Summary: Akash Gupta has been granted bail by the Delhi High Court in a dowry death case involving his late wife, Moni Gupta. The decision came after over two years of jail time, with the court setting strict rules for his release.
Akash Gupta married Moni Gupta on December 1, 2016, and they lived in Mukundpur, Delhi. Sadly, Moni passed away on April 4, 2023, after allegedly swallowing poison. The police registered a case under serious charges including dowry death and cruelty.
Moni's father accused Akash and his family of mistreating Moni for dowry. He claimed they paid large amounts during the marriage and faced continuous demands. An incident was noted where Moni was found at Banaras Railway Station, allegedly after being attacked.
The couple's young daughter gave a statement in court alleging violence and money demands. However, the post-mortem report found no external injuries, raising questions about these claims.
Akash's lawyer, Ms. Nandita Rao, argued that the accusations were false and lacked specific evidence. She highlighted the absence of immediate complaints or injuries and pointed out Akash's long time in jail without trial progress.
The prosecution, represented by Mr. Hitesh Vali, emphasized the seriousness of the charges due to the unnatural death within seven years of marriage. They cited statements and a phone conversation suggesting harassment.
Judge Sanjeev Narula noted the lack of medical evidence and specific examples of recent cruelty or dowry demands. Considering Akash's long time in custody and the completion of investigations, the court decided to grant bail.
Akash must provide a ₹25,000 bond with guarantors and follow several rules, such as not leaving the country, cooperating with investigations, and regularly checking in with the police.
The court decided to grant Akash bail due to the lack of strong evidence and the long time he spent in jail without a trial. The trial will continue, and the court clarified that this bail decision should not influence the final outcome.
This case highlights the complexities involved in dowry-related cases and the judicial system's efforts to ensure fairness while addressing serious allegations.
