STATE OF RAJASTHAN vs GIRIDHARI LAL

The Supreme Court upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision to convict Girdhari Lal under Section 306 IPC instead of Section 304B IPC, establishing that the burden of proof shifts to the accused once the prosecution demonstrates that the deceased died under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage. The Court affirmed the High Court's sentence of five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1000, noting that the respondent had already served over six years in custody. The Court directed his immediate release unless required in another case.