The Dowry Prohibition Act is likely to turn softer for dowry-givers. While, the ministry of women and child development (WCD) has proposed stricter punishment for dowry-takers, it is now considering to reduce the punishment for dowry givers ranging between six months to a year.
The ministry will soon go to the Cabinet with the proposed amendment in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, soon.
“The consultation process is going on the ministry. We are of the view that the punishment should be reduced for the dowry givers,” women and child developmen minister Krishna Tirath told this newspaper.
The ministry’s recommendations, however, include harsher punishment for the offenders (dowry takers) with adequate protection to the dowry giver.
The ministry, however, proposes to increase punishment for those taking dowry up to seven years from the existing five years years.
Earlier, jail term for both dowry-giver and the taker was equal.
To avoid harassment or victimisation of the innocents or dowry givers, the ministry is recommending a paltry punishment to the givers.
The ministry had also proposed to make listing of wedding gifts before the “protection officer” compulsory for the bride and the groom. The list should be submitted in a sealed cover to the protection officer.
The list of gifts worth `5,000 will have to be notarised in the form of a sworn affidavit to be signed by the protection officer. The registration of gifts will help women get the gifts back, if need be.
“This will help reducing false dowry cases and will be in interest of both the parties and make the existing Act more effective,” added Ms Tirath.
It is proposed that woman should have the opportunity to file a case not only where the offence was committed but also where she permanently or temporarily resides.