Man not liable for wife's suicide without clear evidence: SC

The Supreme Court has ruled that a man cannot be held accountable for abetting his wife's suicide within seven years of marriage unless there is compelling evidence of harassment or cruelty.

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This decision came as the Court acquitted a man who had been charged with abetting his wife's suicide three decades ago.

Section 113A of the Indian Evidence Act establishes the presumption of abetment by a husband and in-laws in cases where a woman's suicide occurs within seven years of marriage and she has been subjected to cruelty.

The man in question was married in 1992. According to the prosecution, soon after marriage, the man and his parents began demanding money as he intended to start a ration shop.

Records show that on November 19, 1993, the woman committed suicide by consuming poison. The prosecution alleged that she took her own life due to constant harassment by her husband.