Do you want us to strike down law: SC on plea on dowry law misuse
The Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition that sought to introduce a mandatory preliminary enquiry before filing an FIR under the anti-dowry law, Prevention of Dowry Act (1961). The petition was filed by a lawyer, who argued that the law was being misused, and the police should conduct a preliminary inquiry to ensure that the complaint is genuine before filing a First Information Report (FIR).
However, the Supreme Court rejected the petition, citing the importance of the law in protecting women from dowry harassment. The court questioned the motive behind the petition, asking if the petitioner wanted the law to be struck down just because of some instances of misuse being reported.
“Don’t misuse this platform just because there are some instances of misuse,” the court said, adding that the law was enacted to protect women from dowry harassment and that it was not possible to strike down a law just because of misuse.
The Prevention of Dowry Act (1961) is a landmark legislation that was enacted to prevent the evil practice of dowry, which has been a major social issue in India. The law provides for imprisonment up to seven years and fine up to Rs 7 lakh for anyone found guilty of demanding dowry.
The petition filed by the lawyer argued that the law was being misused by women who were seeking revenge against their in-laws or husbands. According to the petition, many cases of dowry harassment were being filed without any evidence, and the police were filing FIRs without conducting a thorough investigation.
However, the Supreme Court rejected the petition, saying that the law was enacted to protect women from dowry harassment, and it was not possible to strike down a law just because of some instances of misuse.
The court also emphasized that the law was not a tool for settling personal scores or seeking revenge. “The law is meant to protect women, not to be used as a tool for revenge,” the court said.
The Supreme Court’s decision has been welcomed by women’s rights activists, who have been fighting for the rights of women to be protected from dowry harassment. According to them, the law is an important tool in preventing dowry harassment and protecting women from torture and harassment.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is a major victory for women’s rights activists who have been fighting for the rights of women to be protected from dowry harassment,” said a women’s rights activist. “The law is an important tool in preventing dowry harassment and protecting women from torture and harassment.”
However, not everyone is happy with the Supreme Court’s decision. Some lawyers have argued that the law is being misused, and the police should conduct a preliminary inquiry before filing an FIR.
“The law is being misused, and the police should conduct a preliminary inquiry before filing an FIR,” said a lawyer. “This will help to prevent false cases from being filed and ensure that the law is not misused.”
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to reject the petition that sought to introduce a mandatory preliminary enquiry before filing an FIR under the anti-dowry law is a major victory for women’s rights activists who have been fighting for the rights of women to be protected from dowry harassment. The law is an important tool in preventing dowry harassment and protecting women from torture and harassment, and it is not possible to strike down a law just because of some instances of misuse.
