Author(s): Agus Putra A Samad

Abstract: The article titled "An Application of Discriminant Analysis in Predicting Legal Outcomes Under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code 1860" presents a comprehensive analysis of 150 cases delivered by judicial magistrates of the first-class court in Andhra Pradesh. The study also incorporates data derived from judgments delivered by judicial magistrates of the first-class court spanning from the year 2013 to 2023. The research employs both doctrinal and empirical methods, utilizing purposive sampling techniques.The research aims to predict legal outcomes (conviction or acquittal) under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code 1860, a provision dealing with cruelty towards married women by their husbands or relatives. The study employs two types of variables: the dependent variable, i.e., legal outcomes, and several independent variables, namely Physical Cruelty, Testimony of the victim, Mental Cruelty, Medical evidence, Number of eye witnesses, and Presumption of law.To analyze the collected data, the researchers utilize the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and employ discriminant analysis. The primary findings of the study reveal the relative importance of the six predictors in determining group membership. Among these predictors, the order of significance in predicting legal outcomes is identified as follows: Physical Cruelty, Testimony of the victim, Mental Cruelty, Medical evidence, and Presumption of law. Interestingly, the number of eye witnesses does not emerge as a significant factor in predicting legal outcomes in cases under Section 498A of IPC.The study sheds light on the factors contributing to legal outcomes (conviction or acquittal) in cases related to cruelty against married women under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. By employing discriminant analysis, the research identifies the crucial variables that play a pivotal role in determining the legal fate of the accused. These findings provide valuable insights for legal practitioners, policymakers, and scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of legal outcomes in such cases.

Pages: 127-134 | Views: 40 | Downloads: 19

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