UK dowry death case: Delhi HC refuses relief to accused, calls for full hearing; man declared proclaimed offender

NEW DELHI: A man accused of murdering his wife in London was denied interim relief by the Delhi high court, where he challenged a lower court order declaring him a proclaimed offender (PO).The high court has listed the matter for hearing on July 15.The case involved alleged cruelty and dowry death of the accused’s wife in the UK. He fled the UK and was last seen in Gurugram, according to news agency ANI.Justice Pratibha M Singh, refusing to stay the PO order, said that the issue required proper consideration and was not suitable for a vacation bench."Deceased stated to have died under mysterious circumstances in the UK.

This would require considerations. If the petitioner is arrested, his legal remedies can be availed," she said.The accused had approached the high court claiming that due procedure was not followed before declaring him a PO. His counsel, advocate Varun Deswal, argued that no notice under Section 41A (appearance before the police) was ever issued. The man was declared a PO on May 1.The public prosecutor (PP) opposed the plea and submitted a confidential report from the UK Interpol detailing the circumstances of the case.

Justice Singh, after reviewing the report, questioned the urgency of the matter and said, "What is the urgency? This is a PO case."The counsel for the accused argued that the man could be arrested at any time and that his properties were at risk of attachment. In response, the PP said the accused should surrender, go to jail, and then apply for bail.Delhi Police had arrested the accused’s parents on March 14. One parent is currently on bail while the other remains in custody.

A Look Out Circular had earlier been issued against the petitioner.An FIR in the case was registered on December 3, 2024, at Palam Village Police Station under IPC Sections 498A, 406, and 34, along with Sections 85, 316, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2025. The section related to dowry death was added later by Delhi Police.