[1]New Delhi: The Dowry Prohibition Act is likely to turn softer for dowry-givers. The women and child development ministry has proposed stricter punishment for dowry-takers, but it is considering reducing the punishment for dowry-givers, with sentences ranging between six months to a year.
WCD minister Krishna Tirath told this newspaper that she will move a proposal to amend the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 before the Cabinet soon. “The consultation process is now going on,” she said.
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.
List wedding gifts before official: Tirath
Women and child welfare minister Krishna Tirath has 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 Rs 5,000 will have to be notarised in the form of a sworn affidavit to be signed by the protection officer. It has recommended paltry punishment for dowry givers to avoid harassment to them.
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/weddingjpg-497