On Tuesday, the Supreme Court said that the word “dowry” should be given a wider interpretation so as to include any demand made on a woman, be it property or valuable security of any kind. The SC held that the demand for money for constructing a house comes within the umbrella of dowry.
“In the context, the word “dowry” ought to be ascribed an expensive meaning so as to encompass any demand made on a woman, whether in respect of a property or valuable security of any nature. When dealing with cases under IPC section 304-B, a provision legislated to act as a deterrent in society and curb the heinous crime of dowry demands, the shift in approach of the courts ought to be from strict to liberal, from constricted to dilated. Any rigid meaning would tend to bring to naught the real object of the provision. Therefore, a push in the right direction is required to accomplish the task of eradicating this evil which has become deeply entrenched in our society,” said Justice Kohli who penned the judgment for the bench, reported The Times Of India.
