Introduction
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code had been originally created with the aim to protect women from dowry harassment. However, the draconian law has increasingly been used by women from educated background to settle scores with the husband and harass his family, or, in some cases, as a get-rich-quick technique.
As the provisions of the penal code presently go, a complaint without much authenticity or any weight of evidence is enough to arrest the husband or the in-laws or anyone else named in the complaint, irrespective of whether any crime has taken place or not.
While there should be proper laws to protect and give justice to the weak, a draconian law in any form opens the door for abuse and becomes a tool for human rights abuse rather than bring any justice, and should not have any place in a democracy.
The Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha, under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member, Rajya Sabha, is considering a petition praying for amendments in Section 498A of Indian Penal Code, 1860.
What you can do
Just spare a few minutes to email your comments and suggestions to the Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions at rsc2pet@sansad.nic.in
See below for a template
The Petition with Rajya Sabha
You can read the petition submitted to the Rajya Sabha here
Rajya Sabha Petitions > Petition praying for amendments in Section 498A of IPC.
Direct Link to the petition - Click HERE
Why should you spend a few minutes of your time on this?
As India surges ahead from being just another developing country to an economic powerhouse, there is also the need for its society to keep up with the times and for India to provide its citizens with fair and just laws.
That revolution can come about, not by jumping before tanks! There is no need for that. All it takes is for each individual to do his little bit ... and in a democracy that is through voicing your opinion to the legislature.
Template for submitting comments / suggestions to the Rajya Sabha Committee
Template for mailing comments / suggestions to the Rajya Sabha Committee - Hope this template will make it easier for people to write to the committee. Suggestions on improving it are welcome.
"I would link to know more"
Please join the discussions at the forums 498a.org
References
