Analyzing the Challenges Dowry Prohibition Laws through a Review of the Supreme Court Decisions in Relation to Misuse of Section 498A

Abstract

Section 498(A) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 is a section introduced in 1983 when the Indian penal code was amended to protect the women of this country from violence that their families could commit against them. But in the recent times it has been seen that this protection has been used by women as a tool of exploitation against their husbands and their families. False complaints are filed by women to harass their male counterparts. Such deceitful complaints are filed to defame and harass men for money, property, fame and several other greedy intentions. This research paper focuses on the amendments that can be made to prevent the unlawful enactment of section 498(A) of IPC.1 There is no provision in law to protect men against domestic violence. Several countries have recognized the need to frame laws for protection against domestic violence, in which one country is India. However, India has only made laws to protect our women from the violence and provide them relief. This leads to a serious breach of the right provided to them.