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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................... III
TABLE OF CASES............................................................................................................. V
PRAYER ............................................................................................................................ - 18 -
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS
7. & And
8. S. Section
9. v./vs. Versus
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
STATUTES
BOOKS REFERRED
1. Ratanlal & Dhirajlal, The Indian penal code, 35th edition (2017), 1982.
2. C.K. Takwani (Thakker), Indian Penal Code IPC, EBC Reader, 2014 Edition.
3. PSA Pillai, Criminal Law, Lexis Nexis, 13th Edition (2019), 2007.
4. M. Monir, The Law of Evidence, Universal Law Publishing, 10th edition (2015), 2006.
1. www.scconline.com
2. www.legalserviceindia.com
3. www.livelaw.in
4. www.latestlaws.com
5. www.lawsisto.com
6. www.barandbench.com
7. www.lexforti.com
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
TABLE OF CASES
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
STATEMENT OF JURUSDICTION
LEARNED SESSION COURT OF MOHALI UNDER THE VIRTUE OF SECTION 177 READ WITH
a) commit, after complying with the provisions of section 207 or section 208, as the
case may be, the case to the Court of Session, and subject to the provisions of this
Code relating to bail, remand the accused to custody until such commitment has been
made;
b) subject to the provisions of this Code relating to bail, remand the accused to custody
during, and until the conclusion of, the trial;
c) send to that Court the record of the case and the documents and articles, if any, which
are to be produced in evidence;
d) notify the Public Prosecutor of the commitment of the case to the Court of Session.
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
STATEMENTS OF FACTS
1. Sunaina Roy and Sunil Kumar did their engineering in Computer Science from a renowned
college at Mohali. In 2005, they came close, during their 4th year at college. Sunil was a brilliant
student from a middle-class background but desired for a luxurious lifestyle, however, Sunaina
was a sober girl from a reasonably well-off family.
2. After introducing families in May 2012 they got married on 9th Nov. 2012 as per Hindu rites.
Sunaina moved to Sunil’s home with his parents, sister & grandmother, and started a life &
career along with him in Mohali. Differences occurred many times, mostly settled amicably.
3. Sunil’s desire for luxurious life saw the family in a near financial crisis. He time to time
demanded money from his in laws. In 2015, he asked his in laws for a loan of 50 lac rupees.
He got Rs. 20 lac, which he later refused to return.
4. Sunaina gave birth to a baby girl in 2016. Expenses increased, arguments occurred & fights
turned physical too. In drunken state, Sunil used to blame Sunaina for being from a family of
beggars. She got hurt and tried to end her life but was saved by her sister-in-law. Their relation
deteriorated and she remained distressed.
5. After the incident, the physician did prescribe her medicines & advised her to consult a
psychiatrist. She went to her parent’s home & told Sunil that she would never return. But her
parents convinced her to return to her in laws.
6. In Apr. 2018, 2nd baby, a boy was born to them which added the burden. Financial problems
disturbed Sunil, so he used to vent his frustration on Sunaina. This made her more agitated and
she started suffering from depression & mood swings.
7. On 4th Jan. 2019, neighbours saw Sunaina running out of the house with her dress on fire.
Her mother-in-law was running after her shouting that Sunaina was out of her mind to do
something like this. She collapsed on the road, and was taken and admitted to hospital with
90% burns. Doctors declared her unfit to record her statement immediately.
8. On the morning of 5th Jan. her condition improved briefly, and the police was called. On the
arrival of Mr. Sajjan Singh sub-Inspector of police, she tried to speak but she couldn’t. Then
she pointed her finger twice at her mother-in-law named Ranjna & Sunil and then died.
9. Police sent the body for post mortem and conducted house search, found kerosene canister.
Based on Sunaina’s dying declaration & home search, her mother-in-law & husband were
arrested and later sent to judicial custody by the court.
10. They were put to trial before Sessions Court, Mohali and were charged for the offence
punishable u/s 302, 304B, 498A, r/w 34 of IPC and S. 32 of IEA, 1872 was also mentioned.
