Can ask for affidavit instead of bond, governor's suggestion regarding dowry bond is illegal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Experts say that the Governor's suggestion that only students who sign bonds against dowry should be given admission in colleges is illegal and impractical.

There is no law to deny admission or cancel a degree if the bond is not issued. There is no impediment to obtaining affidavits from students in lieu of contract form bond. Students are now giving affidavits that they will not indulge in ragging.

There are certain qualifications for college admission. Age limit does not apply to open, distance and private courses. There are Kerala and IGNOU centres in the central jails for criminals. There is no law to revoke or cancel the degree of a criminal. The degree can be revoked only if impersonation, mark fraud and forgery are found. It is done by the Governor, who is the Chancellor on the recommendation of the Syndicate and the Senate. Otherwise there is no law to cancel the degree. Or the law should be amended in the legislature. An amendment denying an individual an education and the means of subsistence would be unconstitutional.

It is also not possible by law to impose dowry bonds on university appointments. The appointing authority is the Universities and PSC. It would be unconstitutional to impose such a provision on appointments.

The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison for dowry, must be strictly enforced.

Should be part of the curriculum

• The Dowry Prohibition Act should be included in the curriculum
• Anti-dowry affidavits can be obtained from employees, students and parents
• Government officials who have been married since July 2007 are required to take an affidavit stating that they have not received dowry

Dowry Prohibition Act: Punishment as follows

• Five years imprisonment and fine of Rs 15,000 for buying or inciting dowry
• If dowry is demanded, imprisonment for six months to two years and a fine of Rs 10,000
• Advertising for giving or buying dowry carries a jail term of five years and a fine of Rs 15,000