Sarada Prasanna Dalai v. Inspector General Of Police, Crime Branch, Odisha And Others

S. Abdul Nazeer, J.— Leave granted. The appellant is the brother of deceased Sulekha Dalai. Sulekha Dalai was married to Trilochan Rout on 4-6-2008. According to the appellant, at the time of marriage, dowry in the form of cash of Rs 1,50,000 and 20 tola gold ornaments, TV and washing machine was given to the three accused persons as per their demand and that certain additional sums have also been given through the deceased. It was contended that the accused have murdered the deceased. Therefore, he lodged a complaint against the accused persons and first information report at Talcher Police Station was registered against them under Sections 498-A, 302, 304-B, 34 IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

2. It was further contended that after scientific investigation, the cause of death was recorded as ante-mortem hanging and that ligature mark found on the body of deceased was not possible by the seized sari. However, after five days of the registration of the case, the investigating officer made a query seeking clarification whether the hanging was suicidal or homicidal in nature and the medical officers, who had conducted the post-mortem, opined the hanging to be suicidal hanging. After investigation, charge-sheet dated 4-6-2011 was submitted against the accused under Sections 498-A, 306, 304-B read with Section 34 IPC and under Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The investigating officer dropped charges against the accused under Section 302 IPC. Therefore, the appellant filed a writ petition being WP (Crl.) No. 1131 of 2012 before the High Court of Orissa for a direction for reopening the case and to hand over further investigation to the Crime Branch or CBI. The High Court dismissed the writ petition on 29-2-2016 WP (Crl) No. 1131 of 2012 by holding that further investigation into the case is unnecessary. The appellant has challenged the legality and correctness of the said order in this appeal.

3. The appellant contends that sufficient material is available on record for framing an additional charge for the offence punishable under Section 302 IPC.

4. Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, we are of the view that it is just and proper for the Sessions Court before whom the case is pending to consider framing of an additional charge under Section 302 IPC. Therefore, the Sessions Court is directed to peruse the entire material on record in order to consider the aspect of framing of an additional charge for the offence punishable under Section 302 IPC. However, this shall not be construed as our opinion on merits of the case.

5. The appeal is accordingly disposed of.