Husband Morally Responsible for Wife’s Suicide but Cannot Be Punished Under Law: Karachi Court

Karachi: An Additional District and Sessions Judge (Central) has acquitted a husband and his two brothers in a domestic violence case, observing that while the husband may be morally responsible for his wife’s suicide, it is not legally possible to punish him under existing Pakistani law.

Announcing the verdict, the court acquitted the accused — identified as Shiraz, Faraz, and Ayaz — in the case related to the death of a woman who allegedly faced domestic violence. The judge referred to Sections 306 and 498-A of Indian law in the judgment, noting the absence of corresponding effective provisions in Pakistani law.

The court ruled that the incident was a case of suicide, as the room was locked from the inside. It stated that although the husband failed to protect his wife from alleged mistreatment at her in-laws’ home and could be considered morally responsible, Pakistani law does not adequately provide punishment for those who abet suicide in such circumstances.

According to the judgment, the deceased, Saba Anjum, had mentioned domestic violence in a letter written before her death. However, due to a lack of direct evidence against the husband’s brothers, they were acquitted of all charges.

The court further observed that the Sindh Domestic Violence Act is insufficient and prescribes very mild punishments, which often fail to deliver justice. It remarked that many women continue to endure abuse, some survive, while others lose their lives, and legal loopholes prevent effective accountability of perpetrators.

Prosecutor Hina Naz had argued that the husband’s conduct was negligent and failed to ensure the safety and well-being of his wife. Police records showed that 32-year-old Saba Anjum died by suicide seven months after her marriage, reportedly hanging herself from a ceiling fan. A case had been registered against the accused at Khawaja Ajmer Nagri police station.

The court concluded that despite the tragic circumstances, the lack of strong legal provisions made it impossible to convict the accused.