Implementing Dowry Prohibition Act needs serious consideration: Kerala High Court

Implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act in the state is a matter that needs to be seriously looked into, the Kerala high court said on Friday while seeking the state government’s views.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice S Manikumar and justice Shaji P Chaly asked the government to respond after considering during admission hearing a public interest litigation (WP-C No. 13635/2021) seeking strict implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act.

The petitioner had sought implementation of the Act and its rules in such a way as to eradicate the menace from the society. A directive to appoint dowry prohibition officers and to get a declaration from government servants that dowry was not received during their marriage were sought by the petitioner.

Petitioner’s counsel Peeyus A Kottam submitted that even though dowry deaths are reported constantly, no person is holding the post of Regional Dowry Prohibition officer in the state since 2017.

In the interim order, the court said, “Considering the above, we are of the view that implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the rules framed thereunder is a matter to be seriously looked into.”

The Court then asked the government to inform the steps taken implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act in the matter from 2004 onwards.

The Court also ordered the government to explain the reason for not appointing regional dowry prohibition officers within three weeks.

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