that R.1 visited their relative when he was in hospital and though the respondents tried to maintain cordial relations, the complainant always maintained distance. As she is not interested to lead marital life with R.1, she filed a false complaint only to extract amount from them. Even according to the evidence of Pw.1, she never stayed with the respondents for (7) days in a week and she also attended duty regularly, as such the question of making the complainant to attend household works; is utterly false. She made all false allegations only for the purpose of case and she took different pleas, at different stages in different cases, which all go to show that complainant has created stories to suit her case. Even if the evidence of Pws.1 to 3 is considered, there is nothing on record that the complainant has proved that she was subjected to any domestic violence and entitled for any reliefs as prayed for by her.
Hence, he prayed to dismiss the complaint with exemplary costs.
11.Heard both sides.
12.Now the Point for consideration is:
Whether the complainant has proved that she was subjected to any domestic violence in the hands of respondents 1 to 6 and thereby she is entitled for any reliefs as prayed for?
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DVC 15/2017
Point
13.The respondents did not lead any evidence. It is not out of place to mention that CC 793/2016 is also pending along with the present case for adjudication. Since CC 793/2016 is based on the complaint -
Ex.P4 marked in this case and when both the cases are tried simultaneously, the evidence let in in CC 793/2016 can also be considered to decide the present case.
14.Pw.1 filed her chief affidavit reiterating the averments made in the complaint. It is her evidence that her parents paid Rs.10.00 lakhs, 50 tulas gold, Rs.50,000/- towards Adapaduchu katnam and household articles worth Rs.2.00 lakhs to the respondents. In the cross examination, Pw.1 stated that herself and A.1 are employees and working at the time of marriage and she worked in a multinational company from June 2007. She worked in the firm for five years. She also admitted that she is a hard working lady and regular in attending the office. Pws.2 and 3 have also filed their chief affidavits reiterating the averments made in the complaint. In their entire chief affidavits, they have not stated anything against R.5 and R.6, except making bald allegations stating that the respondents demanded additional dowry of
Rs.10.00 lakhs. Even nothing is deposed against R.3 and R.4, except stating that R.4 commented that they will perform second marriage to
R.1 within two months. Even in the entire complaint also, nothing is deposed against R.3 to R.6.
15.In the cross examination, Pw.1 admitted that herself and A.1 are employees and working at the time of their marriage and she has been working from June 2007 in a multinational company. She further admitted that she used to visit her parents in weekends on Saturday and Sunday, but again stated that she used to visit now and then. In the further cross examination, Pw.1 admitted that R.5 married and living with her husband - R.6 and children with her in-laws. She also admitted that R.5 used to stay with her parents Pws.1 to 3, as such there is nothing against R.4 to R.6 stating that they subjected the complainant to any harassment of domestic violence.
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DVC 15/2017
16.She further admitted in the cross examination that during her stay with R.1 to R.3, she was regular in attending her duties and she is not sure whether her parents have incurred Rs.12.00 lakhs towards her clothes, ornaments, marriage expenses etc. In the further cross examination, she stated that her standard of living is better than the lives of respondents. She also admitted that marriage expenses were borne by her parents and dinner expenses were borne by the respondents, but denied the suggestion that about 500 to 600 people attended the dinner and stated that only 100 to 150 people attended.
She further stated that dinner was held at Munurkapu sangam near
Paradise hotel, Secunderabad, but denied the suggestion that respondents arranged the dinner by incurring Rs.5.00 lakhs on their demand. She also stated that she filed divorce petition against R.1 and
R.1 offered to go to Ooty for Honeymoon after marriage. In further cross examination, she stated that her parents in law have presented her gold articles, but she cannot say whether they are 120 grams. She also stated that all the gold items, including the gold items of 50 tulas presented by her parents are with her only.
17.Pw.2 deposed in his cross examination that about 500 people attended the dinner, in which the respondents have incurred expenses and for the marriage about 700 to 800 people attended. Though Pw.1 has stated that in the cross examination that she is having hand loans at the time of marriage, Pw.2 has stated that he does not know for what purpose Pw.1 availed loan and stated that Pw.1 used to pay monthly installments of loan at the time of marriage. Pw.2 also stated in his cross examination that Pw.1 used to attend duty in shift system for 8 hours and take 9 hours including journey. Pw.2 also admitted in his cross examination that Pw.1 came to his house during Ashadam and stayed about 11/2 to 2 months, during which time his elder daughter was also returned from USA. In further cross examination, he admitted that respondents tried to mediate through B. Urmila (Pw.6 in CC No.793 / 2016) for reconciliation and thereafter no mediation was made and the complaint was lodged. He also stated that Pw.1 filed a case for divorce and they are trying to take divorce through mutual consent 10
DVC 15/2017 through Sham Sunder, Urmila and Susheela. He further volunteered that respondents stated that they are not interested to take divorce and they never objected and asked Pw.1 to join with them. When a suggestion was put, that as the respondents did not consent for mutual divorce, all false cases are filed, he denied the same and volunteered that as the respondents harassed, all the cases are filed and also to put an end to the litigation. He stated that he is not ready to send Pw.1 to the company of respondents, though they are ready to take her.