VII | P a g e
MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
STATEMENT OF ISSUES
ISSUE – 1
WHETHER BOTH THE ACCUSED ARE LIABLE AND PUNISHABLE FOR DOWRY DEATH U/S 304 OF
IPC, 1860?
ISSUE – 2
WHETHER BOTH THE ACCUSED ARE LIABLE AND PUNISHABLE FOR MURDER U/S 302 OF IPC,
1860?
ISSUE – 3
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
CONTENTION:-1 THAT BOTH THE ACCUSED ARE NOT LIABLE AND PUNISHABLE FOR DOWRY
DEATH U/S 304B OF IPC, 1860
It is humbly submitted before the learned court that the accused had not demanded any
dowry in relation to marriage from in-laws. Instead, he demanded a loan which he couldn’t
refund due to ongoing financial problems. Also, the accused has never subjected the
deceased to cruelty related to dowry or otherwise. Deceased was an over-sensitive person
that is why se considered normal wear and tear of family as cruelty. Hence, conviction of the
accused for cruelty and dowry death u/s 498A and 304B of IPC, 1860 respectively, would be
wrong in the eyes of justice.
CONTENTION:-2 THAT BOTH THE ACCUSED ARE NOT LIABLE AND PUNISHABLE FOR MURDER
U/S 302 OF IPC, 1860
S. 302 of IPC, 1860 says that whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or
1[imprisonment for life] and shall also be liable to fine. Accused has been prosecuted
wrongly under S. 302 of IPC, 1860. Accused has not committed murder of the deceased and
has been prosecuted just on the basis of presumptions and vague evidence. There has never
been any intention of accused or performance of any physical act by the accused to murder
the deceased. A person is innocent until proven guilty and prosecution is wrongful in
suspecting accused for the murder.
It is humbly submitted before the learned court that both the accused i.e. deceased’s husband
and her mother in-law had not demanded dowry and had no intention to subject the deceased
to cruelty or causing death to her.
Section 34 of IPC, 1860 states that when a criminal act is done by several persons in
furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in
the same manner as if it were done by him alone.
Both the accused are innocent but prosecuted on the basis of mere assumptions and unclear
and vague evidences. So, if there has no crime been committed then there is no liability,
hence, no joint liability. Hence, both the accused are not liable to be punished under S. 498A,
304B and 302 r/w S.34 of IPC, 1860.
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
S. 304B states that, “Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or
occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it
is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband
or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death
shall be called “dowry death”, and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused
her death.
Whoever commits dowry death shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not
be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.”1
1
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), S.304B
2
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961), S.2
3
(2019) 1 AII LJ 565
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
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4
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961), S.498A
5
Rosamma Kurian vs State of Kerela 2014 CrLJ2666 (ker)88
6
AIR 2006 SC 2475
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When she went to her parental home and told A-1 that she would never return, but
later her parent convinced her to return. This shows that even her parents believed
that she was being over-sensitive and she had no harm from her in-laws.
In the case of State vs. K. Sridhar it was held that, where the prosecution relied only
on incident of unhappiness of deceased with her husband, it does not establish criminal
offence u/s 498A.7
In Apr. 2018 when deceased gave birth to a baby boy and financial burden increased
and A-1 became very disturbed and distressed and in turn used to vent out his
frustration on deceased. There is no clear mention of the fact that in what way A-1
used to vent out his frustration. Considering the fact that deceased was an over
sensitive person and had a past and present of poor mental condition, this can be
said that she took it heavily. There is no sign that A-1 was grievously cruel on her.
So, it can be said that accused had no intention of harming or harassing the deceased.
When there is ample evidence on record to suggest that the deceased had been suffering
from psychosis/mental disorder, it was held not safe to convict the accused under
S.498A of IPC,1860.8
In the case of Hiralal vs State, there was no definite evidence about ill- treatement of
the deceased at any time having immediate proximity to the date of death of deceased.
