Judicial overreach and training deficiencies: The urgent need for reform in lower courts

In a landmark judgment dated 31st January 2025, the Supreme Court of India acquitted Karan Singh, who had been convicted under Sections 304B and 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for dowry death and cruelty.

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This ruling, which overturned both the trial court and High Court decisions, raises critical questions about judicial accountability and the effectiveness of State Judicial Academies in training judges to handle sensitive cases.

CASE BACKGROUND

Karan Singh's marriage took place in 1996, and two years later, in 1998, his wife tragically committed suicide. Medical records confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia due to hanging. Following this, allegations of dowry harassment were levelled against Karan Singh and his family, leading to legal proceedings under Sections 304B and 498A of the IPC.

During the trial, Karan Singh's parents were acquitted, but he was convicted in 2002 and sentenced to seven years of imprisonment. This conviction was upheld by the High Court in 2010. However, after spending over two decades fighting a flawed prosecution, the Supreme Court finally overturned his conviction in 2025.

SUPREME COURT'S OBSERVATIONS