New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday sent a strong message against matrimonial cruelty, refusing to grant relief to a man convicted under Section 498A of the IPC in a dowry harassment case from Chhattisgarh, while making pointed observations about the treatment of brides and their families in India.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan upheld the conviction of the husband’s younger brother in a case dating to 2010, when a woman was found hanging at her marital home within three years of marriage. She had allegedly been subjected to repeated demands for money and a car.

“Why do boys marry girls and then insult them and their families? Let a message go out that they cannot continue insulting the bride and her family,” the bench said.

When the convict’s lawyer sought leniency, Justice Nagarathna was blunt: “You should be happy that it is only 498A and only three years.” She also highlighted the pattern of financial coercion: “Attempt is to squeeze the bride and her family.”

The court dismissed arguments around FIR delay and upheld findings of both the trial court and the Chhattisgarh High Court. Justice Bhuyan noted grimly: “These are educated people.”