Magistrate E Sai Shiva in Bodhan, Telangana, made headlines this week for an act of unusual empathy in a dowry harassment case. Sayamma and Gangaram, an elderly couple, were unable to enter the courtroom due to their frailty.
Recognising their difficulty, the magistrate left his courtroom and delivered the verdict on the roadside.
Sayamma and Gangaram, from Raykur village in Rudrur mandal, had been facing a dowry harassment case since 2021. The case, filed by their daughter-in-law, had dragged on for over three years. Despite their deteriorating health, the couple attended nearly 30 court hearings. On the day the verdict was due, they arrived at the Bodhan court in an auto-rickshaw but were unable to walk inside.
Understanding their situation, Magistrate Sai Shiva decided to hold the hearing outside. He listened to both sides— the elderly couple and the complainant. After careful consideration, he acquitted Sayamma and Gangaram, dismissing the charges against them.
This remarkable act has been widely praised by court staff, legal experts, and citizens. It is being seen as an example of kindness and understanding in the judicial system. The case, filed under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, had been ongoing for more than three years. Despite their age and health, Sayamma and Gangaram attended every hearing, showing their commitment to clearing their names.
Magistrate Sai Shiva, who became a civil judge in 2023, said it was important to make justice accessible, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and differently-abled. Legal experts have noted that this incident highlights the difficulties faced by these individuals in the judicial process. It calls for reforms to make courts more inclusive and accommodating.
By holding the hearing outside, the magistrate not only delivered justice but also upheld the dignity of the elderly couple. This incident serves as a reminder that justice should go beyond procedural rules and embrace fairness and compassion for all.
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