The Allahabad HC directed the Uttar Pradesh authorities to file an affidavit on whether or not Dowry Prohibition Officers have been appointed to supervise that the provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act are complied with.
The court docket said that if Dowry Prohibition Officers haven’t been appointed until date, the state authorities ought to clarify as to why they haven’t been appointed when circumstances of dowry are rising.
The court docket handed the order whereas listening to a petition filed by one Ankit Singh and others.
“… it’s then crucial that the steps taken by such Dowry Prohibition officers in direction of implementation of the provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act is proven in respect of preparation of the record of presents given within the marriage as per part 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The State Authorities shall additionally disclose the orders issued for implementation of the Dowry Prohibition (Upkeep of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Guidelines, 1985… The affidavit shall additionally disclose what number of Dowry Prohibition Officers have been appointed all through the State and at what stage,” the court docket order issued not too long ago said.
As per Part 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, presents given on the time of marriage to the bride or bridegroom which might be entered within the record maintained in accordance with the Guidelines made below the Act shall not be construed as dowry below Part 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Nevertheless, Part 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 offers if any particular person provides or takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a time period not lower than 5 years, and with a effective not lower than Rs 15,000 or the quantity of the worth of such dowry, whichever is extra.
The court docket additionally issued a directive to the state authorities, urging them to submit an affidavit relating to the implementation of the Dowry Prohibition (Upkeep of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Guidelines, 1985 through the registration of marriages. The court docket sought clarification on whether or not the record of presents, as mandated by the aforementioned guidelines, was being recorded by the officers involved as a result of it might assist settle any disagreements later.
The following date of listening to has been mounted for Could 23.