Himanshi Dhawan, TNN | May 17, 2012, 01.08AM IST
NEW DELHI: The government appears keen to fast track the anti-dowry amendments, and has lined up an important meeting with women MPs on May 21. The women and child development (WCD) ministry has been mulling over amendments, which will ensure both moveable and immoveable property to be considered as dowry besides differential penalties for those giving and taking bribes.
With a view to curb dowry-related deaths, the National Commission for Women (NCW) had called for changes in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The proposed amendments range from changing the definition of dowry to imposition of harsher penalty for dowry deaths.
The ministry hopes to garner political support for the bill. The anti-dowry legislation is often seen as ``draconian'' by its critics and the government hopes to get political view on the amendments before bringing it to the Union Cabinet. ``We want suggestions and comments from political parties on the dowry legislation,'' said Krishna Tirath, minister for women and child development.
The ministry has proposed that the definition of dowry should be changed to include both moveable and immovable property as well as asking for any favours from the woman's parents. It also wants the punishment for dowry givers to be reduced on the ground that they are victims of coercion. The draft law has sought a mandatory provision for registration of lists of gifts received at the time of marriage and penalty for not maintaining such a list.
There is also a proposal to empower protection officers appointed under the Domestic Violence Act, so that they can file complaints in case of dowry harassment. Advisory boards set up under the Dowry Act should assist the protection officers.
The ministry also plans to discuss a new clause providing an opportunity to the woman to file a case at the place where the offence was committed or where she permanently or temporarily resides.
The recommendations were part of the national consultation in January with representatives of state governments, police and legal service authorities among others.
Other issues that are likely to be part of the meeting will be protection of vulnerable groups like sex workers and transgender, and the ministry's scheme for rehabilitation of rape victims.
Link: Women MPs’ meet to fast track anti-dowry Bill
With a view to curb dowry-related deaths, the National Commission for Women (NCW) had called for changes in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The proposed amendments range from changing the definition of dowry to imposition of harsher penalty for dowry deaths.
The ministry hopes to garner political support for the bill. The anti-dowry legislation is often seen as ``draconian'' by its critics and the government hopes to get political view on the amendments before bringing it to the Union Cabinet. ``We want suggestions and comments from political parties on the dowry legislation,'' said Krishna Tirath, minister for women and child development.
The ministry has proposed that the definition of dowry should be changed to include both moveable and immovable property as well as asking for any favours from the woman's parents. It also wants the punishment for dowry givers to be reduced on the ground that they are victims of coercion. The draft law has sought a mandatory provision for registration of lists of gifts received at the time of marriage and penalty for not maintaining such a list.
There is also a proposal to empower protection officers appointed under the Domestic Violence Act, so that they can file complaints in case of dowry harassment. Advisory boards set up under the Dowry Act should assist the protection officers.
The ministry also plans to discuss a new clause providing an opportunity to the woman to file a case at the place where the offence was committed or where she permanently or temporarily resides.
The recommendations were part of the national consultation in January with representatives of state governments, police and legal service authorities among others.
Other issues that are likely to be part of the meeting will be protection of vulnerable groups like sex workers and transgender, and the ministry's scheme for rehabilitation of rape victims.
Link: Women MPs’ meet to fast track anti-dowry Bill
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