Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offense of "dowry death." It states that if a woman dies within seven years of marriage and it is established that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives in connection with dowry demands, such death shall be considered a dowry death, and the husband or relatives can be punished with imprisonment for a term not less than seven years, which may extend to life imprisonment.

Key Points:

• Applicability: Applies when a woman dies within seven years of marriage.
• Cruelty/Harassment: Must be linked to dowry demands.
• Punishment: Minimum seven years imprisonment, potentially life imprisonment.

This section aims to protect women from dowry-related violence and ensure accountability for such acts. In a case under Section 304B of the IPC, the following key defenses may be considered:

1. No Demand for Dowry: Proving that there was no demand for dowry made by the accused or their family.
2. No Cruelty or Harassment: Demonstrating that the accused did not subject the deceased to any cruelty or harassment related to dowry.
3. Suicidal Death: Establishing that the death was a suicide or accidental, not due to any act of the accused.
4. Time Frame: Showing that the death occurred after the seven-year period from marriage, thus not falling under Section 304B.
5. Lack of Evidence: Arguing that there is insufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
6. Mental Health Issues: If applicable, presenting evidence of the deceased's mental health issues that may have contributed to the death.
7. Character of the Deceased: Highlighting the deceased's behavior or relationships that may indicate reasons for the death unrelated to the accused.

Each case will depend on its specific facts and circumstances, and the effectiveness of these defenses may vary accordingly. In cases under Section 304B of the IPC, the burden of proof generally rests with the prosecution, which means they must prove the following:

1. Death of the Woman: The prosecution must establish that the woman has died.
2. Within Seven Years of Marriage: The death occurred within seven years of her marriage.
3. Cruelty or Harassment: There was cruelty or harassment by the husband or in-laws in connection with dowry demands.
4. Causal Link: The prosecution must demonstrate a direct connection between the harassment and the death.

Key Points:

• The standard of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt," meaning the evidence must be strong enough to eliminate any reasonable doubts regarding the guilt of the accused.
• Once the prosecution establishes these elements, the burden may shift to the defense to present evidence countering those claims or to raise reasonable doubts.

This framework ensures that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Here are some potential cross-examination questions for a complainant in a case under Section 304B of the IPC:

1. Personal Background:
   • What is your relationship with the deceased?
   • How long did you know her before her marriage?
      
2. Marriage Context:
   • Can you describe the circumstances surrounding the deceased's marriage?
   • Did you attend the marriage ceremony? If so, what was your impression of the relationship?
      
3. Dowry Demands:
   • Did you ever witness any demand for dowry from the accused or their family?
   • Can you provide specific instances when dowry was demanded?
      
4. Allegations of Cruelty:
   • What specific acts of cruelty or harassment did you observe?
   • Were there any witnesses to these acts of cruelty? If yes, who are they?
      
5. Communication:
   • Did the deceased ever express her feelings about her marriage or her in-laws to you?
   • Were there any discussions regarding her well-being with you or others?
      
6. Post-Marriage Interactions:
   • How often did you meet the deceased after her marriage?
   • Did you notice any changes in her behavior or mood post-marriage?
      
7. Death Circumstances:
   • Can you describe the events leading up to the deceased's death?
   • Were you present at the time of her death? If not, how did you learn about it?
      
8. Previous Complaints:
   • Had the deceased ever filed any formal complaints against her husband or in-laws before her death?
   • Did she seek help from any authorities or organizations regarding her situation?
      
9. Motive for Complaint:
   • What motivated you to file this complaint after the deceased's death?
   • Do you have any personal grievances against the accused?
      
10. Character of the Deceased:
    • How would you describe the deceased's personality?
    • Was she ever involved in any conflicts or disputes unrelated to her marriage?

These questions aim to challenge the credibility of the complainant's allegations, uncover inconsistencies, and establish the context of the events leading up to the death.