In Brief
The appellant father of a deceased bride challenged the High Court's order granting bail to the respondent (the widower) during his appeal against conviction for dowry death and related offences. The victim died unnatural death within 8.5 months of marriage following evidence of sustained harassment for dowry. The Supreme Court held that post-conviction bail under Section 389 CrPC differs fundamentally from pre-trial bail: conviction extinguishes the presumption of innocence, and strong compelling reasons—recorded in writing—are required. The Court rejected the High Court's non-reasoned order, holding that appellate courts cannot re-assess trial evidence to reach different conclusions. The bail was cancelled and the respondent directed to surrender.
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