IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE K.HEMA TUESDAY, THE 14TH OCTOBER 2008 / 22ND ASWINA 1930 Bail Appl..No. 6182 of 2008() ----------------------------- CRIME NO.480/08 OF CHOKLI POLICE STATION PETITIONERS ------------------------------- 1. P.LEELA, W/O. CHANDRAN, AGED 55, KEERANTAVIDA HOUSE, KARALTHERU PARAL P.O., THALASSERY. 2. K. SANTHOSH, AGED 30, KEERANTAVIDA HOUSE,KARALTHERU, PARAL P.O., THALASSERY 3. K. SAVITHRI,AGED 35 W/O. PRAMOD KELOTH KUNNUMPRATH HOUSE, MAKRERI P.O., KANNUR DT. BY ADV. SRI.P.NARAYANAN RESPONDENT(S): --------------- STATION HOUSE OFFICER, CHOKLI POLICE STATION, REP. BY THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA. PUBLIC PROSECUTOR SHRI.M.S.BREEZE THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 14/10/2008, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING: K.HEMA, J. ----------------------------------------- B.A.No. 6182 of 2008 ----------------------------------------- Dated this the 14th October, 2008 O R D E R This petition is for anticipatory bail. 2. The alleged offences are under Sections 498A and 306 read with 34 of Indian Penal Code. A crime was registered under the caption 'unnatural death', on a statement given by the cousin of the deceased Sheena. Thereafter, Sections were altered to Sections 498A, 306 and 34 IPC and the investigation is being conducted against four persons, who are the husband, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law of the de facto complainant Sheena, on the allegation that they have harassed her mentally and they have abetted the suicide. Petitioners are mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law of the deceased Sheena. 3. Learned counsel for petitioners submitted that the marriage between the deceased Sheena and the first accused was conducted on 17.8.2008. There was a reception at her house on 22.8.2008 and at his house on 23.8.2008. On the next day morning on 24.8.2008, all were planning to go to BA.6182/08 2 Guruvayur. But the first accused heard a sound while he was taking bath and on enquiry, it was found that his wife had jumped into the well and committed suicide. The relationship between the couple was cordial and no allegation was made by any person against the petitioners or the family members regarding any illtreatment by them on the deceased. However, on 28.8.2008, a statement was given by the deceased Sheena's sister's husband that she had told her sister that she was being teased from the husband's house about her complexion etc. and that she had a lot of work in the house. The petitioners themselves are not aware as to why the deceased Sheena has committed suicide within eight days of her marriage. It is not known whether the deceased Sheena was ailing any depression also. Any way, the reason stated is too insufficient and vague to drive a person to commit suicide, it is submitted. 4. Learned Public Prosecutor submitted that there are no specific allegations regarding the illtreatment except that she was being teased stating that she was not very fair etc. The said complaint itself gave only at a belated stage. BA.6182/08 3 5. On hearing both side, I find that some directions can be given to protect the interest of both sides. Hence, the following order is passed. Petitioners (accused 2, 3 and 4) shall surrender before the Magistrate Court concerned within seven days from today and if bail application is filed, they shall be released on bail on their executing bond for Rs.25,000/- each with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate, on the following conditions: i) Petitioners shall make themselves available for interrogation as and when directed. ii) Petitioners shall co-operate with the investigation. Iii) Petitioners shall not influence or intimidate any witness or commit any offence while on bail. Petition is allowed. K.HEMA, JUDGE vgs.