20 jan 2012
NEW DELHI: In what could raise the hackles of women's rights activists, the Law Commission has recommended to the Centre that the strict law dealing with dowry offences be made compoundable - a move that will allow an accused to escape a jail term by paying a fine.
The recommendation to alter the tough provisions of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code comes in the backdrop of Supreme Court suggesting it may be time to re-examine the law in the context of its misuse by women to lodge false or exaggerated complaints against husbands and their relatives.
The relief to an accused will have to be overseen by the court which must be convinced that the offence can be compounded. But while the suggestion will be welcomed by anti-Section 498A campaigners, women's organizations are likely to point to the continued prevalence of the social evil of dowry and helpless position of women in their marital homes.
The recommendation to alter the tough provisions of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code comes in the backdrop of Supreme Court suggesting it may be time to re-examine the law in the context of its misuse by women to lodge false or exaggerated complaints against husbands and their relatives.
The relief to an accused will have to be overseen by the court which must be convinced that the offence can be compounded. But while the suggestion will be welcomed by anti-Section 498A campaigners, women's organizations are likely to point to the continued prevalence of the social evil of dowry and helpless position of women in their marital homes.
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