Report Flags Misuse, Ineffectiveness of Anti-Dowry Laws
A government-appointed committee has found that India’s anti-dowry laws, particularly Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code and related provisions in the Dowry Prohibition Act, are often misused and fail to deliver justice in many cases. The panel’s report, submitted recently, points to delays in investigations, harassment of the accused, and a lack of adequate safeguards to prevent abuse of the legal process.
The committee reviewed data from police records, courts, and victim-support organisations and concluded that while dowry harassment and related violence remain serious social problems, the implementation of anti-dowry laws has been inconsistent across states. It noted that the broad language of Section 498A, intended to protect women from cruelty by husbands and in-laws, has sometimes been invoked without sufficient evidence, leading to prolonged legal battles.
Impact on Families and Judicial Backlog
According to the report, many accused, including elderly relatives, face arrest and stigma before charges are properly examined by investigators. Legal experts told the panel that mandatory arrest provisions and stringent bail conditions contribute to judicial backlog and emotional distress for both parties. The committee recommended more careful pre-arrest screening by police and stronger mechanisms to distinguish genuine cases from those driven by personal disputes.
The review also highlighted that victims of dowry harassment often withdraw complaints due to social pressure or lack of trust in the system, underscoring the need for better support services, counselling, and witness protection.
Recommendations for Reform
The committee suggested several reforms, including clearer definitions of cruelty and dowry demands, time-bound investigations, specialised training for police and prosecutors, and alternative dispute resolution options. It also recommended data-driven monitoring to ensure accountability and reduce pendency in courts.
Law-makers are expected to discuss the panel’s findings in upcoming parliamentary sessions. Civil society groups said they welcome efforts to improve the law’s effectiveness but urge that safeguards not undermine protections for victims.
