On April 28, 2025, Additional Judicial Magistrate of First Class E Sai Shiva in Bodhan, Telangana, made headlines by stepping outside his courtroom to hear and deliver a verdict on a dowry harassment case involving an elderly couple, Sayamma and Gangaram, who were unable to enter the court due to their frail health.
The magistrate conducted the hearing on the road itself, listened to both parties, and promptly acquitted the couple, dismissing the charges against them.
This unprecedented act of judicial empathy has been widely praised by the couple, court officials, legal experts, and social media users, sparking conversations about the need for greater accessibility and compassion within the Indian judicial system.
A Judge’s Compassionate Gesture Breaks Conventional Barriers
Sayamma and Gangaram, residents of Raykur village in Rudrur mandal, had been embroiled in a dowry harassment case filed by their daughter-in-law in 2021. Over the course of more than three years, the couple attended nearly 30 court hearings despite their advanced age and deteriorating health.
On the day the verdict was to be pronounced, the couple arrived at the Bodhan court in an auto-rickshaw but were physically unable to walk inside the courtroom. Recognising their predicament, Magistrate E Sai Shiva took the extraordinary step of leaving his courtroom to meet the couple outside.
Conducting the hearing on the road, he listened attentively to both the elderly couple and the complainant’s side. After a careful assessment, he acquitted Sayamma and Gangaram, dismissing the dowry harassment case against them. The magistrate’s act was hailed as a rare and powerful example of judicial sensitivity, earning him praise from court staff, advocates, and citizens alike.
Background and Broader Implications for Justice Accessibility
The dowry harassment case, registered under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, had been pending since 2021 and involved numerous hearings. Despite their frailty, Sayamma and Gangaram remained committed to attending every session, underscoring their determination to clear their names.
The case was reserved for orders on April 22, 2025, and the magistrate’s decision to conduct the hearing outside the courtroom came as a compassionate response to the couple’s physical limitations.
Magistrate Sai Shiva, who joined the judiciary after clearing the civil judge examination in 2023, emphasised the importance of making justice accessible to all, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and differently-abled. Legal experts have noted that this incident highlights systemic challenges faced by such individuals in navigating the judicial process and calls for reforms to ensure courts are more accommodating and inclusive.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This inspiring episode is a testament to the power of empathy within the legal system and the profound impact it can have on vulnerable citizens. The Logical Indian firmly believes that justice must transcend procedural rigidity to embrace kindness, dignity, and inclusivity.
Magistrate Sai Shiva’s decision to prioritise the wellbeing of the elderly couple while upholding the rule of law exemplifies the humane values our society must nurture. Such gestures not only restore faith in the judiciary but also encourage a culture of respect and compassion that benefits all.
Moving forward, it is crucial to explore how our legal institutions can institutionalise such empathy-through infrastructure upgrades, procedural flexibility, and sensitisation of judicial officers-to ensure no individual is denied justice due to physical or social barriers. How do you think the judiciary and society at large can work together to build a more accessible and compassionate legal system? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and engage in this vital conversation.