18.In the cross examination, Pw.3 stated that there is a custom in their family to present cash or gold on the occasion of marriage and other functions, but denied the suggestion that the cash and gold was presented on their own and volunteered that it will be presented on the demand of in-law’s side. She also admitted that the gold items are with Pw.1 from the date of marriage and further added that the gold items prepared by the respondents are also with Pw.1 only and they are kept in Bank locker. In further cross examination, Pw.3 stated that even if R.1 is ready to put up separate family, they are not ready to send Pw.1 to join A.1 for marital life. She has not given any reason for such denial, but denied the suggestion that as R.1 refused to go to their house as illitam son in law, Pw.1 rescinded marital relationship with R.1. She also stated that she cannot say as to whether Pw.1 is interested to withdraw all the cases by taking money, but added that it is for Pw.1. When the evidence of Pws.1 and 3 is considered that all the gold including presented by the respondents is with the petitioner only and it is in bank locker, as such the prayer of petitioner for return of gold is false.
19.As discussed above, this court is not barred to consider the evidence in CC 793/2016 which is based on Ex.P4 herein. The chief affidavits of Pws.1 to 3 in this case are filed reiterating the complaint averments of this case. As per the complaint averments in this case,
R.1 and R.2 severely beat Pw.1 in front of her parents and threw T-pai on her, but in her cross examination in CC 793/2016 and in DVC complaint she has not stated that in front of her parents, A.1 and A.2 severely beat her.
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DVC 15/2017
20.As per the evidence of Pws.1 to 3, Pw.1 attended her duty regularly and also used to attend weekends to her parents and she stayed in her parents’ house for about 11/2 or 2 months during ashadam. The marriage of Pw.1 and R.1 took place on 28.02.2016 and she left the house of respondents on 21.08.2016. When her stay in the house of respondents is considered, after deducting her regular visits during weekends and two months stay in her parents’ house during
Ashadam; it can be said that she hardly stayed in the house of respondents; only for three months in the entire six months.
21.As per the evidence of Pw.2 that Pw.1 used to attend in shift system for 8 hours and she took 1 hour for her journey, even during shifts, Pw.1 cannot expected to be in the house to attend any domestic works. According to the complaint, the respondents removed the maidservant two months after the marriage, when she could live hardly for three months in the entire six months and when she attended to duty regularly, attending to domestic works is also doubtful by her.
22.As per the evidence of Pw.4 in the criminal case CC 793/2016, he accompanied Pw.2 with cash of Rs.5.00 lakhs to present the same to the respondents on the request made by Pw.2, but none of Pws.1 to 3 in this case and so also in the criminal case never stated that they took
Pw.4 along with cash of Rs.5.00 lakhs on 21.08.2016, but as per the complaint herein, the parents of complainant came to respondents house on 21.08.2016 only to find out the situation. She informed about the unbearable harassment of the respondents on 20.08.2016. They never whispered about the presence or accompanying of Pw.4 on the said date. When the evidence of Pw.6 in CC No.793/2016 is considered, she advised R.2 to adjust, as Pw.1 is an educated lady and she will not care the elders and she also specifically stated that there are only petty issues between R.1 and Pw.1. Another witness Pw.5 deposed that they tried their level best to make counseling between the family members of Pw.1 and R.1 in the police station, but all the parties quarreled and though he along with police convinced Pw.1 and
R.1 not to quarrel, they did not hear. Pw.5 another independent witness deposed that there was counseling between family members of 12
DVC 15/2017
R.1 and Petitioner in the police station, he also attended as an elder on behalf of petitioner and came to know that R.2 abused Pw.2 and his friends, when they visited the house of accused and in the counseling, both parties quarreled and he along with police convinced both Pw.1 and R.1 not to quarrel and live amicably.
23.When the evidence on record along with evidence of CC 793/2016 is considered, only for the incident said to have occurred on 21.08.2016, the present case and also the complaint in CC 793/2016 are filed by Pw.1. As per the evidence of Pw.1, she used to attend the office regularly and even in shift timings and she used to go to her parents house in weekends and stayed in her parents house for two months for the Ashadam, as such it can be said that she lived only for a period of three months in the house of respondents. Even according to her, the respondents removed the maidservant after two months after their marriage. Admittedly the marriage of petitioner took place with
R.1 on 28.02.2016 and she left the house of respondents for Ashadam in June 2016. When her evidence is considered that maidservant was removed two months after the marriage, she did not complain anything about removal of maidservant before she went to her parents house in
June 2016. Mere removal of maidservant does not amount to Domestic violence against the petitioner, especially when she is a working lady and went to office in the morning and returns in the evening, as such all the domestic works would be completed during the day time.
Hence, I find that the petitioner has failed to prove any sort of domestic violence against her by the respondents. Hence, in view of the discussion made above, I find that the complaint has failed to prove that she was subjected to any domestic violence in the hands of respondents. Accordingly, I feel that the complaint is liable to be dismissed.
24.In the result, the complaint is dismissed.
Dictated to Stenographer; transcribed and typed by him, pronounced
by me in the Open Court, on this the 05th day of August, 2019.
XXII Metropolitan Magistrate, Cyberabad at Medchal 13
DVC 15/2017
Appendix of Evidence Witnesses Examined
For Petitioner / Complainant
Pw.1 B. Malathi, complainant
Pw.2 B. Ramesh, father of complainant
Pw.3 B. Vijaya Lakshmi, mother of complainant
For Respondent
None
Exhibits Marked for Petitioner
Ex.P1 Marriage Photos
Ex.P2 Copy of Marriage invitation card
Ex.P3 Copy of Aadhar card of B. Malathi
Ex.P4 Copy of complaint dt 24.08.2016 filed before PS, Pet
Basheerabad
Ex.P5 Photo taken during Engagement day
For Defence
Nil
XXII METROPOLITAN MAGISTRATE
CYBERABAD AT MEDCHAL