The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a new set of directions to prevent the misuse of Section 498A of Indian Penal Code
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a new set of directions to prevent the misuse of Section 498A of Indian Penal Code. A two judge bench of Justices AK Goel and UU Lalit observed that Section 498A was inserted in the statute laudable object of punishing cruelty at the hands of husband, or his relatives against a wife, particularly when such cruelty had potential to result in suicide or murder of a woman as mentioned in the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Act 46 of 1983, reports www.livelaw.in
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“It is a matter of serious concern that large number of cases continue to be filed under Section 498A alleging harassment of married women. To remedy the situation, we are of the view that involvement of civil society in the aid of administration of justice can be one of the steps, apart from the investigating officers and the concerned trial courts being sensitised. It is also necessary to facilitate closure of proceedings where a genuine settlement has been reached instead of parties being required to move High Court only for that purpose,” the court said.
The Court’s guidelines include that every district have one or more Family Welfare Committees constituted by the District Legal Services Authorities preferably comprising three members. Every complaint under Section 498A received by the police or the Magistrate will be looked into by such committees.
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