Need to re-look at existing dowry law : SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked the Law Commission of India and the Law Ministry to go for a change in existing dowry laws.

The court said the relevant provision - 498-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) - which deals with cruelty by a husband and his relatives over dowry demand is being misused. The apex court said a serious re-look at the entire provision is needed in public interest.

Introduced over 27 years back the object of section 498-A was to strike at the root of dowry menace and help the wife from harassment by her husband and her in-laws in the name of dowry.

While the provision has served its purpose as it has also been abused by some unscrupulous elements and so gross has been the abuse over the years. The courts have called it the most abused provision of law and the SC even went on term it as a new form of ‘legal terrorism’.

Now once again, the SC has drawn the attention of the legislature to the need to amend the law.

However, in a judgment passed recently the court has asked the Law Commission of India and the Law Minister to take a re-look at the provision.