View source for Dowry and dowry-related crimes: India

==2016-17, a fall in number of petitions==
[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/marked-fall-in-dowry-harassment-petitions/article19340400.ece  Aditi R., Marked fall in dowry harassment petitions, July 24, 2017: The Hindu]


Experts say the Supreme Court’s disapproval of ‘automatic’ arrests has rendered the relevant Act weak

There has been a significant fall in the number of dowry harassment petitions received by the Department of Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme in 2016-17. In contrast, the previous five years saw a continuous rise in the number of cases.

In Tamil Nadu, the rules of The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 were framed and implemented in 2004. Data received by the department shows that in 2016-17, a total of 6,083 petitions were received, of which 4,696 were settled after counselling by the respective District Social Welfare Officers (DSWOs), while 949 cases were referred to the local police.

The previous year, 8,583 petitions were received, of which 5,274 were counselled by the DSWOs and 1,147 were referred to the police.

Commenting on the fall in the number of cases, experts said that after the Supreme Court came down heavily on ‘automatically’ arresting the accused and directed authorities to not do so without proper investigation, section 498-A lost the sting of criminal prosecution.

This, experts claim, has in a way weakened the Act, and more victims have begun to file cases under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, instead.

K. Santhakumari, president, Tamil Nadu Federation of Women Lawyers, said that the authorities too have begun to show leniency in handling dowry cases. “Earlier, the police had the power to take action against both parties, but now no FIR is lodged,” she said.

P. Selvi, advocate, Madras High Court, said that most families file complaints under the Domestic Violence Act as it encompasses many more aspects and victims are more likely to avail fast remedies. The department has received over 31,000 petitions relating to domestic violence, of which 16,727 were resolved by protection officers and 12,865 cases were registered in court.

The bulk of both dowry and domestic violence cases is handled by the department.

“The idea is to unite the family and at the same time, inculcate a deep-rooted understanding about the implications of harassment. Only if the issue goes out of control do we refer it to the police,” the official said.

'''‘Piecemeal information’'''

Activists, on the other hand, say that the data provides piecemeal information and covers only a fraction of the actual number of cases. “Several cases are directly reported to the local police stations or are handled in kangaroo courts. I know of women who have been forced to resort to their own means by running between lawyers and probation officers. While the Mahila Court brings in some degree of justice, the large cases go on endlessly,” said Sujata Mody, president of the Pengal Thozhilalar Sangam.

'''Awareness campaigns'''

The department plans to set up helpdesks in all districts where the public will be informed about the provisions of various laws with regard to dowry harassment, child marriage prohibition and related issues.

A sum of ₹2 crore has been allotted for the same. Officers in charge of the desks will organise caravan campaigns and distribute information, education and communication materials to the public.

“The desks will be set up in six months,” said an official from the department.