Consider Changes In Law To Avoid Misuse Of 'Cruelty Against Women' Clauses: Supreme Court
NDTV
The top court said it had asked the Centre 14 years ago to have a relook at the anti-dowry law as exaggerated versions of the incident are reflected in a large number of complaints.
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to consider making necessary changes in sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to avoid its misuse for lodging false or exaggerated complaints after taking into consideration the pragmatic realities.
Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita states, "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." Section 86 expands the definition of "cruelty" to encompass both mental and physical harm to a woman.
The top court said it had asked the Centre 14 years ago to have a relook at the anti-dowry law as exaggerated versions of the incident are reflected in a large number of complaints.
