Law panel for softening dowry law

The Law Commission of India has called for changes in the anti-dowry law which if accepted will offer some relief to in-laws facing harassment charges. HT reports.

The Law Commission of India has called for changes in the anti-dowry law which if accepted will offer some relief to in-laws facing harassment charges.

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It Thursday asked the government to allow women to withdraw cases against husband's family with the permission of the court in case the two sides reach a compromise.

The commission, which advises the government on legal matters, made the recommendation in its latest report. Faced with a large number of complaints of misuse of the anti-dowry law, the Supreme Court had asked the panel to examine the matter.

The panel has asked the government to make a case registered under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with harassment for dowry and cruelty to a woman, a compoundable offence. Simply put, it will make it easier for those booked under the section to get bail.

It will also give women the choice of withdrawing case

registered against their in-laws, if the two sides reach a compromise. “This would, however, be possible only after the permission of the court,” says the report.

On many occasions, the courts, particularly the top court, have noted that false cases are lodged by women angry with their in-laws. Relatives of the husband who have nothing to do with the alleged crime get dragged in.