The Supreme Court has once again expressed serious concern over the continuing menace of dowry deaths, emphasizing that such cases require heightened judicial scrutiny and cannot be treated as ordinary criminal matters. Referring to recent judgments, the Court observed that bail in dowry death cases should not be granted mechanically, particularly where a married woman dies under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage and there is evidence of dowry-related cruelty. The Court reiterated the importance of the statutory presumption under **Section 118 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023** (earlier Section 113B of the Evidence Act), which shifts the burden to the accused once foundational facts are established. While acknowledging concerns regarding misuse of anti-dowry laws, the Court clarified that isolated instances of misuse cannot dilute legal protections for genuine victims. It also called for stronger implementation of anti-dowry laws, improved investigation, and greater judicial sensitivity to combat this deeply rooted social evil.