Nowadays it has become a trend to misuse provisions of dowry law by women who have faced a failed wedlock. Most of the complaints filed with police against their husbands under section 498-A are false and full of wrong motives.

It has become a fashion and style to misuse provisions of dowry law by women not adjusting with families of husbands and torturing lives of even relatives by subjecting them to harassments by making false complaints with the police. Even police personnel admit the bitter reality in personal talks that most of the cases filed under section 498-A are mischievously aimed to blackmail.


By researches and surveys, the suicide rate of Indian married men has rose threefold in comparison to married women at ages ranging 32-49 from in the last few years, whereas it almost remains same (1:1) before marriage.

Section 498 (A) of the IPC makes it mandatory for police to book husband and his parents and other relatives/friends whoever is being named on the complaint by wife.


This section is non-compoundable (complaint can’t be quashed) and cognisable (arrest without investigation at first). There are several cases, without any investigation, police arrests the elderly parents. Whereas, filing a dowry case is as easy as ordering a pizza. There is no penalty (even a fine) for filing a false case.


By using following analysis/research, one would say, this section needs amendments or appropriation before it inflicts irreparable damage to institution of marriage in India.


To prevent abuse of dowry harassment laws, no arrests will be made without prior investigations. Any arrests under sections 498 A (matrimonial cruelty) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the IPC will be made with prior permission of a deputy commissioner of police.