The Supreme Court has ruled out mandatory arrests following complaints of dowry harassment. Alleging the misuse of the anti-dowry harassment law by disgruntled wives, the apex court said on 27 July that arrests can be made only after a preliminary investigation into the accusation.
According to reports, a bench, comprising Justice AK Goel and UU Lalit, said that the law was enacted to “punish cruelty at the hands of husband or his relatives – particularly when such cruelty drives the wife to suicide”.
The bench recommended the setting up of family welfare committees, who will review complaints of dowry harassment. The panel will inspect the case and submit a report to the local magistrate after which the decision to make arrests will be taken.
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