Solution

Section 113A was inserted into the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 by the Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 1983. This section provides for a presumption as to the abetment of suicide by a married woman. Under Section 113A, if a married woman commits suicide within seven years of her marriage, and it is shown that her husband or any relative of her husband has subjected her to cruelty, the court may presume that such cruelty was abetment to her suicide. This presumption can be rebutted by evidence to the contrary. The aim of this section is to protect married women from cruelty and harassment by their husbands and in-laws. It is also intended to deter husbands and their relatives from subjecting married women to such cruelty, by making them liable for abetment to suicide in case of the woman's death.