NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the misuse of the anti-dowry law by disgruntled wives against husbands and in-laws, the SC on Wednesday ruled that the police cannot automatically arrest the accused in such cases and that reasons must be given for taking such a step.
According to the Bench, the practice of first making an arrest and then proceeding with the rest is despicable, which must be curbed.
Also, the SC directed the state governments to ensure that the police did not take into custody the accused in offences, including dowry harassment cases punishable with a jail term of up to seven years.