Giving dowry should not be a criminal offence; Govt tells High Court

KOCHI: The state government informed the High Court that the Kerala Law Reforms Commission has recommended removing the provision in the Dowry Prohibition Act that makes giving dowry a criminal offence. The recommendation says that dowry should be treated as property or security. At the same time, it has suggested that it should remain a criminal offence if the groom or his family demands dowry.

This information was given in connection with a petition filed by Telmy Jolly, a native of Ernakulam, who sought the cancellation of Section 3 of the Act, which treats the act of giving dowry as an offence.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Shyam Kumar directed the Central government to file an affidavit in the matter by February 11.