Change dowry law: SC to govt

The Supreme Court on Friday raised concern over the misuse of the anti-dowry provision in criminal law and urged the government to make suitable changes in the law and reign in the number of frivolous cases being filed under the Act.

The Supreme Court on Friday raised concern over the misuse of the anti-dowry provision in criminal law and urged the government to make suitable changes in the law and reign in the number of frivolous cases being filed under the Act.

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Asking the apex court registry to send a copy of the judgment to the law secretary, to place it before the law minister, a bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari said: “It is high time that the legislature must take into consideration the pragmatic realities and make suitable changes in the existing law.”

The bench added it was imperative for the legislature to also consider public opinion to bring the changes “in the larger interest of the society.”

The court also called upon the “learned” advocates to maintain its traditions and make serious efforts to help couples settle their differences.

“They must discharge their duties to the best of their abilities to ensure that social fibre, peace and tranquillity of the society remains intact. The members of the Bar should also ensure that one complaint should not lead to multiple cases,” the court added.

The order over misuse of section 498A of Indian Penal Code came while the court disposed of an appeal filed by a couple against the Ranchi HC order summoning them under dowry harassment charges. The woman’s sister-in-law filed the complaint in Ranchi, even as she lived in Mumbai and the accused couple resided in Gujarat.

Allowing the petitioners’ contention that the case was filed to harass them, the bench said it was common knowledge that exaggerated versions of the incident are reflected in a large number of cases.

“Even ultimate acquittal in the trial may also not be able to wipe out the deep scars of suffering of ignominy,” the court said.