Given the rising number of cases of misuse of the anti-dowry harassment law, the Centre has revealed plans to make the offence compoundable, reports India Today. What that, in essence, means is that both compromise and settlement between the two parties will be possible at the trial court stage, itself. Presently, men who are charged under Section 498A of the IPC face undue harassment at the trial courts, following which they have to approach the High Court for any kind of relief. The need to make anti-dowry harassment laws in the country more stringent was widely reported by the media last year. In a 21-page order, the Supreme Court noted that the law was increasingly being used as a 'weapon' by 'disgruntled wives', than as a way of safeguarding the interests of married women.

"The simplest way to harass is to get the husband and his relatives arrested under this provision," the order observed.

Passed in 1983, section 498A of the IPC in its current form reads as - “Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine. The offence is cognizable, non-compoundable and non-bailable."
Source: Hosuronline.com

In most cases, arrests are made immediately, regardless of whether the allegations are true or fabricated.

Following which, unfairly accused men as well as their families, are left to desperately prove their innocence, while facing harassment by the police and trial courts.

Source: Kannadiga World