NEW DELHI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- India's Supreme Court has put an end to immediate arrests of a man and his family members in dowry harassment cases lodged by his wife.
A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, gave the ruling Thursday after expressing concern over disgruntled wives misusing the anti-dowry law in India against their husbands and parents-in-law to settle scores.
"It is a matter of serious concern that large number of cases continue to be filed under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (anti-dowry law) alleging harassment of married women
Many such complaints are not bona fide," the court said.
"At the time of filing of the complaint, implications and consequences are not visualised. At times, such complaints lead to uncalled for harassment not only to the accused, but also to the complainant. Uncalled for arrest may ruin the chances of settlement," it added.
The court said that dowry complaints should now be referred to Family Welfare Committees - to be constituted at every district of the country - and no arrest shall be effected till the committee's report is received by police.
"Till report of the committee is received, no arrest should normally be effected. The report may be then considered by the investigating officer or a magistrate on its own merit," the court ruled.
However, in cases of deaths of a woman due to dowry harassment, police can take immediate action, the court ruled.
