Is This a Law or Legal Terrorism

It is true that large numbers of women are suffering in India. I fully support eradication of Dowry system, and domestic violence. However, prudence says whenever there is problem solution should be such, which do not open bigger floodgates elsewhere. Unluckily while trying to protect interest of Daughter-in-laws, our leaders did not make provisions to deal with cases where daughter-in-law is terrorising every one else in the family. It is responsibility of our leaders to enact laws, which promote family unity, harmony and are for betterment of society. Law should be such where if any family member is trying to harass any one else, in the family; the person harassing is punished.

To deal with Dowry / Harassment cases, section 498a was inserted in the Indian Penal Code. When section 498A was enacted, purpose / Inner meaning were to help the wife to stay with her husband, and at the same time protect her from marital violence, abuse, and extortionist dowry demands.

However, actual implementation of 498a has left a bitter trail of disappointment. National Commission for Women (NCW) may quote any data or facts, but real picture is known to our Judges who deal with such cases. Judges, after examining evidences of such cases, has opined that in large number of cases provisions of sec 498a has been misused. Judges has commented that, these are the offences whose deterrence has proved worse than remedy.

There are any numbers of cases where even if no dowry was taken / demanded, just because wife was not able to adjust to husband home, in the name of Dowry, 498a has been used as an instrument to harass innocent husband, his age-old parents, and his married / unmarried sisters including those who are staying in other city or abroad. Based on girl’s complaint, police blindly without any proof or enquiry; arrested all those named in the complaint and put them in jail.