New Delhi, August 13
Expressing concern over the rising number of dowry-related cases filed on various grounds, trivial or genuine, or with “oblique motive,” the Supreme Court today asked the Union government to make “suitable changes” in the Section 498-A IPC.

“Unfortunately, a large number of these complaints have not only flooded the courts but also have led to enormous social unrest affecting peace, harmony and happiness of the society,” a Bench comprising Dalveer Bhandari and KS Radhakrishnan observed in a verdict.

It was “high time” the legislature took into consideration “the pragmatic realities and make suitable changes in the existing law,” Justice Bhandari, who wrote the judgment for the Bench, said without specifying the nature of the amendment that was required.

At the time of filing of the complaint, the litigants did not properly visualise the “insurmountable harassment, agony and pain” they would have to undergo. “The criminal trials lead to immense sufferings for all concerned. Even ultimate acquittal in the trial may also not be able to wipe out the deep scars of suffering of ignominy,” the apex court said.

It was also a matter of common knowledge that if the husband or his relations had to remain in jail even for a few days, it would ruin the chances of amicable settlement altogether. “The process of suffering is extremely long and painful.”