Apart from setting a new precedent, the verdict in the Vismaya case will have a deterrent effect on potential offenders, said G. Mohanraj, the Special Public Prosecutor of the case.
Along with a total jail term of 25 years under various Sections of IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act, the court imposed a fine of ₹12.55 lakh in what may be the first such instance in the State.
In the case the prosecution had to establish that the suicide or unnatural death was an outcome of demand of dowry and subsequent harassment. “Since it is an offence committed in secrecy, the prosecution had to prove that the victim was subjected to cruelty before her death. We could prove independent circumstances, while false plea of the accused was taken as an additional evidence,” Mr. Moharaj told The Hindu.