Therefore, a basic requirement of cruelty and harassment soon before the death to bring
application of s. 304B is absent.9
3. Since it is clear till now that no demand of dowry was made and the deceased was not
subjected to harassment or cruelty related to dowry or otherwise. Hence, the accused is not
liable to be punished under S.498A and S.304B of IPC, 1860.
In the case of Manohar lal vs state of Haryana, SC observed that prosecution is obliged
to prove that soon before the death occurrence there was cruelty or harassment to operate
S. 113B of IEA,1872.10
If ingredients of S. 304B of IPC, 1860 are not fulfilled, it cannot make S. 113B of IEA,
1872 operative.
7
2000 CrLJ 382
8
Sunil Kumar Sambhudayal Gupta Vs State Of Maharashtra, 2011 CrLJ 705
9
(2003) 6. ACE 309 p no. 316 (sc)
10
2014 (9) SCC 645
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Counsel humbly submits before the learned court that accused is not liable to be punished u/s
302 of IPC, 1860 for the murder of deceased.
S. 299 of IPC defines Culpable homicide as- Whoever causes death by doing an act with the
intention of causing death, or with the intention of causing such bodily injury as is likely to
cause death, or with the knowledge that he is likely by such act to cause death, commits the
offence of culpable homicide.11
Murder is explained u/s 300 of IPC,1860 as- Except in the cases hereinafter excepted, culpable
homicide is murder, if the act by which the death is caused is done with the intention of causing
death, or-
Secondly- If it is done with the intention of causing such bodily injury as the offender knows to
be likely to cause the death of the person to whom the harm is caused, or-
Thirdly- If it is done with the intention of causing bodily injury to any person and the bodily
injury intended to be inflicted is sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause death, or-
Fourthly- If the person committing the act knows that it is so imminently dangerous that it must,
in all probability, cause death or such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, and commits
such act without any excuse for incurring the risk of causing death or such injury as
aforesaid.12
11
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860) S. 299
12
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860) S. 200
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
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This has also been stated above that when she went to her parental home and told A-1
that she would never return, but later her parent convinced her to return. This shows
that even her parents believed that she was being over-sensitive and her in-laws have
no intent to harm her.
2. There was no act done by accused to cause death or grievous hurt.
Factsheet is silent on the point that there was any physical act done by the accused to cause
death to the deceased.
Nowhere in the facts has been expressly said that A-1 was present at the time the deceased
was getting burnt. One cannot rely on assumption that accused has set the deceased on fire.
Finding a kerosene canister in the house doesn’t put accused under suspicion that he had
killed. There is a possibility that deceased put kerosene on herself and set herself on fire to
end her own life as she has earlier also done this.
a) At the death bed, the deceased when was unable to speak to provide any declaration, she
pointed finger twice towards both the accused. This can be treated as a dying declaration
which has been stated under S. 32 of IEA.
Cases in which statement of relevant fact by person who is dead or cannot be found,
etc., is relevant- Statements, written or verbal, of relevant facts made by a person who
is dead, or who cannot be found, or who has become incapable of giving evidence, or
whose attendance cannot be procured without an amount of delay or expense which
under the circumstances of the case appears to the Court unreasonable, are themselves
relevant facts in the following cases-
(1) When it relates to cause of death- When the statement is made by a person as to the
cause of his death, or as to any of the circumstances of the transaction which resulted
in his death, in cases in which the cause of that person’s death comes into question. Such
statements are relevant whether the person who made them was or was not, at the time
when they were made, under expectation of death, and whatever may be the nature of
the proceeding in which the cause of his death comes into question.13
The dying declaration by the deceased is inadmissible as she just pointed finger on the accused.
Fact sheet is silent on the point that doctor has certified her fitness to declare something.
as a matter of scientific fact, human body experience cognitive changes after a burn injury.
These changes include drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation and delirium and brief
13
Indian Evidence Act, 1872(1 of 1872), S.32
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psychotic reactions may also occur. Therefore, it can be possibly concluded that the deceased
was not in proper senses to declare something. This shows that one cannot completely rely
upon the fact that deceased was in senses on the morning of 5th jan.
