KOCHI: The High Court said that differences of opinion and isolated fights between couples do not come under the ambit of the Domestic Violence Act. Justice Johnson John's order acquitted a native of Thiruvananthapuram in the incident where his wife died after suffering burns.

The prosecution case was that the woman could not tolerate her husband's brutal beating and mental torture and set herself on fire by pouring kerosene.

The woman died three days later while undergoing treatment at the medical college. The Thiruvananthapuram Additional District Fast Track Court had sentenced her husband to three years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 25,000. Against this, the accused filed an appeal in the High Court.

The High Court pointed out that crimes such as assault causing injury, abetment of suicide and dowry abuse come under the ambit of the Domestic Violence Act. However, allegations are regarding isolated fights, misbehaviour etc. Although it is alleged that she was regularly beaten, the woman never complained this to the authorities. So, the single bench ordered to acquit the accused on the benefit of doubt.