Supreme Court Denies Exemption from Surrender to Commando Convicted in Dowry Death Case

📰 Supreme Court Denies Exemption from Surrender to Commando Convicted in Dowry Death Case

The Supreme Court of India refuses to grant surrender exemption to a convicted commando in a 2002 dowry death case, stating military service offers no immunity from heinous crimes like domestic violence.

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Supreme Court: Military Service No Shield Against Heinous Domestic Crimes

In a significant ruling that reinforces accountability in domestic violence cases, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday dismissed a plea by a Black Cat Commando, convicted in a 2002 dowry death case, seeking exemption from surrender.

A bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Vinod Chandran rejected the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Baljinder Singh, convicted for the death of his wife within two years of marriage, under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code (dowry death).

🛑 “Commando Duties Don’t Excuse Atrocities at Home”: SC

Despite the petitioner’s service history, which included participation in high-risk operations like Operation Sindoor, the Court emphasized that professional achievements cannot shield one from legal consequences of grave domestic crimes.

Justice Bhuyan: “That doesn’t give you immunity from committing atrocity at home. This goes to show how physically fit you are, and the manner in which alone you could have killed your wife.”

The bench further clarified that exemption from surrender is granted only in minor cases, not in heinous offences involving long-term imprisonment.

⚖️ Conviction Confirmed After Two Decades

In May 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the 10-year sentence awarded by the Amritsar trial court in 2004, observing that the death was caused due to strangulation in connection with dowry demands.

“The conviction pertains to a heinous crime which is against the individual dignity and social consciousness,” the High Court noted.

🕯️ The 2002 Incident: Dowry Death by Strangulation

The tragic incident occurred on July 18, 2002, when the victim was allegedly strangled with a chunni by her husband and father-in-law in the presence of her in-laws, who also restrained her. She died on the spot. While four family members were acquitted, the trial court convicted Baljinder Singh under Section 304B IPC.

❌ Arguments Dismissed by Supreme Court

The convict’s counsel claimed the case was based on weak witness statements and a demand for a motorcycle as dowry. However, Justice Chandran observed:

“The High Court has dismissed your appeal. You are here on special leave.”

📜 Supreme Court Order

The Court:

• Declined to grant exemption from surrender
• Issued notice on the SLP, returnable in six weeks
• Granted two weeks' time for the convict to surrender, considering the request made during the hearing

This ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s zero tolerance toward dowry-related violence and clarifies that military service or public contribution does not provide a blanket of immunity from accountability for domestic abuse or dowry death.