Also, there is no clarity on the point about what questions were asked from her by the police.
Deceased had a history of ill-mental health. Earlier also, due to being over-sensitive she had
tried to end her life. She used to remain distressed, disturbed, agitated and suffered mood
swings. High are the chances that she had on her own set herself on fire.
14
2021 SCC Online SC 260
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
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CONTENTION-3:- THAT BOTH THE ACCUSED DID NOT HAVE ANY COMMON
CRIMINAL INTENTION
It is humbly submitted before the learned court that A-1 & A-2 had no intention to subject the
deceased to cruelty or causing death to her or harm her in any way. So, joint liability does not
arise.
There has no criminal act been done, there was no intention of anyone to commit a criminal
act also there was no participation of A-1 and A-2 in committing a criminal act. Hence,
none of the ingredient is fulfilled to show joint liability of A-1 and A-2
1. In the above stated facts and contentions it has been proved that A-1 had no intention of
hurting and being cruel to deceased and had not caused harm to her. Hence, if not harm has
been caused liability does not arises.
Fact sheet never has said about A-2 having any mal-intentions towards deceased rather
trivial homely disputes of deceased with in laws were amicably resolved. A-2 was never
cruel towards her and has never even kept any demand of dowry to her.
Thus, both A-1 and A-2 didn’t have any intent to be cruel or causing death and no act has
been done for the accomplishment of same by them. So, joint liability cannot arise.
2. Fact sheet hasn’t expressly said that at the time of the misfortunate incident of deceased
getting burnt A-1 was present at the moment. If he was not present there, how can he murder
the deceased? This would be a clear assumption to say that A-1 was present at the time and
has set the deceased on fire. A person cannot be convicted based on any assumptions.
15
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860) S.34
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
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Also, at the time of deceased’s body was on fire and she was running out of the house A2
was running behind the deceased to help her and was crying and shouting that she was out
of her mind to do something like this. It was her reflex action that is no pretence effect
actions cannot be contemplated.
Merely because the accused-appellant was present at the time of occurrence, a valid
presumption cannot be made holding him responsible for the accident, meaning thereby
that he committed the offence under Section 304-B, Indian Penal Code.16
3. The evidence of pointing finger that is the dying declaration cannot be considered
admissible or be sole reason for suspecting and convicting A1 and A2 as the deceased was
not in her proper senses to declare something. Fact sheet is silent on the point that doctor
has certified her fitness to declare something. Also, there is no clarity on the point about
what questions were asked from her by the police. Hence, pointing finger cannot be
considered as dying declaration and cannot be relied upon for conviction.
Hence, it is clear that A-1 and A-2 are innocent and cannot be convicted on the basis of mere
assumptions and unclear and vague evidences. So, if there has no crime been occurred then
there is no liability, hence, no joint liability.
16
Kaushik Das v. State of Tripura, (2009) 3 Gau LR 206: (2009) 3 AIR
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE
ARMY INSTITUTE OF LAW
INTRA INSTITUTE MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2021
PRAYER
In light of the facts of the case, issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, the
Counsels on behalf of the Defense humbly pray before the Learned Session Court of Mohali to
kindly adjudge and declare that:-
i. Accused A-1 and A-2 are not liable to be punished under S. 498A of IPC, 1860 for
subjecting the deceased to cruelty.
ii. Accused A-1 and A-2 are not liable to be punished under S. 304B of IPC, 1860 for
dowry death.
iii. Accused A-1 and A-2 are not liable to be punished under S. 302 of IPC, 1860 for
murdering the deceased.
iv. The accused be acquitted from the levied charges to ensure that innocent doesn’t
get punished, hence, securing justice for the innocent.
AND/OR
Pass any other order which the bench deems fit in the best interest of Justice, Equity and Good
Conscience, and for this act of kindness the Counsels on behalf of the Plaintiffs as in duty
bound shall forever pray.
__________________________
Sd/-
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MEMORIAL ON THE BEHALF OF DEFENSE