NEW DELHI: THE new set of instructions issued by the Supreme Court on Thursday to curb the increasing complaints of misuse of dowry harassment across courts in the country includes the constitution of one or more family welfare committees in every district and no arrests be made until the committee gives its report on the complaint.
The court also defined the procedures the committees should follow. The couple and their families should be called in and the matter discussed. Subsequently, the committee will submit a report to the local Magistrate. Arrests can be made only if the committee report points to foul play by the husband, the court said
“Till the report of the committee is received, no arrest should normally be effected. The report will be then examined by the investigating officer or the magistrate on its own merit,” the order reads.
It further states, “In cases where settlement is reached, it will be open to the district and sessions judge or any other senior judicial officer nominated by him in the district to dispose of the proceedings including closing of the criminal case if dispute primarily relates to matrimonial discord.”