Kerala High Court upholds Section 498A IPC conviction of man in "irregular" interfaith marriage

The Kerala High Court upheld the conviction of a Muslim man under Section 498A IPC for subjecting his Hindu wife to dowry-related cruelty and harassment, despite the marriage being deemed "irregular" under Muslim personal law. Justice Johnson John dismissed the defense's argument that Section 498A was not applicable due to the lack of a valid marriage. The couple had lived together, exchanged garlands, and registered their marriage. The Court referenced Supreme Court observations that individuals in marital arrangements cannot evade dowry-related charges by claiming the marriage was invalid. The man was acquitted of dowry death and abetment to suicide charges but convicted under Section 498A, sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment. The appeal against this conviction was dismissed.