The Uttarakhand High Court has provided anticipatory bail to an elderly couple from Haridwar. They face allegations of driving their daughter-in-law to suicide within six months of her marriage, following purported harassment for dowry.
The Court's Ruling on Personal Liberty
Justice Alok Verma, presiding over a single bench, emphasized the sanctity of personal freedom while granting this relief. The court observed that "Personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution is a very precious fundamental right." It stated this right should only be curtailed when it becomes absolutely necessary, based on the specific facts of a case.
Tragic Timeline of Events
The case revolves around the death of Nikki (26), originally from Bihar. Her arranged marriage to Sandeep Pandey (30) took place on February 7, 2025. Merely six months later, on August 2, 2025, she was found dead.
A complaint filed by Nikki's brother, Chandeshvar Mishra, at Haridwar's Ranipur police station, outlined a distressing pattern. He alleged that soon after the wedding, Nikki's husband Sandeep and his parents—Nagendra Pandey (62) and Chanda Devi (58)—began harassing her for more dowry.
Although no suicide note was discovered, Mishra claimed Nikki had contacted her family shortly before her death. She reportedly told them about renewed harassment from her in-laws. Based on this complaint, police registered an FIR under BNS Section 80(2) for dowry death. All three accused were arrested on August 3.
Legal Arguments and the Bail Order
During the recent hearing, the counsel representing the elderly couple refuted all accusations. He argued that his clients never demanded dowry nor harassed their daughter-in-law. The defense suggested that Nikki was unhappy living in Uttarakhand due to "societal changes and cultural differences."
The lawyer also highlighted that the police had already submitted their chargesheet in the case. This, he contended, eliminated any possibility of the couple tampering with evidence.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court decided to allow the anticipatory bail plea. It made no comment on the merits of the case itself. The order, issued on December 30, stipulates that if arrested, Nagendra Pandey and Chanda Devi must be released upon executing a personal bond of Rs 30,000 along with two reliable sureties of the same amount.
It is important to note that while the in-laws secured interim bail in September and now have anticipatory bail, their son Sandeep Pandey remains in judicial custody. The legal process against all three accused continues.
