The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Gour Acharjee for the murder of his wife, Soma Acharjee, in a dowry-related case from Tripura.
A Bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice K.V. Viswanathan dismissed the criminal appeal and affirmed the findings of the Trial Court and the High Court.
Opening the judgment on a poignant note, Justice Viswanathan expressed hope that Soma’s tragic story would serve as an eye-opener for society.
Dowry Demands and Continuous Harassment
The case arose from Soma Acharjee’s death in June 2007, barely 15 months after her marriage.
According to the prosecution, Soma faced constant harassment over demands for a motorcycle and cash. Her father alleged that the abuse began soon after the marriage.
Village panchayats intervened several times to resolve the dispute. Although the appellant gave written assurances, the harassment continued.
Soma repeatedly contacted her parents and sought help. On one occasion, she even left her matrimonial home and stayed with them. However, her family hoped the situation would improve.
Later, authorities found her hanging in her matrimonial home.
Medical Evidence Pointed to Murder
The Supreme Court placed significant reliance on the medical evidence.
The post-mortem report revealed several ante-mortem injuries on Soma’s chest, jaw, and head. Doctors also found a fatal head injury caused by a blunt object.
The Court noted that the body lacked several indicators commonly associated with suicidal hanging. It found no typical ligature mark and no clear signs of asphyxia.
Relying on medical jurisprudence, the Bench held that the injuries were inconsistent with suicide. It also observed that such injuries could not have been self-inflicted.
According to the Court, the evidence suggested that someone killed Soma and later suspended her body to create the appearance of suicide.
The Bench described the incident as a case of “simulated hanging.”
Court Examines Burden of Explanation
The Court relied on the principle laid down in Trimukh Maroti Kirkan v. State of Maharashtra.
It reiterated that the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. However, when a death occurs inside a matrimonial home, the occupants must offer a credible explanation.
The appellant was present in the house when the incident occurred. He later informed Soma’s father that she had died by suicide.
During his examination under Section 313 CrPC, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Court held that this failure strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Conviction Under Sections 302 and 498A IPC Upheld
The Bench agreed with the concurrent findings of the Trial Court and the High Court.
It held that Soma died due to the head injury she suffered before her body was suspended.
Accordingly, the Court upheld Gour Acharjee’s conviction under Section 302 IPC for murder and Section 498A IPC for cruelty.
The Court also noted that witnesses had specifically testified about his conduct and the cruelty inflicted upon the deceased.
Acquittal of Other Accused Left Undisturbed
Three other accused persons had secured acquittal in the case.
However, the Supreme Court declined to revisit those findings because the State had not challenged the acquittals.
The Bench clarified that the evidence against Gour Acharjee was direct and overwhelming. Therefore, he could not claim the benefit granted to the other accused.
Supreme Court Orders Police to Apprehend Accused
During the hearing, the Court learned that Gour Acharjee was absconding.
Taking serious note of the development, the Bench directed the Tripura Police to immediately trace and apprehend him so that the sentence imposed by the courts could be executed.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court concluded that the medical evidence, the history of dowry-related harassment, and the appellant’s failure to explain the circumstances of death established his guilt beyond doubt.
The Court therefore dismissed the appeal and upheld his conviction for murder and cruelty.
Case Details
Case Title: Gour Acharjee v. State of Tripura & Ors.
Neutral Citation: 2026 INSC 535
